Presence Of Potential Pathogens Research Articles

Assessing marine ecosystem health using multi-omic analysis of blue mussel liquid biopsies: A case study within a national marine park

Marine ecosystems are under escalating threats from myriad environmental stressors, necessitating a deeper understanding of their impact on biodiversity and the health of sentinel organisms. In this study, we carried out a spatiotemporal multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsies collected from mussels (Mytilus spp.) in marine ecosystems of a national park. We delved into the epigenomic, transcriptomic, glycomic, proteomic, and microbiomic profiles to unravel the intricate interplay between ecosystem biodiversity and mussels' biological response to their environments. Our analysis revealed temporal fluctuations in the alpha diversity of the circulating microbiome associated with human activities. Analysis of the hemolymphatic circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) provided information on the biodiversity and the presence of potential pathogens. Epigenomic analysis revealed widespread hypomethylation sites within the mitochondrial (mtDNA). Comparative transcriptomic and glycomic analyses highlighted differences in metabolic pathways and genes associated with immune and wound healing functions. This study demonstrates the potential of multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsy in sentinel to provide a holistic view of human activities' environmental impacts on marine coastal ecosystems. Overall, this approach has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of various conservation efforts, leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

The Conservation Implications of the Gut Microbiome for Protecting the Critically Endangered Gray Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi).

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, facilitating nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function, thereby assisting the host in adapting to seasonal dietary changes. Here, we compare the gut microbiome composition of wild gray snub-nosed monkeys during winter (from October to December) and spring (from January to March) to understand differences in seasonal nutrient intake patterns. Snub-nosed monkeys are foregut fermenters and consume difficult-to-digest carbohydrates and lichen. To examine the digestive adaptations of gray snub-nosed monkeys, we collected 14 fresh fecal samples for DNA analysis during the winter and spring. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and functional metagenomic analyses, we identified that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes constitute a keystone bacterial group in the gut microbiota during winter and spring and are responsible for degrading cellulose. Moreover, the transition in dietary composition from winter to spring was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition, demonstrating adaptive responses to varying food sources and availability. In winter, the bacterial species of the genera Streptococcus were found in higher abundance. At the functional level, these bacteria are involved in fructose and mannose metabolism and galactose metabolism c-related pathways, which facilitate the breakdown of glycogen, starch, and fiber found in fruits, seeds, and mature leaves. During spring, there was an increased abundance of bacteria species from the Prevotella and Lactobacillus genera, which aid the digestion of protein-rich buds. Combined, these findings reveal how the gut microbiota adjusts to fluctuations in energy balance and nutrient intake across different seasons in this critically endangered species. Moreover, we also identified Pseudomonas in two samples; the presence of potential pathogens within the gut could pose a risk to other troop members. Our findings highlight the necessity of a conservation plan that focuses on protecting vegetation and implementing measures to prevent disease transmission for this critically endangered species.

Gut Fungal Communities Are Influenced by Seasonality in Captive Baikal Teal (Sibirionetta formosa) and Common Teal (Anas crecca).

Understanding the dynamics of avian gut fungal communities and potentially pathogenic species across different seasons is crucial for assessing their health and ecological interactions. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was employed to examine the changes in gut fungal communities and the presence of potential pathogens between different seasons in captive Baikal teal and common teal. Between the summer and autumn seasons, both duck species showed significant differences in fungal diversity and community composition. A higher fungal diversity in both species was exhibited in the summer than in the autumn. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the two most common phyla, with a greater proportion of Ascomycota than Basidiomycota in both duck species in the summer. Interestingly, our study also identified animal pathogens and plant saprotrophs in the gut fungal communities. Seasonal variation had an effect on the diversity and abundance of both animal pathogens and saprotrophs. Specifically, during the summer season, the diversity and relative abundance were higher compared to the autumn season. In addition, there were differences between duck species in terms of animal pathogens, while no significant differences were observed in saprotrophs. Overall, the communities of the gut fungi, animal pathogens, and saprotrophs were found to be influenced by seasonal changes rather than host species. Therefore, seasonal variations might dominate over host genetics in shaping the gut microbiota of captive Baikal teal and common teal. This study underscores the importance of incorporating an understanding of seasonal dynamics and potential pathogens within the gut microbiota of captive ducks. Such considerations have the potential to drive progress in the development of sustainable and economically viable farming practices.

Comparative study on bacterial flora of oral cavity of smokers and non-smokers

The oral cavity is a complex heterogeneous microbial habitat. The presence of nutrients, saliva and epithelial debris make the mouth favorable habitat for great variety of bacteria. Cigarette smoking is a public health problem. It decreases the commensal population of oral cavity resulting in an increase of pathogenic microbes. The study was designed to compare the bacterial flora of oral cavity of smokers and non-smokers and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Twelve individuals comprising of 6 smokers and 6 nonsmokers were enrolled for the study. Oral swabs were collected from the oral cavity using sterile cotton swab stick under standard aseptic methods. The specimens were subjected to microscopy and culture. Organisms were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Only Gram positive bacteria were isolated from oral cavity of both smokers and non-smokers. Higher rates of bacteria were isolated from oral cavity of non-smokers (55%) than smokers (45%). Streptococcus species were found to be prevalent in both smokers and non-smokers. Streptococcus mutans (28.57%) and Streptococcus salivarius (28.57%) was found to be the most dominant bacteria in smokers. While Staphylococcus epidermidis (33.33%) was found to be most prevalent bacteria among non-smokers. Our study suggests that smoking may have altered bacterial acquisition. The study also showed the prevalence of potential pathogens and lesser number of commensals in oral cavity of smokers. The presence of potential pathogens may lead to greater susceptibility to oral as well as respiratory infections. Antibiotic susceptibility test showed higher resistivity of bacteria isolated from oral cavity of smokers towards commonly used antibiotics in comparison to non-smokers. This study suggests that campaign against smoking should be intensified and more people should be aware about the effect of smoking on oral microbiome and related diseases.

THERAPEUTICS PERSPECTIVES OF THE Hancornia speciosa GOMES

Introduction: Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a plant used in traditional Brazilian medicine. Its therapeutic activity can be explained by the presence of secondary metabolites. It is found in biomes such as the Amazon, Brazilian semiarid (caatinga), Atlantic forest and cerrado. The objective of this study was to review the literature, compiling information and identifying factors that influence its therapeutic activity as well as arousing interest in new studies. Methodology: The search included PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scielo, Medline and Google Scholar databases using the keywords “Hancornia speciosa Gomes”, “Natural Polymers”, “Mangaba”, “Magabeira”, “Chlorogenic acid”, “Rutin”, “Naringerin”, “Bornesitol”, “Hancornia Latex”, “Phytotherapy”, “Ethnopharmacology”, “Medicinal plants” and the relationship between them. The search was complemented by reading the referenced articles and updated until May 2022. Results: Due to its rich content of bioactive compounds, it may be a promising choice for nutraceuticals and therapeutics with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihypertensive, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, dermo protective, osteogenic and angiogenic properties. Conclusion: From a scientific point of view, it is necessary to standardize dosages, evaluate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology, especially regarding the use of latex with the potential presence of pathogens in its composition. Randomized clinical studies based on the knowledge and popular use of this plant should be carried out after preclinical studies to prove its efficacy and safety.

Public Health Implications of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Associated with Suya Spices in Nigeria

Background: The emergence and re-emergence of antibiotic-resistant foodborne bacteria call for concerted efforts, especially in developing countries. Spices have been employed traditionally to improve the aroma and flavour of foods; however, they could serve as reservoirs for the spread of potential pathogenic organisms. This study aims to investigate the public health implications of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with suya spices.
 Methods: Three hundred samples of suya spices were evaluated for bacteriological quality. The isolates were presumptively identified by standard biochemical tests and confirmed by API 20 E and API 20 NE. The Etest was used for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the drugs, while the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates was evaluated using the Kirby Bauer methods.
 Results: The mean total plate count (TPC) ranged from 1.0 x 103 to 1.6 x 103 CFU/g. The TPCs of control samples showed significant differences in various zones (P < 0.05). One hundred and thirty-three bacterial isolates were obtained from suya spices. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.56%) had the highest frequency and Klebsiella planticola (3.01%) the lowest. The MIC of antibiotics ranged from 0.02 mg/l to > 256. The percentage of isolates resistant to the antibiotics ranged from 3.01% to 87.97% as exhibited by imipenem and teicoplanin, respectively.
 Conclusion: This study revealed a high bacterial load and the presence of potential pathogens in suya spices. This depicts that suya spices, when added to suya meat, are one of the sources of microbial contamination.

Identification of Pathogenic Microbes in Tools of Beauty Salon in Jeddah City

Beauty salons may draw in customers with glamour; however, they could also be considered a major health issue. They can cause the spread of bacterial and fungal infections. The purpose of this research was to identify pathogenic microbes from beauty salon tools. Microorganisms from contaminated salon tools and cosmetic products were isolated using various selective media. Microbial isolates were identified based on their molecular and biochemical characteristics. The most common bacterial species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus equorum, Microbacterium spp., Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis, Sphingomonas aeria, Macrococcus spp., Microbacterium oxydans, Brachybacterium spp., Micrococcus luteus, and Brachybacterium nesterenkovii. Fungal isolates included Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Purpureocillium lilacium, and Aspergillus flavus. Overall, Staphylococcus spp. and A. niger were the most common organisms isolated from the samples. The presence of potential pathogens indicates that the tools used in salons have not been adequately sterilized and the high risk of diseases spread.

Contribution of vaginal culture to predict early onset neonatal infection in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

BackgroundPreterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the newborn. The vaginal germ profile in PPROM is poorly known, particularly regarding the risk of early-onset neonatal infection (EONI). ObjectiveTo determine microbiological risk factors for EONI in case of PPROM before 34 weeks of gestation (WG). Study DesignA retrospective single-center cohort of patients with PPROM before 34 W G from 2008 to 2016. Vaginal swabs were obtained at admission and at delivery as per usual care and were analyzed by Gram stain and culture for vaginal dysbiosisi.e lactobacilli depletion and/or presence of potential pathogens. ResultsAmong 268 cases of PPROM, 39 neonates had EONI 14.55 %; (95 %CI 0.11 - 0.19) Overall, vaginal samples culture was positive in 16.67 % (95 %CI 11.95 %–22.32 %) at the time of rupture and 24.76 % (95 %CI 19.02 %–31.23 %) at delivery, with no significant differences between EONI and no-EONI groups (p = 0.797 and 0.486, respectively), including for Group B Streptococci (GBS) and Escherichia coli. EONI was significantly associated with dysbiosis at the time of rupture (23.94 % versus 10.35 % in the absence of dysbiosis, p = 0.009) and at delivery (19.70 % versus 3.90 % if no dysbiosis, p < 0.001). Clinical intra-uterine infection was present in 78.5 % (n = 31) of the EONI group versus 37.2 % (n = 85) in the non-EONI group (p < 0.001) and chorioamnionitis and/or funisitis were found in 97.3 % and 91.9 %, respectively in the EONI group, versus 56.11 % and 53.96 %, respectively, in the non-EONI group (p < 0.001). ConclusionDysbiosis following rupture and at delivery, but not the presence of pathogens in the VS culture, was associated with the risk of EONI in case of PPROM.

Analysis of bacterial communities associated with Mountain Chickadees (Poecile gambeli) across urban and rural habitats.

Host-associated microbial communities play important roles in wildlife health, but these dynamics can be influenced by environmental factors. Urbanization has numerous effects on wildlife; however, the degree to which wildlife-associated bacterial communities and potential bacterial pathogens vary across urban-rural/native habitat gradients remains largely unknown. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to examine bacterial communities found on Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) feathers and nests in urban and rural habitats. The feathers and nests in urban and rural sites had similar abundances of major bacterial phyla and dominant genera with pathogenic members. However, richness of bacterial communities and potential pathogens on birds were higher in urban habitats, and potential pathogens accounted for some of the differences in bacterial occurrence between urban and rural environments. We predicted habitat using potential pathogen occurrence with a 90% success rate for feather bacteria, and a 72.2% success rate for nest bacteria, suggesting an influence of urban environments on the presence of potential pathogens. We additionally observed similarities in bacterial communities between nests and their occupants, suggesting bacterial transmission between them. These findings improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with urban wildlife and suggest that urbanization impacts the composition of wildlife-associated bacterial communities.

Study of microbiological contamination level of surface water in MONITOX network areas before and after COVID-19 pandemic

The microbiological contamination of the water with faecal bacteria resulting from anthropogenic activity is an important issue for population health and the assessment of the presence of pathogenic bacteria in water is a major concern for the protection of humans and animals. Coliform bacteria are indicators for the assessment of faecal pollution and a potential presence of pathogens, which is caused mainly of untreated wastewater. In this paper, a comparative study was carried out in 32 sampling sites of MONITOX network in two periods, June 2019 and June-July 2020, before and after COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, regarding the rate of the water microbiological contamination in Lower Danube (Calarasi/Silistra-Galati-Tulcea sectors, Danube Delta and Black Sea coast, from SE part of Romania, by counting of the bacteria indicators of the organic pollution (heterotrophic bacteria and total coliforms). The results demonstrate a decrease of microbiological contamination of surface water in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown in all the samples collected form Black Sea coast, Danube branches, Danube-Black Sea confluence, and Danube river downwards Galati town.

Unearthing the sand microbiome of sea turtle nests with disparate survivorship at a mass-nesting beach in Costa Rica

For endangered sea turtle populations, microbial pathogens of developing embryos are of concern at nesting sites around the globe. For olive ridley turtles, hatching success is markedly lower at mass-nesting sites than at solitary nesting beaches, a case presumably resulting from the abundance of decomposing eggs generated by nesting turtles destroying adjacent eggs. This organic input drives microbial activity, affecting the nest environment (i.e. pO2and temperature), and reducing embryo survivorship and hatching success. However, the composition of microbial communities in nest sand has not been studied in detail and the presence of potential pathogens can, therefore, not be discounted. As a part of a larger study that investigated microbial abundance in nests, we employed high-throughput DNA sequencing to compare fungal and bacterial composition in nest sand from areas of disparate embryo survivorship. While we found no differences in alpha-diversity (mean operational taxonomic unit diversity within each site) among nesting areas, the microbial community composition of each area was distinct, and differences in community structure corresponded with variable hatching success. Some sequences of potential sea turtle egg pathogens were obtained (e.g.Fusarium solanispecies complex), but were in low relative abundance, and their presence was not associated with low hatching success. Our results from the arribada beach at Ostional, Costa Rica, provide further evidence that the physical characteristics of the nest (including those that determine microbial composition and activity) are likely more relevant to hatching success than the presence of potential pathogens or microbial community structure alone.

Major Role of Surrounding Environment in Shaping Biofilm Community Composition on Marine Plastic Debris

Plastic debris in aquatic environments is colonized by microbes, yet factors influencing biofilm development and composition on plastics remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the microbial assemblages associated with different types of plastic debris collected from two coastal sites in the Mediterranean Sea. All plastic samples were heavily colonized by prokaryotes, with abundances up to 1.9×107 cells/cm2. Microbial assemblages on plastics significantly differed between the two geographic areas but not between polymer types, suggesting a major role of the environment as source for the plastisphere composition. Nevertheless, plastic communities differed from those in the surrounding seawater and sediments, indicating a further selection of microbial taxa on the plastic substrates. The presence of potential pathogens on the plastic surface reflected the levels of microbial pollution in the surrounding environment, regardless of the polymer type, and confirmed the role of plastics as carriers for potentially pathogenic microorganisms across the coastal ocean, deserving further investigations.

Microbial Assessment of In-door Air and Equipment Used in Banks within Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Banking activities which involve the use of counting machines, Automated teller machines, and exchange of naira notes play potential roles in the spread of infectious microorganisms. This study aimed at determining the microbial status of banks within Ekiti State University campus. A total of 96 samples were collected from six different banks’ in–door air, ATM, counting tables and Money counting machines in Ekiti State University campus. The samples were collected both in the morning and afternoon. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from the samples using serial dilution and pour plating methods. The isolates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characterization. Susceptibility pattern of the isolates to different classes of antibiotics (Penicillins, Quinolones, Macrolides, Aminoglycosides, Fluoroquinolones and Sulfonamides) were determined using agar disc diffusion method. There was significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in bacteria counts on all the equipment analyzed in all the banks except Heritage bank. Analysis of variance also revealed significant difference in the bacteria counts from the banks in the morning and in the afternoon (p&lt;0.05). Bacteria and fungi isolated from the samples belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia Serratia, Pseudomonas, Proteus Bacilllus, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Mucor and Fusarium where bacteria group dominated with 65% while their fungal counterparts were 35% of the total isolates. Escherichia coli had the highest percentage occurrence of 18.6%, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.2%) while Proteus sp. had the lowest occurrence (1%). The isolates exhibited resistance to Augmentin (100%), Erythromycin (100%), Amoxycillin (96%), Cotrimoxazole (96%), Chloramphenicol (86%), Streptomycin (72%) and Gentamycin (58%) while their growths were inhibited by Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Prefloxacin and Septrin. Plasmid analysis of the resistant strains showed that the isolates lack plasmids. The presence of potential pathogens in the banks and multiple antibiotic resistance displayed by the isolates constitutes risk to the public health. Hence, measures such as thorough hand washing with soap and hand sanitization after using the bank and its facilities should be emphasized.

Bacterial Flora and Proximate Composition of Edible Frogs (Ptychadena mascareniensis and Ptychadena pumilio) from Some Locations in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine and compare the bacterial flora and proximate composition of edible frogs from some selected Local Government Areas (LGA) of Rivers State.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Live adult edible frogs were collected from six locations in six Local Government Areas in Rivers State which includes; Biara (E 7º29’ 2.097’’, N 4º78’ 70.608’’) in Gokana, Rumuodumaya (E 7º0’ 57.16.908’’, N 4º52’ 40.398’’) in Obio/Akpo, Umuikere Oyigbo (E 6º55’ 50.606’’, N 9º1’ 13.831’’) in Oyigbo, Diobu (E 6º59’ 6.882’’, N 4º48’ 29.514’’) in Port Harcourt, Igwuruta (E 4º55’ 57.006’’, N 7º1’13.692’’) in Ikwerre and Akpajo (E 5º50’ 67.306’’, N 9º1’ 43.112’’) in Eleme Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This study was conducted from July 2017 to February 2018, covering both the wet and dry seasons.&#x0D; Methodology: The microbiological analyses were carried out using standard microbiological methods. Conventional and molecular identification methods were used to identify the bacteria isolated. Proximate compositions of the two species of edible frogs were also determined using standard methods. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant difference between the data obtained from the various locations using a computer based program SPSS version 22.&#x0D; Results: Results revealed that Ptychadena pumilios had high bacteria counts across the six Local Government areas. Counts of total heterotrophic bacteria for Ptychadena pumilios ranged from 1.0 x108cfu/g to 9.0 x108cfu/g, Total Staphylococcus count ranged from 1.0 x105cfu/g to 9.4 x105cfu/g, Total coliform counts ranged 1.0 x105cfu/g to 8.9 x105 cfu/g, Total Feacal Coliform counts ranged from 1.4 x104cfu/g to 9.0 x104cfu/g. while for Ptychadena mascareniensis Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 2.2 x108 to 4.5 x107cfu/g, Staphylococcal counts ranged from 1.8 x105cfu/g to 9.5 x105cfu/g, Total coliform counts ranged 1.0 x105cfu/g to 9.8 x105cfu/g, Total Feacal Coliform ranged from 1.2 x104cfu/g 9.8 x104cfu/g. Statistically there were significant differences in bacterial counts in the six studied LGAs. Statistically there were significant differences in the bacterial counts from the six studied locations. A total of 259 bacterial isolate belonging to the following genera: Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas were isolated during this study. The proportion of nutritional composition obtained in this study ranged as follow: carbohydrate from 1.82 to 2.24, crude fibre 2.28 to 3.00, ash 3.99 to 4.89%, lipid 11.90 to 12.32%, protein13.74 to14.00%, moisture 64.45 to 65.74%, for the species of the edible frogs tested.&#x0D; Conclusion: The presence of Escherichia coli identified indicates faecal contamination and indicates the possible presence of potential pathogens. Proper processing and cooking of the frog meat will destroy these organisms, thereby preventing food borne infections. Improper handling and cooking may lead to food borne infections with greater effect observed in immunocompromised patents, the elderly and children. Ptychadena mascareniensis and Ptychadena pumilio have high protein contents therefore, they could be considered as an alternative source of protein despite the bacterial load.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Greywater and Greywater-Irrigated Soils.

This study represents the first systematic attempt to evaluate antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) occurrence in treated greywater and the potential spread of these bacteria from the greywater to greywater-irrigated soil. Treated greywater from three recirculating vertical flow constructed wetlands, each located in a household in the central Negev Desert, Israel, was surveyed. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw and treated greywater was investigated with culture and molecular methods, as well as their presence in the corresponding treated-greywater-irrigated soils. Additionally, the effectiveness of chlorination to prevent the spread of ARB was tested. The total count of tetracycline-resistant bacteria significantly increased in the treated greywater, likely due to their concentration on the filter matrix of the treatment systems. Twenty-four strains of tetracycline-resistant bacteria were isolated and identified at the genus level by 16Sr RNA gene sequencing. All the tetracycline-resistant bacteria showed high resistance traits, and some of them presented multiple antibiotic resistances. Six tetracycline resistance genes (coding for efflux and ribosomal resistance mechanisms) and five β-lactamase genes were detected. In 14 of the isolated strains, the gene tet39, which is phylogenetically related to both environmental and clinical strains, was identified. All the tet39 resistant bacteria were positive to at least one of the β-lactamase genes tested. Chlorination was found to be an efficient method to reduce ARB in treated greywater. We concluded that disinfection of treated greywater may reduce the risks not only from the potential presence of pathogens but also from the presence of ARB and antibiotic resistance genes.

Microbial communities in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract in East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri)

Mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbial communities are critical for host health. However, the microbiota along the GI tract in cetaceans has not been well characterized compared to other animals. In this study, the bacteria and fungi present in the stomach, foregut, hindgut and feces, of East Asian finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri, EAFPs) were characterized using high-throughput sequencing analysis. The bacterial and fungal diversity and richness in the stomach, hindgut and fecal samples tended to be higher than those in the foregut. Bacterial taxonomic compositions found in the hindgut and feces were different from those seen in the stomach and foregut. A greater proportion of strict anaerobic bacteria including Clostridia, Fusobacteria, and Ruminococcaceae were found in the hindgut and fecal samples. The fungal communities present in stomach samples differed from those detected in other regions to some extent. Zygomycota and Neocallimastigomycota were more predominant in the stomach. Some potential pathogens, such as Helicobacter spp. and Vibrio spp., were commonly present along the GI tract. Our study confirms that the fecal microbiota can represent the whole GI tract to some extent because of their relatively higher microbial diversity and presence of potential pathogens. Our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the EAFPs GI microbiota, expanding on the current knowledge about the bacterial diversity in the GI tract of cetaceans. In addition, this is the first study characterizing the fungal diversity of any species of porpoise.

Poikilothermic Animals as a Previously Unrecognized Source of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in a Backwater Ecosystem of a Large River.

Quantitative information regarding the presence of Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens in poikilotherms is notably scarce. Therefore, this study was designed to allow a systematic comparison of the occurrence of these standard fecal indicator bacteria (SFIB) in the excreta of wild homeothermic (ruminants, boars, carnivores, and birds) and poikilothermic (earthworms, gastropods, frogs, and fish) animals inhabiting an alluvial backwater area in eastern Austria. With the exception of earthworms, the average concentrations of E. coli and enterococci in the excreta of poikilotherms were equal to or only slightly lower than those observed in homeothermic excreta and were 1 to 4 orders of magnitude higher than the levels observed in the ambient soils and sediments. Enterococci reached extraordinarily high concentrations in gastropods. Additional estimates of the daily excreted SFIB (E. coli and enterococcus) loads (DESL) further supported the importance of poikilotherms as potential pollution sources. The newly established DESL metric also allowed comparison to the standing stock of SFIB in the sediment and soil of the investigated area. In agreement with its biological characteristics, the highest concentrations of C. perfringens were observed in carnivores. In conclusion, the long-standing hypothesis that only humans and homeothermic animals are primary sources of SFIB is challenged by the results of this study. It may be necessary to extend the fecal indicator concept by additionally considering poikilotherms as potential important primary habitats of SFIB. Further studies in other geographical areas are needed to evaluate the general significance of our results. We hypothesize that the importance of poikilotherms as sources of SFIB is strongly correlated with the ambient temperature and would therefore be of increased significance in subtropical and tropical habitats and water resources.IMPORTANCE The current fecal indicator concept is based on the assumption that the standard fecal indicator bacteria (SFIB) Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens multiply significantly only in the guts of humans and other homeothermic animals and can therefore indicate fecal pollution and the potential presence of pathogens from those groups. The findings of the present study showed that SFIB can also occur in high concentrations in poikilothermic animals (i.e., animals with body temperatures that vary with the ambient environmental temperature, such as fish, frogs, and snails) in an alluvial backwater area in a temperate region, indicating that a reconsideration of this long-standing indicator paradigm is needed. This study suggests that poikilotherms must be considered to be potential primary sources of SFIB in future studies.

Descriptions of Mikrocytos venero\xefdes n. sp. and Mikrocytos donaxi n. sp. (Ascetosporea: Mikrocytida: Mikrocytiidae), detected during important mortality events of the wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus (Veneroida: Donacidae), in France between 2008 and 2011

BackgroundMicrocell parasites are small intracellular protozoans mostly detected in molluscs and can be associated with mortalities. In 2010 and 2011, strong increases in mortality events were reported in different wild beds of the wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus, along the Atlantic coast of France and the presence of potential pathogens, including microcells, was investigated.MethodsClams collected in different beds showing mortality were examined by histology. Based on histological observations, confirmatory analyses were carried out, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular characterization.ResultsHistological analyses revealed the presence of small protozoans similar to microcell parasites in different tissues of Donax trunculus, particularly in muscular and connective tissues. TEM examination confirmed the intracellular localization of the protozoans. Moreover, the lack of haplosporosomes and mitochondria suggested that the observed parasites belong to the genus Mikrocytos Farley, Wolf & Elston, 1988. Mikrocytos genus-specific PCR and in situ hybridization results supported the microscopic observations. Sequence fragments of the 18S rRNA gene shared 75–83% identity with the different Mikrocytos spp. described previously, including Mikrocytos mackini Farley, Wolf & Elston, 1988 and M. boweri Abbott, Meyer, Lowe, Kim & Johnson, 2014. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the microcell parasites observed in Donax trunculus in France belong to the genus Mikrocytos and suggest the existence of two distinct species.ConclusionsBased on morphological, ultrastructural, molecular data and host information, the two microcell parasites detected in Donax trunculus belong to the genus Mikrocytos and are distinct from previously described members of this genus. This is the first report of Mikrocytos spp. found in France and infecting the clam Donax trunculus. Mikrocytos veneroïdes n. sp. was detected in different wild beds and Mikrocytos donaxi n. sp. was detected only in Audierne Bay.

Exploring the reservoir of potential fungal plant pathogens in agricultural soil

Soil-borne pathogens cause great crop losses in agriculture. Because of their resilience in the soil, these pathogens persist in a population reservoir, causing future outbreaks of crop diseases. Management focus is usually on the most common pathogens occurring, but it is likely that a mixed population of pathogens together affect crops. Next generation sequencing of DNA from environmental samples can provide information on the presence of potential pathogens. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the factors that drive the composition of potential plant pathogen populations in agricultural soils. To this end, the alpha and beta diversity of fungal OTUs that were assigned as potential plant pathogens for 42 agricultural soils were assessed. The presented study is the first inventory of the pool of pathogens and its correlating factors. The results of this inventory indicate that the composition of pathogens in soil is driven by pH, soil type, crop history, litter saprotrophic fungi and spatial patterns. The major driving factors differed between potential root- and shoot-infecting fungi, suggesting interactions among environmental factors and pathogen traits like reproduction, survival and dispersal. This information is important to understand risks for disease outbreaks and to recommend management strategies to prevent such outbreaks.

Hygiene on maternity units: lessons from a needs assessment in Bangladesh and India

BackgroundAs the proportion of deliveries in health institutions increases in low- and middle-income countries, so do the challenges of maintaining standards of hygiene and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in mothers and babies. Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and infection prevention and control (IPC) in these settings should be seen as integral parts of the broader domain of quality care. Assessment approaches are needed which capture standards for both WASH and IPC, and so inform quality improvement processes.DesignA needs assessment was conducted in seven maternity units in Gujarat, India, and eight in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh in 2014. The WASH & CLEAN study developed and applied a suite of tools – a ‘walkthrough checklist’ which included the collection of swab samples, a facility needs assessment tool and document review, and qualitative interviews with staff and recently delivered women – to establish the state of hygiene as measured by visual cleanliness and the presence of potential pathogens, and individual and contextual determinants or drivers.ResultsNo clear relationship was found between visually assessed cleanliness and the presence of pathogens; findings from qualitative interviews and the facility questionnaire found inadequacies in IPC training for healthcare providers and no formal training at all for ward cleaners. Lack of written policies and protocols, and poor monitoring and supervision also contributed to suboptimal IPC standards.ConclusionsVisual assessment of cleanliness and hygiene is an inadequate marker for ‘safety’ in terms of the presence of potential pathogens and associated risk of infection. Routine environmental screening of high-risk touch sites using simple microbiology could improve detection and control of pathogens. IPC training for both healthcare providers and ward cleaners represents an important opportunity for quality improvement. This should occur in conjunction with broader systems changes, including the establishment of functioning IPC committees, implementing standard policies and protocols, and improving health management information systems to capture information on maternal and newborn HCAIs.