Presence Of Opportunistic Pathogens Research Articles

Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Municipal Supply Water in Dhaka South Area, Bangladesh

This project aimed to find out the microbiological quality of municipal supply water in Dhaka South area and if the current regime of microbiological quality testing can determine the risk to public health from supply water satisfactorily. Water samples were collected from six different points of the water distribution network of Dhaka’s south locality, starting from the source (Shitalakhyariver, Narayanganj) to Jagannath University, Dhaka. The dominant taxonomic units were isolated using standard culture techniques, followed by biochemical identification, VITEK2 identification, and biofilm-forming potential of each isolate individually and co-cultured with other isolates. Presumptive identification of isolates from the Shitalakhya River revealed the presence of Citrobacter sp., Alcaligenes sp., and Pseudomonas putida. The sample from Saydabad Water Treatment Plant yielded Vibrio mimicus, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Alcalimonas. The major aerobic bacteria in the water specimen from the community overhead tank included S aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus sp., Enterococcus sp., Lactococcus sp. Tap water revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Lactococcus, Enterobacter, Shigella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as anaerobic bacteria. Biochemical tests and VITEK2 yielded different results. Potential biofilm formers such as Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Enterobacter, and Cronobacter indicated quality deterioration potential inside the piped water supply system. Alteration in the major taxonomic units throughout the municipal water distribution network and the presence of opportunistic pathogens and biofilm-formers indicate the necessity for an updated water treatment, quality control, and in-line maintenance system.

Venom-microbiomics of eight species of Neotropical spiders from the Theraphosidae family.

Tarantulas are one of the largest predatory arthropods in tropical regions. Tarantulas though not lethal to humans, their venomous bite kills small animals and insect upon which they prey. To understand the abiotic and biotic components involved in Neotropical tarantula bites, we conducted a venom-microbiomics study in eight species from Costa Rica. We determined that the toxin profiles of tarantula venom are highly diverse using shotgun proteomics; the most frequently encountered toxins were ω-Ap2 toxin, neprilysin-1, and several teraphotoxins. Through culture-independent and culture-dependent methods, we determined the microbiota present in the venom and excreta to evaluate the presence of pathogens that could contribute to primary infections in animals, including humans. The presence of opportunistic pathogens with hemolytic activity was observed, with a prominence of Stenotrophomonas in the venoms. Other bacteria found in venoms and excreta with hemolytic activity included members of the genera Serratia, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Microbacterium, and Morganella. Our data shed light on the venom- and gut-microbiome associated with Neotropical tarantulas. This information may be useful for treating bites from these arthropods in both humans and farm animals, while also providing insight into the toxins and biodiversity of this little-explored microenvironment.

Pyrosequencing analysis of bacterial community changes in dental unit waterlines after chlorogenic acid treatment.

The contamination of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) poses a significant risk of cross-infection in dentistry. Although chemical disinfectants have been effective in reducing number of bacteria, they do have limitations. This study aimed to investigate the potential of chlorogenic acid, a natural substance with broadspectrum antibacterial properties, for treating DUWLs. Over a period of three months, we analyzed the microbial communities in 149 DUWLs samples collected from 5 dental units using high-throughput pyrophosphate sequencing. The results revealed that chlorogenic acid treatment had a significant impact on the microbial community profile in the DUWLs, with the most significant changes occurring within the first 15 days and stabilization observed in the last 30 days. The predominant genera detected in the samples were Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Methylobacterium, and Phreatobacter. Additionally, the relative abundance of certain beneficial bacteria, such as Alloprevotella, Roseburia, and Blautia, increased, while the presence of opportunistic pathogens like Mycobacteria significantly decreased. The functional prediction analysis using the KEGG database indicated a decrease in the pathogenicity of the bacterial community in the DUWLs following chlorogenic acid treatment. This study introduces a novel approach for the prevention and treatment of infections associated with dental care.

The effectiveness of the use of the drug based on silver proteinate in acute and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis

AbstractIntroduction. The presence of opportunistic pathogens within the nasal cavity is one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis. On top of that, the frequently prescribed ill-founded and uncontrolled use of antibiotics leads to the development of immunoresistance, which contributes to the lack of effectiveness of conservative treatments. This article discusses the therapeutic option for patients with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis in the form of a silver proteinate drug in the complex treatment.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the silver proteinate drug in the complex treatment of acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis.Materials and methods. A total of 60 adult patients of both sexes aged 20 to 50 years were included in the study. The first study group (a treatment group) included 30 patients (15 with acute rhinosinusitis and 15 with exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis). The second group (a comparison group) also included 30 patients (15 with acute rhinosinusitis and 15 with exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis). The treatment group received the silver proteinate drug + decongestants + irrigation therapy + topical corticosteroid therapy as part of the complex treatment. The comparison group received standard therapy: irrigation therapy (solutions to rinse nasal cavities) + decongestants + topical corticosteroid drugs.Results. Comparative analysis of re-assessment scores for the patients’ status against the timing of use of the silver proteinate drug (Sialor®, tablets for solution for topical use, 200 mg) in the complex treatment showed pronounced improvement in the form of rapid relief of symptoms of the disease and recovery in patients with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis in both study groups.Conclusion. This brings us to the conclusion about the effectiveness and safety of the silver proteinate drug Sialor® in the complex treatment of patients with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis, which allows us to recommend it for widespread use in otorhinolaryngological practice.

A-289 Emergence of Unusual Non-Fermentative Gram-Negative Bacilli Associated to COVID-19 Period at Brazilian Hospitals

Abstract Background Since the global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), some studies have reported on the emergence of opportunistic nosocomial pathogens associated with co-infection on the outcome of COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to describe the increase of six unusual species of Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNB) clinical isolates recovered from inpatients in several Brazilian hospitals comparing pre-Covid-19 (January 2018 to December 2019) period vs Covid-19 (January 2020 to December 2021) period. Methods This study design was a retrospective, observational analysis based on microbiological data of emergent NF-GNB isolates, detected in several Brazilian tertiary hospitals. The bacterial identification was performed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) and the susceptibility of antibiotics was determined using disk diffusion method. Results During the 48 months period, a total of 1665 (2018; 349), (2019; 351), (2020; 485), (2021; 480) emergent NF-GNB isolated from blood (n = 744), respiratory tract (n = 239), skin and soft tissue (n = 264); urine (n = 119), catheter (n = 101), fluid and secretions (n = 113), Cerebrospinal fluid (n = 12) and others (n = 73) were analyzed. The frequency of NF-BGN according to species level identification was Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1040; 62.5%), Burkholderia cepacea complex (457; 27.4%), Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (64; 3.8%), Elizabethkingia miricola (31; 1.8%), Ochrobactrum anthropi (69; 4.1%) and Ochrobactrum intermedium (4; 0.2%). The prevalence of these NF-BGN detected in pre-Covid-19 period (2018–2019) and Covid-19 period (2020–2021) were 42% and 58%, respectively. The incidence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia cepacea complex, Elizabethkingia spp. and Ochrobactrum spp. infection was (47.7% and 52.3%), (42.9% and 57.1%), (43.2% and 56.8%) and (50.7% and 49.3%) among female and man patients, respectively. For Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia cepacea complex and Ochrobactrum spp. the main age range was over 60 years (44.5%, 44.9% and 42.5%) while for Elizabethkingia spp. the main age range was 0–10 years of age with 42.5% of cases in the pre-COVID-19 period and over 60 years old with 43.9% in the COVID-19 period. Compared the two periods (2018–2019 vs 2020–2021) for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia the resistance rate to levofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was (3.9% vs 4.6%) and (4% vs 4.2%), respectively. Conclusion Our data point to a scenario wherein the presence of opportunistic pathogens may have been intensified by the covid-19 pandemic. Further studies should be carried out to clarify these findings.

How clean is your ice machine? Revealing microbial amplification and presence of opportunistic pathogens in hospital ice-water machines

Ice machines in healthcare facilities have been suspected and even linked to outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Guidelines exist for maintenance of these devices but there is no clear independent infection control standard, and little is known on their microbial contamination. To evaluate the microbial contamination, amplification, and presence of opportunistic pathogens in ice-water machines in a healthcare facility. Concentrations of general microbial indicators (heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), total and intact cells), faecal indicators (enterococci) and opportunistic pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Candida spp.) were measured in 36 ice-water machines on patient wards of a 772-bed hospital. Profile sampling was performed on 5 ice-water machines and adjacent faucets to identify sites of microbial proliferation. Candida spp. were found in half of ice-water samples while enterococci and P. aeruginosa were present in 6 and 11 drain inlets respectively. NTM were measured in all ice-water samples and 35/36 biofilms. Pre-filters and ice machines are sites for additional amplification: NTM densities were on average 1.3 log higher in water of ice machine flushed 5 min compared to flushed adjacent tap water. Ice machines design needs to be adapted to reduce microbial proliferation. The absence of correlation between HPC densities (current microbial indicators) and NTM concentrations suggests a need for cleaning efficiency indicators better correlated with opportunistic pathogens. Cleaning and disinfection guidelines of ice machines in healthcare facilities need to be improved, especially when ice is given to the most vulnerable patients, and NTM may be an efficiency indicator.

Insights into plastic biodegradation: community composition and functional capabilities of the superworm (Zophobas morio) microbiome in styrofoam feeding trials

Plastics are inexpensive and widely used organic polymers, but their high durability hinders biodegradation. Polystyrene, including extruded polystyrene (also known as styrofoam), is among the most commonly produced plastics worldwide and is recalcitrant to microbial degradation. In this study, we assessed changes in the gut microbiome of superworms (Zophobas morio) reared on bran, polystyrene or under starvation conditions over a 3 weeks period. Superworms on all diets were able to complete their life cycle to pupae and imago, although superworms reared on polystyrene had minimal weight gains, resulting in lower pupation rates compared to bran reared worms. The change in microbial gut communities from baseline differed considerably between diet groups, with polystyrene and starvation groups characterized by a loss of microbial diversity and the presence of opportunistic pathogens. Inferred microbial functions enriched in the polystyrene group included transposon movements, membrane restructuring and adaptations to oxidative stress. We detected several encoded enzymes with reported polystyrene and styrene degradation abilities, supporting previous reports of polystyrene-degrading bacteria in the superworm gut. By recovering metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) we linked phylogeny and functions and identified genera including Pseudomonas , Rhodococcus and Corynebacterium that possess genes associated with polystyrene degradation. In conclusion, our results provide the first metagenomic insights into the metabolic pathways used by the gut microbiome of superworms to degrade polystyrene. Our results also confirm that superworms can survive on polystyrene feed, but this diet has considerable negative impacts on host gut microbiome diversity and health.

Tap water as a natural vehicle for microorganisms shaping the human gut microbiome.

Fresh potable water is an indispensable drink which humans consume daily in substantial amounts. Nonetheless, very little is known about the composition of the microbial community inhabiting drinking water or its impact on our gut microbiota. In the current study, an exhaustive shotgun metagenomics analysis of the tap water microbiome highlighted the occurrence of a highly genetic biodiversity of the microbial communities residing in fresh water and the existence of a conserved core tap water microbiota largely represented by novel microbial species, representing microbial dark matter. Furthermore, genome reconstruction of this microbial dark matter from water samples unveiled homologous sequences present in the faecal microbiome of humans from various geographical locations. Accordingly, investigation of the faecal microbiota content of a subject that daily consumed tap water for 3 years provides proof for horizontal transmission and colonization of water bacteria in the human gut.

Intestinal mycobiome associated with diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease based on tissue biopsies.

Mycobiome analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded biopsies may highlight actual fungal genera composition in the intestinal wall. Interestingly, experimental groups of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis clearly differed by structure of their mycobiomes.

The microbiological load and microbiome of the Dutch dental unit; ‘please, hold your breath’

Dental unit water systems are prone to biofilm formation. During use of the dental unit, clumps of biofilm slough off and can subsequently be aerosolized and inhaled by both patient and staff, potentially causing infections. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial load and microbiome of dental unit water, in the Netherlands, and the factors influencing these parameters. In total, 226 dental units were sampled and heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) were determined on the traditional effluent sample. Of all dental units, 61% exceeded the recommended microbiological guidelines of 100 colony forming units per milliliter. In addition, the microbiome, with additional q-PCR analysis for specific species, was determined on an effluent sample taken immediately after an overnight stagnancy period, in which the biofilm is in its relaxed state. These relaxed biofilm samples showed that each dental unit had a unique microbiome. Legionella spp., amoeba and fungi were found in 71%, 43% and 98% of all units, respectively. The presence of amoeba was positively associated with nine bacterial biomarkers and correlated positively with bacterial and fungal DNA and Legionella spp. concentrations, but not with HPC. Only when adhering to disinfection protocols, statistically significant effects on the microbial load and microbiome were seen. The relaxed biofilm sample, in combination with molecular techniques gives better insight in the presence of opportunistic pathogens when compared to the heterotrophic plate counts. Infection control measures should focus on biofilm analysis and control in order to guarantee patient safety.

Pollution profiles of antibiotic resistance genes associated with airborne opportunistic pathogens from typical area, Pearl River Estuary and their exposure risk to human

To reveal the selective pressures of near-shore human activities on marine and continental bioaerosols, the pollution profile and potential exposure risk of airborne pathogens and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in Pearl River Estuaries (113.52 oE, 22.69 oN), a transitional zone between marine and continental environments, were fully explored. The results showed that the total bacteria among bioaerosols varied largely with average pollution levels of 1.86 × 105 and 4.35 × 104 cfu m−3 in spring and summer, respectively, and were high than those of airborne fungi. The predominant aerodynamic diameters of bioaerosols were in respirable size range (<4.7 µm), and the microbes communities’ diversity and abundance varied significantly. Besides, many opportunistic pathogenic bacteria (Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia, Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter) and fungi (Alternaria, Penicillium and Cladosporium) were dominant in bioaerosol samples. Of 21 ARGs subtypes detected, the tetracycline resistance gene tetA was the most abundant, followed by aminoglycoside resistance gene and mobile genetic elements. Correlation analysis revealed that the changes of pathogens community contributed significantly to the prevalence of ARGs in bioaerosol. Based on the average daily dose rates of microorganisms and human direct intake of ARGs, health risk of bioaerosols from the Pearl River Estuaries were also evaluated. In summary, the presence of opportunistic pathogens and diversity of ARGs strengthens the call to consider the bioaerosol in air quality monitoring and risk assessment in the future.

Lesiones ruminales en bovinos sacrificados en rastro

The objective of the present study was to describe macroscopic and microscopic lesion in the rumen of bovine slaughtered in the Municipal Meat Processor of Colima, Mexico. The lesions found during the slaughter were macroscopically and subsequently fixed in 10% buffered formalin with pH 7.2 described. It was with the routine histological technique, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) processed. 100 rumen were collected, as well as data on the origin, age, sex, and species of the animals. Data were, with the Chi-square independence test and logistic regression analysis analyzed. The 98% of the bovines presented at least one of the following lesions: hemorrhages, erosions, ulcers, scars, hyperkeratosis, hydropic degeneration, rumenitis, lymphangiectasia, a sample had a papilloma and the presence of the protozoan Balantidium coli was in 30% of the samples found. Dependence was found between B. coli to the origin (P= 0.046) and the sex (P= 0.041) of the animals. The variables that were significant (P= <0.05) in the logistic regression analysis were scars, rumenitis, lymphangiectasia, and B. coli. The injuries found to interfere with the absorption of nutrients, loss of production, and productivity, as well as the presence of opportunistic pathogens that can represent a health risk for animals and humans.

Microbiota Composition and Functional Profiling Throughout the Gastrointestinal Tract of Commercial Weaning Piglets.

Dietary, environmental, and social stresses induced by weaning transition in pig production are associated with alterations of gut microbiota, diarrhea, and enteric infections. With the boom of -omic technologies, numerous studies have investigated the dynamics of fecal bacterial communities of piglets throughout weaning but much less research has been focused on the composition and functional properties of microbial communities inhabiting other gastrointestinal segments. The objective of the present study was to bring additional information about the piglet bacterial and archaeal microbiota throughout the entire digestive tract, both at the structural level by using quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, and on functionality by measurement of short-chain fatty acids and predictions using Tax4Fun tool. Our results highlighted strong structural and functional differences between microbial communities inhabiting the fore and the lower gut as well as a quantitatively important archaeal community in the hindgut. The presence of opportunistic pathogens was also noticed throughout the entire digestive tract and could trigger infection emergence. Understanding the role of the intestinal piglet microbiota at weaning could provide further information about the etiology of post-weaning infections and lead to the development of effective preventive solutions.

Enhancing vitamin B12 in lupin tempeh by in situ fortification

Tempeh is a traditional, fungal fermented Indonesian product, usually made from soybeans. Tempeh is known to contain vitamin B12 which is essential for a healthy human diet. Therefore, tempeh is of particular interest for vegan diets since B12 is normally found only in animal derived products. The vitamin B12 in tempeh is associated with the presence of opportunistic pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae. Levels of B12 in tempeh do not sustain the recommended daily intake though. In addition, the use of a food-grade bacterium instead of K. pneumoniae is preferred. Lupin can serve as alternative substrate for soybeans due to its similar protein content, resulting in ‘lupin tempeh’. In this study, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, a food-grade, vitamin B12 producing bacterium, was used in co-culture with Rhizopus oryzae to produce B12-enriched lupin tempeh. A significant increase of vitamin B12 content (up to 0.97 μg/100 g) was achieved by fermenting lupin using a mixed starter of R. oryzae and P. freudenreichii. Other parameters, such as texture and volatile organic compounds, were not affected by the bacterial co-inoculation. Therefore, these results are promising for in situ vitamin B12 fortification of lupin tempeh making it a sustainable protein source for a healthy human diet.

ABOUT POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH IN CHOLELITHIASIS

The aim. To study the frequency and possible causes of the bacterial overgrowth syndrome in patients with cholelithiasis. Materials and methods. The study involved 76 patients with cholelithiasis. Used the results of endoscopic and radiologic studies in addition to general clinical data. The bacterial overgrowth syndrome determined using the hydrogen breath test with lactulose on LaktofaN2 coater AMA (St. Petersburg). Colonic microflora was assessed by seeding feces on different selective media. Results. In 86,8% of patients with cholelithiasis identified the bacterial overgrowth syndrome, accompanied by numerous clinical manifestations, such as bloating, diarrhea, pain and discomfort in the right iliac region, general weakness and fatigue, loss of weight. In most cases (73,6% patients) the bacterial overgrowth syndrome arose against the background of failure ileocecal closing apparatus (75% of patients with prestone stage of cholelithiasis and 82,1% of patients with stone stages of cholelithiasis). In 94,7% of patients had colonic dysbiosis, which promotes cecoileal reflux, thus causing the development of the bacterial overgrowth syndrome. Scarce dysbiosis (decrease of Bifidobacteria, Lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli) was more pronounced in patients with stage II and III of cholelithiasis, pathogenic dysbiosis (the presence of opportunistic pathogens) — in patients with stage I of cholelithiasis. In 55,3% of cases the bacterial overgrowth syndrome was due to both ileocecal failure and impaired colonic microflora. In 26,4% of patients the bacterial overgrowth was stored function of the ileocecal valve. Conclusion. In most cases development of the bacterial overgrowth syndrome is due to the insufficiency of the ileocecal obturator apparatus and colonic dysbiosis.

Fungal communities in pressmud composting harbour beneficial and detrimental fungi for human welfare

Pressmud is a substrate derived from sugarcane juice filtrate, and around 26-40 kg of this residue are produced per ton of sugarcane. It is mainly used as fertilizer in crops, and its application in the field is often made without any prior treatment, but, in this research, it was studied for the risk this practice poses for human health. This research was stimulated by previous results indicating the presence of opportunistic pathogens in residues used in various composting systems and the extensive use of fresh pressmud in agriculture. Here, It was assessed the fungal diversity present in both fresh and composting pressmud using 454 pyrosequencing. In addition, heat-tolerant fungi were isolated and surveyed for their enzymatic repertoire of biomass-degrading enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, laccase and polygalacturonase). A wide range of opportunistic pathogens was found among the most abundant taxa in the fresh pressmud, such as Lomentospora prolificans (43.13 %), Trichosporon sp. (10.07 %), Candida tropicalis (7.91 %), and Hormographiella aspergillata (8.19 %). This indicates that fresh pressmud might be a putative source of human pathogenic fungi, presenting a potential threat to human health if applied as fertilizer without any treatment. With regard to the heat-tolerant fungi found in this substrate, all the 110 isolates screened were able to produce at least one of the tested enzymes. The pressmud composting process not only effectively reduces the load of pathogenic fungi, but also creates an interesting environment for fungi able to produce thermostable hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes with biotechnological applications.

Dreifachinfektion mit Agamid-Adenovirus 1, einem Encephalitozoon-cuniculi-ähnlichen Mikrosporidium und Darmkokzidien bei einer Bartagame (Pogona vitticeps)

A 2-month-old juvenile central bearded dragon was presented for anorexia and cachexia. Another specimen from the same cage had died suddenly 2 weeks prior. Fecal analysis revealed a high quantity of Isospora amphiboluri and a few pinworm eggs. Other examinations were not performed and the animal died a few days later despite supportive care. A third individual from the same cage presented with anorexia and a distended cœlom and was euthanized. In this third dragon, histological examination revealed intestinal coccidiosis, basophilic intranuclear inclusions compatible with adenovirus infection, acute hepatic necrosis with intrahepatocytic and intraenteritic organisms typical of microsporidia and renal gout. A PCR confirmed the diagnosis of adenovirosis. Sequencing showed that the PCR product was 100% identical to the corresponding portion of the agamid adenovirus 1 genome. A PCR for the detection of Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi was positive. Partial sequencing revealed 100% identity to an E. cuniculi-like organism previously found in bearded dragons. In cases where environmental factors such as poor hygiene or stress can be excluded, the presence of opportunistic pathogens in high numbers can be due to a systemic (viral) infection with temporary immunosuppression.

Bacteriological and virological quality of seawater bathing areas along the Tyrrhenian coast

Monitoring was carried out during summer 1997 along a selected area of the Tyrrhenian coast near the Tiber river mouth. Fifty-eight seawater samples, collected from 19 stations, were examined for coliforms, streptococci, Enteroviruses, Salmonellae, coliphages, Bacteroides fragilis phages, Pseudomonas, alophilic Vibrios, Aeromonas and yeasts. Salmonellae and coliphages were isolated in 3 and 12 out of 58 samples, respectively. Enteroviruses and Bacteroides fragilis phages were not isolated. Reoviruses were isolated only from 2 out of 58 samples. A limited number of samples of the northern stations located near the Tiber and other river mouths exceeded the guide values for bathing water by the EU Directive. All the southern stations, located near canals, were of very good microbiological quality. Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Aeromonas and yeasts were isolated from all stations and their values in 100 ml of seawater were 10-10 6 , 10-10 6 , 0-10 6 and 1-10 3 , respectively. An extensive disinfection practice carried out on domestic wastes, which are discharged in rivers and canals, probably brought pollution levels of most stations to values within the bacterial standards. The spread of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, etc. showed that all the coastal area studied was characterized by the presence of organic matter coming from land that can support the presence of opportunistic pathogens and other microbial flora.

Increased incidence of infections in intravenous drug users.

To ascertain the incidence of infections in intravenous users of illicit drugs, we performed a retrospective study of 270 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and 562 controls who did not use drugs over a seven-year period from 1978-1985. IVDUs had an increased overall incidence of infections (P less than 0.001) compared to controls, which was explained to a large degree by an increased incidence of hepatitis. Endocarditis and disseminated gonococcal infection were seen with increased frequency in IVDUs (P less than 0.05), but abscess and cellulitis were not. Neither acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, nor disseminated viral or fungal infection were seen in IVDUs or controls. Heroin users, but not other IVDUs, had an increased incidence of infections not thought to be associated with needle use, suggesting impaired immunity. This study demonstrates that IVDUs have an increased incidence of infection compared to control subjects, but the kinds of infections have changed substantially over the past two decades. The presence of opportunistic pathogens in these patients should suggest concurrent infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Microorganisms associated with production lots of the nucleopolyhedrosis virus of the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar [Lep.: Lymantriidae

Samples of a gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus product, Gypchek®, were taken each day during a 100-day production run and monitored for the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The standard plate count/g of product was 5.97±1.51×108 over the 100-day period, while the sporulating bacteria count was 3.81±1.21×106/g. We did not detect obligate anaerobic or fecal coliform bacteria in any of the samples.Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, B. licheniformis, Streptococcus faecalis, Serratia liquefaciens, andAspergillus niger were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. We did not detect primary pathogenic bacteria or fungi, but the presence of opportunistic pathogens indicated that assiduous monitoring of the virus production facility and rigorous quality control of production batches are necessary.