Presence Of Other Microorganisms Research Articles

Evaluating disinfectant efficacy on mixed biofilms comprising Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli, lactic acid bacteria, and spoilage microorganisms.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of temperature and the presence of other microorganisms on the susceptibility of STEC to biocides. Mature biofilms were formed at both 10°C and 25°C. An inoculum of planktonic bacteria comprising 106 CFU/mL of spoilage bacteria and 103 CFU/mL of a single E. coli strain (O157, O111, O103, and O12) was used to form mixed biofilms. The following bacterial combinations were tested: T1: Carnobacterium piscicola + Lactobacillus bulgaricus + STEC, T2: Comamonas koreensis + Raoultella terrigena + STEC, and T3: Pseudomonas aeruginosa + C. koreensis + STEC. Tested biocides included quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats), sodium hypochlorite (Shypo), sodium hydroxide (SHyd), hydrogen peroxide (HyP), and BioDestroy®-organic peroxyacetic acid (PAA). Biocides were applied to 6-day-old biofilms. Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) and Biofilm Eradication Concentrations (BEC) were determined. Planktonic cells and single-species biofilms exhibited greater susceptibility to sanitizers (p < 0.0001). Lactobacillus and Carnobacterium were more susceptible than the rest of the tested bacteria (p < 0.0001). Single species biofilms formed by E. coli O111, O121, O157, and O45 showed resistance (100%) to Shypo sanitizer (200 ppm) at 25°C. From the most effective to the least effective, sanitizer performance on single-species biofilms was PAA > Quats > HyP > SHyd > Shypo. In multi-species biofilms, spoilage bacteria within T1, T2, and T3 biofilms showed elevated resistance to SHyd (30%), followed by quats (23.25%), HyP (15.41%), SHypo (9.70%), and BioDestroy® (3.42%; p < 0.0001). Within T1, T2, and T3, the combined STEC strains exhibited superior survival to Quats (23.91%), followed by HyP (19.57%), SHypo (18.12%), SHyd (16.67%), and BioDestroy® (4.35%; p < 0.0001). O157:H7-R508 strains were less tolerant to Quats and Shypo when combined with T2 and T3 (p < 0.0001). O157:H7 and O103:H2 strains in mixed biofilms T1, T2, and T3 exhibited higher biocide resistance than the weak biofilm former, O145:H2 (p < 0.0001). The study shows that STEC within multi-species biofilms' are more tolerant to disinfectants.

Effect of Fungal and Fungal-Bacterial Tempe-Type Fermentation on the Bioactive Potential of Grass Pea Seeds and Flaxseed Oil Cake Mix.

Tempe is an Indonesian food product traditionally obtained from soybeans through solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus. A variety of substrates can be processed into tempe in the presence of other microorganisms. In this study, grass pea seeds with the addition of flaxseed oil cake (20% w/w) were either fermented using individual mould strains-Rhizopus oryzae, R. oligosporus, and Mucor indicus-or cofermented with the moulds and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. In the obtained products, the content of dietary fibre, B group vitamins, and the level of peptides and antioxidant potential in aqueous extracts were measured. Moreover, peptides, angiotensin I convertase inhibitor, and antioxidant activity were determined after in vitro digestion. The effect of digestates on the differentiation of enterocytes was also investigated. Fermentation generally resulted in a decrease in the dietary fibre, especially the insoluble fraction (30-50%). The product obtained with R. oryzae was the best source of riboflavin and thiamine among all tested. The fermentation process promoted the accumulation of water-soluble peptides and antioxidant compounds. After in vitro digestion, the largest amount of antioxidant and antiradical compounds was released from tempe obtained with R. oryzae. However, the enrichment of the products with antioxidants resulting from solid-state fermentation did not simply translate into an improvement in antioxidant potential after digestion. Generally, fermentation carried out in the presence of L. plantarum brought positive effects only in the case of R. oligosporus DSM 1964. Digestion products obtained from R. oryzae tempe had a positive effect on the viability of Caco-2 cells differentiated into enterocytes. Interestingly, a higher activity of differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase and sucrase-isomaltase) was observed under the influence of digestate of R. oryzae and L. plantarum tempe.

Urinalysis Results And Resistance To Hospital Treatment With Injectable Antimalarials In Angola

Background: Resistance to antimalarial drugs often used in emerging countries, including combination therapies, has forced scientists to search for and develop drugs with novel mechanisms of action, especially resistance to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, which are highly prevalent in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Objective: evaluate whether there is a relationship between urinalysis and resistance to in-hospital treatment of malaria in Angola. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study with a quantitative approach. Results: of the 214 patients, the resistance rate was 24.1%, men (53.6%), between 21 and 40 years old (72.7%), employees (46.4%), from peri-urban regions (77.7%), treated with artemether (90.9), with high parasitemia (57.7%) and after 5 days of treatment, remained hospitalized (61.4%). Was a significant relationship between resistance in unemployed individuals [OR: 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01-0.29), p =0.003] and high levels of parasitemia [OR: 1.09 (95% CI: 1.09-3.95), p=0.040], remained hospitalized for more than 5 days [OR: 5.28 (95% CI: 0.65-43.1), p=0.121] and death [OR: 2.59 (95% CI: 0.32-20.9), p=0.371] when compared with other subgroups. Was a significant relationship between resistance to clear urine [OR: 5.55 (95% CI: 0.72-42.7), p =0.016], few urinary crystals [OR: 11.3 (95% CI: 5.07-25.3), p &lt;0.001] and who presented some microorganisms that were not bacteria or fungi [OR: 3.02 (95% CI: 1 .32-6.90), p=0.009]. Conclusion: urine results, especially the appearance of cloudy urine, the presence of few crystals, and the presence of other microorganisms that are not bacteria or fungi, may be clear signs of resistance to hospital treatment with injectable antimalarials.

Into the large ears: otitis externa associated with nematodes, mites, and bacteria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

BackgroundThe Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), which is an endangered species, harbors several parasites. Among the ectoparasites that it harbors, ear mites of the genus Loxanoetus have the potential to cause external otitis, an inflammation that may also be associated with the presence of other microorganisms. We assessed the relationships between ear mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, and cocci sampled from the ears of captive Asian elephants in Thailand. In addition, we discuss the possibility that dust-bathing behavior may be triggered by ear mite infestation, and that this in turn may lead to contamination of the ears with soil microorganisms.Methods Legally owned captive Asian elephants (n = 64) were sampled. Ear swabs were individually collected from both ears and microscopically examined for the presence of mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, cocci, and host cells. Mites and nematodes were identified to species level using morphological and molecular methods.ResultsLoxanoetus lenae mites were present in 43.8% (n = 28/64) of the animals (19 animals with mites in one ear and nine animals with mites in both ears). Nematodes of the genus Panagrolaimus were detected in 23.4% (n = 15/64) of the animals (10 with nematodes in one ear and five with nematodes in both ears). In adult elephants (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.0278) and female elephants (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.0107), the presence of nematodes in both ears was significantly associated with the presence of mites. In addition, higher categorical burdens of nematodes were also significantly associated with the presence of mites (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.0234) and epithelial cells (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.0108), and marginally significantly associated with bacterial cocci (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.0499).ConclusionsThe presence of L. lenae mites in the ear canals of the Asian elephants was significantly associated with the occurrence of other microorganisms, such as soil nematodes, bacteria and yeasts. The presence of mites in their ears may increase the dust-bathing behavior of elephants which, if confirmed, represents a further paradigmatic example of a parasitic infestation affecting animal behavior.Graphical

Metabolic profiling of bacterial co-cultures reveals intermicrobiome interactions and dominant species

In animal production, the use of probiotic microorganisms has increased since the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in 2006. The added microorganisms interact with the microbiome of the animals, whereby the probiotic activity is not fully understood. Several microorganisms of the genus Bacillus are already known for their probiotic activity and are applied as feed supplements to increase the health status of the animals. They are thought to interact with Escherichia coli, one of the most abundant bacteria in the animal gut. In biotechnological applications, co-culturing enables the regulation of bacterial interaction or the production of target metabolites. The basic principles of multi-imaging high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with upstream cultivation were further developed to analyze the metabolic profiles of three axenic bacilli cultures compared to their co-cultures with E. coli DSM 18039 (K12). The comparative profiling visualized bacteria's metabolic interactions and showed how the presence of E. coli affects the metabolite formation of bacilli. The characteristic metabolic profile images showed not only the influence of microbiomes but also of inoculation, cultivation and nutrients on the commercial probiotic. The formation of antimicrobially active metabolites, detected via three different planar bioassays, was influenced by the presence of other microorganisms, especially in the probiotic. This first application of multi-imaging HPTLC in the field of co-culturing enabled visualization of metabolic interactions of bacteria via their produced chemical as well as bioactive metabolite profiles. The metabolic profiling provided evidence of bacterial interactions, intermicrobiome influences and dominant species in the co-culture.

Reduced cadmium toxicity in rapeseed via alteration of root properties and accelerated plant growth by a nitrogen-fixing bacterium

Cd accumulation in crops has become a global environmental problem because it endangers human health. Screening for microorganisms that can reduce Cd accumulation in crops is a possible measure to address this issue. However, success has been limited, and most previous work did not involve bacteria. In the present study, a strain of N-fixing bacteria (Burkholderia spp.) that exhibits high levels of Cd tolerance was screened. The ability of this bacterium to reduce Cd in rapeseed was then assessed in sterile hydroponic and open soil culture systems. In the hydroponic system, the Burkholderia inoculum promoted Cd fixation in rapeseed roots and thus reduced Cd enrichment in aboveground edible tissues (leaves). The mechanisms were related to increased activity of pectin methylesterase in root cell walls, and the transformation of the chemical form of root Cd from “active” (NaCl-extracted) to “inert” (HCl-extracted and residual Cd) states. Additionally, Burkholderia accelerated plant growth, thus shortening the period in which the plant is available for Cd absorption. In the soil culture system, Burkholderia also reduced Cd enrichment in rapeseed leaves in the presence of other microorganisms. Thus, the bacterial strain shows potential for broad application for reducing the accumulation of Cd in crops.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among Females in the General Population of the Split and Dalmatia County and Its Association with Genital Microbiota and Infections: A Prospective Study.

We conducted a prospective study with the aim of determining HPV prevalence and type distribution in the general female population of Southern Croatia (SDC), and to detect the presence of other microorganisms in the lower part of the female reproductive system and their possible influence on the frequency of HPV infection. Data were collected during routine check-up exams. All participants were examined by a gynecologist, and cervico-vaginal scrapings/swabs were collected, for cytological (Pap smear) and microbiological (for bacterial growth, genital mycoplasmas, chlamydia, and HPV) analysis. Informed consent was obtained from all participants with accompanying questionnaire. A total of 1050 asymptomatic women living in SDC participated in the study during a one-year period, and 107 of them (10.2%) had HR-HPV infection. We found that the presence of some bacteria (Ureaplasma, Chlamydia, and Gardnerella) in the lower part of the female genital system has a positive correlation with the frequency of HPV infection and, consequently, a possible influence on faster progression to cervical dysplasia caused by HPV. We consider that inclusion of screening for sexually transmitted infections as monitoring in women with HPV infection could help to find women at risk of cervical cancer progression.

Microbiota Modulation in Blueberry Rhizosphere by Biocontrol Bacteria

Microbial interactions in agricultural soils can play important roles in the control of soil-borne phytopathogenic diseases. Yields from blueberry plantations from southern Spain have been impacted by the pathogenic fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina. The use of chemical fungicides has been the common method for preventing fungal infections, but due to their high environmental impact, legislation is increasingly restricting its use. Biocontrol alternatives based on the use of microorganisms is becoming increasingly important. Using the metabarcoding technique, fungi and bacteria were characterized (via 16S and ITS regions, respectively) from rhizosphere soils of healthy and dead blueberry plants infected by M. phaseolina, and which had undergone three different treatments: two biocontrol strategies—one of them a mix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus velezensis and the other one with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens—and a third treatment consisting of the application of a nutrient solution. The treatments produced changes in the bacterial microbiota and, to a lesser extent, in the fungi. The abundance of Fusarium was correlated with dead plants, likely favoring the infection by M. phaseolina. The presence of other microorganisms in the soil, such as the fungi Archaeorhizomyces or the bacteria Actinospica, were correlated with healthy plants and could promote their survival. The different genera detected between dead and healthy plants opens the possibility of studying new targets that can act against infection and identify potential microorganisms that can be used in biocontrol strategies.

Can Olive Pruning Forms Influence the Olive Rhizosphere? The Root Microbiota and the Rhizosphere Properties in the Alto Ricaurte (Colombia)

(1) Background: Olive in Colombia is not a traditional crop, but in the Andean Region, ancient olive trees are widespread. The area is characterized by a climate condition with a high intensity of UV rays and meteoric events that negatively affect the olive grown. In this work, changes in the soil of olive trees subjected to different pruning will be established. (2) Methods: Olive trees of 2-years-old were cultivated in Boyacá (Colombia). Trees were pruned into a vase shape, globe shape, and natural shape. Physical, chemical, and biological soil analyses were carried out. (3) Results: In the olive tree, V and G pruning significantly increase the P content in the soil compared to NS, and these pruning forms reduce the OOC significantly in the rhizosphere soil by 87.5% and 78.3%, respectively. In all conditions, the roots established an association with Arbuscular Mycorhizal Fungi and stimulated the presence of other microorganisms, despite the trees being more vegetative than productive in this latitude. (4) Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that, in Colombian conditions, the pruning does not affect the rhizospheric soil conditions.

New PEPTIR-2.0 Peptide Designed for Use as Recognition Element in Electrochemical Biosensors with Improved Specificity towards E. coli O157:H7.

The detection of pathogens through alternative methodologies based on electrochemical biosensors is being studied. These devices exhibit remarkable properties, such as simplicity, specificity, and high sensitivity in monitoring pathogens. However, it is necessary to continue conducting studies that adequately improve these characteristics, especially the recognition molecule. This work aims to design and evaluate a new peptide, named PEPTIR-2.0, as a recognition molecule in electrochemical biosensors to detect E. coli O157:H7 in water. PEPTIR-2.0 was obtained from modifications of the PEPTIR-1.0 peptide sequence, which was previously reported and exhibited excellent properties for detecting and quantifying this pathogenic microorganism. PEPTIR-1.0 is a peptide analogous to the TIR (Translocated Intimin Receptor) protein capable of interacting with the Intimin outer membrane. The basis of this study was to obtain, by using bioinformatics tools, a molecule analogous to PEPTIR-1.0 that maintains its three-dimensional structure but increases the hydrophobic interactions between it and Intimin, since these intermolecular forces are the predominant ones. The designed PEPTIR-2.0 peptide was immobilized on screen-printed electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles. The detection capacity of E. coli O157:H7 in water was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the presence of other microorganisms, such as P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and non-pathogenic E. coli. The results showed that PEPTIR-2.0 confers remarkable specificity to the biosensor towards detecting E. coli, even higher than PEPTIR-1.0.

Derangements of vaginal and cervical canal microbiota determined with real-time PCR in women with recurrent miscarriages

Balanced vaginal microbiota and, as a continuum, cervical canal microbiota help prevent reproductive disorders, including recurrent miscarriage (RM). In a significant proportion of couples with RM, routine diagnostic workup cannot find any manageable cause, leading to a requirement for new diagnostic tools. In the present study, we determined the quantitative composition of the microbiota of the vagina and cervical canal, assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, in women with RM. It also evaluated their derangements related to the pathogenesis of RM, and thus the suitability of this test as a diagnostic tool for managing RM. Vaginal and cervical canal specimens of 25 women with RM and 25 healthy volunteers were collected. The test results revealed information about the total vaginal bacterial biomass by measuring the abundance of Lactobacillus spp.; other bacteria; and pathogens, including Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma (urealyticum + parvum), and Candida spp. Overall, the findings of this study implied the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. decreased in women with RM with an increase in the abundance of other microorganisms in accordance with the reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. due to aerobic vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal and cervical canal microbiota need to be considered during the diagnostic workup of women with RM. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a well-known reproductive disorder. Its diagnostic workup is not successful in determining the underlying problem in many cases. Hence, novel diagnostic tools based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are needed for evaluating reproductive microbiota, which are considerably reliable, to satisfy the expectations of women with RM. What do the results of this study add? Overall, the decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was found to be related to RM, and the patterns of the presence of other microorganisms were in accordance with the reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. These findings suggested an important role of vaginal and cervical canal microbiota in the pathogenesis of RM. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Additional research is warranted to elucidate the functional impact of altered components of the microbiota of vaginal and cervical canals on the physiology of the local cervical canal and its participation in the microbiota of the endometrial cavity, especially regarding unsuccessful pregnancies as a result of the disturbed physiology of the local endometrial microenvironment. However, possible applications of real-time PCR-based tests for the screening of subclinical infections in clinical practice require the performance of further investigations in patients with RM.

Copper sulfate inhibition of quorum sensing in Pseudomonas capeferrum is dependent on biotic interactions

Quorum Sensing (QS) signaling, which allows the coordination of the microbial physiology, can be influenced by environmental factors. However, the impact of copper-based fungicides on the QS of rhizosphere microorganisms is currently unknown. The simultaneous presence of other microorganisms may also alter the QS signaling. In this work we report that the fungicide CuSO4 modifies the expression from the promoter of ppuI, ppoR and rsaL, components of Pseudomonas capeferrum WCS358 QS system. ppuI and ppoR promoters showed a biphasic behavior reducing their activities as CuSO4 concentrations increased up to 1 mmol l−1, but with increased values at higher metal concentrations. rsaL promoter attained a minimal activity with 1 mmol l−1, though higher concentrations did not modify its expression. The impact of CuSO4 on biofilm formation by WCS358 was dependent on the bacterial QS activity. Dual biofilms with Papiliotrema laurentii YL2 yeast were also affected by the bacterial QS and the metal. CuSO4 was detrimental for the bacterial colonization, but YL2 exerted a protective effect in dual colonies, an effect that depended on the QS activity. These results suggest the importance of the WCS358 QS systems in the rhizosphere, where copper-based fungicides and concomitant microorganisms conform a complex system.

Assessment of Chlorella sorokiniana Growth in Anaerobic Digester Effluent.

Microalgae are considered a potential source of valuable compounds for multiple purposes and are potential agents for bioremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with different pollutants. This work evaluates the use of agricultural waste, unsterilized and anaerobically digested, to produce biomass from a strain of Chlorella sorokiniana. Furthermore, the presence of bacteria in these wastes was investigated based on the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed a specific growth rate ranging between 0.82 and 1.45 day−1, while the final biomass yield in different digestate-containing treatments (bacterial-contaminated cultures) ranged between 0.33 and 0.50 g L−1 day−1. Besides, substantial amounts of ammonium, phosphate, and sulfate were consumed by C. sorokiniana during the experimental period. The predominant bacteria that grew in the presence of C. sorokiniana in the effluent-containing treatments belonged to the genera Chryseobacterium, Flavobacterium, Sphingomonas, Brevundimonas, Hydrogenophaga, Sphingobacterium, and Pseudomonas. Therefore, this microalga can tolerate and grow in the presence of other microorganisms. Finally, these results show that anaerobically digested agricultural waste materials are a good substitute for growth media for green microalgae; however, phosphate and sulfate levels must also be controlled in the media to maintain adequate growth of microalgae.

Recovery in methanotrophic activity does not reflect on the methane-driven interaction network after peat mining.

Aerobic methanotrophs are crucial in ombrotrophic peatlands, driving the methane and nitrogen cycles. Peat mining adversely affects the methanotrophs, but activity and community composition/abundances may recover after restoration. Considering that the methanotrophic activity and growth are significantly stimulated in the presence of other microorganisms, the methane-driven interaction network, encompassing methanotrophs and non-methanotrophs (i.e., methanotrophic interactome), may also be relevant in conferring community resilience. Yet, little is known of the response and recovery of the methanotrophic interactome to disturbances. Here, we determined the recovery of the methanotrophic interactome as inferred by a co-occurrence network analysis, comparing a pristine and restored peatland. We coupled a DNA-based stable isotope probing (SIP) approach using 13C-CH4 to a co-occurrence network analysis derived from the 13C-enriched 16S rRNA gene sequences to relate the response in methanotrophic activity to the structuring of the interaction network. Methanotrophic activity and abundances recovered after peat restoration since 2000. 'Methylomonaceae' was the predominantly active methanotrophs in both peatlands, but differed in the relative abundance of Methylacidiphilaceae and Methylocystis However, bacterial community composition was distinct in both peatlands. Likewise, the methanotrophic interactome was profoundly altered in the restored peatland. Structuring of the interaction network after peat mining resulted in the loss of complexity and modularity, indicating a less connected and efficient network, which may have consequences in the event of recurring/future disturbances. Therefore, determining the response of the methane-driven interaction network, in addition to relating methanotrophic activity to community composition/abundances, provided a more comprehensive understanding of the resilience of the methanotrophs.Importance The resilience and recovery of microorganisms from disturbances are often determined with regard to their activity and community composition/abundances. Rarely has the response of the network of interacting microorganisms been considered, despite accumulating evidence showing that microbial interaction modulates community functioning. Comparing the methane-driven interaction network of a pristine and restored peatland, our findings revealed that the metabolically active microorganisms were less connected and formed less modular 'hubs' in the restored peatland, indicative of a less complex network which may have consequences with recurring disturbances and environmental changes. This also suggests that the resilience and full recovery in the methanotrophic activity and abundances do not reflect on the interaction network. Therefore, it is relevant to consider the interaction-induced response, in addition to documenting changes in activity and community composition/abundances, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resilience of microorganisms to disturbances.

Correlation of Colony Lactobacillus spp. with The Incident of Overactive Bladder with OBSS Score at Pauh Primary Health Center Padang

Background : Overactive bladder (OAB) is a group of urgent symptoms, with or without urgent incontinence. Research shows that some Lactobacillus spp. can be a sign of a women bladder’s good health; and found a decrease number of Lactobacillus spp. in patients with OAB. This study aims to assess the correlation of Lactobacillus spp. colony with OAB using the OABSS score at Pauh Primary Health Center, Padang.Method : This research is an analytic study with a cross sectional comparative design. The research was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at Pauh Primary Health Center. All women aged 20-40 years who came to Pauh Primary Health Center during the study period were included in the study. Pregnant women, having pelvic abnormalities and a history of other urinary tract diseases or having a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were excluded in the study. Numerical data are presented in the form of central tendency. Bivariate analysis was performed using the t-independent test if the data distribution was normal and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test if the distribution of the data was not normally distributed.Result: There were 42 samples consisting of 21 OAB respondents and 21 normal respondents. The age of the respondents in the OAB group was 28 ± 6.8 years, while the normal group was 32 ± 7.3 years (p&gt; 0.05). The number of Lactobacillus spp colonies in the normal group was higher than the OAB group, namely 16,389,670 ± 74,380,427.9 CU / ml compared to 15,229,634 ± 67,553,932.9 CU / ml (p&gt; 0.05).Conclusion: There was no correlation between the number of Lactobacillus Spp colonies and the incidence of Overactive Bladder. It is necessary to do further research regarding other risk factors associated with the incidence of OAB and the causes of the decrease number of Lactobacillus spp colonies in OAB patients and the presence of other microorganisms, especially pathogenic microorganisms. Keywords: overactive bladder, Lactobacillus, OABSS score

Association of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and potentially pathogenic vaginal microorganisms in women attending at primary care nursing gynecological consultation

To identify the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) with the presence of other microorganisms. This is a cross-sectional study composed of 128 women who were attended in the basic health units, between 2014 and 2018, to perform the Pap smear. The presence of papillomavirus was investigated using conventional PCR with primers MY09/11 and GP5 +/6+ (echo and endocervix cells) and the smear bacterioscopy of vaginal secretions was performed to identify the microorganisms. Statistical was performed using the square test, including a risk ratio or 95% confidence interval. HPV infection was identified in 48.4% (n = 62) women. Corynebacterium sp (39.8%) was the most prevalent microorganism, followed by Escherichia coli (21.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.0%), Gardnerella vaginalis (13.2%) and Candida albicans (7%), respectively. According to statistical analysis or HPV and the group of potentially pathogenic microorganisms had a significant association p &lt;0.02. Corynebacterium sp showed an effective protection (0.356 [0.170-0.744] &lt;0.05) in relation to sociodemographic, gynecological and obstetric factors. Only vaginal discharge and pH had p &lt;0.05 when comparing the presence of infection. The other variables showed no statistical differences. This study revealed an association between the presence of pathogenic microorganisms with HPV virus infection, confirming a need for a better understanding of the female genitals’ microbiota. Thus, research involving the vaginal infectious agents, methods of protection and rapid diagnosis to contribute to the reduction of the number of lesions in the cervix and cervical cancer are needed.

Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Microbiota Interactions.

The nature of the relationship between the communities of microorganisms making up the microbiota in and on a host body has been increasingly explored in recent years. Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, parasites and fungi, have often long co-evolved with their hosts. In human, the structure and diversity of microbiota vary according to the host’s immunity, diet, environment, age, physiological and metabolic status, medical practices (e.g., antibiotic treatment), climate, season and host genetics. The recent advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enhanced observational capacities and allowed for a better understanding of the relationship between distinct microorganisms within microbiota. The interaction between the host and their microbiota has become a field of research into microorganisms with therapeutic and preventive interest for public health applications. This review aims at assessing the current knowledge on interactions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. After a brief description of the metagenomic methods used in the studies were analysed, we summarise the findings of available publications describing the interaction between the bacterial communities and protozoa, helminths and fungi, either in vitro, in experimental models, or in humans. Overall, we observed the existence of a beneficial effect in situations where some microorganisms can improve the health status of the host, while the presence of other microorganisms has been associated with pathologies, resulting in an adverse effect on human health.

Strain-Dependent Cheese Spoilage Potential of Clostridium tyrobutyricum.

Clostridium tyrobutyricum, a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium, is considered as one of the main causative agents for spoilage of hard and semihard cheeses. Growth of C. tyrobutyricum in cheese is critically influenced by ripening temperature and time, pH, salt and lactic acid concentration, moisture and fat content, and the presence of other microorganisms. Previous studies revealed high intraspecies diversity of C. tyrobutyricum strains and variable tolerance toward pH, temperatures, and salt concentrations. These findings indicate that strain-dependent characteristics may be relevant to assess the risk for cheese spoilage if clostridial contamination occurs. In this study, we aimed to compare the phenotypes of 12 C. tyrobutyricum strains which were selected from 157 strains on the basis of genotypic and proteotypic variability. The phenotypic analysis comprised the assessment of gas production and organic acid concentrations in an experimental cheese broth incubated at different temperatures (37, 20, and 14 °C). For all tested strains, delayed gas production at lower incubation temperatures and a strong correlation between gas production and the change in organic acid concentrations were observed. However, considering the time until gas production was visible at different incubation temperatures, a high degree of heterogeneity was found among the tested strains. In addition, variation among replicates of the same strain and differences due to different inoculum levels became evident. This study shows, that, among other factors, strain-specific germination and growth characteristics should be considered to evaluate the risk of cheese spoilage by C. tyrobutyricum.

Low-temperature, shallow-water hydrothermal vent mineralization following the recent submarine eruption of Tagoro volcano (El Hierro, Canary Islands)

Hydrothermal iron (Fe)-rich sediments were recovered from the Tagoro underwater volcano (Central Atlantic) that formed during the 2011–2012 volcanic event. Cruises in 2012 and 2014 enabled the monitoring and sampling of the early-stage establishment of a hydrothermal system. Degassing vents produced acoustic flares imaged on echo-sounders in June 2012, four months after the eruption. A novel hydrothermal vent system was discovered and sampled in 2014 during a ROV dive. The system is characterized by hornito-like structures and chimneys showing active CO2 degassing and anomalous temperatures at 120–89 m water depth, and along the SE flank at 215-185 m water depth associated with secondary cones. Iron- and silica-rich gelatinous deposits pooled over and between basanite in the hornitos, brecciated lavas, and lapilli. The low temperature, shallow-water hydrothermal system was discovered by the venting of Fe-rich fluids that produced a seafloor draped by extensive Fe-flocculate deposits precipitated from the neutrally buoyant plumes located along the oxic/photic zone at 50-70 m water depths. The basanite is capped by mm- to cm-thick hydrothermally derived Fe-oxyhydroxide sediment, and contains micro-cracks and degasification vesicles filled by sulfides (mostly pyrite). Mineralogically, the Fe-oxyhydroxide sediment consists of proto-ferrihydrite and ferrihydrite with scarce pyrite at their base. The Fe-rich endmember contains low concentrations of most trace elements in comparison with hydrogenetic ferromanganese deposits, and the sediments show some dilution of the Fe oxyhydroxide by volcanic ash. The Fe-oxyhydroxide phase, with a mean particle size of 3–4 nm, low average La/Fe ratios of the mineralized deposits from the various sampling sites, and the positive Eu anomalies indicate rapid deposition of the Fe oxyhydroxide near the hydrothermal vents. Electron microprobe studies show the presence of various organomineral structures, mainly twisted stalks and sheaths covered by iron-silica deposits within the mineralized samples, reflecting microbial iron-oxidation from the hydrothermal fluids. Sequencing of 16 s rRNA genes also reveals the presence of other microorganisms involved in sulfur and methane cycles. Samples collected from hornito chimneys contain silicified microorganisms coated by Fe-rich precipitates. The rapid silicification may have been indirectly promoted by microorganisms acting as nucleation sites. We suggest that this type of hydrothermal deposit might be more frequent than presently reported to occur in submarine volcanoes. On a geological scale, these volcanic eruptions and low-temperature hydrothermal vents might contribute to increased dissolved metals in seawater, and generate considerable Fe-oxyhydroxide deposits as identified in older hot-spot seamounts.

Targeted induction of a silent fungal gene cluster encoding the bacteria-specific germination inhibitor fumigermin.

Microorganisms produce numerous secondary metabolites (SMs) with various biological activities. Many of their encoding gene clusters are silent under standard laboratory conditions because for their activation they need the ecological context, such as the presence of other microorganisms. The true ecological function of most SMs remains obscure, but understanding of both the activation of silent gene clusters and the ecological function of the produced compounds is of importance to reveal functional interactions in microbiomes. Here, we report the identification of an as-yet uncharacterized silent gene cluster of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which is activated by the bacterium Streptomyces rapamycinicus during the bacterial-fungal interaction. The resulting natural product is the novel fungal metabolite fumigermin, the biosynthesis of which requires the polyketide synthase FgnA. Fumigermin inhibits germination of spores of the inducing S. rapamycinicus, and thus helps the fungus to defend resources in the shared habitat against a bacterial competitor.