Profile Of Microorganisms Research Articles

Microbiological profile of isolated specimens in patients admitted to a university hospital from Fortaleza, Brazil

Objective: To assess the microbiological profile of culture results of patients admitted in a public university hospital from Fortaleza, Brazil. Methods: This is a descriptive and prospective study with patients being followed up in an antimicrobial stewardship program and in use of reserve or strategic antimicrobial agents, which had cultures requested between May and November 2017. Data was obtained from the patient’s records, registered and analyzed using Excel spreadsheets and Graph Pad Prism statistical software. Results: Male patients (60.2%), non-elderly (63.6%), with hospital discharge clinical outcome (84.7%) and kidney transplant specialty (35.6%) prevailed. We analyzed the result of 490 cultures, with a higher frequency of urine cultures (35.3%) and blood cultures (34.7%) than others cultures. The specialty with most requests was kidney and liver transplant. 19.8% of the cultures were positive, predominantly gram-negative bacilli (72.2%), especially in the urine cultures of transplant patients. Microbiological analysis showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae (49.1%) and Escherichia coli (39.6%) were the bacteria most frequently found. Regarding the microbial resistance profile, we identified carbapenemase producing bacteria (16.7%), Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL; 33.3%) within the group of gramnegative bacilli and Vancomycin-resistence enterococcus (VRE; 13.5%) within the group of gram-positive cocci. Conclusions: The study enabled the knowledge of the profile of microorganisms isolated in the wards under study, which is of fundamental importance for local epidemiological studies and for the control of microbial resistance.

The Influence of Different Forms of Silver on Selected Pathogenic Bacteria.

The application of silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent is becoming more common. Unfortunately, their effect on microorganisms is still not fully understood. Therefore, this paper attempts to investigate the influence of silver ions, biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles and nanoparticles functionalized with antibiotics on molecular bacteria profiles. The initial stage of research was aimed at the mechanism determination involved in antibiotics sorption onto nanoparticles’ surface. For this purpose, the kinetics study was performed. Next, the functionalized formulations were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and a zeta potential study. The results reveal that functionalization is a complex process, but does not significantly affect the stability of biocolloids. Furthermore, the antimicrobial assays, in most cases, have shown no increases in antibacterial activity after nanoparticle functionalization, which suggests that the functionalization process does not always generate the improved antimicrobial effect. Finally, the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technique was employed to characterize the changes in the molecular profile of bacteria treated with various antibacterial agents. The recorded spectra proved many differences in bacterial lipids and proteins profiles compared to untreated cells. In addition, the statistical analysis of recorded spectra revealed the strain-dependent nature of stress factors on the molecular profile of microorganisms.

Biological activity and functional diversity in soil in different cultivation systems

The aim of the work was to evaluate the impact of use of conventional and organic cultivation systems on selected parameters of microbial activity in the soil under wheat, barley and oat cultivation. Microbiological, biochemical, enzymatic and metabolic activities were analyzed during three seasons over 3 years in soil. The more beneficial effect of organic cultivation was reflected in the increase in bacterial growth, the intensification of the nitrification and higher activity of all analyzed enzymes. The conventional system was more favorable for the development of fungi. The assessment of the metabolic profile of soil microorganisms demonstrated clear differences between the activity of microorganisms in the organic and conventional systems. The results indicate that cultivation of soil in the organic system is more conducive to the environment. The authors conducted research, because there is no unambiguous answer to the question which growing system is more beneficial for soil biological life, i.e., the basis for food production. Microorganisms that are the object of these studies form the basis for the fertility of all soil ecosystems.Graphic abstract

Microbiological Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Microorganisms Isolated from Endotracheal Tube Tips and Tracheal Aspirates Specimens: A Hospital Based Study

Objective: To determine the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of microorganisms isolated from specimens of tracheal aspirate and endotracheal tube (ETT) tip. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore, Pakistan during July 2016 to July 2017. The laboratory records of ETT tips and tracheal aspirate specimens was retrospectively reviewed. Standard microbiological procedures were followed for the isolation and the identification of microorganisms. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2016, guidelines were used Results: A total of 126 organisms were isolated from 121 specimens [Tracheal Aspirate 103 (85.1%) and ETT Tip 18 (14.9%)]. Most of the organisms were gram-negative 98 (77.78%), 17 (13.49%) were gram-positive and 11 (8.73%) were yeast. Of 98 gramnegative organisms, Acinetobacter spp was found in majority 61 (62.24%) followed by Klebsiella spp in 17 (17.34%), and Pseudomonas spp in 12 (12.24%). Of 17 gram-positive samples, Streptococcus spp was found in majority 6 (35.29%), followed by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 5 (29.41%), Staphylococcus epidermidis in 2 (11.76%), and Streptococcus Group D in 1 (5.88%). Candida was the only specie found in yeast. Acinetobacter was found highly resistant to all antibiotics except doxycycline, colistin and polymixin-b. Pseudomonas was sensitive to all the antibiotics except to ceftazidime (100% resistant). Klebsiella and MRSA showed high resistance to all the tested antibiotics. Conclusion: Gram-negative was the most common isolated bacteria from ETT tips and tracheal aspiration. Moreover, the specific isolates pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility showed a high resistance to widely used antibiotics.

Prevalência e perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos de microrganismos isolados de secreções de pele em um hospital escola

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência e perfil de resistência dos microrganismos isolados de secreções de pele e tecidos moles. Este tipo de estudo, pelo que é de nosso conhecimento, foi o primeiro realizado neste hospital com período de quatro anos e elevado número de amostras. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo observacional retrospectivo de culturas de infecções de pele coletadas em hospital escola terciário, no período de janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2017. Os testes de identificação dos microrganismos e perfil de sensibilidade foram efetuados por meio de sistemas convencionais e automatizados (Vitek® 2 – bioMérieux). RESULTADOS: No período deste estudo, 675 amostras resultaram positivas, sendo Staphylococcus aureus (118; 17,48%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (106; 15,70%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (65; 9,63%) e Escherichia coli (60; 8,89%) os microrganismos predominantes. Em relação à Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 53,77% das cepas apresentaram resistência ao imipenem e 44,34% ao meropenem. As opções terapêuticas para o tratamento das infecções causadas por esse microrganismo são limitadas. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil epidemiológico dos agentes envolvidos é similar ao citado na literatura internacional, o que diferencia é o perfil de sensibilidade. Fato que necessita monitoramento é que Pseudomonas aeruginosa ocupou o segundo lugar na etiologia e apresentou significativa resistência frente aos carbapenêmicos.

Retrospective and prospective study of surgical site infection, associated risk factors and profile of causative micro-organisms in laparotomy wounds

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI), is a major complication of surgery and third most commonly reported nosocomial infection. SSI increase length of stays in hospital, costs of health care and morbidity and mortality of patients. This study aims to determine the incidence, associated risk factors and type of pathogenic organisms causing laparotomy wound infection. Methods: This study was done on 200 patients who underwent elective and emergency laparotomy. Diagnosis of wound infection was clinical. Discharge from all wounds was subjected to microbiological analysis.Results: The incidence of SSI following laparotomies is 25%. Risk factors being emergency laparotomy, dirty wound, male sex, increased age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, haemoglobin < 10 gm %, albumin < 3gm/dl, duration of surgery > 2hrs. Most common organism isolated was E. coli.Conclusion: In handling laparotomy cases all aseptic precautions should be maintained, risk factors should be identified early and infections should be treated as per culture sensitivity pattern.

Soluble arabinoxylans extracted from soft and hard wheat show a differential prebiotic effect in vitro and in vivo

Arabinoxylans (AX) are part of dietary fiber. They are currently under study due to their potential prebiotic effect. Wheat whole grain flours contain all the grain layers and, therefore, present a higher arabinoxylan content than white flour. It is known that the chemical structure of these compounds varies with the type of wheat cultivar and the tissue from which they are extracted. In this work, water soluble extractable arabinoxylans (WE-AX) from two types of wheat whole flours (hard and soft) were extracted. We characterized the molecular size distribution and the potential prebiotic effect of those extracts. The prebiotic effect was evaluated in vitro and confirmed in vivo. Bacterial group abundance (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Bacteriodes and total bacteria) was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The molecular size of AX from hard wheats was significantly higher than AX from soft wheats. Both extracts showed potential prebiotic activity by increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria in vitro and in vivo, decreasing the pathogens in the profile of intestinal microorganisms and increasing the amount of short chain fatty acids in the intestine. WE-AX from hard wheat showed a higher prebiotic activity. Prebiotic effect assessed in vitro and in vivo assays showed a significant correlation between both types of analysis. This finding suggests that the in vitro indices performed allow predicting the potential prebiotic effect in vivo.

PROFILE OF MICROORGANISMS CAUSING VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN REPRODUCTIVE WOMEN AT DR. PIRNGADI HOSPITAL IN MEDAN

Leucorrhoea or Fluor albus or leukorrhea vaginal discharge is the discharge of fluid other than blood from the vaginal canal out of the ordinary, either smelling or not, and accompanied by local itching. There are two factors that cause leucorrhoea, namely endogenous factor such as abnormalities in the vagina and exogenous factor which are infection and non-infection. The aim of this study is to find the profile of microorganisms causing vaginal discharge in reproductive women. This is a descriptive study with cross-sectional method conducted at the Skin and Genital Polyclinic of the Sexually Transmitted Infectious Disease Division and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Pirngadi Hospital, Medan. Populations that have met the inclusion and exclusion criterias were included in the study. Vaginal discharge samples will be sent to the microbiology laboratory and the parasitology laboratory of faculty medicine of University of North Sumatera to examine the gram staining, KOH staining, bacterial and fungal cultures and wet preparations for parasites. Out of a total of 50 people, the majority of the sample are in aged 31-40 years, with a history of high school education and working women. The most types of vaginal discharge are pathological (84%) and the most common cause of vaginal discharge is a fungal infection by Candida sp (90%) followed by bacterial infection by Staphylococcus aureus (64.8%) and Klebsiella (20.3%)

Metabolic Remodeling during Long-Lasting Cultivation of the Endomyces magnusii Yeast on Oxidative and Fermentative Substrates

In this study, we evaluated the metabolic profile of the aerobic microorganism of Endomyces magnusii with a complete respiration chain and well-developed mitochondria system during long-lasting cultivation. The yeast was grown in batches using glycerol and glucose as the sole carbon source for a week. The profile included the cellular biological and chemical parameters, which determined the redox status of the yeast cells. We studied the activities of the antioxidant systems (catalases and superoxide dismutases), glutathione system enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and reductase), aconitase, as well as the main enzymes maintaining NADPH levels in the cells (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP+-isocitrate dehydrogenase) during aging of Endomyces magnusii on two kinds of substrates. We also investigated the dynamics of change in oxidized and reduced glutathione, conjugated dienes, and reactive oxidative species in the cells at different growth stages, including the deep stationary stages. Our results revealed a similar trend in the changes in the activity of all the enzymes tested, which increased 2–4-fold upon aging. The yeast cytosol had a very high reduced glutathione content, 22 times than that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and remained unchanged during growth, whereas there was a 7.5-fold increase in the reduced glutathione-to-oxidized glutathione ratio. The much higher level of reactive oxidative species was observed in the cells in the late and deep stationary phases, especially in the cells using glycerol. Cell aging of the culture grown on glycerol, which promotes active oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, facilitated the functioning of powerful antioxidant systems (catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione system enzymes) induced by reactive oxidative species. Moreover, it stimulated NADPH synthesis, regulating the cytosolic reduced glutathione level, which in turn determines the redox potential of the yeast cell during the early aging process.

BOS Kültür Antibiyogram Sonuçları ve Olası Enfeksiyon Nedenleri

Amaç: Merkezi sinir sistemi infeksiyonları tüm dünyada morbidite ve mortaliteye neden olan ciddi enfeksiyonlar olup erken tanı, erken ve uygun antibiyotik tedavisi ile mortalitesi ve morbiditesi azaltılabilen bir hastalık grubudur. Ampirik antibiyotik tedavisi beyin omurilik sıvısının (BOS) mikrobiyolojik inceleme sonuçlarına göre başlanmalı, kültür antibiyogram sonuçlarına göre düzenlenmelidir. Hastanelerdeki mikroorganizmaların direnç profilinin belirli aralıklarla gözden geçirilmesi etkin tedavinin erken başlamasını sağlayabilecektir. Yöntem: Çalışma için 167 BOS kültür antibiyogram sonucu değerlendirildi. BOS kültürü alınan hastalar retrospektif olarak değerlendirilip hastaların yaşı, cinsiyeti, tanısı, uyruğu, yattığı veya başvurduğu birim, kültür örneğinin alındığı tarih ve kültür sonuçları kaydedildi. Bulgular: Kültür sonuçlarının %19,6’sında üreme varken, %81,4’ünde üreme olmadı. Kültürde üreme saptanan hastaların %41.9’nda gram negatif mikroorganizma, %51,6’sında gram pozitif mikroorganizma ve %6,4’nde mantar üremesi saptandı. En sık üreyen etken koagulaz negative stafilokoklar iken en sık BOS kültüründe üreme nedeni şant enfeksiyonları olarak belirlendi. Sonuç: Çalışmamızda üreyen mikroorganizmaların çoğu sağlık bakım ilişkili enfeksiyon etkenleri olup antibiyotik direncinin yüksek olduğu, yoğun bakım ve şant kaynaklı enfeksiyonların daha uzun süre tedavi gerektirdiği görülmüştür.

Numerical study of bioconvection flow of nanofluids using non-Fourier’s heat flux and non-Fick’s mass flux theory

The characteristics of buoyancy-driven convection of nanofluid stream containing motile gyrotactic micro-organisms over a continuous heated surface are explored. The benefits of including micro-organisms to the suspension incorporate micro-scale mixing and foreseen enhanced stability of nanofluid. For heat transfer and mass transfer processes, non-Fourier’s heat flux theory and non-Fick’s mass flux theory are employed. This theory is actively under investigation to resolve some drawbacks of the famous Fourier’s Law and Fick’s Law. The modified parameters in conventional laws are thermal and solutal relaxation times, respectively. The governing equations are remodeled using appropriate similarity transformations into a system of coupled ordinary differential equations. Finite Element Methodology is used to obtain the solution of nonlinear coupled differential equations. The governing equations are associated with dimensionless parameters like [Formula: see text]. The influence of these parameters is analyzed graphically on velocity, temperature profile, concentration profile and density of micro-organisms. The computational results obtained reveal that the temperature profile and concentration profile have an inverse relationship with thermal relaxation and solutal relaxation time, respectively. Furthermore, the velocity increases with increasing values of the Richardson number, while a reverse pattern is observed for bioconvection Rayleigh number and Buoyancy ratio parameter.

Recognizing the Effect of Ecosystem Disruption on Human Health and Neurodevelopment.

The topics of climate change and ecosystem disruption are at the forefront of global discussion. Accordingly, there is a sense of urgency among citizens, environmental experts, and political leaders for action and policy change. While the effect of a changing climate on the environment is well recognized, its impact on the human body has not been sufficiently described. In our review, we will attempt to outline some of these effects. We will discuss how the recent surge of immunologic disease may be related to the changing profile of microorganisms and antigens in our every-day environment. We will explore how the introduction of antibiotics may result in an altered gut microbiome, and subsequently abnormal neurodevelopment. Finally, we will discuss a possible link between chemical preservatives and neoplastic disease.

Modified clays alter diversity and respiration profile of microorganisms in long-term hydrocarbon and metal co-contaminated soil.

SummaryClays and surfactant‐modified clays (organoclays) are becoming popular as pollutant sorbents due to their high reactivity and low‐cost availability. However, the lack of field testing and data on ecotoxicity limits their application. Considering such aspects, this study assessed the impact of clay amendments to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)/cadmium (Cd)‐contaminated soil on microbial respiration profiles (active vs. inactive cells) using redox staining and the relative abundance and diversity of bacteria and archaea. These clay products are bentonite, cationic surfactant‐modified bentonite and palmitic acid‐grafted surfactant‐modified bentonite). After 70 days, the addition of bentonite and its modified forms altered microbial community structure mainly among dominant groups (Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Chloroflexi) with effects varying depending on material loading to soil. Among amendments, fatty acid (palmitic acid) tailored cationic surfactant‐modified bentonite proved to be microbial growth supportive and significantly increased the number of respiration‐active microbial cells by 5% at a low dose of material (e.g. 1%). Even at high dose (5%), the similarity index using operational taxonomic units (OTUs) also indicates that this modified organoclay‐mixed soil provided only slightly different environment than control soil, and therefore, it could offer more biocompatibility than its counterpart organoclay at similar dose (e.g. cationic surfactant‐modified bentonite). This study promotes designing ‘eco‐safe’ clay‐based sorbents for environmental remediation.

Microbial Ecology Evaluation of an Iberian Pig Processing Plant through Implementing SCH Sensors and the Influence of the Resident Microbiota on Listeria monocytogenes

There is a whole community of microorganisms capable of surviving the cleaning and disinfection processes in the food industry. These persistent microorganisms can enhance or inhibit biofilm formation and the proliferation of foodborne pathogens. Cleaning and disinfection protocols will never reduce the contamination load to 0; however, it is crucial to know which resident species are present and the risk they represent to pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, as they can be further used as a complementary control strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the resident surface microbiota in an Iberian pig processing plant after carrying out the cleaning and disinfection processes. To do so, surface sensors were implemented, sampled, and evaluated by culture plate count. Further, isolated microorganisms were identified through biochemical tests. The results show that the surfaces are dominated by Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., different enterobacteria, Mannheimia haemolytica, Rhizobium radiobacter, Staphylococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds. Moreover, their probable relationship with the presence of L. monocytogenes in three areas of the plant is also explained. Further studies of the resident microbiota and their interaction with pathogens such as L. monocytogenes are required. New control strategies that promote the most advantageous profile of microorganisms in the resident microbiota could be a possible alternative for pathogen control in the food industry. To this end, the understanding of the resident microbiota on the surfaces of the food industry and its relation with pathogen presence is crucial.

Microbiological Quality and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Microorganisms Associated with Stored Vegetables in Port Harcourt

Aim: Vegetables are good sources of nutrients such as minerals, oil, vitamins and carbohydrates and are used in preparing different delicacies such as soups and salads. This study was aimed at investigating the microbiological quality and antibiotic resistance pattern of microorganisms associated with stored vegetables in raffia baskets.&#x0D; Methodology: The vegetables were obtained from the Nigerian Stored Products Research institute (NSPRI) farm in Port Harcourt. Ten grams (10 g) each of fresh vegetables were homogenized differently in 90ml of sterile diluent. Aliquot (0.1 ml) of 10-3 and 10-5 dilutions of each vegetable sample was plated on nutrient agar plates and incubated at 37ºC for 24hours. Identified isolates were standardized using the 0.5 McFarland standard. This was done by transferring colonies of the test isolates into sterile 4 mL normal saline and comparing the turbidity of the isolate in the test tubes with the already prepared 0.5 McFarland. The disc diffusion method was used in determining the susceptibility pattern of the microorganisms against the antibiotics. In this method, the standardized inoculums were seeded aseptically on freshly prepared Mueller Hinton agar plates. Whatman discs which have been impregnated with different concentrations of the antibiotics were placed on the seeded plates and incubated at 37ºC for 18-24 hours. &#x0D; Results: Zones of clearance or inhibition on plates were recorded. The genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Bordetella, Staphylococcus, Myroides, Escherichia, Serratia, Micrococcus and Acetobacter were identified as predominant microbes from the vegetables.&#x0D; Conclusion: Despite the high level of resistance to the antibiotics, Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin were the most effective and preferred drugs of choice for treatment of infections arising from the consumption of these vegetables. Adequate heating and blanching of vegetables is required at all times to prevent food poisoning.

Relationship between soil chemical properties and microbial metabolic patterns in intensive greenhouse tomato production systems

ABSTRACT Intensive greenhouse production involving excessive fertilizer and organic manure application rates may affect soil chemical and biological quality. Soil samples from 50 commercial greenhouses for tomato production in northern China were collected for the evaluation of the status of soil fertility and identification of the soil chemical factor that exerts the strongest influence on microbial functional diversity. The soil total nitrogen content showed high soil fertility and was 68% higher than 1000 mg kg−1 and 14% higher than 1500 mg kg−1. Differential soil pH values caused statistically significant shifts in microbial metabolic activity (average well color development, AWCD) and Shannon’s diversity index using BiologTM ECO plates assay. The highest soil microbial functional diversity was observed at near neutral pH values. When individual data points were plotted against soil organic matter (SOM), significant positive associations with soil microbial biomass nitrogen and AWCD were observed. The canonical correspondence analysis confirmed that shifts in the soil microbial functional diversity were associated with changes in pH, total nitrogen, and SOM. This study indicated that excessive fertilization changed the community-level physiological profile of the soil microorganisms, and this effect can be a consequence of changes in soil pH under intensive greenhouse management.

Microorganisms Profile and Antibiotics Sensitivity Patterns in the Only Medical Intensive Care Unit in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Treatment of critically ill patients entails a great risk for intrahospital infections. Systematic monitoring of intrahospital infection data is a widely used practice in developed countries, while in developing and underdeveloped countries these data are scarce. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a developing country, precise data cannot be found; hence, this study was created with the aim to monitor the profile and resistance patterns of microorganisms isolated from patients being treated in the only medical intensive care unit (MICU) in the country. This is a retrospective observational study of microorganisms isolated from all patients treated at MICU in the University Clinical Center of Republic of Srpska from January 1 through December 31, 2017. Analysis of all samples was performed using standardized microbiological procedures, while sensitivity to antimicrobials was performed using the disk diffusion method. One thousand six hundred twenty-five samples were taken from 633 critically ill patients and sent off for analysis; 572 were positive for bacteria (35.2%). Gram-negative bacteria were isolated more frequently (65.2%), specifically Acinetobacter baumannii (25.5%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (10.8%). A. baumannii was resistant to all antibiotics except for colistin, to which it was highly sensitive (99.7%). It was moderately sensitive (76%) to rifampicin. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococci were the most prevalent Gram-positive bacteria (15%, 7.3%, and 9.2%, respectively) isolated in this study. It is clear from this study that Gram-negative bacteria are predominant in the newly established MICU. A. baumannii was found to be the most prevalent Gram-negative bacteria, and S. epidermidis was the most prevalent Gram-positive bacteria.

Antibiotic sensitivity profile and resistance of microorganisms isolated from south Indian population, a hospital based study at Velappanchavady, Chennai, India

Background: Increasing rates of antibiotic drug resistance has been noted in recent times and this adversely affects the prognosis and outcomes of patients. There is a greater need for local resistance prevalence data in order to guide empirical prescription and to identify areas in which medical need for newer antimicrobial agents is greater.Methods: A prospective hospital based observational study was carried out to determine antibiotic sensitivity profile and resistance pattern of microorganisms. Samples were collected from urinary tract infections, while cultures from blood stream infections, sputum samples and Serology. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the standard disc diffusion method. Data interpretation was based on CLSI, 2017 guidelines for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Results: The predominant isolates from the samples were, Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%) 67, K. pneumoniae (11.5%) 46, E. coli (29.4%) 118, P. aeruginosa (6%) 24. Escherichia coli, the most common causative organism showed high resistance to commonly used drugs such as Ampicillin (60.1%) 71, Amoxicillin (53.4%) 63, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (44.1%) 52 and Nalidixic acid (53.4%) 63. E. coli was found to be most sensitive to Amikacin (51.7%) 61, Piperacillin (69.5%) 82, Norfloxacin (61.9%) 73, Meropenem (76.3%) 90 and Imipenem (68.6%) 81. Klebsiella was most sensitive to 30 (65.2%) ofloxacin, 31 (67.4%) ciprofloxacin followed by 24 (52.2%) ceftriaxone and least sensitive to 7 (15.2%) Amoxicillin and 12 (26.1%) Ampicillin.Conclusions: Among commonly used antibiotics resistance to Penicillins (Ampicillin, Amoxicillin) was highest. Resistance to Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin) was seen in majority of the patients. Among broad spectrum antibiotics Imipenem, Meropenem resistance was seen in lesser proportion of the patients.

Plasmid Profile and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacteria from Abattoirs in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

Several activities occur in abattoirs including receiving, slaughtering and sale of cattle for meat protein. In rearing of these animals, antibiotics and vaccines are incorporated as part of their meals as well as in the treatment of their infections. The regular use of antibiotics leading to the increased occurrence of antibiotic resistant organisms worldwide and also from abattoir samples, has prompted the determination of plasmid profile in these microorganisms as the plasmids act as a faster means of transmission of resistance genes. This study was thus aimed at determining the plasmid profile of multi-resistant microorganisms isolated from abattoirs. Several samples including swabs from the tables, cow blood, faecal matter and service water were collected from the Iwofe, Rumuodumaya and Trans-Amadi abattoirs located within Port Harcourt City. Antibiotics including Gentamicin (10 µg), Ofloxacin (5 µg), Augmentin (30 µg), Ceftazidime (30 µg), Cefuroxime (30 µg), Nitrofurantoin (300 µg), Cefixime (5 µg) and Ciprofloxacin (5 µg) were used to determine the sensitivity pattern of the isolated microorganims.The plasmid profile of the multiple antibiotic resistant microorganisms was determined using standard microbiological procedures. From the results, gram-positive isolates of the genera Bacillus and Staphylococcus exhibited 100% resistance to Cefuroxime, Ceftazidime and Augmentin while they exhibited 100% susceptibility to Ofloxacin. The gram negative isolates including those of the genus Escherichia, Pseudomonas and Proteus exhibited 100% resistance to Cefuroxime as well as 100% susceptibility to Ofloxacin. Strains of Escherichia coli, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus flexus and Klebsiella pneumoniae lacked plasmids while strains of Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis had at least one plasmid each. The absence of plasmids in some of these isolates, indicate that their resistance may be chromosome-mediated and not plasmid-mediated. The occurrence of plasmids in multi-resistant microorganisms, poses a serious public health threat as other susceptible organisms may become resistant to the regularly used antibiotics over time.

Refactoring the Cryptic Streptophenazine Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Unites Phenazine, Polyketide, and Nonribosomal Peptide Biochemistry

The disconnect between the genomic prediction of secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential and the observed laboratory production profile of microorganisms is well documented. While heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) is often seen as a potential solution to bridge this gap, it is not immune to many challenges including impaired regulation, the inability to recruit essential building blocks, and transcriptional and/or translational silence of the biosynthetic genes. Here we report the discovery, cloning, refactoring, and heterologous expression of a cryptic hybrid phenazine-type BGC (spz) from the marine actinomycete Streptomycessp. CNB-091. Overexpression of the engineered spz pathway resulted in increased production and chemical diversity of phenazine natural products belonging to the streptophenazine family, including bioactive members containing an unprecedented N-formylglycine attachment. An atypical discrete adenylation enzyme in the spz cluster is required to introduce the formylglycine moiety and represents aphylogenetically distinct class of adenylation proteins.