Serratia Spp Research Articles

The Response of Acinetobacter baumannii to Hydrogen Sulfide Reveals Two Independent Persulfide-Sensing Systems and a Connection to Biofilm Regulation.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that is the causative agent of several serious infections in humans, including pneumonia, sepsis, and wound and burn infections. A. baumannii is also capable of forming proteinaceous biofilms on both abiotic and epithelial cell surfaces. Here, we investigate the response of A. baumannii toward sodium sulfide (Na2S), known to be associated with some biofilms at oxic/anoxic interfaces. The addition of exogenous inorganic sulfide reveals that A. baumannii encodes two persulfide-sensing transcriptional regulators, a primary σ54-dependent transcriptional activator (FisR), and a secondary system controlled by the persulfide-sensing biofilm growth-associated repressor (BigR), which is only induced by sulfide in a fisR deletion strain. FisR activates an operon encoding a sulfide oxidation/detoxification system similar to that characterized previously in Staphylococcus aureus, while BigR regulates a secondary persulfide dioxygenase (PDO2) as part of yeeE-yedE-pdo2 sulfur detoxification operon, found previously in Serratia spp. Global S-sulfuration (persulfidation) mapping of the soluble proteome reveals 513 persulfidation targets well beyond FisR-regulated genes and includes five transcriptional regulators, most notably the master biofilm regulator BfmR and a poorly characterized catabolite regulatory protein (Crp). Both BfmR and Crp are well known to impact biofilm formation in A. baumannii and other organisms, respectively, suggesting that persulfidation of these regulators may control their activities. The implications of these findings on bacterial sulfide homeostasis, persulfide signaling, and biofilm formation are discussed.IMPORTANCE Although hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been known as a respiratory poison, recent reports in numerous bacterial pathogens reveal that H2S and more downstream oxidized forms of sulfur collectedly termed reactive sulfur species (RSS) function as antioxidants to combat host efforts to clear the infection. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional and proteomic response of A. baumannii to exogenous sulfide as a model for how this important human pathogen manages sulfide/RSS homeostasis. We show that A. baumannii is unique in that it encodes two independent persulfide sensing and detoxification pathways that govern the speciation of bioactive sulfur in cells. The secondary persulfide sensor, BigR, impacts the expression of biofilm-associated genes; in addition, we identify two other transcriptional regulators known or projected to regulate biofilm formation, BfmR and Crp, as highly persulfidated in sulfide-exposed cells. These findings significantly strengthen the connection between sulfide homeostasis and biofilm formation in an important human pathogen.

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Gram-negative Bacteria Isolated from Well Water in Ula-Ubie Community, Ahoada West, Nigeria

Antibiotic resistance has become a great global problem. Thus, it has emerged as a public health challenge. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria in well water was characterized with a view of determining the level of resistance in the environment. Fifty well water samples were collected from ten different points in Ula-Ubie community, Ahoda, Rivers State for a period of five months. Standard microbiological methods were used to analyse the population and types of bacteria in the water while methods recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA) was used to determine the physicochemical parameters of the samples. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the bacterial isolates was carried out using the disc diffusion methods. The total heterotrophic bacteria of the water samples ranged from 0.93±0.46 to 2.02±1.06 log10 CFU/ml. The coliform counts ranged from 0.45±0.42 - 2.55±2.33 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. Despite the variations in the counts of the different bacterial population, there was no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the different well water samples. The physicochemical parameters except the pH were all within the permissible limits. Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Serratia spp and Enterobacter spp were identified in the well water. The pH of the water stations ranged from 4.66 to 5.80. The temperature ranged from 24.0 to 24.7. The electrical conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, alkalinity, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, chloride, calcium and magnesium ranged from 22.9 – 219, 0.03-0.13, 4.50-4.90, 5.00-22.0, ˂0.01-3.00, ˂0.01, 49.6-84.5, 1.00-17.4, 3.00-24.5, 4.25-12.9 and 0,722-1.55 respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility profile showed that all the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime and augmentin, whereas Enterobacter spp were the most resistant bacteria amongst other bacterial genera to the antibiotics. Meanwhile there is an existence of multi-drug resistance. Thus, the wells could be considered not potable due to the presence of these bacterial isolates and the level of antibiotic resistant. Proper sanitation and cleanliness of well should be encouraged.

Epidemiology of urinary tract infection in South India

Urinary tract infection is one of the infectious diseases affecting both genders. The presence of drug resistant microbes in urinary tract infected cases is a major problem to solve. With this background the epidemiology of urinary tract infection among the population of Kanya kumari District, South India was traced. For the present study medical practitioners suspected cases visiting for clinical evaluation in a major clinical laboratory were chosen as samples. In a period of 6 months observation a total of 1824 cases were subjected to various clinical analysis. Among them 1029 were females and 795 were males. A clinical examination of the suspected cases showed culture positive in the samples taken from males (37.23%) and females (37.99%). The age wise study of the culture positive cases indicate that the UTI infection occurs from infants (1 month) to elderly people (90 – 100 years). In the study area the percentage of UTI is common in women in the reproductive age and post-menopausal stage. The pregnant women and newly married women in the age group 21 – 30 are more prone to UTI. The present study also reports pediatric UTI in both genders. Life Style changes, poor personal hygiene, nutritive problem, catheter use, unclean baby napkins and immune deficiency were identified as the factors favoring UTI in the study area. An analysis of UTI positive culture showed the presence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphyllococcus saprophyticus, Margonella margonii, Streptococcus sp, Staphyllococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp, Proteus vulgaris, Chromobacterium violaceum, Serratia spp and the fungi Candida sp.

Coliform count and isolation of <i>Escherichia coli</i> in fresh fruits and vegetables sold at retail outlets in Samaru, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Vegetables and fruits are commonly viewed as potential risk factors for infection with enteropathogens. One hundred and eight vegetables and fruits sold within Samaru, Zaria were cultured for coliforms and Escherichia coli using total aerobic plate and coliform counts on Nutrient and MacConkey agar plates respectively, and Eosin Methylene Blue for Escherichia coli isolation. The mean total aerobic plate count (TAPC) ranged between 1.05 ×10 11 to 1. 64 ×10 11 . The highest TAPC (1.64 ×10 11 ) was in pineapple while the lowest count (1.05 ×10 11 ) was in water melon. There was no much difference between the TAPC of lettuce (1.44 ×10 11 ) and cabbage (1.42 ×10 11 ) as well as carrot (1.37 ×10 11 ) and cucumber (1.39 ×10 11 ). Samaru market had the highest (1.56 ×10 11 ) TAPC while Suleiman market had the least (1.30 ×10 11 ). The mean coliform count (TCC) ranged from 1.28×10 9 to 3.55 ×10 9 CFU/ml. Carrot (1.28×10 9 ) had the lowest TCC while cucumber (3.55 ×10 9 ) had the highest. Others were pineapple (2.02 ×10 9 ), water melon (3.05 ×10 9 ), lettuce (3.17 ×10 9 ) and cabbage (2.72 ×10 9 ) CFU/ml. Out of 108 samples obtained, 50 (46.3%) were suspected to be E. coli with 23 (46%) yielding reactions typical of E. coli , with an overall prevalence of 21.3%. Cucumber had the highest isolation of 5 (27.8%) while the least was water melon 1 (5.6%). Other coliforms isolated were Klebsiella (8.3%), Enterobacter (7.4%), Citrobacter (5.5%), Proteus (2.7%) and Serratia (0.93%) spp. This study has demonstrated the public health significance of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables sold in the study area as they may be sources of infection to consumers especially if the produces are not properly washed or cooked. Keywords: Coliform, E.coli , Fruits, Vegetables

Microbial biodiversity as related to crop succession and potato intercropping for management of brown rot disease

Potato brown rot, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, ranked globally as the second most important bacterial plant pathogen. In the present study, the influence of different cropping programs in potato brown rot management was investigated in four infected fields in Egypt. Two districts were selected as sandy soils in Giza (Wardan) and Behera (Ganuob El-Tahrir) governorates. The other two were selected as silty clay in Minufyia (Talia) and Beni-Suef (Sids) governorates. The followed crop succession included corn, potato intercropped with cabbage, onion, cowpea, wheat, corn again, and ended by potato. The pathogen was undetectable after corn, onion, and wheat. It decreased in cowpea and cabbage rhizospheres in the clay soils. The pathogen was undetectable at all districts, except at Sids, where the pathogen was significantly decreased but was not eradicated. This was possibly attributed to the high ratio of NO3− and Na+ at this district. Decreased R. solanacearum density after corn coincided with the high ratio of fluorescent pseudomonads, endospores, and actinomycetes, being most clear in the poor soils (Wardan) and less clear under iron excess at Ganoub El-Tahrir as well as the clay soils. Corn rhizosphere supported an array of antagonistic actinomycetes such as strains similar to Streptomyces intermedius, Streptomyces albidoflavus group, Streptomyces argenteolus group, and Streptomyces erythrogriseus. Intercropping potato with cabbage decreased the density of the pathogen in rhizosphere, which is associated with greater antagonistic fluorescent pseudomonads, Bacillus spp. and Serratia spp. Onion soil and rhizosphere associated with abundance of antagonists and fluorescent pseudomonads, followed by S. maltophilia and Bacillus spp. Wheat soil and rhizosphere supported fluorescent pseudomonads and antagonistic Streptomyces spp., especially in sandy soils. The pathogen was undetectable after planting the ending potato in the three districts, Wardan, Ganoub El-Tahrir, and Talia. This was accompanied by a general oligotrophism and increased ratio of fluorescent pseudomonads, endospores bacteria, and actinomycetes along with a diversity of R. solanacearum antagonists such as S. maltophilia, Citrobacter freundii, Acinetobacter sp., Delftia sp., and Serratia marcescens.

Biosynthesis and Chaerchterization of Gold Nanoparticals by Using Local Serratia spp. Isolate

Biological sources of bacteria ,fungi, and plants are playing a major role in the reduction of metallic nanoparticles such as gold, as it attributed as an eco-friendly and contributed in application in nanotechnology. This study include the biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles using the culture supernatant of local Serratia spp. isolate. Gold(III) chloride trihydrate ( HAuCl2) in concentration1× 10-³ M added to supernatant separately. Their respective supernatants were examined for ability to produce gold nanoparticles, The events happend was in a dark place at 37Cº. After 24 h, it was observed that the color of the solutions turned from pale yellow to dark purple. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by: UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to ensure presence of different functional groups, respectively ,X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), finaly,scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to determined AuNPs size and shape. Results: The gold nanoparticles were approximatly uniform in size 57.17 nm , triangle in shape and FTIR spectra revealed the presence of various functional groups in the gold nanoparticles which were also present in the bacterial extract. Conclusion: The current approach suggests that rapid synthesis of nanoparticles would be feasible in developing a biological process for mass scale production of gold nanoparticles.

Advantage of Early Tangential Necrectomy in Extensive Pediatric Burns

Background: An extensive burn is one of the most serious injuries. The modern treatment of pediatric burns is a logical exercise in resuscitation, infection control, surgical wound care, nutrition and psychologic and physical rehabilitation. The conventional methods of local therapy, especially in extensive and deep burns, cannot prevent infection. The fact is that the necrotic burn tissue always gives rise to infection and must therefore be excised. Tangential excision is a diagnostic procedure as well as a surgical preparation of a recipient bed for skin graft. Clinical parameters of sixty extensively burned children have been evaluated, divided into two groups (surgically and non-surgically treated) and in four subgroups (under and over the 25% TBSA). The following criteria have been used to compare the results: pain, fever, body weight, duration of the hospital stay, wound infenction, laboratory values.
 Aim of research: The aim of our research was to demonstrate the efficacy of early tangential necrectomy in the treatment of extensive burns in children as well as in preventing the burn diseases.
 Material and methods: Clinical parameters of sixty extensively burned children have been evaluated, divided into two groups (surgically and non-surgically treated) and in four subgroups (under and over the 25% TBSA). The following criteria have been used to compare the results: pain, fever, body weight, duration of the hospital stay, wound infection, laboratory values.
 Results: The boys comprised 58.3% of the respondents and the girls were 41,7% of the respondents. The most common cause was the hot liquid of 73.3%, open flame 23.3% and the contact with hot metal 3.3%. The body temperature was significantly higher in control group compared to the examined group (p <0.001) significantly lower hematocrit values in the control group compared to the examined group (p = 0.002). The results show that hospitalization lasted considerably longer in patients in the control group than in the examined group (p = 0.003).
 The incidence of bacterial infection of the burns is significantly higher in control compared to the examined group of patients (p = 0.007). The most commonly isolated bacteria in the study group was Staphylococcus aureus (15/30 or 50% of all subjects). Acinetobacter spp. was isolated in 9 patients (30% of respondents). Serratia spp. And Enterococcus Foecalis were isolated in 6 patients (20%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 3 patients (10%). Three patients (10%) did not isolate any bacteria during hospitalization
 Conclusions: The method of early tangential necrectomy of extensively burned children significantly reduce morbidity and mortality (it improves the general condition of the patient, improves clinical and laboratory parameters, reduces the possibility of infection of the wound, reduces the possibility of sepsis, reduces the length of hospitalization).The most optimal time to perform an early tangential necrectomy is the period between the 4th and the 6th day after the injury. In extensively burned children over 30% of the total body surface, an early tangential necrectomy should be performed on an area of about 20% of the total body surface as a prevention of blood loss due to necrectomy and autotransplantation. With extensively burned children over 40% of the total body surface, taking homotransplants from parents or close relatives reduces morbidity and mortality.

Upland rice gas exchange, nutrient uptake and grain yield as affected by potassium fertilization and inoculation of the diazotrophic bacteria Serratia spp.

Potassium (K) is the second most uptaken nutrient by upland rice crops. Beneficial microorganisms, such as Rhizobacteria participate in different processes that affect transformation of soil nutrients, making them available to plants. However, there are no information about the use of Rhizobacteria and different rates of K fertilization in this crop. To elucidate this interaction, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of the rhizobacteria Serratia spp. strain BRM 32114 and doses of K at sowing fertilization on upland rice development. The experimental design was a complete randomized block in a factorial 4 × 2 scheme with four replications, under no-tillage systems conducted in the Brazilian Cerrado during 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing seasons. The treatments consisted of four K2O doses (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1) without or with rhizobacteria applied three times in the field (on the seeds, sprayed over the soil, seven days after sowing and sprayed on the plants, 14 days after sowing). Biomass production, gas exchange, nutrient content in leaves and grain, yield components and grain yield were evaluated. The use of BRM 32114 applied in soil with high levels of K provided increase in the contents of P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn in rice leaves. The results showed enhances in plant biomass (7.2%), the number of panicles per plant (10%), and the grain yield of upland rice (16.3%). Therefore, our results allow inferring that the use of microorganism BRM 32114 provided significant improvements in rice growth/development, which resulted in higher grain yield over two consecutive growing seasons under field conditions. It showed that the bioagent Serratia spp. is promising to be incorporated into crop systems.

Occurrence, Distribution and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Some Selected Fishes Sold in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Nigeria

Fish constitutes the cheapest source of animal protein in the world. The nutritional qualities and the shelf ability of fish can be affected due to microbial contamination after harvesting. Hence, this study is designed to investigate the microbiological analysis of fish and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolated bacteria from some selected fish sold in Bodija Market in Ibadan, Nigeria. Three different fish samples: Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Sabalo fish (Prochilodus lineatus) and Tadpole fish (Raniceps raninus) were bought from Bodija market in an ice packed bag and then transported to Microbiology laboratory for further analyses. Microbial analysis were carried out using serial dilution and pour plate methods. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern on the bacteria isolates were carried out using commercial antibiotics. E. coli, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia spp, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp were isolated. Gram negative bacteria were more susceptible to most of the antibiotics used than gram positive bacteria. E. coli showed the highest susceptibility to all the antibiotics with varied zone of inhibitions. Salmonella spp show the highest susceptibility to septrin with the lowest zone of inhibition to pefloxacin. Shigella spp had the lowest zone of inhibition to gentamycin, rocephin, septrin and erythromycin when compared to other bacterial isolates. Serratia spp exhibited highest zone of inhibition to gentamycin. Fish contamination can be averted by employing good environmental conditions and preservation methods to avoid spoilage. The antibiotics sensitivity showed that all the bacteria isolated were more susceptible to antibiotics, thereby developing a resistant strain.

Sewage sludge as a source of triclosan-resistant bacteria

Abstract Subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics and biocides in wastewaters and sewage sludge have a great impact on the development of antibiotic resistance and its spread among bacteria. The aim of this work was to determine the occurrence of coliform bacteria and enterococci resistant to biocide triclosan in samples of sewage sludge. Subsequently, isolated strains of coliform bacteria were identified and characterized in terms of their antibiotic susceptibility and ability to form a biofilm. Occurrence of the studied bacteria was monitored in three samples of stabilized sludge from three different wastewater treatment plants (Vrakuňa, Petržalka, and Senec). The number of triclosan-resistant coliforms was the highest in the sludge sample from the wastewater treatment plant in Senec and the lowest in the sludge sample from the wastewater treatment plant in Petržalka. Triclosan-resistant Enterococcus spp. were not found in any sample of stabilized sludge. Most isolates were identified as Citrobacter freundii and Serratia spp. Triclosan-resistant isolates showed also resistance to antibiotics and the majority of them were strong biofilm producers.

Bioremediation of strontium and technetium contaminated groundwater using glycerol phosphate

Groundwater at legacy nuclear facilities around the world is contaminated with radionuclides including strontium-90 and technetium-99, which are often present as co-contaminants. Here we investigated whether biostimulation of indigenous microbial communities by glycerol phosphate can co-treat 90Sr through incorporation into phosphate biominerals, and 99Tc through microbially-induced reduction of the sediment to form less mobile Tc(IV) phases via reaction with reduced species (e.g. Fe(II)). Results showed that 95% of Sr was removed from solution in sediment microcosms treated with glycerol phosphate, and sequential extraction showed that ~18% of the Sr in the resulting solid phase was associated with the pH 5 Na-acetate fraction and 75% was in the ion exchangeable fraction. This removal and partitioning to recalcitrant phases during glycerol phosphate treatment was greater than in the untreated controls, where only 60% of Sr was removed from solution, and of the solid-associated Sr, 95% was present in the exchangeable fraction. Fitting of Sr K-edge EXAFS spectra confirmed these findings, with shell by shell fitting suggesting ~30% of sediment-associated Sr was present in a coordination environment consistent with phosphate biominerals following glycerol phosphate treatment, whilst Sr was present only as outer-sphere complexes in the controls. In addition,16S rRNA sequencing of sediments stimulated with glycerol phosphate demonstrated the growth of potential phosphate-solubilising species such as Chryseobacterium and Serratia spp. Finally, glycerol phosphate treatment stimulated bioreduction via addition of electron donor in the form of glycerol to the system, in turn this stimulated the removal of 99Tc from solution concomitant with microbial Fe(III) reduction to form poorly soluble hydrous Tc(IV)O2 like phases. In sediments amended with an electron donor, the microbial community also reflected the onset of bioreduction with an increased relative abundance of Fe(III) and sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Geothrix, Geobacter and Desulfobulbus spp. Overall these results suggest application of glycerol phosphate offers a promising bioremediation strategy to co-treat both 90Sr and 99Tc contaminated groundwaters, and promotes the formation of Sr-phosphate and Tc(IV) bearing biominerals when reducing conditions are maintained. Combined with past work which shows the scavenging of uranium from solution following addition of glycerol phosphate, this extends the scope for glycerol phosphate as a treatment for radioactive contamination in groundwaters.

Monitoring for the circulation of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in poultry and wild birds in Ukraine in 2017

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the circulation of antibiotic resistant Salmonella among poultry and wild birds in Ukraine to build a basis for predicting potential epizootics and developing preventive measures. Methods & Materials: Isolation pathogens, as well as determination of the antibiotic resistance were conducted in 11 oblasts of Ukraine during 2017. In total, 1,469 samples collected from poultry, exotic, wild birds were studied using dense differential-diagnostic media, as well as nonselective and selective concentrated liquid culture media. Results: We found 150 isolates belonging to 8 families, including Enerobacteriaceae (69.05%), in poultry, exotic domestic birds; 5 of them (3.3%) were classified as Salmonella spp. Other pathogens included: Proteus spp. – 19.30%; E.coli – 7.94%; E.vulneris – 3.97%; Escherichia hermanii – 0.79%; Morganella spp. – 3.97%; Citrobacter diversus – 5.56%; Citrobacter freundii – 6.35%; Enterobacter spp. – 10.32%; Providencia spp. – 3.17%; Edwardsiella spp. – 0.79%; Serratia spp – 2.38%; Kluyvera ascorbata – 0.79%. Fifty-eight cultures, including species of Enerobacteriaceae (62.0%), were isolated from wild birds, with only one culture referred to the Salmonella spp (1.72%). The following bacteria were isolated from wild birds: Enterobacter spp. – 21.0%; Citrobacter spp.– 18.5%; Proteus spp.– 17.5%; Escherichia spp.– 12.5%; Serratia spp.– 3.5%; Morganella spp.– 3.0%; and Edwardsiella spp.– 2.0%. Five Salmonella isolates from poultry were found to be resistant to penicillines, tetracyclines, macrolides; in addition, two isolates to be also resistant to fluorophilonium, polymyxins. The culture isolated from a wild bird was resistant to macrolides, benzylpenicillin, tetracyclines. All six isolates from poultry and wild bird were sensitive to carbapenems. Conclusion: We confirmed persistence of Salmonella among poultry in spite of extensive anti-salmonella program in Ukraine. Resistance to commonly used antibiotics indicates the need for control of their use in poultry. Isolation of Salmonella from wild birds is an evidence of their role as potential reservoirs; there are need to study mechanism of antibiotic resistance and conduct risk assessment of multidrug resistance in nature.

Correlation study between urinary tract bacterial infection and some acute inflammatory responses

Background: There is no population in the world clear from urinary tract infection (UTI), especially among women. Urinary tract disease is a general term alluding to the bacterial infection anyplace in the urinary tract. It is commonly acknowledged that contamination of the upper urinary tract puts the patient in danger for kidney damage. The aim of the study was to identify the type of bacteria that cause UTI beside elevates the correlation between UTI and some inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin for the UTI among patients in various sex and age groups. Methods: The study was carried in Baghdad Teaching Hospital during July 7, 2017–October 15, 2017. A sum of 45 UTI patients and 20 control group was collected. Results: The study showed that UTI increased in female than in male with 62.2% and 37.8%, respectively, and high risk at age 30–49 years with 42.2%. The microorganisms identified in this study were Escherichia coli (42.2%), followed by Enterobacter (8.9%), Pseudomonas and Klebsiella (6.7% for each), Proteus spp and Serratia spp (4.4% for each), and mixed culture (E. coli + Proteus and E. coli + Pseudomonas with 2.2% for each one). Conclusion: This study showed highly significant correlation between CRP and bacterial isolation.

Production of a prodigious drug with anticancer and immunosuppressive properties

Prodigiosin is a tripyrrolic pigment that exhibited numerous biological activities including antibacterial, immunosuppressive and anticancer properties. Prodigiosin is reported to kill cancer cell lineages by either inducing caspases dependent apoptosis, DNA intercalation, altering cell signaling pathways or inhibiting the action of topoisomerase I/II. It has been showed cytotoxic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells, breast cancer cells and neuroblastoma cells. The present study was aimed at production of prodigiosin and exploring its applications. Peptone glycerol medium (PGM) was used to screen out red colony forming bacteria from waste coconut sample. Pigment production medium was used for production of Prodigiosin. Bacterial culture inoculated in sterile production medium and incubated at 28 ± 2°C at 300 rpm. After incubation cell pellets were harvested and lysed by acidified methanol. Prodigiosin production was confirmed by taking absorbance at 535 nm and by HPLC. On the basis of biochemical tests isolated bacteria was Serratia spp. Nutrient broth did not show accumulation of red pigment in bacterial cells but pigment production medium did. In initial experiments, maximum concentration of prodigiosin synthesized by was 2 g L-1 in pigment production medium. It also exhibited antibacterial activirty against E.coli and Bacillus subtilis. Serratia spp. and pigment production medium could be optimized for a cost effective production of this anticancer drug. The Admet properties for in-silico analysis are under process.

2448. In vitro Activity of Ceftazidime–Avibactam Against Enterobacteriaceae Causing Intra-abdominal, Urinary Tract and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Collected in Latin America as Part of the INFORM Global Surveillance Program, 2012–2016

BackgroundThe dissemination of multi-drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDR Eba) threatens the treatment of Gram-negative infections. Ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ-AVI) is a novel antimicrobial with activity against Eba producing Class A, C and some Class D β-lactamases. This study evaluates the in vitro activity of CAZ-AVI against Eba isolates from urinary tract infections (UTI), intra-abdominal infections (IAI) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) gathered in Latin America (LA) from 2012 to 2016.MethodsA total of 7,037 non-duplicate Eba were collected from UTI, IAI, or LRTI in 26 sites in 6 countries in LA, as a part of the INFORM surveillance study from 2012 to 2016. Susceptibility testing was by broth microdilution using CLSI 2018 breakpoints. CAZ-AVI was tested with a fixed concentration of 4 µg/mL avibactam. Meropenem nonsusceptibility prompted β-lactamase screening by PCR and sequencing.ResultsCAZ-AVI demonstrated potent in vitro activity against Eba from UTIs, IAIs and LRTIs (99.6%, 99.8%, and 99.5% susceptible, respectively). CAZ-AVI was active against colistin-resistant and MDR Eba as well as meropenem-non-susceptible Eba not encoding metallo-β-lactamases (96.5%, 98.4% and 99.4% susceptible, respectively) (table).PhenotypeCAZ-AVI (%Susceptible, n)All (n)UTI (n)IAI (n)LRTI (n) Eba, All99.6% (7,037)99.6% (2,918)99.8% (2,401)99.5% (1,718)CAZ-NS98.7% (2,110)98.4% (797)99.2% (709)98.5% (604)MEM-NS93.8% (372)93.2% (147)95.7% (116)92.7% (109)MEM-NS, MBL-negative99.4% (351)99.3% (138)99.1% (112)100% (101)CST-Ra96.5% (144)98.4% (63)97.3% (37)93.2% (44)MDRb98.4% (1,456)98.1% (591)98.8% (480)98.2% (385)Infection source: UTI, urinary tract; IAI, intra-abdominal tract; LRTI, lower respiratory tract. CAZ-AVI, ceftazidime–avibactam; CAZ, ceftazidime; MEM, meropenem; CST, colistin; MDR, multidrug-resistant; MBL, metallo-β-lactamase; NS, non-susceptible; R, resistant. aExcludes Proteeae and Serratia spp; CST breakpoints are by EUCAST 2018. bMDR, resistant to agents from ≥3 classes.ConclusionCAZ-AVI exhibited potent in vitro activity against Eba from UTIs, IAIs and LRTIs isolated in Latin America from 2012 to 2016 and provides a vital alternative to colistin and meropenem when MBLs are not present.Disclosures M. Estabrook, Pfizer, Inc.: Consultant, Consulting fee. IHMA, Inc.: Employee, Salary. K. Kazmierczak, Pfizer Inc.: Consultant, Consulting fee. IHMA, Inc.: Employee, Salary. G. G. Stone, Pfizer Inc.: Employee, Salary. AstraZeneca: Former Employee and Shareholder, Salary. D. Sahm, Pfizer Inc.: Consultant, Consulting fee. IHMA, Inc.: Employee, Salary.

Outbreaks of Serratia marcescens and Serratia rubidaea bacteremia in a central Kathmandu hospital following the 2015 earthquakes.

BackgroundHuman infections with Serratia spp. are generally limited to Serratia marcescens and the Serratia liquefaciens complex. There is little data regarding the infections caused by the remaining Serratia spp., as they are seldom isolated from clinical specimens.MethodsIn this health care setting in Kathmandu, Nepal routine blood culture is performed on all febrile patients with a temperature >38°C or when there is clinical suspicion of bacteremia. During 2015 we atypically isolated and identified several Serratia spp. We extracted clinical data from these cases and performed whole genome sequencing on all isolates using a MiSeq system (Ilumina, San Diego, CA, USA).ResultsBetween June and November 2015, we identified eight patients with suspected bacteremia that produced a positive blood culture for Serratia spp., six Serratia rubidaea and five Serratia marcescens. The S. rubidaea were isolated from three neonates and were concentrated in the neonatal intensive care unit between June and July 2015. All patients were severely ill and one patient died. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that six Nepalese S. rubidaea sequences were identical and indicative of a single-source outbreak.ConclusionsDespite extensive screening we were unable to identify the source of the outbreak, but the inferred timeline suggested that these atypical infections were associated with the aftermath of two massive earthquakes. We speculate that deficits in hygienic behavior, combined with a lack of standard infection control, in the post-earthquake emergency situation contributed to these unusual Serratia spp. outbreaks.

Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance Among Enterobacteriaceae Strains Isolated in an Infectious Diseases Hospital from Romania

The aim of the present study was to characterize the antibiotic resistance profile of enterobacteriaceae strains isolated in Infectious Diseases Hospital Galati, Romania, during 2016, in order to guide the local antibiotic stewardship strategy. There are 597 biological samples with positive cultures for enterobacteriaceae, related to invasive and non-invasive infections. The main bacterial genus were E. coli 62%, Klebsiella spp 15%, Proteus spp 11% and Salmonella spp 6%. Over a half of isolated strains have one or more antibiotic resistance. The resistance level depends on bacterial genus, with highest level found among the rare isolates: Enterobacter spp, Citrobacter spp, Morganella spp and Serratia spp. The rate of MDR was 17.,6% for E. coli, 40.9% for Klebsiella spp and 50.7% for Proteus spp. while the rate of strains producing Extended Spectrum of Beta Lactamase are 7.2% for E. coli, 28.4% for Klebsiella spp and 12.3% for Proteus spp. The carbapenem resistant strains were found in 1.1% cases.

Microbial load on smoked fish commonly traded in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The microbial load on smoked fish sold in Ibadan, Oyo State was studied. 64 of 4 different fish species (Mackerel ( Scomber scombrus ), Sardine ( Sardinela eba ), Panla ( Gadus morhua ) and Cat fish ( Clarias gariepinus )) were sourced from five different market locations. The microbiological analysis was done using standard microbiological procedures. The bacterial count of fish sampled from Ojo market was the highest (0.35±0.11 x 10 3 CFU/g) while the bacteria count of the fish sample from Bodija market was the lowest (0.07±0.04 x 10 3 CFU/g). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the microbial load of the various fish species sold within Ibadan metropolis as well as fish sampled from various market locations in Ibadan metropolis. Bacterial isolated on smoked fish studied were: E. coli , Salmonella spp , Klebsiella spp , Staphylococcus aureus , Aerosomonas spp , Pseudomonas spp , Vibrio spp , Serratia spp , Chromobacterium spp , Enterobacteria spp and Shigella spp. While the following fungi were isolated from the study: Aspergillus flavus , Penicillium spp , Fusarium oxysporum , Trrichoderma spp and Ceotrichium albidium . Fish species sold in different markets within Ibadan metropolis is fit for human consumption. Caution should be exercised in consuming smoked-dried fish displayed openly, reheating may be necessary to activate such micro-organisms before consumption. Keywords: bacteria, fungi, market, fish species

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Studies of Stem and Root Extracts of Crateva adansonii

Aim: This study was designed to explore the phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of the stem and root extracts of Crateva adansonii. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Iyesi village, Ota, Ogun State, and analysis carried out at Department of Chemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State and for duration of three months (November 2016 to February 2017). Methodology: Standard universal procedures were employed for both phytochemical and antimicrobial analysis. Results: The result obtained from the stem and root extracts of Crateva adansonii indicated the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. Root extract was found to be richer in source of phytochemicals when compared to the stem extract. However, the highest antibacterial activity was observed against selected bacteria by both stem and root extracts. The potency of the root extract was observed to be higher than the stem extract against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Serratia spp. Conclusion: The preliminary studies on the stem and the root of Crateva adansonii extracts revealed their antimicrobial potential which could be further investigated for global utilization in pharmaceutical treatment, natural therapies, food preservation and cosmetic applications.

Assessment of yeast biofilter in the treatment of domestic wastewater

Wastewater samples were collected from three different points in Jimeta (Nigeria). The Physicochemical, as well as microbiological analysis of the wastewater was done before and after biofiltration process. The result revealed after the biofiltration process, the pH was slightly reduced and was around neutral ; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) , dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and the nitrate content of the wastewater were drastically reduced; elements such as magnesium (Mg), sodium(Na), potassium(K) and phosphorus(K), chloride (Cl), carbonate and bicarbonate values were also reduced. Similarly, there was a decrease in the types and number or count of microorganisms’ after the biofiltration process. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia spp, Pseudomanas spp, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Bacillus cereus and the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum spp, Aspergillus flavus were completely eliminated after the biofiltration process. This shows the health and environmental implications associated with discharging untreated domestic Wastewater into the environment, which indeed therefore there is a need to ensure adequate treatment facilities for domestic wastewater.