Standard Plate Method Research Articles

Phenotypic Detection of Escherichia coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections for Cats in Babylon Provence

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common Health problem in cats, The present study aimed to isolate and diagnose Escherichia coli causing UTIs cats in Babylon province. A total of 100 urine samples suspected of having UTIs from the age group of (2 months to 3 years) were collected from different veterinary clinics in Babylon province. 50 isolated to Escherichia coli were obtained in Babylon during the period from September 2023 to April 2024. The initial diagnosis of E. coli isolates was made using culture media (MacConkey agar, methylene blue eosin and blood agar). Biochemical tests and Vitek 2 device were used to confirm the final diagnosis of the isolates. The highest number of bacterial isolates was found in female cats, more infected than male cats, The sensitivity test was performed using the Vitek device, and the resistance was as follows: ampicillin (100%), cefazolin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (70%), piperacillin, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (30%). The results of the study also showed absolute resistance to E. coli (ampicillin (100%) was the most resistant in cats as well as non-isolated resistance to piperacillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, and tigecycline. The ability to produce biofilm was revealed by two methods, the first is the standard plate method (MTB) and the second is the Congo red medium. the first method shown the Cat isolates (5 isolates were medium, 3 isolates were weak, and 2 isolates had no growth), As for the second method, all isolates appeared positive.

Bactericidal activity of preparations based on Juglans Regia against certified bacterial test cultures

Objective. To study the bactericidal activity of a number ofpreparations obtained by different technological processes from plant materials of individual parts of the Green walnuts on several certified model strains of bacteria that differ in biological diversity. To determine the disinfectant capabilities of these preparations in the absence of antagonistic and synergistic effects of the full range of mixtures of typical banal microflora of pig farms. Methods. The following methods were used: biological and botanical to determine the phase of vegetation of Juglans regia in the selection of raw materials from different parts of the plant; biochemical and chemical in the process of preparation and isolation of the active substance from these samples and their purification from ballast fiber by maceration and extraction, using a number of devices and equipment; microbiological for the preparation of standardized culture media with selective properties that correspond to the peculiarities of reproduction, development and distribution of selected model strains. Surface inoculation was performed on liquid and agar-based culture media in test tubes and Petri dishes using the standard streak plate method with a microbiological loop. Subsequently, standard incubation at 37°C for 24 hours was performed. Results. It was found that the greatest bactericidal and fungicidal activity, and therefore potential effectiveness as a possible disinfectant in organic pig production technology, was found in extracts of phytomaterials of Juglans regia L - potential disinfectants No. 2 (extractant - 5 % acetic acid, wax-ripening nut) and No. 4 (extractant - 20 % alcohol, wax ripening nut) - brought to 5 % alcohol after obtaining the primary extract. Conclusions. According to the results of studies on certified strains of microorganisms, it was found that the studied extracts have a significant effect on representatives of enterobacteria, a weak effect on spore forming bacilli. Keywords: organic pig production, bactericidal activity, phytodesinfectant, certified test cultures, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, extract, walnut.

Pathogenicity and enzyme screening of some selected non-dermatophytic moulds.

Ten non-dermatophytic moulds isolated from both symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle skin, including Penicillum citrinum, Aspergillus welwitschiae, Aspergillus aculeatus, Curvularia kusanol, Cladosporium teniussmum, Pestalotiopsis microspora, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium linchenicola, Absidia sp. and Aspergillus fumigatus, were subjected to a pathogenicity test using albino mice. These isolates were also screened for five enzymes using a standard plate method. Results from pathogenicity tests showed that Absidia sp., Cladosporium tenuissimum and Aspergillus welwitschiae were able to elicit discoloration, lesion production and alopecia on the albino mice skin, respectively, providing evidence of clinical symptoms associated with cutaneous mycoses. The enzyme screening results revealed the highest zone of activity for keratinase (65 mm), amylase (86 mm), protease (60 mm), lipase (60 mm) and cellulase (86 mm) which were observed on Pestalotiopsis microspora, Aspergillus welwitschiae, Cladosporium tenuissimum, Aspergillus welwitschiae and Aspergillus welwitschiae respectively. Pathogenicity tests showed that some of these moulds may be virulent and this can be attributed to their possession of some virulence factors, including secretion of hydrolytic enzymes.

Identification on seed associated mycoflora of sesame genotypes

Seed mycoflora of 165 genotypes of sesame in (AVTs & IVTs) were detected using seed health testing methods viz., paper towel method, standard blotter method, and standard agar plate method and six distinct fungi viz.,Alternaria, Macrophomina, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus spp. were detected. In the three methods employed to identify seed mycoflora the standard blotter method has identified the maximum number of seeds infected by fungi compared to paper towel method and standard agar plate method. After a few days of germination, it was observed that the majority of the seeds were infected with disease, which hampered normal seedling growth and resulted in abnormal and rotted seedlings.

Assessment of four in vitro phenotypic biofilm detection methods in relation to antimicrobial resistance in aerobic clinical bacterial isolates.

The lack of standardized methods for detecting biofilms continues to pose a challenge to microbiological diagnostics since biofilm-mediated infections induce persistent and recurrent infections in humans that often defy treatment with common antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate diagnostic parameters of four in vitro phenotypic biofilm detection assays in relation to antimicrobial resistance in aerobic clinical bacterial isolates. In this cross-sectional study, bacterial strains from clinical samples were isolated and identified following the standard microbiological guidelines. The antibiotic resistance profile was assessed through the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Biofilm formation was detected by gold standard tissue culture plate method (TCPM), tube method (TM), Congo red agar (CRA), and modified Congo red agar (MCRA). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 17.0, with a significant association considered at p<0.05. Among the total isolates (n = 226), TCPM detected 140 (61.95%) biofilm producers, with CoNS (9/9) (p<0.001) as the predominant biofilm former. When compared to TCPM, TM (n = 119) (p<0.001) showed 90.8% sensitivity and 70.1% specificity, CRA (n = 88) (p = 0.123) showed 68.2% sensitivity and 42% specificity, and MCRA (n = 86) (p = 0.442) showed 65.1% sensitivity and 40% specificity. Juxtaposed to CRA, colonies formed on MCRA developed more intense black pigmentation from 24 to 96 hours. There were 77 multi-drug-resistant (MDR)-biofilm formers and 39 extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-biofilm formers, with 100% resistance to ampicillin and ceftazidime, respectively. It is suggested that TM be used for biofilm detection, after TCPM. Unlike MCRA, black pigmentation in colonies formed on CRA declined with time. MDR- and XDR-biofilm formers were frequent among the clinical isolates.

A targeted liquid cultivation method for previously uncultured non-colony forming microbes

A large number of microbes are not able to form colonies using agar-plating methods, which is one of the reasons that cultivation based on solid media leaves the majority of microbial diversity in the environment inaccessible. We developed a new Non-Colony-Forming Liquid Cultivation method (NCFLC) that can selectively isolate non-colony-forming microbes that exclusively grow in liquid culture. The NCFLC method involves physically separating cells using dilution-to-extinction (DTE) cultivation and then selecting those that could not grow on a solid medium. The NCFLC was applied to marine samples from a coastal intertidal zone and soil samples from a forest area, and the results were compared with those from the standard direct plating method (SDP). The NCFLC yielded fastidious bacteria from marine samples such as Acidobacteriota, Epsilonproteobacteria, Oligoflexia , and Verrucomicrobiota . Furthermore, 62% of the isolated strains were potential new species, whereas only 10% were novel species from SDP. From soil samples, isolates belonging to Acidobacteriota and Armatimonadota (which are known as rare species among identified isolates) were exclusively isolated by NCFLC. Colony formation capabilities of isolates cultivated by NCFLC were tested using solid agar plates, among which approximately one-third of the isolates were non-colony-forming, approximately half-formed micro-colonies, and only a minority could form ordinary size colonies. This indicates that the majority of the strains cultivated by NCFLC were previously uncultured microbial species unavailable using the SDP method. The NCFCL method described here can serve as a new approach to accessing the hidden microbial dark matter.

An Excel-based Calculator for Measuring Bacterial Concentration

It is essential to know the initial bacterial count in microbiological studies. The classical plate count method is one of the most reliable methods. However, it is time-consuming. This study offers a fast method based on turbidity. This study describes how to create a calculator to be used for calculation of the bacteria concentration with spectrophotometric data in Excel 2010. In the study, McFarland standard and spread plate methods were used as standards for the control of spectrophotometric measurements. Bacteria used in the experiment were grown in suitable media and spectrophotometric measurements were performed. Then, using the Excel application, a calculator was created with a bio analytical approach to determine the linear relationship between turbidity and bacterial count. Bacteria counts were calculated by entering the absorbance data into the calculator, and the results were verified using cultural methods. As a result, an Excel-based calculator was created that can be used to calculate the number of bacteria from broth media.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aerial Part Extract of the Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. Plant and Their Biological Activity

Green syntheses of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts as effective sources of reductants and stabilizers have attracted decent popularity due to their non-toxicity, environmental friendliness and rapid nature. The current study demonstrates the ecofriendly, facile and inexpensive synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AP-AgNPs) using the extract of aerial parts of the Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. plant (AP). Herein, the aerial parts extract of AP performed a twin role of a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The green synthesized AP-AgNPs were characterized by several techniques such as XRD, UV-Vis, FT-IR, TEM, SEM and EDX. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of as-prepared AP-AgNPs were examined by a standard two-fold microbroth dilution method and tissue culture plate methods, respectively, against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and fungal species such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) and Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains. The antimicrobial activity results clearly indicated that the Gram-negative bacteria MDR-PA was most affected by AgNPs as compared to other Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi C. albicans. Whereas, in the case of antibiofilm activity, it has been found that AgNPs at 0.039 mg/mL, inhibit biofilms formation of Gram-negative bacteria i.e., MDR-PA, E. coli, and MDR-AB by 78.98 ± 1.12, 65.77 ± 1.05 and 66.94 ± 1.35%, respectively. On the other hand, at the same dose (i.e., 0.039 mg/mL), AP-AgNPs inhibits biofilm formation of Gram-positive bacteria i.e., MRSA, S. aureus and fungi C. albicans by 67.81 ± 0.99, 54.61 ± 1.11 and 56.22 ± 1.06%, respectively. The present work indicates the efficiency of green synthesized AP-AgNPs as good antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents against selected bacterial and fungal species.

Determination of Aflatoxin Levels and Prevalence of Fungal Flora of Cwande Condiments Sold in Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Aflatoxins are group of secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species which are dangerous to humans and animals. Cwande is a local condiment that is used to add flavor to the food, it get infected with fungi and aflatoxins as a result of improper processing and storage procedures. This study aimed to determine the aflatoxin levels in Cwande condiments sold in Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria, as well as the prevalence of fungal flora. Twenty (20) dried processed samples from four different collection points in Zuru central market were chosen at random and placed in brand-new polythene bags. Fungi were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar by Standard Dilution Plate method. Aflatoxin was determined using the ELISA method, which is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Five fungal species were isolated and identified as Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium Oxysporum. Fungal species were present in varying degrees, from 9.09% to 39.39%. Aflatoxins varied from 2.539 to 2.546 in all samples. These results led to the discovery that the commercially available Cwande in the Zuru central market was tainted with various fungal species, including aflatoxigenic ones. All of the samples tested positive for aflatoxin according to the analysis, however none of them had levels that exceeded the 10g/kg maximum permissible limit for humans stipulated by the EU and NAFDAC. More research should be conducted in order to determine the nutritional and anti-nutritional components of the regional condiment (Cwande).

Effects of DNA extraction methods on the real time PCR quantification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari in chicken feces and ceca contents

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was coupled with a DNA extraction to enumerate Campylobacter spp. from poultry gastrointestinal tract samples. Three experiments were conducted that included: 1) Development of a DNA standard curve related to bacterial DNA primers; 2) Design of a cell/genomic DNA extraction protocol to isolate Campylobacter spp. DNA from complex samples such as poultry feces; and 3) Comparison of PCR quantification to standard plate count methodology. The standard curve using primers for Campylobacter spp. was created for DNA extracted from environmental isolates with a linear range (R2 > 0.95) and with a high specificity for C. coli and C. jejuni recovered from poultry, swine and laboratory isolates. A 2-step extraction process of bacterial DNA from poultry feces was developed in which the cells were first concentrated using a gradient-centrifugation step followed by comparison of 4 DNA extraction methods. Two commercial DNA extraction methods (Zymo Research Quick DNA, and Invitrogen magnetic separation), a traditional phenol-chloroform DNA extraction method using proteinase K to inactivate DNAses, and an in-house isolation method for DNA extraction based on chaotropic salts were used. The middle gradient layer recovered 89% to 98% of the bacteria cells from the sample, with recovery dependent upon the Campylobacter genus. The 4 DNA extractions methods recovered 112 to 302 ug/nL of DNA. Finally, the qPCR and standard plate methods were highly correlated for enumerating Campylobacter spp. in the 2.0 to 8.0-log CFU range. Analyses of the results from this study demonstrate that the combination of the standard curve for Campylobacter spp. DNA primers, the gradient cell concentration method and DNA extraction techniques with qPCR can be used to enumerate Campylobacter spp. from poultry samples with findings similar those of traditional plate count methodology.

Investigating the Role of Antibiotics on Induction, Inhibition and Eradication of Biofilms of Poultry Associated Escherichia coli Isolated from Retail Chicken Meat.

Widespread use of antibiotics as growth promoters and prophylactic agents has dramatic consequences for the development of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we investigated effects of selected antibiotics on bacterial biofilms and performed extensive antibiotic and VF profiling of poultry-meat associated E. coli strains. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by a disc diffusion method, followed by molecular screening of resistance and virulence determinants. Further biofilm formation assays, MIC-p, MIC-b, MBIC and MBEC, were performed using standard tissue culture plate method. In total, 83 (75%) samples were confirmed as E. coli from poultry sources, 26 different antibiotics were tested, and maximum numbers of the isolates were resistant to lincomycin (100%), while the least resistance was seen against cefotaxime (1%) and polymyxin B (1%). Overall, 48% of the isolates were ESBL producers and 40% showed carbapenemase activity; important virulence genes were detected in following percentages: fimH32 (39%), papC21 (25%), iutA34 (41%), kpsMT-II23 (28%), papEF9 (11%), papGII22 (27%) and fyuA13 (16%). Colistin showed remarkable anti-biofilm activity, while at sub-MIC levels, gentamicin, ceftriaxone and enrofloxin significantly (p &lt; 0.01) inhibited the biofilms. A strong induction of bacterial biofilm, after exposure to sub-minimal levels of colistin clearly indicates risk of bacterial overgrowth in a farm environment, while use of colistin aggravates the risk of emergence of colistin resistant Enterobacteriaceae, a highly undesirable public health scenario.

Detection and quantification of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infestation of canola petals using a clearing and staining technique

Petal testing can be used to determine the presence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum inoculum during canola flowering as an indicator of disease risk and the potential need for fungicide application. Traditionally, the culture plate method has been used to test petals, but this takes up to 7 days to obtain results, which is a drawback in terms of making timely fungicide use decisions. Therefore, the availability of a simple, faster detection technique for S. sclerotiorum infected canola petals would be an advantage. We have documented and compared a canola petal clearing and staining technique with the standard culture plate method to study sclerotinia ascospore infestation. The staining technique was found to be a rapid, simple and reliable method compared to the traditional culture plate system.

Encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Using Milk Protein-Based Delivery Systems: Effects of Reaction Temperature and Holding Time on Their Physicochemical and Functional Properties.

Microencapsulation is a protective process for materials that are sensitive to harsh conditions encounted during food manufacture and storage. The objectives of this research were to manufacture a milk protein-based delivery system (MPDS) containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) using skim milk powder and to investigate the effects of manufacturing variables, such as reaction temerpature and holding time, on the physiccohemical properties of MPDS and viability of LGG under dairy food processing and storage conditions. MPDS was prepared using chymosin at varing reaction temperatures from 25°C to 40°C for 10 min and holding times from 5 to 30 min at 25°C. The morphological and physicochemical properties of MPDS were evaluated using a confocal laser scanning microscope and a particle size analyzer, respectively. The number of viable cells were determined using the standard plate method. Spherical-shaped MPDS particles were successfully manufactured. The particle size of MPDS was increased with a decrease in reaction temperature and an increase in holding time. As reaction temperature and holding time were increased, the encapsulation efficiency of LGG in MPDS was increased. During pasteurization, the use of MPDS resulted in an increase in the LGG viability. The encapsulation of LGG in MPDS led to an increase in the viability of LGG in simulated gastric fluid. In addition, the LGG viability was enhanced with an increase in reaction temperature and holding time. In conclusions, the encapsulation of LGG in MPDS could be an effective way of improving the viability of LGG during pasturization process in various foods.

Bioprospecting of insect nest associated actinobacteria with special reference to antimicrobial and anti HIV activity

The present study attempted to explore actinobacteria from different insect nest samples for antimicrobial activity. Totally, 43 actinobacterial colonies were recovered from ant nest, termite nest, wasp nest and blanket worm nest samples by adopting standard spread plate method. Screening of antimicrobial properties of actinobacterial strains was determined by agar plug method. Two actinobacterial strains AN1 and AN5 showed promising activity (14-18 mm inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Both the strains produced antimicrobial compound earlier on ISP2 agar when compared to ISP2 broth. Crude extracts from the strains AN1 and AN5 were produced by adopting agar surface fermentation and extracted using ethyl acetate. Based on the studied phenotypic characteristics, actinobacterial strains AN1 and AN5 isolated from ant nest were identified as Streptomyces sp. In addition to antimicrobial activity, extracts also showed anti-HIV activity. This study concluded that insect nest is a promising source for bioactive actinobacteria. Two potential Streptomyces sp. AN1 and AN5 isolated from ant nest will be promising sources for antimicrobial metabolites against drug resistant bacteria, retrovirus and mycobacterial pathogens.

Water quality assessment of Ntawogba Stream in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Ntawogba stream is one of the natural water bodies that drain the marshy swamp forest water from Port Harcourt municipality into Amadi Creek which empties into the Bonny estuary. Water quality assessment was carried out for three consecutive months (July - September) across three sampling points (upstream, midstream, and downstream). The physical parameters pH, temperature, EC, and turbidity were measured in-situ. The concentration of the anions Cl-, NO3- and PO42- were determined using standard analytical methods according to APHA 1998. TSS and TDS were determined gravimetrically while the levels of Mg and Ca were determined titrimetrically. Spectroscopic analysis was carried out for nine heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, and Pb) using AAS. The microbial population was measured by the standard plate method using nutrient agar. Pearson correlation coefficients provided considerable insight into the water quality of this stream and the correlation between the various parameters. High correlation coefficients are observed between parameters. ANOVA results showed that there was no significant difference in the mean values of the parameters for the period of study. Ntawogba stream is highly polluted and there is an urgent need to address this problem to protect the water body, maintain good water quality and enhance its use. Key words: Bonny estuary, heavy metals, microbial population, Ntawogba stream, pollution, Pearson correlation, water quality.

Diversity of seed borne Mycota associated with finger millet and their effects on seed germination and seedling vigour

The finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) seeds are found to be heavily infested with variety of fungi. These associated fungi are known to deteriorate the seeds and seed contents. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of some dominant seed borne fungi of finger millet on seed germination and seedling vigour.Seven dominant fungi were found associated with finger millet seeds. Analysis of seed borne fungi by standard blotter paper method and agar plate method showed that species of Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvularia and Aspergillus are the dominant genera. Maximum reduction in seed germination and seedling vigour was caused by species of Aspergillus in seed inoculation and culture filtrate method. Thus, the associated fungal pathogens with finger millet seeds demonstrates that the seeds are a major source of transmissions of pathogens, which might have adverse effect at seedling and adult stage of plants.

Screening of Microflora Associated with Brinjal Seeds (Solanum melongena L.) in Western Part of India

Total 110 seed samples of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) were collected from 12 major growing districts of Rajasthan and subjected to dry seed examination (DSE). DSE revealed asymptomatic (07.75-97.5%), moderately discolored (04.50-67.50%) and shriveled discolored (03.25-38.75%) seeds. Symptomatic seeds in DSE showed various types of discolorations, deformation like white crust on seed surface. The seeds with water soaked symptoms and spots on seed surface were also observed such seeds on incubation yielded bacterial species. The incubation of symptomatic seeds about 21 fungal species of 14 genera and 3 bacterial species were observed viz. Alternaria alternata, A. solani, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium oxysporium, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporium, F. solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Rhizopus nigricans etc and bacterial species like Xanthomonas axonopodis var. vesicatoria, Ralstonia solanacearum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The microflora severely affects seed germination (failure or delayed germination), wilting and rotting of seedlings, bacterial oozing, collapse of hypocotyls and cotyledonary leaves which resulting seedling mortality. High yield of microflora was obtained on standard blotter method (SBM) and agar plate method (APM). &#x0D;

MPN Drop Agar Method for Determination of Heterotrophic Microorganisms in Soil and Water Samples Using Tissue Plate as a Carrier

The most probable number (MPN) method is a culture-based method commonly used in the field of environmental microbiology to examine microbial populations in liquid substrates. The MPN tests require a wide range of special laboratory equipment, a lot of laboratory space, and skilled staff, which together limit their applicability. This paper presents a modified MPN method, which reduces the experimental requirements by applying tissue plate as a carrier. The modified MPN method introduces a fast-filled tissue plate with 5 × 5 squares as agar carrier, instead of the commonly used set of glass tubes. Further, self-refilling automatic syringe Socorex® was implemented to apply samples to the plate. The response of the modified MPN method was tested on eight selected bacterial strains as well as on soil and water samples. Simultaneously, all the strains and samples were tested by standard spread plate method. High linear correlation between the two methods was found, which makes a new modified MPN method a useful alternative within the field of environmental microbiology.

A novel image cytometry-based Lactobacillus bacterial enumeration method for the production of kettle sour beer

The demands for a variety of craft beer flavors have been increasing in the United States. To meet this rising demand, breweries have been experimenting with kettle sour beer that utilizes lactic acid-producing bacteria for fermentation. The current standard bacterial quantification method is insufficient for rigorous quality control, thus there is a need for a better method to monitor lactobacilli concentration in a kettle sour environment. In this work, an automated Lactobacillus counting method was developed using fluorescence-based image cytometry. Three commonly used species were cultured, the concentrations were measured using image cytometry and evaluated against the standard spread-plating method. This procedure was undertaken in vitro at different dilutions and the method was repeated with two species in a kettle sour environment at different time points. Both the in vitro and fermentation experiments were repeated three times. Results demonstrated that the new method was not significantly different when compared to the standard plating method in either controlled settings or within the kettle sour fermentation. The proposed method provides a rapid tool to monitor and control lactobacilli growth in kettle sour beer production, and allows for standardization of the products due to the availability of near instantaneous information for quality control.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Biofilm-Forming Capabilities are not Predictable from Clinical Details or from Colonial Morphology.

Antibiotic resistance is increasing to an extent where efficacy is not guaranteed when treating infection. Biofilm formation has been shown to complicate treatment, whereby the formation of biofilm is associated with higher minimum inhibitory concentration values of antibiotic. The objective of the current paper was to determine whether biofilm formation is variable among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates and whether formation is associated with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), and whether it can be predicted by phenotypic appearance on culture medium A total of 62 E. coli isolates that were reported as the causative agent of UTI were studied (33 from patients denoted as having recurrent UTI and 29 from patients not specified as having recurrent UTI). The biofilm forming capability was determined using a standard microtitre plate method, using E. coli ATCC 25922 as the positive control. The majority of isolates (93.6%) were found to be biofilm formers, whereby 81% were denoted as strong or very strong producers of biofilm when compared to the positive control. Through the use of a Wilcox test, the difference in biofilm forming propensity between the two patient populations was found to not be statistically significant (p = 0.5). Furthermore, it was noted that colony morphology was not a reliable predictor of biofilm-forming propensity. The findings of this study indicate that biofilm formation is very common among uropathogens, and they suggest that the biofilm-forming capability might be considered when treating UTI. Clinical details indicating a recurrent infection were not predictors of biofilm formation.