Stuart's Transport Medium Research Articles

Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Streptococcus mutans isolated from Dental Caries

A total of (40) oral cavity swabs were sampled from various sites of dental caries (pit, fissure and dental roots) from patients who referred to the Dental Clinic at the College of Dentistry, Aliraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq. Initially, the swabs were placed in test tubes supplied with Stuart transport medium and then distributed by streaking on semi-selective Mitis Salivaris agar medium (MSA). The findings indicated that the isolates are gram-positive cocci that are arranged in chains. The isolates were further morphologically and biochemically identified, using the VITEK instrument, revealing only 32.5 % (n= 13) of S. mutans. The nonthermal plasma (cold atmospheric pressure plasma; CAP) has many uses in the area of research and development of clinical application worldwide. According to the biofilm assay, all isolates showed the capability of producing biofilm, with differences in thickness of the formed layer, with 3 isolates (7.5%) forming a strong layer, 6 (15%) forming a moderate layer, and 4 (10%) forming a weak layer. The non-thermal plasma (cold atmospheric pressure plasma; CAP) has many uses in the area of research and development of clinical application worldwide.

Evaluation of microbiological contamination in the clinics of the faculty of dentistry of the university of Cuenca

Objective: To determine the bacterial load in the dental units of the undergraduate clinics and the radiology area of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Cuenca after the disinfection protocol used by the cleaning staff. Introduction: Dentistry is considered a high-risk profession for that reason people who are part of the work team and the patients are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms. For this reason, it is too important and necessary to establish asepsis, antisepsis and biosafety protocols in order to reduce and prevent contamination and proliferation. Materials and methods: A total number of 13 different surfaces were evaluated for the collection of the sample, the sterile Stuart transport medium was used to subsequently seed it in the blood agar media. Results: At 48 hours there was no growth of colonies, however at 96 hours the following colonies were obtained: Adult clinic (Bacillus spp: 4000 CFU/ML), child clinic (Bacillus spp: 2000 CFU/ML, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus: 1000 UFC/ML) and radiology (Bacillus spp: 1000 CFU/ML). Conclusions: The cleaning and disinfection protocols used in the clinics and radiology service of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Cuenca are not enough to kill microorganisms completely. Although the CFUs were relatively lower compared to other studies, it is still a predisposing factor for infections in patients, operators, teachers and even cleaning staff.

SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS: PREVALENCE, ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF THE BACTERIAL ISOLATES AMONG POSTOPERATIVE PATIENTS IN SANA’A, YEMEN

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that occur one month after a surgical operation or one year after implant surgery and a surgical procedure, either at the injury site or near the injury site. Despite SSIs are still a major problem causing increased morbidity and mortality globally, especially in developing countries, there is a dearth of information in Yemen. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of SSIs, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the bacterial isolates among post-operative patients in public and private hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out on 309 postoperative patients, aged one year and over that underwent surgery in selected public and private hospitals between January 2019 and January 2020 in Sana’a. Patients’ demographic and clinical information were assessed using an interviewer-administered, pretested, structured questionnaire. Wound swabs and aspirates were collected, placed in Stuart transport media and transferred to the Bacteriology Department of the National Center for Public Health Laboratories in Sana’a for bacterial isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.. Results: The mean age of postoperative patients was 34.0±18.3 (SD) years, age group 25-34 years was 93 (30.1%), and females were 105 (33.8%). Total 309 postoperative patients, 98 (31.7%) presented with SSI. Having postoperative antibiotics (OR=7.0, 95%CI: 4.1-12.0), dirty surgical wound (OR=10.5, 95%CI: 5.0-21.9), emergency surgery (OR=3.1, 95%CI: 1.8-5.1), amputation (OR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.1-5.7), excision (OR=2.2, 95%CI: 1.2-4.0), hospital stay > two weeks (OR=5.2, 95%CI: 2.3-11.1) and having diabetes mellitus (OR=2.2, 95%CI: 1.1-4.7) were factors significantly associated with SSIs. Conclusion: This study shows a significant proportion of SSIs among patients in Sana’a, Yemen. Being a female, having a dirty surgical wound, amputation, excision, long hospital stays, diabetes mellitus, and emergency surgery appears to be the major factors associated with SSIs. The most common SSI bacterial etiology is S. aureus, sensitive to vancomycin and rifampicin. Peer Review History: Received: 10 May 2022; Revised: 12 June; Accepted: 30 June, Available online: 15 July 2022 Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bountain Welcome Tebeda,Chemical Pathology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Nigeria. bountaintebeda@yahoo.com Dr. Esther Marguerite Chase DJANGA, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Department of Public Health. University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. e.djanga@yahoo.com Similar Articles: EFFECT OF MOST COMMON ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SURGICAL WOUNDS IN ADEN GOVERNORATE HOSPITALS, YEMEN PREVALENCE OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS AT A PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN SANA'A, YEMEN

The Number and Types of Bacteria in the Bali Cattle’s Vagina during Estrus and Pregnant

Bali cattle have very good potential for meat and calf supply, because they have good adaptability with good quality reproductive properties. However, good reproductive nature is threatened by diseases caused by bacteria. This study aims to determine the number and types of bacteria in the vagina of Bali cattle that are estrus and pregnant. Sample using vaginal swabs from 30 cows. The sample consisted of 10 swabs from non-estrus and not pregnant (control / normal) cattle, 10 swabs from estrus cows, and 10 swabs from pregnant cows. After the swab is carried out using a cotton bud, the results of the swab are stored in Stuart transport media. Samples planted in blood media to be identified and the number of colonies counted, then followed by Gram staining and biochemical tests then the results were presented descriptively. The result is the highest number of estrous cow colonies (1034 colonies), compared to non-estrous and non-pregnant cows (407 colonies) and pregnant (376 colonies). This type of bacteria is dominated by Klebsiella sp. (42.85%), Eschericia coli (28.7%), Streptococcus sp. (14.28%) and Bacillus sp. (14.28%).

Scalp microbiota alterations in children with pediculosis

Pediculosis is a disease caused by the insect Pediculus humanus capitis that mainly occurs in childhood. A comparative study was carried out evaluating groups of schoolchildren with (group A) and without pediculosis (group B) to analyse the characteristics of the scalp microbiota. Samples were collected by swab using Stuart transport medium and incubate in Sabouraud dextrose agar with tetracycline to analyse the fungal microbiota and in blood agar to assess the bacterial microbiota. The isolates identity was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S and 18S regions of the ribosomal DNA gene for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The analysis of the 186 isolates led to the identification of 35 bacteria and 40 fungi in group A and 47 bacteria and 64 fungi in group B. The results indicate differences in bacterial and fungal species in the groups analysed. In the observed bacterial microbiota, Staphylococcus capitis occurred more frequently than Staphylococcus epidermidis in group A vs B. Among fungal isolates, Debaryomyces sp. was more frequent in group B vs A. Our findings showed scalp microbiota alterations in children with pediculosis, meriting future studies to analyse the relationship between these agents and their impact on human health.

Uterine endometrial cytology, biopsy, bacteriology, and serum C-reactive protein in clinically healthy diestrus bitches

The aim of this work was to assess the agreement between endometrial cytology and uterine biopsy for the diagnosis of endometritis (END), the bacterial populations isolated from the vagina and uterus of bitches having END, and the measurement of C- reactive protein as a diagnostic tool for diagnosis of END in clinically healthy bitches. Fifty privately-owned intact, clinically healthy bitches, in diestrus, without a history of progestin administration, aged between 8 months and 6 years old and weighing between 5 and 28 kg were used in this study. Bitches were included in a program for breeding control at a municipal pet public shelter. Before ovariohysterectomy (OVX) samples for vaginal cytology and bacteriology, and blood samples were taken. After OVX endometrial cytology, bacteriological samples and biopsy were collected. Histologic examination was performed to confirm the uterine condition. Blood samples were centrifuged and stored at −20 °C until progesterone (P4) and C-reactive protein was measured. Samples for bacteriological culture were collected, and swabs were placed into Stuart's transport medium and transported to the laboratory. On histopathologic examination, the most common observation was END (27/50), followed by normal endometrium (NE; 18/50), cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH; 2/50), atrophy (2/50) and fibrosis with degeneration of the endometrial glands (1/50). Low degree of agreement was observed between results obtained by endometrial cytology samples and results obtained by biopsy in endometrial diagnosis (Kappa Coefficient: −0.19). In vaginal samples, β-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the bacteria most often found. In uterine samples, only four samples from END showed bacterial grow. C-reactive protein frequency was higher in END (6/23, 23%) vs NE (0/16, 0%; Van der Waerden P-value = 0,0302). Our results support the hypothesis that END is a frequent finding in uterine biopsy and could be associated with subfertility and infertility in the bitch. A low degree of agreement was observed between the diagnostic results from the uterine biopsy and endometrial cytology. Bacteriology would not be recommended as a diagnostic tool because no bacteria highly associated with uterine diseases were isolated from bitches with END. Finally, the usefulness of C-reactive protein concentration as a marker for END in bitches could not be conclusively demonstrated.

Bacterial species and forms of resistance of intestinal parasites found in collectives of the city of Divinópolis - MG

Public transportation buses are places of intense movement of people, which may constitute important dispersal vehicles of microorganisms and parasites. In such context, this paper sought to assess the microbial and parasitological diversity inside urban and periurban buses that run four routes in Divinópolis MG. For the microbial study, 80 sample collections were made by using a sterile swab containing Stuart transport medium and were taken to the Microbiology Laboratory of the UEMG – Divinópolis MG, in order to perform the laboratorial tests. For search about eggs and cysts of intestinal parasites, 80 samples were collected, out of which 40 were collected by using the Graham method, and 40 were collected by using swab. Two smears of each sample were analyzed. In the microbial research, 1097 CFU mL-1 of heterotrophic bacteria were analyzed. Through mass spectrometry eleven potentially pathogenic species of bacteria were identified out of which seven were identified as antibiotics-resistant. In the parasitological analysis through the Graham method a probable cyst of Blastocystis hominis and an egg similar to those of Hymenolepis sp. were identified. Through the use of swab four eggs similar to those of Ascaris sp. and a probable cyst of B.hominis were also identified. The bacterial and parasitological prevalence was higher on buses that run in hospital and periurban areas. Based on results obtained it was possible to outline a profile until then unknown of the bacteria and parasites present in some of the main public transportation routes of Divinópolis MG.

Bacterial infections in patients with appendicitis in Hilla City, Iraq

Background: Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which along the tube of tissue extends from the large intestine. The study suggested that the appendix may have some role in gut immunity. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the bacterial infection in patients with appendicitis and study the distribution of appendicitis with sex and age groups in addition to clinical signs. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 78 patients ranged from 5 to 65 years (47 males and 31 females) who were attended to Hilla Teaching Hospital in Babylon province and diagnosed as acute appendicitis by surgeons; all specimens were sent to the bacteriology laboratory in Stuart's transport medium. The swab was cultured on different type of culture media to identification of bacteria. Results: From 78 samples, only 51 (65.3%) were positive to bacterial culture whereas 27 (34.6%) showed no growth of bacteria. The rate of infection was 33% in males and 18% in females. Results also found that Escherichia coli was predominant with 50.9% followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae(21.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(13.7%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.8%), while Staphylococcus aureus has shown a lowest isolation rate. Results revealed that 3.9% of clinical signs and symptoms of appendicitis were dominated right iliac fossa pain in 35.5% and fever in 26.9% of patients. Conclusion: From this study, we can conclude that there was a relation between bacterial infections and E. coli which was predominant and it was recorded that the infection in males was more than in females in patients with appendicitis.

Maternal Recto-Vaginal Organisms and Surface Skin Colonization in Infants

Background: Early-onset sepsis is a common cause of neonatal mortality and mainly occurs due to the colonized microorganisms in the maternal recto-vaginal area. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal risk factors on recto-vaginal colonization and transmission rate of micro-flora from mothers to infants. Methods: Upon admission, two samples were obtained from the distal third of vagina and rectum of mothers using sterile cotton swabs. Six hours after birth, sterile swab samples were collected from the external ear canal, nose, groin, and umbilicus of the infants. The samples were transferred to the laboratory on Stuart transport medium. Afterwards, the samples were transferred to standard culture media within 24 hours. Transmission rate of organisms was calculated based on the maternal and neonatal findings. Results: In total, 13 bacterial and fungal species were detected in the samples. Escherichia coli was the most frequent gram-negative organism in the rectal and vaginal cultures (29.34%) with the transmission rate of 49.4% to the infants. Infants of the mothers with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) had significant Enterobacter cloacaecolonization. In addition, frequency of Candida albicans was higher in the mothers with gestational hypertension (21.4%) compared to non-hypertensive women (4.9%). Infants requiring advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had significantly higher E. coli colonization (45.1%) compared to those not needing CPR (27.6%). Conclusion: According to the results, gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae ) were the most frequent organisms in the maternal recto-vaginal area and body surface of the neonates in our clinical setting. Therefore, chemoprophylaxis is recommended for these organisms in prolonged PROM.

Detection and Serogrouping of Dichelobacter nodosus Infection by Use of Direct PCR from Lesion Swabs To Support Outbreak-Specific Vaccination for Virulent Footrot in Sheep.

Virulent footrot is an economically significant disease in most sheep-rearing countries. The disease can be controlled with vaccine targeting the fimbriae of virulent strains of the essential causative agent, Dichelobacter nodosus However, the bacterium is immunologically heterogeneous, and 10 distinct fimbrial serogroups have been identified. Ideally, in each outbreak the infecting strains would be cultured and serogrouped so that the appropriate serogroup-specific mono- or bivalent vaccine could be administered, because multivalent vaccines lack efficacy due to antigenic competition. If clinical disease expression is suspected to be incomplete, culture-based virulence tests are required to confirm the diagnosis, because control of benign footrot is economically unjustifiable. Both diagnosis and vaccination are conducted at the flock level. The aims of this study were to develop a PCR-based procedure for detecting and serogrouping D. nodosus directly from foot swabs and to determine whether this could be done accurately from the same cultured swab. A total of 269 swabs from the active margins of foot lesions of 261 sheep in 12 Merino sheep flocks in southeastern Australia were evaluated. DNA extracts taken from putative pure cultures of D. nodosus and directly from the swabs were evaluated in PCR assays for the 16S rRNA and fimA genes of D. nodosus Pure cultures were tested also by the slide agglutination test. Direct PCR using extracts from swabs was more sensitive than culture for detecting and serogrouping D. nodosus strains. Using the most sensitive sample collection method of the use of swabs in lysis buffer, D. nodosus was more likely to be detected by PCR in active than in inactive lesions, and in lesions with low levels of fecal contamination, but lesion score was not a significant factor. PCR conducted on extracts from swabs in modified Stuart's transport medium that had already been used to inoculate culture plates had lower sensitivity. Therefore, if culture is required to enable virulence tests to be conducted, it is recommended that duplicate swabs be collected from each foot lesion, one in transport medium for culture and the other in lysis buffer for PCR.

Oral microbiota in healthy Bothrops atrox (Serpentes: Viperidae) and in snakes with stomatitis

The purpose of this study was to isolate bacteria found in the oral cavity of healthy Bothrops atrox and in snakes with stomatitis. The area around the snake fang sheaths were swabbed and the samples were placed in Stuart transport medium, and then seeded on blood agar and XLD agar. Gram staining and catalase and mannitol tests were performed to identify Gram positive bacteria, while biochemical screening with Rugai-lysine medium was used to identify Gram negative bacteria. Proteus spp. (37.5%), Escherichia coli (25%), Citrobacter spp. (18.76%), Serratia spp. (9.37%) and Enterobacter spp. (9.37%) were isolated from healthy snakes, while Escherichia coli (26.31%), Citrobacter spp. (21.05%), Proteus spp. (15.78%), Salmonella (10.52%), and Staphylococcus spp. (26.31 %) were isolated from snakes with stomatitis. Staphylococcus spp. in healthy snakes and in animals with stomatitis differed significantly, suggesting that this microorganism is associated with cases of stomatitis in Bothrops atrox.

Dermatopathy Caused by Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Boa constrictor amarali

Background: Bacterial diseases are the main cause of the high mortality rates of snakes, especially those caused by gramnegative agents. However, studies on dermatopathy caused by these bacterial agents in snakes are scarce; and no reports have been found on Enterobacter aerogenes as causative agent of dermatopathy in snake species. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the clinical signs, and lesion evolution of a dermatopathy in a male snake (Boa constrictor amarali) specimen of approximately seven years old; and to describe the isolation and identification of the Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa agents involved in the cause of this disease.Case: The Boa constrictor amarali evaluated presented blackened cutaneous lesions in the dorsal, snout-vent and tail regions; and well-defined subcutaneous nodules of 2.0-3.0 cm diameter, with soft consistency, reddish color, cutaneous flaccidity, and areas of scale ulceration in the dorsolateral region. The clinical evaluation of the animal showed dehydration signs and pale mucous membranes. The blackened lesions were subjected to mycological analysis - after procedure of deep scale scraping - which showed presence of septate hyphae. The nodule was punctured for microbiological and biochemical analysis. The sample was collected with a sterilized alginate cotton tip swab, and was stored in a plastic tube containing a semi-solid Stuart transport medium, for microbiological analysis. Then, this sample was incubated in a bacteriological oven at 37°C for 24 h. Typical colonies of Pseudomonas and Enterobacter grew on MacConkey agar medium; these bacteria were identified by the colony morphology and their typical odor. The colonies grown in MacConkey agar were also identified through biochemical tests in the mediums: Phenol red, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Citrate, Urea and SIM (Sulfide, Indole, Motility). The results of these tests were able to confirm and identify the P. aeruginosa and E. aerogenes species. The animal died within 36 h, before the identification of the causative agents of the disease, thus, no pharmacological interference was possible.Discussion: Immunodepression, malnutrition, and temperatures and humidity outside the animal thermal comfort zone, are predisposing factors for the development of bacterial diseases in reptiles. Little information about pathogen agents affecting Boa constrictor specimens in their native area is available; however, captive snakes are subject to a wide variety of diseases - most of which caused or intensified by the captivity conditions. Among the bacteria involved in reptile diseases, few are primary causative agents. In general, clinical bacterial infections tend to be secondary to viral infections. The bacterial agents found in this study are commonly described in scientific literature with location in the oral cavity, differently from the results found in this study. Moreover, the bacterium E. aerogenes has not yet been described in other studies as a causative agent of dermatopathy. Reptiles are considered reservoirs of important zoonotic microorganisms, such as P. aeruginosa, which can be transmitted by fecal contact, bites and wounds. However, the little information on P. aeruginosa in captive reptiles indicates the need for further studies to establish its zoonotic potential. A most adequate management conditions for the snake species could have decreased the severity of the lesions. The occurrence of P. aeruginosa and E. aerogenes found in this work may alert professionals for future clinical suspicions and adequate therapeutic management.

PREVALÊNCIA DA COLONIZAÇÃO POR Streptococcus agalactiae EM GESTANTES ATENDIDAS NA REDE PÚBLICA DE SAÚDE DE SANTO ÂNGELO – RS

Justificativa e objetivos: O Streptococcus agalactiae (EGB) faz parte da microbiota do trato genital feminino, no entanto, a sua importância clínica é relacionada à casos de infecção em neonatos, podendo acarretar quadros graves de pneumonia, septicemia e meningite. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo é determinar a prevalência da colonização pelo S. agalactiae em gestantes e analisar o perfil de sensibilidade dos isolados frente a antimicrobianos. Métodos: Foram coletadas amostras vaginal e anorretal de gestantes com mais de 30 semanas de gestação, no período de fevereiro a junho de 2013. As amostras eram armazenadas em meio de transporte Stuart e, em seguida, inoculadas em caldo Todd-Hewitt adicionado de gentamicina e ácido nalidíxico, com posterior subcultivo em placas de ágar sangue. Para identificação foram realizados os testes de Gram, catalase, CAMP e aglutinação em látex. Além disso, foram realizados os testes de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Avaliaram-se também, por meio de entrevista, os dados demográficos, socioeconômicos e clínico-obstétricos. Resultados: Observou-se colonização em 22,5% (18/80) das amostras analisadas. Os isolados foram sensíveis a grande maioria dos antimicrobianos testados, com exceção à eritromicina, evidenciando uma resistência em 22,22% (4/18) dos isolados. Conclusão: A elevada colonização materna pelo S. agalactiae encontrada e a resistência a eritromicina enfatizam a importância do isolamento dessa bactéria no final da gestação, prevenindo a ocorrência da infecção neonatal.

Relationship between Gingivitis and Autism in Children: A Matched Case-control Study

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in early childhood. Studies have shown that autistic children have poorer gingival health and hence chances of higher incidence of gingivitis may occur in autistic than non-autistic children. Gingivitis is characterized by gingival inflammation without loss of attachment due to continuous exposure to dental plaque. Studies on the gingival health of autistic children in Malaysia are lacking. Hence, this study aims to evaluate and compare the gingival health status of autistic and non-autistic children. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 children were recruited and an oral assessment was performed on each child to assess the degree of calculus, plaque accumulation and gingival Original Research Article Sikarwar et al.; BMRJ, 7(4): 174-179, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.109 175 inflammation using the calculus, plaque and gingival indices respectively. Pooled dental plaque (supragingival margins and gingival crevices of the buccal surface of the anterior maxillary molar and lingual of mandibular molar teeth) samples were collected and transferred to Stuart transport media. Samples were diluted and 100 μl aliquots were cultured on Columbia agar with 5% sheep blood. Plates were incubated in an anaerobic environment at 37oC for 7 days. Colonies were Gram stained and examined for cellular morphology followed by indole and catalase test. Bacterial identification was done using the Rapid ID 32 A kit. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, MannWhitney U, Odds ratio and Spearman’s correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of dental calculus was significantly elevated in the autistic group with 43 sample size in each group (p = 0.001). However, the prevalence of gingivitis and plaque were not significantly different between the two groups. The presence of plaque (p = 0.001) and calculus (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with the development of gingivitis. Conclusion: While the autistic children had significantly more calculus, the occurrence of gingivitis and plaque were similar between autistic and control groups. Measures to control dental plaque and calculus among the autistic children should be improved to prevent gingivitis.

Risk Factors for Gastrointestinal Colonization by ESBLProducing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Intensive Care Unit

In this study it was aimed to investigate the risk factors for gastrointestinal colonization by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in intensive care unit (ICU) of anaesthesiology and reanimation, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. This study was performed prospectively on adult patients hospitalized in ICU of anaesthesiology and reanimation and rectal swab cultures were performed in all patients in the first 48 hours of hospitalization and every one week until discharge or death. Samples were transported to the laboratory in Stuart transport medium and were cultured on two EMB agar plates (one including 4 mg/L ceftazidime) and incubated for 48 hours. E.coli and K.pneumoniae isolates were identified by conventional methods. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar and interpreted according to CLSI guidelines. ESBL was confirmed by double disc synergy test. A total of 140 patients (49 female 91 male; age range: 18-83 years, mean age: 56.3 years) were evaluated, and 41 (29.3%) of the patients were found to be colonized with ESBL positive E.coli (n= 39) or K.pneumoniae (n= 2). The mean time for colonization was 11.15 ± 10.91 (range between 2-39) days. Age and gender of the patients and antibiotic consumption before or during the stay in ICU of anaesthesiology and reanimation were not found to be associated with colonization (p> 0.05). However length of ICU of anaesthesiology and reanimation stay in colonized patients was longer than non-colonized patients (27.59 ± 22.52 vs. 17.78 ± 11.74 days; p< 0.05). Infectious episodes developed in 22% (9/41) of the colonized cases and three of the nine strains were isolated from the blood cultures, five from the urine cultures and one from both blood and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures. ESBL-positive E.coli or K.pneumoniae colonization was found as an independent risk factor for the development of infection (9/41 vs. 4/99 cases; p= 0.002). Forward logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus, immunosuppresive drug use and length of intubation were associated with ESBL-positive E.coli or K.pneumoniae colonization (p< 0.05). The results of this study indicated that the risk of development of infection was significantly high in intensive care patients colonized by ESBL positive E.coli and K.pneumoniae and the identification of the related risk factors was critically important for the establishment of effective control measures.

Comparative Microflora Assessment of Natural Sulci vs. Deep and Shallow Implant Sulci in Partial Edentulousness.

The main cause of peri-implantitis and crestal bone resorption is bacterial infection. The present study aimed to comparatively assess the microbiological parameters in sulci around teeth and crowns supported by dental implants and also compare microbiological parameters around deep and shallow implant sulci. In this cross-sectional study, 34 partially edentulous patients with a total of 72 implants (22 deep vs. 50 shallow sulci) were included. Excluded were the patients with compromised systemic and periodontal health or smoking habits. All Implants (ITI) were at least 6 month in place covered by definite prostheses. Samples of gingival sulci were taken around teeth and implants with paper points and transported in Stuart Transport Medium. Samples were cultured and examined by dark field microscope to determine the microorganisms. Data were evaluated statistically in SPSS (v11.5) using chi-square test. Cocci G+, Cocci G-, Prevotella, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroid fragilis and Fusobacterium were found. The relative frequency of P. gingivalis was significantly higher in deep implant sulci compared to shallow implant sulci (p = 0.044) and natural sulci (p = 0.009). B. fragilis was also significantly more isolated from the deep implant sulci compared to shallow implant sulci (p = 0.001) and natural sulci (p = 0.064). Within the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that peri-implantitis is more likely in deep sulci compared with shallow sulci in partial edentulousness.

MÚLTIPLE RESISTENCIA ANTIBACTERIAL EN AISLADOS DE EQUINOS PURA SANGRE DE CARRERAS EN EL HIPÓDROMO “LA RINCONADA”, CARACAS, VENEZUELA.

Multiple resistance to antibiotics was determined in bacterial isolates from Thoroughbred horses at the National Race Track «La Rinconada», Caracas, Venezuela. From a population of 128 horses in 2009, 12 did not respond to antibacterial treatment despite being treated for 7 days with gentamicin (6 mg/kg), penicillin (22,000 IU/kg) and ceftiofur (4 mg/kg). Necropsy was conducted and tissue samples were collected from abscesses in septic arthritis (4), abscess in endocardium (1), suppurative esophagitis (2), laryngeal granuloma (1), pneumonia (2), pyelonephritis (1) and dermatitis (1). Samples were placed in Stuart transport medium and cultured. The bacterial isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. E. coli was isolated in 12 cases (75%), Proteus mirabilis in 2 (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 1 (6.25%), and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus in 1 (6.25%). The bacterial isolates showed resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim, ampicillin and amikacin.

Microflora around teeth and dental implants

When an implant is exposed to oral cavity, its surface gets colonized by micro-organisms. The aim of this study is to comparatively assess the microbiological parameters in sulci around the teeth and the crowns supported by dental implants. In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 34 partially edentulous patients aged between 40 and 50 years with total 50 anterior maxillary single implants with cemented crowns (depth of sulci <4 mm) and 34 similar teeth in the same jaw of the same patients were included. Excluded were the patients with compromised systemic and periodontal health and smoking habits. None of the patients had used any antimicrobial mouthwashes during at least two weeks before the study. All of the implants (ITI) were at least 6 months in place covered by definitive prostheses. Samples of gingival sulci were taken around teeth with paper cone and transported to Stuart transport medium. Samples were cultured and examined by a dark field microscope and eight laboratory tests were performed to determine the micro-organisms The data were evaluated statistically using Chi-square test (α=0.05). Six anerobic bacteria found in teeth and implants sulci were Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative cocci, Prevotella, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroid Fragilis and Fusobacterium. Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative cocci had maximum and minimum percentage frequency in the two groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups (P value >0.05). The present study indicated that microflora in implant sulci is similar to the tooth sulci, when the depth of sulci is normal (<4 mm). As a result, implants' susceptibility to inflammation is the same as teeth.

Prevalence of the colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnant women from a maternity in Ceará, Brazil, correlating with perinatal outcomes

To assess the prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae, a Group B streptococcus, in pregnant women, and their possible risk factors, as well as the impact of perinatal colonization and antimicrobial susceptibility. We evaluated 213 pregnant women from 20 weeks of gestation, regardless of risk factors, attending a tertiary teaching hospital. The technique used was a single sterile swab to collect secretions from the vaginal and perianal regions. The newly obtained samples were stored in Stuart transport medium and taken to the laboratory, where they were inoculated in Todd-Hewitt selective medium supplemented with Gentamicin (8 ug/mL) and nalidixic acid (15 ug/mL), with subsequent cultivation on blood agar plates. The materials were tested with Gram, catalase with hydrogen peroxide and CAMP (Christie, Atkins, Munch-Petersen), and results were serologically confirmed with the Streptococcal Grouping Kit, Oxoid®. The positive samples were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. We also assessed socioeconomic, reproductive, clinical, and obstetric variables, and newborn care. Statistical analysis was performed with Epi-Info 6.04. The prevalence of colonization obtained by field tests was 9.8% by CAMP test, but only 4.2% by serology. The only protective factor was white skin color (p=0.01, 0.45>OR>0.94, 95%CI). There was no difference in prevalence of Group B streptococcus regarding other reproductive and obstetric variables. Infection occurred in only one of the newborns from colonized mothers; although it was revealed infection with Pseudomonas spp. High resistance to ampicillin (4/9), cephalothin (4/9), penicillin (4/9), erythromycin (3/9), clindamycin (7/9), and cloramphenicol (1/9) was detected. The infection rate was lower than that found in other studies, although a high rate of resistance to antibiotics commonly used for treatment was detected. Since there are no studies on the prevalence of Group B streptococcus in Ceará, we cannot perform a comparative analysis of the population, and further studies are needed with geographically similar groups to validate these results.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the endocervical swab specimens of symptomatic, asymptomatic and infertile women in Turkey

To investigate C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae prevalence in three different female populations in Turkey. A total of 370 women, 170 symptomatic, 100 asymptomatic, and 100 infertile, were included. Of the endocervical specimens collected from all women using a Dacron swab, the first one was taken to Stuart's transport medium to culture, while the second one was transferred onto slides to perform direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) and Gram staining, and the third specimen was used for Becton Dickinson BDProbeTec ET system (BDPT). C. trachomatis was detected in 5.16% of symptomatic, 1.11% of asymptomatic, and 2.15% of infertile women with BDPT. Sensitivity and specificity of the DFA test were 72.73 and 97.85%, respectively. N. gonorrhoeae was detected in 2.42% of symptomatic and in 1.02% of infertile women. N. gonorrhoeae was not detected in any asymptomatic women. In N. gonorrhoeae-positive patients, sensitivity and specificity of culture were 60 and 100%, respectively, while they were 80 and 100% for BDPT. Prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis was detected to be low in Turkish women, and the difference between the groups was not significant. Both agents were more prevalent in subjects over 25 years of age.