ABSTRACT
Background: Much controversies have been associated with the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis but little has been done to unravel the mystery behind the different views. This study aimed at investigating the genetic variants abounding within M. hominis and the distribution of the virulent genes among the variants. Methodology: Twenty (20) M. hominis isolates from high vaginal swabs of women (11 from pregnant women and 9 from women presenting with infertility) attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, were sequenced using 16S rRNA universal gene target for the purpose of phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological typing. The isolates were also screened for the presence of M. hominis variable adherence antigen (vaa) and p120 virulent genes using primer constructs from the respective genes in a conventional PCR protocol. Results: Of the 20 M. hominis vaginal isolates, 4 phylogenetic strains were detected; strain MHS43 constituted 10/20 (50.0%) [2/9 (22.2%) from infertile women and 8/11 (72.7%) from pregnant women]; strain MHBS constituted 3/20 (15%) [3/9 (33.3%) from infertile women and 0/11 (0%) from pregnant women]; strain MHSWP2 constituted 4/20 (20.0%) [3/9 (33.3%) from infertile women and 1/11 (9.1%) from pregnant women]; while strain MHKC87 constituted 3/20 (15%) [1/9 (11.1%) from infertile women and 2/11 (18.2%) from pregnant women].Each of vaa and p120 genes was detected in 14 of 20 isolates, while 6 isolates did not carry the genes. A 2-way ANOVA test showed that none of the genes was significantly associated with a particular strain (p=0.8641). Conclusions: The different views regarding the pathogenicity of M. hominis may be linked to the heterogeneity within the species and lack of homogeneity in the virulent genes as witnessed both in the intra species and intra strain levels.
Subject(s)
Humans , Mycoplasma hominis , Virulence Factors , Sprains and Strains , Virulence , Population Characteristics , Pregnant WomenABSTRACT
The histochemical characterization of rain-forest strain of Onchocerca volvulus isolated in Akamkpa of Cross River State; Nigeria was studied. In a preliminary survey of 350 persons from eight villages; 75(21.4) were found to be positive for the parasite. Males (23.6) were more infected than the females but there was no statistically significant difference in the presence of infection by gender (p=0.506). Staining pattern of the parasite using Lead nitrate method for the demonstration of acid phosphatase activity revealed that of the six patterns; four corresponded to the enzyme types already described by some authors in West African rain-forest; and Sudan. One corresponded to the type found in Guinea savannas while the remaining did not correspond to any of the strains described elsewhere. The multiple enzyme staining patterns of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the study area is indicative of polymorphic strain than that of West African strains. This variation in strain might contribute to the degree of pathogenicity and clinical manifestation of onchocerciasis in this endemic zone
Subject(s)
Histocytochemistry , Microfilariae , Onchocerca volvulus , Sprains and StrainsABSTRACT
Background: Flies and cockroaches are two insects in close contact with human beings. They are carriers of human pathogenic bacteria on the external areas of their bodies or in their digestive tracts. This study examines Periplaneta americana and Musca domestica collected from the residential areas of six districts in Tangier; Morocco. Methodology: In total; 251 bacteria were isolated from external areas of the participants' bodies and the antimicrobial susceptibility was calculated. Results: The predominant bacterial species included Escherichia coli (17.9); Klebsiella spp. (14.7); Providencia spp. (9.6); Staphylococcus spp. (15.1) and Enterococcus spp. (11.6). The study showed no difference between the species of bacterial strains from American cockroaches and houseflies. Carbapenems and aminoglycosides were active against 100of the Gram-negative bacilli isolated in this study. Staphylococcus spp. strains were susceptible to linezolid; vancomycin; daptomycin; levofloxacin and cotrimoxazole; and no antibiotic resistance was found in Enterococcus spp. Conclusions: In our setting; although both cockroaches and flies collected from residential areas may be vectors of human pathogenic bacteria; the infections caused by them are easily treatable as a result of the high susceptibility of their bacteria to antibiotics routinely used in the community or in hospitals
Subject(s)
Houseflies , Periplaneta , Sprains and StrainsABSTRACT
Background : The emergence of strains of S.enterica with multiple drug resistance (MDR) is of great concern worldwide.The extracts of flowers of Thonningia sanguinea are used in traditional medicine in Ivory Coast to treat diarrhoeal diseases including salmonellosis. Previous studies had shown inhibition of the MDR strain Salmonella Enteritidis lysotype 6. Objectives: The present study focused to investigate the effect of the extract of the flowers of Thonningia sanguinea on some clinical MDR strains of Salmonella namely S.Tyhpi; S. Typhimurium; S. Hadar and a sensitive strain (S.Enteritidis). Methods : The antimicrobial parameters were determined by double dilution with agar slant method. This method led us to determine MIC; IC 50 and MBC. Results: The MDR strain of S.Typhimurium presented the highest MIC (2.5 mg/ml) whereas the other two MDR strains (S.Hadar; S.Typhi) and the sensitive one (S.Enteritidis) had the same MIC (1.25 mg/ml). The four strains presented the same MBC (2.5 mg/ml). The MDR strain of S.Typhi is the most susceptible strain to the aqueous extract of the flowers of Thonningia sanguinea according to The IC 50 values. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of Thonningia sanguinea can provide an alternative therapy for the treatment of salmonellosis; mainly for typhoid fever caused by MDR strains of S Typhi. The extract also inhibits S.Hadar a MDR emerging strain in Ivory Coast