In vitro screening of multidrug resistance uropathogenic Escherichia coli from the urban area of Namakkal district

The aim of the study is to screen the multiple drug resistance (MDR) Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) fromthe urban area of Namakkal district. To detect UPEC resistant by using different antibiotics and to analyze the virulentcharacteristics of UPEC and amplification of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases genes by multiplex polymerasechain reaction. Total 450 samples individually collected from the urinary tract infection (UTI) patients’ and directstreaked on to the eosin methylene blue agar plates. Significant growth indicates E. coli. HiCrome UTI agar was usedfor rapid identification of uropathogenic E. coli. Out of 450 samples, only 62 isolates of E. coli were subjected tovirulence characteristics, such as slime production (34%), hemolytic activity (56%), and beta-lactamase production(43%). Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed with 13 different antibiotics. Among them, 62 isolates were E. coli,only five were resistant to 10 antibiotics, possess virulence characteristics. Four strains (E-12, E23, E-58, and E-97)have Temoneira, sulfhydryl variable, and cefotaxime hydrolyzing capabilities (CTX-M) antibiotic resistance genes,and E-07 have only CTX-M gene. As E. coli is the main infectious agent in patients with UTI and a potent pathogen,it was difficult to treat with routine antibiotics because day-by-day microbes are resisting to common drugs. Hence,they need alternative therapy

Staphylococcal slime layers and biofilm from different origins / Slime layer e biofilme de Staphylococcus de diferentes origens

ABSTRACT: The genus Staphylococcus comprises some of the most important pathogenic bacteria for both humans and animals. It is responsible for bovine mastitis and canine otitis, besides being present in the microbiota of animals and as a contaminant in food. Its pathogenesis is related to the formation of capsule and biofilm, which contribute to its infectivity. The objective of this study was to observe the production of slime layer and formation of biofilm, which are related to the resistance to antimicrobial agents and presence of icaA and icaD genes, in 41 isolates of Staphylococcus spp. from different origins, provided by the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD). Strains of Staphylococcus spp. were cultivated in Congo red agar for capsule detection. Biofilm formation was detected using the 96-well microplate testing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the plate diffusion method. Part of the analyzed samples produced slime layer (36.6%) and formed biofilm (17.1%). However, six of those that formed biofilms were susceptible to the eight antibiotics tested in the antibiogram. In tests to determine the minimum bactericidal and inhibitory concentrations, gentamicin resistance of biofilm-forming strains was greater than that of non-forming strains. Ampicillin was the least effective antimicrobial drug (51%), followed by tetracycline (71%), neomycin (73%), and erythromycin (73%). Some isolates presented the icaA (6) and icaD (11) genes. Therefore, we suggested that the origin of an isolate can determine its expression of virulence factor and resistance to certain antibiotics.

RESUMO: O gênero Staphylococcus abrange algumas das bactérias patogênicas mais importantes tanto para humanos como para animais. Ele é responsável pela mastite bovina e otite canina, além de estar presente na microbiota de animais e como contaminante em alimentos. Sua patogênese está relacionada à formação de cápsula e biofilme, que contribuem para sua infectividade. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar a produção de slime layer e a formação de biofilme, que estão relacionados à resistência a antibicrobianos e à presença dos genes icaA e icaD, em 41 isolados de Staphylococcus spp. de diferentes origens fornecidos pelo Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL). Os isolados de Staphylococcus spp. foram cultivados em ágar vermelho do Congo para detecção de cápsulas. A formação de biofilme foi detectada usando o teste de microplaca com 96 poços. O teste de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana foi realizado usando o método de difusão em placa. Parte das amostras analisadas produziram slime layer (36,6%) e formaram biofilme (17,1%). Entretanto, seis daquelas que formaram biofilmes foram sensíveis aos oito antibióticos testados no antibiograma. Em testes para determinar as concentrações bactericidas e inibitórias mínimas, a resistência à gentamicina de cepas formadoras de biofilme foi maior que aquela das cepas não formadoras. O antimicrobiano menos eficaz foi a ampicilina (51%), seguida por tetraciclina (71%), neomicina (73%) e eritromicina (73%). Alguns isolados apresentaram os genes icaA (6) e icaD (11). Portanto, sugerimos que a origem de um isolado pode determinar sua expressão de fator de virulência e resistência a certos antibióticos.

Capacidad de formación de biopelícula y limo en Staphylococcus que causan mastitis subclínica bovina en el estado Zulia-Venezuela / Biofilm formation and slime producing ability in Staphylococci causing subclinic bovine mastitis in the Zulia state-Venezuela

Un total de 79 cepas de S. aureus y 47 cepas de Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa (SCN) aislados de muestras de leche de vaca con mastitis subclínica fueron evaluadas para establecer su propiedad para formar biopelícula como uno de los factores de virulencia más importantes. Usando el método de Rojo Congo Agar, 80% de las cepas de S. aureus fueron productores de limo, mientras que en las cepas de SCN el porcentaje fue de 32%. Por el método de microplaca, 55%, 17% y 28% de los aislamientos de S. aureus fueron fuerte, moderadas y débiles productoras de biopelícula, mientras en los SCN el porcentaje fue 43%, 17% y 40%, respectivamente. Se realizó un ensayo de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR) a todos los aislamientos con la finalidad de identificar el gen A de adhesión intracelular (icaA). En las cepas de S. aureus el gen icaA estuvo presente en el 65% de los aislamientos, y en los SCN en el 11%. La mayoría de las cepas de S. aureus caracterizados en el estudio fueron formadores de biopelícula, lo cual sugiere que está tiene un importante papel en la virulencia de S. aureus aislados de infecciones intramamarias en bovinos del estado Zulia.

A total of 79 S. aureus strains and 47 coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) isolates from cow milk suffering subclinical mastitis were investigated for their ability to form biofilm as one of the most important virulence factors. Using Congo Red Agar method, 80% of S. aureus strains were slime producers, while in CNS was 32%. By microtiter plate method, 55%, 17%, and 28% of S. aureus isolates were strong, moderate, and weak biofilm producers, respectively, while in CNS the percentages were 43%, 17%, and 40%, respectively. All isolates were screened by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of intercellular adhesion gene A (icaA). In S. aureus isolates the icaA gene was present in 65 % while in CNS was 11%. The majority of S. aureus characterized in this study formed biofilm, which suggests that biofilm formation has an important role in the virulence of S. aureus isolated from bovine intramammary infections in Zulia state.

Antibiofilm activity in vitro of Rosmarinus officinalis and Syzygium cumini glycolic extracts on Staphylococcus spp. of dentistry interest / Atividade antibiofilme in vitro dos extratos glicólicos de Rosmarinus officinalis e Syzygium cumini em Staphylococcus spp. de interesse odontológico

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the slime production and evaluate the effects of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Syzygium cumini (jambolan) glycolic extracts, and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) in biofilms formed by strains of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus - CPS and coagulase negative Staphylococcus - CNS isolated from the oral cavity. Material and Methods: Slime production was evaluated by two methods: the color of colony presented in Congo red agar, and through the amount of slime adhered to polystyrene. Biofilms were grown in acrylic resin discs immersed in broth, inoculated with microbial suspension (106 cells/ml) and incubated at 37°C/48 h. After formation, the biofilms were exposed for 5 minutes to glycol extracts, CHX or saline solution. The viability of biofilms was determined by counting the colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) in agar, and analyzed statistically by Tukey test (p< 0.05). Results: The strains S. aureus, S. schleiferi and S. epidermidis obtained the highest values of slime adhered to polystyrene. R. officinalis promoted reductions ranging from 12.1% to 78.7% in biofilms formed by isolates of CPS, and 9.2% to 73.7% in the biofilms of CNS. S. cumini reduced 12% to 55.7% in biofilms of CPS, and 7.9% to 71.5% in biofilms of CNS. With exception of S. saprophyticus, glycol extracts produced significant reductions in biofilms. For five isolates studied, R. officinalis produced greater reductions than CHX. Conclusion: R. officinalis and S. cumini showed effective antibiofilm activity against isolates that showed slime production.(AU)

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a produção de slime e avaliar os efeitos dos extratos glicólicos de Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim), Syzygium cumini (jambolão) e 0,12% de clorexidina (CLX) em biofilmes formados por cepas de Staphylococcus coagulase positivo (SCP) e Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (SCN) da cavidade oral. Material e Métodos: A produção de slime foi avaliada por dois métodos: a cor da colônia apresentada em ágar vermelho Congo e pela quantidade de slime aderido ao poliestireno. Os biofilmes foram crescidos em discos de resina acrílica imersos em caldo, inoculados com suspensão microbiana (106 células/ml) e incubados a 37°C/48h. Após a formação, os biofilmes foram expostos durante 5 minutos aos extractos glicólicos, CLX ou solução salina. A viabilidade dos biofilmes foi determinada pela contagem das unidades formadoras de colônias por mililitro (UFC/ml) em ágar e analisada estatisticamente pelo teste de Tukey (p< 0,05). Resultados: As cepas S. aureus, S. schleiferi e S. epidermidis obtiveram os maiores valores de aderência ao poliestireno. R. officinalis promoveu reduções variando de 12,1% a 78,7% em biofilmes formados por isolados de SCP e 9,2% a 73,7% nos biofilmes de SCN. S. cumini reduziu de 12% a 55,7% nos biofilmes de SCP, e 7,9% a 71,5% nos biofilmes de SCN. Com exceção de S. saprophyticus, os extratos glicólicos produziram reduções estatísticas nos biofilmes. Para cinco isolados estudados, R. officinalis produziu maiores reduções do que CLX. Conclusão: R. officinalis e S. cumini mostraram atividade antibiofilme efetiva contra isolados que apresentaram produção de slime.(AU)

Efecto del limo de la salina de Guantánamo en la cicatrización por segunda intención en ratas / Effect of the saline slime of Guantánamo in the scaring in a second intention in rats

Se efectuó un estudio preclínico, experimental y analítico en 100 ratas Sprague-Dawley para determinar los efectos del limo de la salina de Guantánamo en la cicatrización por segunda intención en un modelo de herida incisional, mediante el control simultáneo a dichas ratas. Estas fueron distribuidas en 4 grupos: uno de estudio y 3 controles; a los primeros se les aplicó limo y los segundos fueron tratados con NaCl al 0,9 %; NaCl al 4,0 % y Hebermin®, respectivamente. Se constató que las heridas cicatrizaron más rápido con limo y que hubo una reacción inflamatoria aguda efectiva al reducir el edema y el tejido desvitalizado, además de estimular la angiogénesis, la fibroplasia y la reepitelización. Se concluyó que el limo de la salina de Guantánamo posee propiedades cicatrizantes más efectivas que el Hebermin® y el NaCl al 4,0 %.

A preclinical, experimental and analytical study was carried out, in 100 Sprague-Dawley rats to determine the effects of the saline slime from Guantánamo in the scaring for second intention in a model of incisional wound, by means of the simultaneous control to them. They were distributed in 4 groups: a study group and 3 control groups; the first ones were treated with slime and the second ones were treated with 0,9% NaCl; 4,0% NaCl and Hebermin®, respectively. It was verified that the wounds healed quicker with slime and that there was an effective acute inflammatory reaction when reducing the edema and the devitalized tissue, besides stimulating the angiogenesis, fibroplasia and reepitelization. It was concluded that the saline slime from Guantánamo has more effective healing properties than Hebermin® and 4,0% NaCl.

Relação entre a resistência a oxacilina e a produção de biofilme de amostras de origem comunitária e hospitalar pertencentes a diferentes espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo / Relationship between resistance to oxacillin and biofilm production samples of Community and hospital belonging to different species of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus

Nas últimas décadas, os Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo, têm sido considerados como patógenos verdadeiros, sendo um dos principais grupos bacterianos responsáveis pelas infecções relacionadas a assistência a saúde (IRAS). O presente estudo teve como objetivo geral: avaliação da relação entre a resistência a oxacilina e a produção de biofilme de amostras Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo de origem comunitária e hospitalar. Neste sentido, foram desenvolvidos os seguintes objetivos específico: identificar ao nível de espécie os Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo; analisar por técnica fenotípica (Ágar vermelho do Congo) a produção de slime; avaliar quantitativamente, a produção de biofilme; correlacionar a produção de polissacarídeos extracelulares (slime) com a produção de biofilme; avaliar a relação da resistência a oxacilina como indicador da presença do gene mecA; avaliar a relação entre a concentração inibitória mínima e a concentração bactericida mínima para oxacilina; pesquisar a presença dos genes mecA, icaAD e atlE, pela técnica de PCR. Foi estudado um total de 150 amostras, sendo 50 isoladas de fômites, 50 isoladas de sangue e 50 isoladas de comunidade. Independente da origem, foram identificadas 14 espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo, sendo mais frequentes S. epidermidis 42,6%, S. haemolyticus 13,3% e S. cohnii cohnii 10,7%. A análise geral da expressão fenotípica de slime mostrou que 64% das amostras avaliadas eram produtoras de slime. Das 150 amostras testadas neste estudo, 95,3% foram produtoras de biofilme. Ao considerarmos a análise da quantificação do biofilme em relação às origens das amostras estudadas não encontramos diferenças significativas e a maioria das amostras foi considerada moderadamente produtora de biofilme. O gene mecA foi detectado em 6 amostras comunitárias, 34 amostras de fômites e 34 amostras de sangue. Não houve diferença significativa entre as amostras de fômites e sangue...

In recent decades, coagulase-negative Stapphylococci have been considered as true pathogen, one of the major bacterial groups responsible for hospital infection. The present study aimed to: assess the relationship between oxacillin resistance and biofilm production samples coagulase-negative Stapphylococci of community and hospital. In this sense, we have developed the following specific objectives: to identify to species level coagulase-negative Staphylococci; analyze by phenotypic test (Congo red Agar) slime production, evaluate quantitatively the biofilm production; correlate the production of extracellular polysaccharides (slime) with biofilm production; evaluate the relationship of resistance to oxacillin as an indicator of the presence of the mecA gene; evaluate the relationship between minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for oxacillin; investigate the presence of the mecA gene, atlE and icaAD, by PCR. We studied a total of 150 samples, 50 were isolated from fomites, 50 from community and 50 isolated from blood. Regardless of origin, 14 species of coagulase-negative Stapphylococci were identified , being more frequent 42.6% S.epidermidis, 13.3% S. haemolyticus and 10.7% S. cohnii cohnii. A general analysis of the phenotypic expression of slime showed that 64% of the samples were slime producers...

Molecular & phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis in implant related infections.

Background & objectives: The discrimination between the Staphylococcus epidermidis colonizing the deep seated indwelling devices and those which are mere commensals has always been a challenge for the clinical microbiologist. This study was aimed to characterize the S. epidermidis isolates obtained from device related infection for their phenotypic and molecular markers of virulence and to see whether these markers can be used to differentiate the pathogenic S. epidermidis from the commensals. Methods: Fifty five S. epidermidis isolates from various device related infections such as endophthalmitis following intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation, intravascular (IV) catheter related sepsis and orthopaedic implant infections, were studied for slime production, biotyping, antibiotic sensitivity; and mec A and ica positivity by the recommended procedures. Results: Twenty three (41.8%) isolates were multi-drug resistant, 26 (65.2%) were slime producers, 30 (54.5%) were adherent, 23 (41.8%) possessed the intercellular adhesin (ica) gene, and 28 (50.9%) harboured the mec A gene. Biotypes I and III were the commonest, most members of which were multi- drug resistant. Twenty two (73.3%) of the 30 adherent bacteria were slime producers as opposed to only 4 (16%) of the 25 non-adherent bacteria (P<0.001). A vast majority i.e. 21 (91.3%) of the 23 ica positive organisms were adherent to artificial surfaces in contrast to only 9 (28.1%) of the 32 non-ica positive organisms (P<0.001). Twenty (86.9%) of the 23 ica positive bacteria were slime producers, as opposed to only 6 (18.7%) of the 32 ica negative bacteria (P<0.001). Of the 23 multi-drug resistant isolates, 19 (82.6%) carried the mec A gene. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings showed that ica AB and mec A were the two important virulence markers of S. epidermidis in implant infections and slime was responsible for the sessile mode of attachment on the devices.

In-vitro adhesion of Staphylococcus spp. to certain orthopedic biomaterials and expression of adhesion genes.

The present study evaluated biofilm forming capacity, the adherence of Staphylococci spp. to different orthopedic biomaterials and the presence of both icaA and icaD genes among staphylococci strains isolated from patients suffering from orthopedic implant infections. We studied 53 Staphylococcal strains from infections related to orthopedic implants, as regards their ability to form biofilm by using microtitre plate method (MTP), in vitro evaluation of the ability of the biofilm forming strains to adhere to certain biomaterials that used in orthopedic surgery and detection of ica A and ica D among the isolates. 90.9% of S. aureus strains were biofilm positive while, 95% of Coagulase negative staph. were biofilm forming, PMMA demonstrated a significantly highest adherence (P<0.05) followed by stainless steel while, the lowest adherence exhibited by titanium and Biofilm producing strains were positive for icaA and icaD genes while, biofilm negative strains were negative for both genes. Staphylococcus spp. are the major pathogens in orthopedic implants infections. Titanium biomaterials are less susceptible for adherence by bacteria . Biofilms are considered the key factor in the development of implantrelated infections.

Detection of methicillin resistance and slime factor production of Staphylococcus aureus in bovine mastitis / Detecção de resistência a meticilina e produção do fator slime por Staphylococcus aureus em mastite bovina

This study aimed to detect methicillin resistant and slime producing Staphylococcus aureus in cases of bovine mastitis. A triplex PCR was optimized targetting 16S rRNA, nuc and mecA genes for detection of Staphylococcus species, S. aureus and methicillin resistance, respectively. Furthermore, for detection of slime producing strains, a PCR assay targetting icaA and icaD genes was performed. In this study, 59 strains were detected as S. aureus by both conventional tests and PCR, and 13 of them were found to be methicillinresistant and 4 (30.7%) were positive for mecA gene. Although 22 of 59 (37.2%) S. aureus isolates were slimeproducing in Congo Red Agar, in PCR analysis only 15 were positive for both icaA and icaD genes. Sixteen and 38 out of 59 strains were positive for icaA and icaD gene, respectively. Only 2 of 59 strains were positive for both methicillin resistance and slime producing, phenotypically, suggesting lack of correlation between methicillin resistance and slime production in these isolates. In conclusion, the optimized triplex PCR in this study was useful for rapid and reliable detection of methicillin resistant S. aureus. Furthermore, only PCR targetting icaA and icaD may not sufficient to detect slime production and further studies targetting other ica genes should be conducted for accurate evaluation of slime production characters of S. aureus strains.

Este estudo objetivou a detecção de Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina e produtor do fator slime em casos de mastite bovina. Um PCR triplex foi otimizado, com alvo no genes 16SrRNA, nuc e mecA para detecção de Staphylococcus spp, S. aureus e resistencia a meticilina, respectivamente. Para detecção das cepas produtoras do fator slime, empregou-se um PCR com alvo nos genes icaA e icaD. No estudo, 59 cepas foram identificadas como S. aureus por testes convencionais e PCR, sendo 13 resistentes a meticilina e quatro positivas para o gene mecA. Embora 22 das 59 cepas tenham sido produtoras do fator slime em Agar Vermelho Congo, no teste PCR somente 15 foram positivas para os genes icaA e icaD. Dezesseis e 38 das 59 cepas foram positivas para os genes icaA e icaD, respectivamente. Somente duas das 59 cepas foram positivas simultaneamente para resistência a meticilina e produção do fator slime, sugerindo falta de correlação entre estas características. Em conclusão, o PCR triplex otimizado neste trabalho mostrou-se ser um método rápido e confiável para detecção de S.aureus meticilina resistente. Por outro lado, somente PCR para os genes icaA e icaD pode não ser suficiente para detectar produção de fator slime e outros estudos com alvo em outros genes ica são necessários para um avaliação correta da produção do fator slime por S. aureus.

Adherence assays and Slime production of Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus / Ensaios de adesão e produção de muco por Vibrio alginolyticus e Vibrio parahaemolyticus

In this study we investigated the phenotypic slime production of Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrioparahaemolyticus strains, food-borne pathogens, using a Congo red agar plate assay. Furthermore, westudied their ability to adhere to abiotic surfaces and Vero cells line. Our results showed that only V.alginolyticus ATCC 17749 was a slime-producer developing almost black colonies on Congo red agar plate.Adherence to glace tube showed that all V. alginolyticus strains were more adherent than V. parahaemolyticus.Only V. alginolyticus ATCC 17749 was found to be able to form biofilm on polystyrene microplate wells (OD570= 0.532). Adherence to Vero cells showed that all tested strains were non adherent after 30 min, however after60 min all the studied strains become adherent. The percentage of adherence ranged from1.23% to 4.66%.

Neste estudo, investigou-se a produção de muco por cepas de Vibrio alginolyticus e Vibrio parahaemolyticus através do teste em placa de ágar com vermelho congo. Estudou-se também a capacidade de adesão à superfícies abióticas e células Vero. Os resultados indicaram que somente V. alginolyticus ATCC 17749 produziu muco, formando colônias quase negras nas placas de ágar com vermelho congo. O teste de adesão a tubos de vidro indicou que as cepas de V. alginolyticus foram maisaderentes do que as de V. parahaemolyticus. Somente V. alginolyticus ATCC 17749 foi capaz de formar biofilme nos poços das microplacas de poliestireno (OD570=0,532). Testes de adesão a células Vero mostraram que nenhuma das cepas apresentou adesão em 30 min, mas todas aderiram após 60 min. Aporcentagem de adesão variou de 1,23% a 4,66%.

Occurrence of Fuligo gyrosa Causing Slime Mold of Oriental Melon

Recently, a severe slime mold infestation affected oriental melon plants in fields in Chilgok county, Gyeongbuk province, Korea. Specimens were collected from the fields and examined for identification. A species of Myxomycetes, Fuligo gyrosa, was identified based on its morphological characteristics. This is the first report that F. gyrosa causes slime mold of oriental melon.

Identification of Diachea leucopodia on Strawberry from Greenhouse in Korea

We have detected the slime mold, Diachea leucopodia (GNU06-10) in a strawberry greenhouse located in Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam. Typical fruiting bodies had developed gregariously on the strawberry leaves, petioles, and plant debris on ground soil habitat, and also surprisingly on plastic pipes and a vinyl covering. Field samples were examined via stereomicroscopy, light microscopy, and SEM for the determination of morphological characteristics. Dark-brown to black spores formed gregariously within the stipitate cylindrical sporangium, and were covered by an iridescent peridium, which may be intact at maturity, or may have disintegrated. The upper portion of the peridium generally breaks up to expose the spores, whereas the lower portion was usually persistent. The results of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) analysis showed that lime was present in the stalk and columella but absent from the spores, capillitium, and peridium. The above characteristics confirm its taxonomic position in the genus Diachea. However, this genus is intermediate in character between the Physarales and Stemonitales of the Myxogastromycetidae. Hence, this genus had been classified as a member of the Stemonitales until the mid-1970's, on the basis of its iridescent peridium and noncalcareous capillitial system, similar to Comatricha of the Stemonitaceae. By way of contrast, emphasis on morphological characteristics, most notably the calcareous stalk and typical columella, places Diachea within the order Physarales. The presence of a phaneroplasmodium during the trophic stage and lime deposition in its sporophores, as was confirmed in this work, supported the inclusion of Diachea in the Physarales, and the noncalcareous capillitial system verified its identification as a member of the Didymiaceae. Further characteristics of the species D. leucopodia include the following: phaneroplasmodium, spore globose 7.5 microm in diameter, very minutely roughened; sporangia 500 microm x 1mm, more or less cylindrical, gregarious, stalked 1.2mm; stalk and columella white.

Bacterial biofilms with emphasis on coagulase-negative staphylococci

In addition to their capacity to attach to surfaces, various groups of microorganisms also produce an extracellular polymeric substance known as "slime". This slime forms a thin layer around cells known as biofilm. Thus, biofilm structure comprises bacterial cells and an extracellular polymeric substance. It also presents a defined architecture, providing the microorganisms with an excellent protective environment and favoring the exchange of genetic material between cells as well as intercellular communication. The ability to produce biofilm is observed in a large group of bacteria, including coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) which are the predominant microorganisms of normal skin flora and have been implicated as the causative agents of hospital infections. Bacteremia caused by these agents is common in immunodepressed persons, in patients with cancer, in adult and neonatal intensive care units (ICU) and in patients using catheters or other prosthetic devices. The pathogenicity of CNS infections is probably related to the production of slime, which adheres preferentially to plastic and smooth surfaces, forming a biofilm that protects against attacks from the immune system and against antibiotic treatment, a fact hindering the eradication of these infections. The main objective of the present review was to describe basic and genetic aspects of biofilm formation and methods for its detection, with emphasis on biofilm creation by CNS and its relationship with diseases caused by these microorganisms which are becoming increasingly more frequent in the hospital environment.

Atividade enzimática, produção de slime e sensibilidade a antifúngicos de Candida sp / Enzymatic activity, slime production and antifungal agent sensitivity of Candida sp

A habilidade de Candida spp secretar enzimas extracelulares e slime tem sido associada como fatores de patogenicidade. Do total de 37 cepas de Candida sp, 100 por cento foram produtoras de proteinase, 83,8 por cento fosfolipase, 64,9 por cento slime e 100 por cento sensíveis ao fluconazol e itraconazol. Foram encontradas 17 tipagens (enzima/slime). Esta metodologia apresentou um bom índice discriminatório (D=0,93) podendo ser utilizado na caracterização fenotípica das leveduras.

Abilith of Candida spp to secrete extracellular enzymes and slime has been associated as pathogenicity factors. Out of a total of 37 strains of Candida sp, 100 percent were proteinase producers, 83.8 percent were phospholipase producers, 64.9 percent were slime producers and 100 percent were sensitive to fluconazole and itraconazole. Seventeen typings (enzymes/slime) were found. This methodology presented a good discrimination rate (D = 0.93) and could be used for phenotypic characterization of yeasts.

Two Species of Myxomycetes Causing Slime Mold of Sweet Potato

Specimens collected from sweet potato plants with slime mold symptoms in fields in Daejeon, Korea were examined. Two species of Myxomycetes, Fuligo septica and Stemonitis herbatica were identified based on their morphological characteristics. This is the first report that the two species of Myxomycetes cause slime mold of sweet potato in Korea.

Nosocomial Infection and Resistance of Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To study the distribution and drug resistance of coagulase negative Staphylococcus(CNS)that leads to nosocomial infection.METHODS Nosocomial CNS was identified and then drug resistance test was performed by K-B method.Nitrocefin method and the Congo red method were utilized to detect ?-lactamase and the slime,respectively.RESULTS Of all 162 CNS strains isolated,there were 102 strains of MRCNS and 60 strains of MSCNS including 83 S.epidermidis strains,accounting for 51.2%.Among all the MRCNS and MSCNS strains above,the positive rates of the ?-lactamase were 100.0% and 5.0%,respectively,and the positive rates of the slime were 17.6% and 1.7%,respectively.The resistance rates of MRCNS to 12 types of antibiotics were higher than those of MSCNS(P

Role of Slime in Resistance Mechanism of Biofilms of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility on coagulase negative staphylococci(CNS) in Xiangya Hospital and to investigate the role of slime in the resistance mechanism of biofilms.METHODS To isolate and identify CNS from clinical(specimens).The susceptibility of 15 antibiotics was tested by the disc diffusion method.The quantity of slime(produced) by CNS was measured by the colorimetric method.Slime was isolated from selected strains of CNS and analyzed by SDS-PAGE.The MICs to vancomycin,gentamicin and rifampin were determined with and(without) the addition of extracted slime by a standard microtiter method.RESULTS Of all these 15 antibiotics,the highest resistance to CNS was penicillin,followed by erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.CNS was more susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam and rifampin.None was resistant to vancomycin.All of 158 CNS,except one strain,could produce slime.There was a statistical difference between the quantities of slime produced by CNS that produced high and low quantity slime.However,there was a non-statistical difference of resistance to these 15 antibiotics of above CNS. There was an increase in the MICs to vancomycin and gentamicin,but no in the MIC to rifampin,in the absence of 20mg/ml extracted slime.The extracted slime seemed to be similar to the glycosaminoglycans(GAG);it had mobility similar to that of chondroitin sulfate.CONCLUSIONS CNS can(produce slime) on some condition,universally,then to form biofilms.However,in vitro susceptibility testing(employed) cannot really reflect the susceptibility of bacteria in biofilms in vivo.Slime can increase the MICs to vancomycin and gentamicin because of interference with either the antimicrobial action of these drugs or the(perfusion) of these drugs through the medium to increase the resistance of biofilms.It does not affect the MIC to rifampin.

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Analysis for Candida parapsilosis Isolates from Blood Cultures / 감염

BACKGROUND: Candida parapsilosis is an important nosocomial pathogen that can form biofilms (slime) on prosthetic material and cause catheter- related bloodstream infections. Genetic heterogeneity has been reported within clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis, but clinical significance of these different genotypes is not clear. We investigated random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genotypes of bloodstream isolates of C. parapsilosis and their relation to slime production. METHODS: Twenty-three bloodstream isolates and 20 strains from other sites were analyzed. For RAPD, five random 10-mer primers were used and the results were analyzed by the numerical taxonomy system and multivariate analysis system (NTSYS-pc). Slime production was evaluated by growing the organism in Sabouraud broth with 8% glucose and examining the walls of the tubes for the presence of an adherent slime layer. RESULTS: RAPD analysis separated 43 isolates of C. parapsilosis into four distinct genotypes. All 23 blood isolates belonged to type I, whereas the isolates from other sites consisted of type I (n=13), II (n=2), III (n=2) and IV (n=3). Eighty-three percent (19/23) of blood isolates were slime positive, whereas 50% (10/20) of isolates from other sites were slime positive. Slime positivity was observed in 81% (29/36) of type I isolates, in contrast to 0% (0/7) in all other types (types II~V). CONCLUSION: We suggest that C. parapsilosis isolates, which produce slime, are possibly of the same or similar RAPD type.

Why does slug length correlate with speed during migration in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Taking advantage of the fact that static electricity in plastic Petri dishes will produce very long, thin migrating slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum, it was shown that these slugs moved particularly rapidly. This is consistent with the demonstration of Inouye and Takeuchi that speed varies with length for slugs migrating on agar. Based on these observations it is suggested that slug speed is controlled by both the resistance at the tip and some factor that correlates With slug size, such as the concentration of endogenously produced ammonia.

Adherence of Slime / 대한정형외과학회잡지

There were many studies to investigate the pathogenesis and prevention of infection in artificial joint replacement due to the difficulty in management of infected arthroplasty in spite of using large amounts of antibiotics. Biomaterials play a major role in the development of infection because of the way the body responds to their chemical and physical characteristics. Exopolysaccharide glycocalyx or biofilm(slime) which is produced by organisms adhered to the biomaterials has been detected and regarded as an important factor in pathogenesis. The production of slime on the biomaterials in turn makes the pathogens resistant to the antibiotics and therefore they survive. The objects of this study are to evaluate which materials are more susceptible to the adherence by Staphylococcus epidermidis, to evaluate the amount of antibiotics needed to kill the S. epidermidis adhered to the biomaterials(Polymethymethacrylate, Titanium-6Aluminum-4Vanadium alloy, Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene), and to evaluate the timing of administration of the antibiotics(cephradine, gentamicin) and potadine for prevention of postoperative infection. The results are as follows. 1. The materials in order of greatest adherence due to the number of organisms colonized are poly- methylmethacrylate(PMMA), ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE), and titanium alloy(Ti-6A1-4V alloy) being the least adherent. 2. With the production of biofilm the S. epidermidis becomes resistant to even that of 4 times the minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC) of antibiotics. 3. For prevention of postoperative infection, the prophylactic administration of cephradine if effective when used within 4 hours after contamination and the gentamicin and potadine are effective when used within 8 hours after the contamination with S. epidermidis.