Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding

Abstract The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Resumo O impacto dos antibióticos no crescimento e na produção do casulo foi avaliado, além do isolamento e caracterização das bactérias associadas ao intestino de larvas infectadas do bicho-da-seda. A criação das larvas foi mantida nas condições recomendadas de temperatura e umidade. As larvas do bicho-da-seda com sintomas anormais foram coletadas do grupo controle e dissecadas para coleta do intestino. As bactérias foram isoladas do conteúdo intestinal por espalhamento em placas de ágar e incubadas a 37° C durante 48 horas. A identificação bacteriana e a análise filogenética foram realizadas pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. As bactérias isoladas foram submetidas a teste de sensibilidade antimicrobiana (métodos de difusão em disco) com penicilina (10 µg / mL), tetraciclina (30 µg / mL), amoxicilina (25 µg / mL), ampicilina (10 µg / mL) e eritromicina (15 µg / mL). Todas as cepas isoladas apresentaram resultados positivos para o teste da catalase. Isolamos e identificamos cepas bacterianas (n = 06) do intestino de larvas de bicho-da-seda saudáveis e doentes. Com base na sequência do gene 16S rRNA, as bactérias isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia, Bacillus e Pseudomonas spp. Notavelmente, 83,3% das cepas eram resistentes a penicilina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina, ampicilina e eritromicina, mas 16,6% mostraram suscetibilidade aos antibióticos comumente usados mencionados acima. As larvas do bicho-da-seda alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina apresentaram melhora significativa no peso larval, comprimento larval e produção de casulo. Peso larval significativamente maior (6,88g), comprimento larval (5,84cm) e peso do casulo (1,33g) foram registrados para larvas alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina, em comparação com outros antibióticos. Cepas bacterianas isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. e Pseudomonas spp.

Antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis plant extract against antibiotic resistant Helicobacter pylori and Gluconobacter oxydans isolated from fresh apple juices samples

Abstract Bacteria were isolated from samples of Fresh Apple juices from shops of three different localities of Lahore. Analysis of samples from Liberty, Anarkali and Yateem khana Markets show different levels of contamination. There were pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in all samples and were identified by the morphological and biochemical tests. Most of the plasmids of pathogenic bacteria were 4kb in their molecular size. Ribotyping of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was done to confirm Helicobacter pylori strain and Gluconobacter oxydans. The highest sensitivity of 210mm was shown by Enterobacter sp. against Aztheromysine disk (15µg) while Micrococcus sp. was highly resistant against all of the Antibiotics applied. The antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria was also checked against Ricinus communis plant's extracts, all isolated bacterial pathogens were resistant but only, E.coli was inhibited at 300µl of the extracts. Presence of pathogenic bacteria in Apple juice samples was due to contamination of sewage water in drinking water while some of these pathogenic bacteria came from Apple's tree and other from store houses of fruits.

Resumo As bactérias foram isoladas de amostras de suco de maçã fresco de lojas de três diferentes localidades de Lahore. A análise de amostras dos mercados Liberty, Anarkali e Yateem khana mostram diferentes níveis de contaminação. Havia bactérias patogênicas e não patogênicas em todas as amostras e foram identificadas pelos testes morfológicos e bioquímicos. A maioria dos plasmídeos de bactérias patogênicas tinha 4 kb em seu tamanho molecular. A ribotipagem do sequenciamento do gene do RNA ribossômico 16S foi realizada para confirmar a cepa de Helicobacter pylori e Gluconobacter oxydans. A maior sensibilidade de 210 mm foi mostrada por Enterobacter sp. contra disco de azteromisina (15µg) enquanto Micrococcus sp. foi altamente resistente a todos os antibióticos aplicados. A resistência a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas também foi verificada contra extratos de plantas de Ricinus communis, todos os patógenos bacterianos isolados foram resistentes, mas apenas E. coli foi inibida em 300µl dos extratos. A presença de bactérias patogênicas nas amostras de suco de maçã deveu-se à contaminação da água de esgoto na água potável, enquanto algumas dessas bactérias patogênicas vieram da árvore da maçã e outras de armazéns de frutas.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding / Isolamento e caracterização de bactérias associadas ao trato intestinal do bicho-da-seda sob alimentação larval tratada com antibióticos

Abstract The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Resumo O impacto dos antibióticos no crescimento e na produção do casulo foi avaliado, além do isolamento e caracterização das bactérias associadas ao intestino de larvas infectadas do bicho-da-seda. A criação das larvas foi mantida nas condições recomendadas de temperatura e umidade. As larvas do bicho-da-seda com sintomas anormais foram coletadas do grupo controle e dissecadas para coleta do intestino. As bactérias foram isoladas do conteúdo intestinal por espalhamento em placas de ágar e incubadas a 37° C durante 48 horas. A identificação bacteriana e a análise filogenética foram realizadas pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. As bactérias isoladas foram submetidas a teste de sensibilidade antimicrobiana (métodos de difusão em disco) com penicilina (10 µg / mL), tetraciclina (30 µg / mL), amoxicilina (25 µg / mL), ampicilina (10 µg / mL) e eritromicina (15 µg / mL). Todas as cepas isoladas apresentaram resultados positivos para o teste da catalase. Isolamos e identificamos cepas bacterianas (n = 06) do intestino de larvas de bicho-da-seda saudáveis e doentes. Com base na sequência do gene 16S rRNA, as bactérias isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia, Bacillus e Pseudomonas spp. Notavelmente, 83,3% das cepas eram resistentes a penicilina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina, ampicilina e eritromicina, mas 16,6% mostraram suscetibilidade aos antibióticos comumente usados mencionados acima. As larvas do bicho-da-seda alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina apresentaram melhora significativa no peso larval, comprimento larval e produção de casulo. Peso larval significativamente maior (6,88g), comprimento larval (5,84cm) e peso do casulo (1,33g) foram registrados para larvas alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina, em comparação com outros antibióticos. Cepas bacterianas isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. e Pseudomonas spp.

Screening, biochemical characterization and antibiotics resistance/susceptibility of bacteria isolated from native soil and water samples / Triagem, caracterização bioquímica e resistência/suscetibilidade a antibióticos de bactérias isoladas de amostras nativas de solo e água

The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize bacteria from water and soil sample taken from the Lahore Canal at different sites i.e. Mall Road, Mohlanwal and Khera site. Isolated bacterial strains were identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical tests. Identification was confirmed by culturing bacteria on selective media. Antibiotic resistance test was also performed to observe the resistance of bacteria against different antibiotics. Blood agar test was performed for identification of different pathogenic bacteria. The result revealed that water and soil samples of Lahore Canal Lahore from different sites were contaminated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Vibrio sp., Bacillus spp., Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus spp. Due to presence of these pathogens, this water is not suitable for any domestic and irrigation use. Study also revealed that water of the Lahore Canal is harmful for human health as it is contaminated with bacteria that can cause severe disease e.g., Escherichia coli can cause gastroenteritis, Bacillus spp. can cause nausea and vomiting, Enterococcus may infect urinary tract, Salmonella sp. is responsible for Bacteremia, Staphylococcus spp. can cause mild fever and Vibrio sp. can be the reason of cholera. Thus it is rendered unfit for any kind of human use even other than drinking like swimming, bathing, washing etc., until and unless some remedial measures are employed to eradicate pathogenic microorganisms by WASA and LWMS according to standards of WHO. Similarly, it is quite harmful, when and where ever it is used for irrigation without proper treatment.

O presente estudo foi realizado para isolar e caracterizar bactérias de amostras de água e solo retiradas do Canal Lahore, em Lahore, em diferentes locais, ou seja, Mall Road, Mohlanwal e Khera. As cepas bacterianas isoladas foram identificadas com base em testes morfológicos e bioquímicos. A identificação foi confirmada por cultura de bactérias em testes de meios seletivos. O teste de resistência aos antibióticos também foi realizado para observar a resistência das bactérias a diferentes antibióticos. Foi realizado o teste de ágar sangue para identificar diferentes bactérias patogênicas. O resultado revelou que amostras de água e solo do Canal Lahore, Lahore, de diferentes localidades estavam contaminadas com Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Vibrio sp., Bacillus spp., Enterococcus sp. e Staphylococcus spp. Por causa da presença desses patógenos, essa água não é adequada para qualquer uso doméstico e de irrigação. O estudo revelou que a água do Canal Lahore é prejudicial à saúde humana, pois está contaminada com bactérias que podem causar doenças graves, por exemplo: Escherichia coli pode ocasionar gastroenterite; Bacillus spp. pode causar náuseas e vômitos; Enterococcus sp. pode infectar o trato urinário; Salmonella sp. é responsável pela bacteremia; Staphylococcus spp. pode causar febre leve; e Vibrio sp. pode ser a razão da cólera. Assim, torna-se imprópria para uso humano, como natação, banho, lavagem etc., até que algumas medidas corretivas sejam empregadas para erradicar microrganismos patogênicos por WASA e LWMS de acordo com os padrões da OMS. Da mesma forma, é bastante prejudicial, quando usada para irrigação sem tratamento adequado.

Silage quality and bacterial diversity of silages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714

Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Introducción: Los ensilajes del pasto king grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) y cáscaras de piña (Ananas comosus) son alternativas de alimento para ganado en condiciones de escasez alimentaria. Objetivo: Describir las dinámicas de la microbiota presente en los ensilajes de king grass y piña durante el proceso de fermentación usando secuenciación de próxima generación (NGS) y evaluar el efecto de protección de Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 como inoculante de ensilaje ante Listeria monocytogenes. Métodos: Usamos un diseño aleatorio no restringido para caracterizar la microbiota presente en ensilajes de king Grass cosechados 70 días después de rebrote y de cáscaras de piña. Inoculamos mezclas de pasto y cáscara con L. paracasei_6714 o L. monocytogenes, o ambos, con un tratamiento control sin inocular. El perfil nutricional y de fermentación fue evaluado luego de 30 días. Después de 15 y 30 días de fermentación, usamos un análisis de para determinar la dinámicas y diversidad de la microbiota en los ensilajes inoculados y control. Resultados: Los contenidos de materia seca y digestibilidad, no difirieron significativamente; sin embargo, hubo diferencias en proteína cruda, pH y ácidos orgánicos. Obtuvimos 4 432 secuencias variantes de amplicon de Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes y de Patescibacteria. La abundancia relativa de cada filo vario dependiendo del material y periodo de fermentación. Similitudes de filo fueron mayores al 70 % (pero no mayor que 50 % con Bray-Curtis a nivel de especie). Conclusión: Estas comunidades bacterianas parecen cumplir un papel importante durante la fermentación del ensilaje. Un manejo apropiado del proceso de ensilaje puede reducir o eliminar baterías patogénicas.

Phaeohyphomycosis: A study from tertiary health care center in North India

Objectives: Phaeohyphomycosis refers to infections caused by phaeoid/dematiaceous or darkly pigmented fungi. This study was undertaken to further increase our knowledge about the incidence of phaeohyphomycosis and its causative agents. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted over a period of one and a half years (January 2018–June 2019) on specimens received from patients with varied clinical manifestations ranging from superficial infections, subcutaneous cysts, pneumonia, brain abscess to a disseminated infection. These specimens were processed in the Department of Microbiology for potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination and culture and in Pathology for cytology/histopathological examination (HPE). All specimens positive on direct examination for dark grey, brown or black fungi were included in the study. Results: A total of 20 specimens were confirmed as phaeohyphomycosis. Most of the patients belonged to the age group of 41 to 50 years. Male: Female ratio was 2.3:1. Trauma was the most common risk factor. Spectra of the isolated fungal pathogens comprised of Bipolaris species, Exophiala species, Curvularia geniculata, Phialemonium species, Daldinia eschscholtzii, Hypoxylon anthochroum, Phaeoacremonium species, Leptosphaerulina australis, Medicopsis romeroi, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Eutypella species, Chaetomium globosum, Alternaria species, Cladophialophora bantiana and 2 unidentified dematiaceous fungi. Recovery from phaeohyphomycosis was seen in 12 patients, 7 were lost to follow up and one patient succumbed to the illness. Conclusion: Infections caused by phaeoid fungi can no longer be viewed as rare. In fact, phaeohyphomycosis can have myriad of presentations spanning from mild cutaneous infections to fatal brain disease. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose such infections. The primary treatment modality remains surgical removal of the lesion in cutaneous or subcutaneous infections however disseminated disease with a guarded prognosis requires aggressive management.

Clinical and microbiological assessment in a subpopulation of young Argentine patients with severe periodontitis / Periodontitis severa en jóvenes argentinos. Evaluación clínica y microbiológica en jóvenes argentinos con periodontitis severa

ABSTRACT Aggressive periodontitis (AP) is the most serious entity of periodontal disease (stage III/IV, grade C periodontitis according to the latest classification, 2017). Aim: to enhance knowledge of periodontal microbiota in AP in native Argentine patients and describe the effect of a combined pharmacological-mechanicalperiodontal treatment on clinical and microbiological parameters. Materials andMethod: The study analyzed 42 periodontal sites in 11 patients diagnosed with AP. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 45, 90 and 180 days. Microbiological samples were taken before treatment and at 180 days. PCR was used to determine presence of the periodontopathic bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Patients underwent periodontal therapy including antibiotics (Amoxicillin 500mg + Metronidazole 250mg; 8hs/7 days), and were reevaluated at 45, 90 and 180 days. Results: Mean age was 28.4 ± 7.9 years. The initial PCR detected the following frequencies: Aa 14.3%, Pi 61.9%, Pg 71.4%, Tf 81.0%, Fn 95.2% and Td 97.6%. Baseline microbiological samples revealed significantly higher prevalence of Pg over Aa (p=0.012). Clinical parameters improved significantly after treatment (73.8% PS<5 mm; PS, NIC, SS p<0.001). At 180 days, a significant decrease in microbiological detection rates was observed (Fn, Td, Tf, Pi, Aa p<0.05). Aa was no longer detectable while Pg did not decrease significantly (p=0.052). Fn was the only study species detected in 100% (n=11:42) of residual pockets (PS>5 mm) (p=0.053). Conclusion: In the initial samples, there was significant prevalence of Pg over Aa. Significant clinical improvement was achieved after the mechanical-pharmacological treatment, with undetectable levels ofAa, while Fn persisted in residual pockets, and Pg was present at most of the treated sites.

RESUMEN La periodontitis agresiva (PA) es la entidad más grave de la enfermedad periodontal (clasificación 2017: periodontitis estadio III/IV, grado C). Objetivo: mejorar el conocimiento sobre la microbiota periodontal de la PA en sujetos nativos argentinos y describir el efecto de un tratamiento mecánico-farmacológico periodontal sobre los parámetros clínicos y microbiológicos. Materiales y Método: se estudiaron 42 sitios periodontales correspondientes a 11 pacientes con PA. Los parámetros clínicos se registraron a 0, 45, 90 y 180 días. Las tomas microbiológicas se realizaron antes de iniciar el tratamiento y a los 180 días. La determinación de especies periodontopáticas (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf, Treponema denticola (Td), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) y Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn)) se realizó por PCR. Los pacientes iniciaron terapia básica periodontal junto con antibioticoterapia (Amoxicilina 500 mg + Metronidazol 250 mg; 8 hs/7 días) y fueron evaluados a los 45, 90 y 180 días. Resultados: la edad media fue 28,4 ± 7,9 años. Las detecciones iniciales fueron: Aa 14,3%, Pi 61,9%, Pg 71,4%, Tf 81,0%, Fn 95,2% y Td 97,6%. En las muestras iniciales la prevalencia de Pg sobre Aa fue significativamente superior (p=0,012). Los pacientes tuvieron una respuesta clínica favorable al tratamiento (73,8% PS<5 mm; PS, NIC, SS p<0,001). A 180 días, se observó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en la detección microbiana (Fn, Td, Tf, Pi, Aa p<0,05). En igual plazo, Aa no fue detectado, mientras que Pg mostró una disminución no significativa (p=0,052). Fn fue el único detectado en el 100% (n=11:42) de las bolsas periodontales residuales (PS>5 mm) (p=0,053). Conclusión: Las muestras iniciales evidenciaron prevalencia significativa de Pg sobre Aa. El tratamiento logró una significativa mejora clínica con niveles indetectables de Aa. La persistencia de Fn en las bolsas residuales y de Pg en la mayoría de los sitios tratados, caracterizaron la muestra poblacional estudiada.

The need and challenges for development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases

Abstract Objective: To identify and describe learnings from past pandemics and to suggest a framework for vaccine development as part of epi/pandemic readiness. Source of data: Articles/ reviews/letters on pandemic preparedness/ vaccines published between 2005 and 2022 in PubMed, MEDLINE, MedRxiv, BioRxiv, Research Square, Gates Open Research; who. int, cepi.net, visualcapitalist.com, airfinity.com, ted.com websites; press releases. Summary of findings: Disease pandemics caused by emerging pathogens impacted the social development, health and wealth of most societies in human history. In an outbreak, the first months determine its course. To block an exponential spread and the development of an epi/ pandemic early, vaccine availability in sufficient quantities is of paramount importance. It is inevitable that new human viruses will emerge. Any future pandemic will come likely from RNA viruses through zoonotic or vector transmission, but we cannot predict when or where "Disease X" will strike. Public health, scientific and societal readiness plans need to include: continuous identification of new viruses in common mammalian reservoir hosts; continuous epidemiological surveillance, including wastewater sampling; establishment of prototype vaccine libraries against various virus families sharing functional and structural properties; testing of various and innovative vaccine platforms including mRNA, vector, nasal or oral vaccines for suitability by virus family; functional clinical trial sites and laboratory networks in various geographies; more efficient phasing of preclinical and clinical activities; global harmonization and streamlining of regulatory requirements including pre-established protocols; and societal preparedness including combating any pandemic of misinformation. Conclusions: "Outbreaks are unavoidable, pandemics are optional".

Assessment of Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacteria in Selected Fruits and Vegetables from Retail Sources and Home-gardens

Consumption of fruits and vegetables which are known to be highly nutritious has been linked to foodborne disease outbreaks which constitute food safety and public concern. This study aimed to assess the safety of selected fruits and vegetables from fruit markets and home gardens, within the South-West region of Nigeria. A total of fifty-three (53) samples of watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and garden eggs were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis. Isolated bacteria were screened for their pathogenicity and spoilage potential using haemolysis and amylase production tests respectively. A total of 146 bacteria were isolated, 75 (45.7%) were from retail samples and 71 (43.3%) from the home garden. The genera: Bacillus (15.9%), Corynebacterium (11.0%), Lactobacillus (1.2%), Listeria (1.8%), Staphylococcus (12.8%), Enterococcus (1.2%), Micrococcus (1.2%), Acinetobacter (3.7%), Aeromonas (2.4%), Alcaligenes (0.6%), Brucella (0.6%), Vibrio (0.6%), and the family Enterobacteriaceae (36.0%) were identified. Isolates with haemolytic potentials were 51 (31%) while 49 (30%) could cause spoilage. The overall microbiological quality and safety of fruit and vegetable samples analysed in this study is low, as they were contaminated by diverse pathogenic, and spoilage microorganisms. The presence of these pathogens in retailed and home garden fruits and vegetables is a pointer to public health risks and food safety threats. Hence, the need for improved hygienic practice through training handlers along the supply chain.

Unlocking the molecular realm: advanced approaches for identifying clinically and environmentally relevant bacteria

Rapid, effective, and specific identification of clinical and environmental bacterial pathogens is of major importance for their control. Traditionally, bacteria have been identified by phenotypic methods based on morphological, biochemical, and metabolic properties. While these methods are very useful in clinical practice, they have limitations including a poor ability to differentiate within and between species and time-consuming workflows. Newly developed molecular methods can greatly improve the accuracy of taxonomic characterization, identifying specific strains of medical or environmental importance. However, due to high costs and the need for trained professionals, these methods are not yet routine in diagnostic laboratories. Thus, disseminating knowledge on advances in molecular identification techniques is pivotal to make these methodologies accessible. The objective of this work was to review and discuss current molecular techniques for bacteria identification aiming to track and monitor microbial agents in clinical and environmental samples.

Epidemiological characteristics of active etiological surveillance of foodborne diseases in Anyang in 2016 - 2021 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and prevalent pathogens of foodborn diseases in Anyang city, results of active surveillance of foodborne diseases in Anyang City in 2016-2021,and to provide references for prevention and control of foodborne diseasess. Methods Information on surveillancecases of foodborne diseases reported by sentinel hospitals in Anyang City from 2016 to 2021 was collected, and the collected stool specimens were tested for pathogens.Data was analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. Results A total of 1 535 foodborne cases were collected in Anyang City.The reported cases were mainly concentrated in June to August (53.03%, 814/1535), among which the 25-44 years old group (25.41%, 390/1 535) and 45-65 years old group (24.43%, 375/1 535) were the main cases; the proportion of home-made in the processing or packaging method was the highest, and the home was the main exposed places (46.45%, 713/1 535) . Gastrointestinal symptoms were the main clinical symptoms (94.07%, 1 444/1 535) , The  overall detection rate of pathogen in Anyang City was 6.97% , and The detection rates of pathogenic microorganisms were statistically significant in different years. The main serotype of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli was EAEC(73.81%), and the main type of Salmonella was Salmonella enteritidis (54.55%). Conclusion The incidence of food-borne diseases in Anyang City is high in summer and autumn from 2016 to 2021. The age groups of 25-44 years old and 45-65 years old are the main incidence groups. The exposed places are mainly family, and the pathogens cause Escherichia coli, Salmonella. It is necessary to further improve the active surveillance system of foodborne diseases in Anyang City, increase the monitoring of key high-risk groups, and strengthen food safety education for home-made food, especially in summer and autumn.

Verification of detection method for multiple pathogens in plasma of convalescent patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To systematically verify the detection method for multiple pathogens in plasma of convalescent patients(CPs)with Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19).Methods According to the actual situation of plasma samples and the requirements of kit,the molecular biological detection method for multiple pathogens in plasma of CPs with COVID-19 was systematically verified for specificity,reproducibility,intermediate precision and limit of detection(LOD),and confirmed for applicability by detecting 50 plasma samples of CPs with COVID-19.Results The results of interference test and cross test showed that the detection of positive samples and negative samples were not affected;The RSDs of melting temperature values(Tm)of the positive control four pathogens by the same or different test personnels at different time under the same test conditions were 0.07%,0.14%,0.07%,0.14% and 0.06%,0.23%,0.23%,0.20%,and those of internal control(IC)and amplification control(AC)1 and 2 were 0.07%,0.01%,0.07%,0.14% and 0.11%,0.10%,0.15%,0.22%,respectively.Meanwhile,the RSDs of reproducibility and intermediate precision were less than 15% and20% respectively,which met the requirements;The minimum LOD of 22 pathogens were determined;No pathogen was detected in 50 plasma samples of CPs with COVID-19.Conclusion The method for detecting pathogens in plasma of CPs with COVID-19 was specific,stable,reliable and reproducible,which was suitable for the detection of pathogens in plasma of CPs with COVID-19.

ZHANG Lei's Experience in Treating Scleroderma from “Extraordinary Pathogens Entering Collaterals” / 中医杂志

This paper summarized professor ZHANG Lei′s experience in treating scleroderma from “extraordinary pathogens entering collaterals”. The basic pathogenesis of scleroderma is “extraordinary pathogens entering the collaterals”， and extraordinary pathogens can be divided into external and internal categories. External extraordinary pathogens are mostly exogenous wind， cold and damp pathogens， and the pathogenesis is wind， cold and damp invading skin stria and retaining collaterals. Most of the endogenous extraordinary pathogens are turbid phlegm and blood stasis， and the pathogenesis is endogenous phlegm and stasis leaving the channels and overflowing the collaterals， and blocking the collaterals. Blocked by extraordinary pathogens for a long time， the long illness will lead to deficiency and develop into a syndrome of collaterals excess and channels deficiency. Therefore， professor ZHANG creats Tengluo Beverage （藤络饮） as the basic formula to unblock collaterals and dispel pathogens， and recommends to add or subtract it according to the different syndrome and pathogenic characteristics of the edema stage， sclerosis stage， and atrophy stage. In the edema stage， it is advised to expel wind， remove dampness and unblock the collaterals， while in the sclerosis stage， the method of dissolving phlegm， expelling stasis and unblocking collaterals should be used； in the atrophic stage， it is suggested to differentiate the deficiency of qi， blood， yin and yang， and eliminate extraordinary pathogens on the basis of reinforcing healthy qi .

Epidemiological features of pathogens of acute respiratory tract infection in children in Guangzhou area from 2018 to 2021 / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the epidemiology of pathogens of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in children in Guangzhou area.Methods:A total of 13 610 hospitalized children with ARTI in Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center from January 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled. Throat swab specimens were collected, and fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect 11 respiratory pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), human rhinovirus (HRV), human bocavirus (HBoV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), enterovirus (EV), influenza A virus (IFA), influenza B virus (IFB), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP). Grouping according to age (< one year group, one to < three years group, three to < six years group, six to 14 years group) and season. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:At least one pathogen was detected in 6 331 cases among 13 610 patients, and the overall positive rate was 46.52%. The detection rates from high to low were as follows: RSV (13.75%(1 872/13 610)), ADV (4.82%(656/13 610)), PIV (4.82%(656/13 610)), MP (4.54%(618/13 610)), HRV (3.39%(462/13 610)), HBoV (2.64%(359/13 610)), HMPV (2.59%(352/13 610)), EV (1.76%(239/13 610)), IFA (1.29%(176/13 610)), IFB (0.90%(122/13 610)) and CP (0.30%(41/13 610)). The positive rate of viral detection showed significant differences among different age groups ( χ2=49.91, P<0.001), and the highest positive rate was in the age group of one to <three years (50.83%(2 196/4 320)). The positive rate of viral detection showed a significant difference in terms of seasonal distribution ( χ2=13.90, P=0.003), with a peak prevalence in summer (48.76%(1 498/3 072)). Conclusions:RSV, ADV, PIV, MP and HRV are important pathogens causing ARTI in children in Guangzhou area. The distribution of pathogens in children with ARTI is associated with age and season.

Interpretation of 2022 World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The global morbidity of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) tends to increase, especially in immunocompromised people.Due to the atypical symptoms, unclear etiological mechanism, and emerging antifungal resistance, IFD challenge current clinical diagnosis and treatment.The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the first WHO fungal priority pathogens list in 2022.The most concerning fungal pathogens were listed and summarized to promote further understanding of the epidemiology of IFD and antifungal drug resistance.It is hoped to provide a basis for the prevention and interventions of IFD.

Progress of Chlamydia trachomatis in children with respiratory tract infections / 国际儿科学杂志

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the atypical pathogens, also a strict intracellular parasite with unique developmental cycle of prokaryotic microorganisms, resulting in infantile respiratory infections and conjunctivitis.Chlamydia trachomatis is associated with respiratory diseases such as chronic cough and bronchial asthma in children.Children infected with Chlamydia trachomatis generally have a good prognosis after treatment.At present, important progress has been made in the development of Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine.This article reviews the progress in etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory inspection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis, providing a new direction for clinical recognition and effective treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Inhibitory effect of three strains of biocontrol microbes on pathogens causing rhizome rot of Polygonatum cyrtonema / 中国中药杂志

Rhizome rot is one of the main disease in the cultivation of Polygonatum cyrtonema, and it is also a global disease which seriously occurs on the perennial medicinal plants such as Panax notoginseng and P. ginseng. There is no effective control method at present. To identify the effects of three biocontrol microbes(Penicillium oxalicum QZ8, Trichoderma asperellum QZ2, and Brevibacillus amyloliquefaciens WK1) on the pathogens causing rhizome rot of P. cyrtonema, this study verified six suspected pathogens for their pathogenicity on P. cyrtonema. The result showed that Fusarium sp. HJ4, Colletotrichum sp. HJ4-1, and Phomopsis sp. HJ15 were the pathogens of rhizome rot of P. cyrtonema, and it was found for the first time that Phomopsis sp. could cause rhizome rot P. cyrtonema. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of biocontrol microbes and their secondary metabolites on three pathogens were determined by confrontation culture. The results showed that the three tested biocontrol microbes significantly inhibited the growth of three pathogens. Moreover, the secondary metabolites of T. asperellum QZ2 and B. amyloliquefaciens WK1 showed significant inhibition against the three pathogens(P<0.05), and the effect of B. amyloliquefaciens WK1 sterile filtrate was significantly higher than that of high tempe-rature sterilized filtrate(P<0.05). B. amyloliquefaciens WK1 produced antibacterial metabolites to inhibit the growth of pathogens, and the growth inhibition rate of its sterile filtrate against three pathogens ranged from 87.84% to 93.14%. T. asperellum QZ2 inhibited the growth of pathogens through competition and antagonism, and P. oxalicum QZ8 exerted the inhibitory effect through competition. The research provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of rhizome rot of P. cyrtonema and provides a basis for the di-sease control in other crops.

Contamination of common food-borne pathogens in foods sold in Changzhou / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the contamination status of common food-borne pathogens in foods sold in Changzhou, and to provide evidence for food safety risk assessment and prevention of food-borne diseases. Methods From 2010 to 2020 , 2 513 samples of 17 types of foods were collected in Changzhou area. The detection of pathogenic bacteria was carried out in accordance with the standard operation procedure specified in the “Workbook for Surveillance on Food Microorganisms and Pathogenic Factors in Jiangsu Province”. Results A total of 260 positive samples of common food-borne pathogens were detected in all 2 513 samples with an overall detection rate of 10.30%. Single factor analysis showed that the detection rate of pathogenic bacteria in non-ready-to-eat samples was higher than that in ready-to-eat samples (χ2=148.875，P =0.000). The detection rate of pathogenic bacteria in bulk samples was higher than that in prepackaged ones (χ2=70.956，P=0.000). There is a difference in the detection rate of food-borne pathogens from different types of sampling sites (χ2=65.017，P=0.000). Logistic regression analysis showed that ready-to-eat food, packaging type, and sampling season were significantly correlated with the detection rate of food-borne pathogens. The detection rate of pathogenic bacteria in samples collected in the third or fourth quarters was higher than that in the first quarter. Conclusion The commercial foods sold in Changzhou have a relatively high level of contamination of food-borne pathogenic bacteria, and they should be fully heated and sterilized before consumption. The relevant departments should strengthen supervision and health education in summer and autumn.

Analysis of pathogenic microorganisms in 64 077 cases of umbilical cord blood / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in umbilical cord blood and maternal blood from 2012 to 2021, so as to improve the collection of umbilical cord blood and guarantee the safety of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) . 【Methods】 Detection results of pathogenic microorganisms of umbilical cord blood and maternal blood among 64 077 cases from Tianjin Cord Blood Bank from 2012 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 A total of, 2 072 cases (3.23%) were detected positive, among which, 184 cases (0.29%) were positive for aerobic bacteria culture, 1 504 cases (2.34%) were positive for anaerobic bacteria culture, and 384 cases (0.60%) were positive for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria culture. From 2012 to 2021,the overall positive rate showed a downward trend, with a difference in the positive rate between each year (P<0.05). The positive rate of anaerobic bacteria was higher than that of aerobic bacteria and that of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria (P<0.05). After Gram staining, the microscopic detection rate of bacterial positive samples was highest in G- bacilli, followed by G+ bacilli, G+ cocci, G- cocci and others. Among the 64 077 cases, 169 cases (0.26%) showed reactivity in cord blood tests and 1 231 cases (1.92%) showed reactivity in maternal blood tests. Umbilical cord blood and maternal blood HIV-Ag/Ab tests showed reactivity after initial screening. After confirmation by Western blotting, there was 1 case of uncertain maternal blood, while the rest were negative. The reactive rates of anti-TP (0.12%) and anti- HCV (0.11%) in umbilical cord blood were higher than those of HBsAg (0.03%) and CMV-IgM (1/64 077).There was a difference in the reactive rate of anti-TP detection in umbilical cord blood between different years (P<0.05),while there was no statistically significant difference in that of HBsAg, anti-HCV and CMV-IgM (P> 0.05).The reactive rate of HBsAg in maternal blood (1.38%) was higher than that of CMV-IgM(0.29%) , anti-TP(0.13%) and anti-HCV (0.12%) . There were differences in the reactive rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV ,and anti-TP in maternal blood among different years (P<0.05),and that of HBsAg showed a decreasing trend, while the reactive rate of CMV-IgM was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The reactive rates of HBsAg and CMV-IgM detected in maternal blood were significantly higher than those in umbilical cord blood (P<0.05) . The reactive rates of anti-HCV and anti-TP in maternal blood were consistent with those in umbilical cord blood (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 The reactive rates of anti-HIV and CMV-IgM in cord blood, and that of anti-HIV in maternal blood are low, but those of anti-TP and anti-HCV in cord blood are relatively high. The reactive rate of HBsAg is high in maternal blood,but with a downward trend,but low in umbilical cord blood due to maternal-infantile transmission blocking. The detection of transfusion transmitted pathogens and bacteria plays a critical role on the safety of umbilical cord blood HSCs. Effective detection of transfusion transmitted pathogens and culture of bacteria are the key to ensure the quality of umbilical cord blood, which can improve the safety of umbilical cord blood HSCs transplantation.

ZHANG Lei's Experience in Treating Scleroderma from “Extraordinary Pathogens Entering Collaterals” / 中医杂志

@#This paper summarized professor ZHANG Lei′s experience in treating scleroderma from “extraordinary pathogens entering collaterals”. The basic pathogenesis of scleroderma is “extraordinary pathogens entering the collaterals”， and extraordinary pathogens can be divided into external and internal categories. External extraordinary pathogens are mostly exogenous wind， cold and damp pathogens， and the pathogenesis is wind， cold and damp invading skin stria and retaining collaterals. Most of the endogenous extraordinary pathogens are turbid phlegm and blood stasis， and the pathogenesis is endogenous phlegm and stasis leaving the channels and overflowing the collaterals， and blocking the collaterals. Blocked by extraordinary pathogens for a long time， the long illness will lead to deficiency and develop into a syndrome of collaterals excess and channels deficiency. Therefore， professor ZHANG creats Tengluo Beverage （藤络饮） as the basic formula to unblock collaterals and dispel pathogens， and recommends to add or subtract it according to the different syndrome and pathogenic characteristics of the edema stage， sclerosis stage， and atrophy stage. In the edema stage， it is advised to expel wind， remove dampness and unblock the collaterals， while in the sclerosis stage， the method of dissolving phlegm， expelling stasis and unblocking collaterals should be used； in the atrophic stage， it is suggested to differentiate the deficiency of qi， blood， yin and yang， and eliminate extraordinary pathogens on the basis of reinforcing healthy qi .