Estudio de la actividad antimicrobiana de Xenophyllum poposum sobre microorganismos de la cavidad bucal por el método de difusión radial / Study of the antimicrobial activity of Xenophyllum poposum on microorganisms of the oral cavity by the radial diffusion method

Resumen En este estudio se evaluó la actividad antimicrobiana in vitro de extractos de Xenophyllum poposum sobre microorganismos bucales como Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Candida albicans y Veillonella sp. Se empleó el método de difusión radial en agar y como controles negativo y positivo de inhibición se emplearon etanol y clorhexidina al 0,12% (Plac out NF®) respectivamente. Los extractos con mayor actividad antimicrobiana fueron el etanólico y el clorofórmico. La diferencia entre ambos no fue estadísticamente significativa (p≥0,05). Tampoco se observó diferencia significativa con respecto a la clorhexidina, excepto sobre Veillonella sp., ya que el extracto etanólico presentó halos de inhibición significativamente menores sobre este microorganismo. Esto es importante ya que Veillonella se considera indicador de salud en relación a la caries dental. En base a esto, el extracto etanólico de Xenophyllum poposum podría ser usado como control químico de la biopelícula dental.

Abstract In this study, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Xenophyllum poposum extracts on oral microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Candida albicans, Veillonella sp. was evaluated. The radial diffusion method in agar was used and 0.12% ethanol and chlorhexidine (Plac out NF®) were used as negative and positive inhibition controls, respectively. The extracts with the highest antimicrobial activity were the ethanolic and chloroform extracts. The difference between the two was not statistically significant (p≥0.05). No significant difference was observed with respect to chlorhexidine, except on Veillonella sp., since the ethanolic extract presented significantly lower inhibition halos on this microorganism. This is important as Veillonella is considered an indicator of health in relation to dental caries. Based on this, the ethanolic extract of Xenophyllum poposum could be used as chemical control of dental biofilm.

Resumo Neste estudo, a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de Xenophyllum poposum sobre microrganismos orais como Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Candida albicans e Veillonella sp. Foi utilizado o método de difusão radial em ágar e etanol 0,12% e clorexidina (Plac out NF®) como controles de inibição negativa e positiva, respectivamente. Os extratos com maior atividade antimicrobiana foram os extratos etanólico e clorofórmio. A diferença entre os dois não foi estatisticamente significativa (p≥0,05). Não foi observada diferença significativa em relação à clorexidina 0,12%, exceto em Veillonella sp., uma vez que o extrato etanólico apresentou halos de inibição significativamente menores neste microrganismo. Isso é importante, pois a Veillonella é considerada um indicador de saúde em relação à cárie dentária. Com base nisso, o extrato etanólico de Xenophyllum poposum pode ser utilizado como controle químico do biofilme dental.

Development and application of ribosomal engineering in actinomycetes / 生物工程学报

Ribosomal engineering is a technique that can improve the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in the antibiotics-resistant mutants by attacking the bacterial RNA polymerase or ribosome units using the corresponding antibiotics. Ribosomal engineering can be used to discover and increase the production of valuable bioactive secondary metabolites from almost all actinomycetes strains regardless of their genetic accessibility. As a consequence, ribosomal engineering has been widely applied to genome mining and production optimization of secondary metabolites in actinomycetes. To date, more than a dozen of new molecules were discovered and production of approximately 30 secondary metabolites were enhanced using actinomycetes mutant strains generated by ribosomal engineering. This review summarized the mechanism, development, and protocol of ribosomal engineering, highlighting the application of ribosomal engineering in actinomycetes, with the aim to facilitate future development of ribosomal engineering and discovery of actinomycetes secondary metabolites.

Absceso cerebral por Actinomyces sp: una infección infrecuente en niños: a propósito de un casot / Actinomyces sp. brain abscess: a rare infection in children: a case repor

A pesar de los avances en las técnicas de diagnóstico y tratamiento, las infecciones intracraneanas son aún enfermedades graves con una incidencia estimada entre 0,3 y 1,3 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes. Se presenta un paciente previamente sano con un absceso cerebral de diagnóstico intraoperatorio en quien, si bien el cultivo evidenció desarrollo polimicrobiano, se identificó presuntivamente Actinomyces sp. en la anatomía patológica. Dado este hallazgo, se realizó antibioticoterapia combinada prolongada con buena evolución. La presentación de este proceso supurado fue inespecífica y la contribución de la anatomía patológica en el diagnóstico etiológico fue relevante. La identificación de un microorganismo inhabitual definió la necesidad de profundizar en la determinación de factores predisponentes

Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment techniques, intracranial infections remain serious diseases with an estimated incidence of between 0.3 and 1.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants. We present a previously healthy patient with an intraoperative diagnostic of brain abscess, in whom although the culture showed polymicrobial development, Actinomyces sp was presumptively identified in the pathological anatomy. Given this finding, prolonged combined antibiotic therapy was performed with good evolution The presentation of this suppurative process was nonspecific and the contribution of the anatomopathology in the etiological diagnosis was relevant. The identification of an unusual microorganism defined the need to deepen the identification of predisposing factors.

Efeito de análogos de curcumina, irradiados ou não por LED, como agentes antimicrobianos e indutores de proliferação e migração celular / Effect of curcumin analogues, irradiated or not by LED, as antimicrobial agents and inducers of cell proliferation and migration

O tratamento endodôntico de dentes permanentes jovens com infecções pulpares/periapicais antes de completar a rizogênese ainda é um desafio para a Endodontia e a Odontopediatria. Relatos científicos têm mostrado que a curcumina (CUR), um fitoquímico polifenólico, apresenta diversas propriedades terapêuticas, entre as quais, amplo espectro de ação antimicrobiana e a capacidade de induzir a proliferação e migração celular. Além disso, devido à sua capacidade excitatória na presença de luz, a CUR também tem sido utilizada como fotossensibilizante em terapia fotodinâmica associada ao LED (light emitting diode), promovendo aumento dos seus efeitos biológicos. Uma forma de aumentar seu potencial terapêutico e reduzir algumas limitações do uso da CUR é a síntese de análogos a partir de pequenas modificações químicas na estrutura original, entretanto, mantendo sua capacidade fotossensibilizante. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a ação antimicrobiana e antibiofilme de análogos de curcumina sob a influência ou não do LED sobre microrganismos de interesse endodôntico e sua influência sobre a viabilidade, proliferação e migração de fibroblastos da linhagem L-929. Uma série de compostos análogos de CUR (PCR-4 H, PCR-3 OH, PCR-4 OH, PCR-3 OCH3, PCR-4 OCH3, PCR-3 acetil, PCR-4 acetil) foram sintetizados pela metodologia de Pabon. A atividade antimicrobiana da CUR e seus análogos foi determinada pelo ensaio de Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) sobre Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces israelii, Enterococcus faecalis e Fusobacterium nucleatum, sob a ação ou não do LED InGaN (nitreto de gálio e índio, com potência de saída de 100 mW/cm², ponta do LED com área de 0,78 cm², 60 s). A curcumina e seu análogo com melhor efeito antimicrobiano (PCR-3 OH) foi avaliado sobre o biofilme inicial (72h) e maduro (1 semana) dessas espécies em microplacas e sobre biofilmes multiespécies formados em túbulos dentinários por contagem das UFC/mL e por microscopia confocal, respectivamente, sob ação ou não do LED. Também foram avaliados quanto à citotoxicidade e a capacidade de induzir proliferação e migração em fibroblastos, por meio de ensaios de metiltetrazólio, azul de tripan e azul de Coomassie, respectivamente. Os dados foram avaliados estatisticamente (p<0,05). Dos 7 análogos de curcumina sintetizados, PCR-3 OH foi o único composto que apresentou atividade bactericida quando testado sobre as bactérias de interesse endodôntico selecionadas. Seu efeito foi potencializado na presença do LED, variando entre as espécies bacterianas. A curcumina teve efeito bactericida para as espécies S. mutans, A. israelii, L. casei e F. nucleatum, e em algumas delas, foi independente do LED. Ambos os compostos reduziram o crescimento dos biofilmes iniciais ou maduros, independente do LED. Entretanto, quando irradiados, o efeito dos compostos variou de acordo com a espécie bacteriana, sendo que A. israelii e S. mutans foram os mais afetados. Ambos os compostos reduziram significativamente os biofilmes multiespécies quando comparados ao controle sem tratamento, sendo que melhor efeito foi observado para PCR-3 OH. A curcumina foi considerada citocompatível a partir de 0,039µg/mL e PCR-3 OH a partir de 0,019 µg/mL. Houve redução significativa na viabilidade celular quando os compostos foram irradiados com LED nas concentrações 0,039 e 0,019 µg/mL. O LED, dentro dos parâmetros testados, reduziu significativamente a viabilidade, a proliferação e a migração celular, independente do composto ou tempo de exposição. Conclui-se que PCR-3 OH apresentou atividade bactericida e sobre biofilmes simples e multiespécies de bactérias de interesse endodôntico superior à CUR, principalmente sob ação do LED. Entretanto, sua citocompatiblidade foi inferior à da CUR. A presença do LED afetou a viabilidade, proliferação e migração dos fibroblastos, mostrando que os parâmetros utilizados para fins antimicrobianos não foram adequados para aplicação em células eucarióticas(AU)

Endodontic treatment of young permanent teeth with pulp / periapical infections before completing rhizogenesis is still a challenge for Endodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. Scientific reports have shown that curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic phytochemical, has several therapeutic properties, including a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action and the ability to induce cell proliferation and migration. In addition, due to its excitatory capacity in the presence of light, CUR has also been used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy associated with LED (light emitting diode), promoting an increase in its biological effects. One way to increase its therapeutic potential and reduce some limitations of the use of CUR is the synthesis of analogues from small chemical modifications in the original structure, however, maintaining its photosensitizing capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm action of curcumin analogues under the influence or not of LED on microorganisms of endodontic interest and their influence on the viability, proliferation and migration of L-929 fibroblasts. A series of CUR analog compounds (PCR-4 H, PCR-3 OH, PCR-4 OH, PCR-3 OCH3, PCR-4 OCH3, PCR-3 acetyl, PCR-4 acetyl) were synthesized by Pabon's methodology. The antimicrobial activity of CUR and its analogs was determined by the Minimum Concentration Inhibitory (CIM) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (CBM) assay on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces israelii, Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, with or without the InGaN LED (gallium and indium nitride, with output power of 100 mW / cm², LED tip with an area of 0.78 cm², 60 sec). Curcumin and its analog with the best antimicrobial effect (PCR-3 OH) were evaluated on the initial (72h) and mature (1 week) biofilm of these species in microplates and on multispecies biofilms formed in dentinal tubules by counting CFU / mL and by confocal microscopy, respectively, under the action or not of the LED. They were also evaluated for cytotoxicity and the ability to induce proliferation and migration in fibroblasts, using methyltetrazolium, trypan blue and Coomassie blue assays, respectively. The data were evaluated statistically (p <0.05). Of the 7 curcumin analogues synthesized, PCR-3 OH was the only compound that showed bactericidal activity when tested on selected bacteria of endodontic interest. Its effect was enhanced in the presence of LED, varying between bacterial species. Curcumin had a bactericidal effect for the species S. mutans, A. israelii, L. casei and F. nucleatum, and in some of them, it was independent of the LED. Both compounds reduced the growth of the initial or mature biofilms, regardless of the LED. However, when irradiated, the effect of the compounds varied according to the bacterial species, with A. israelii and S. mutans being the most affected. Both compounds significantly reduced multispecies biofilms when compared to the untreated control, with the best effect being observed for PCR-3 OH. Curcumin was considered cytocompatible from 0.039 µg / mL and PCR-3 OH from 0.019 µg / mL. There was a significant reduction in cell viability when the compounds were irradiated with LED at concentrations of 0.039 and 0.019 µg / mL. The LED, within the parameters tested, significantly reduced cell viability, proliferation and migration, regardless of the compound or time of exposure. It is concluded that PCR-3 OH showed bactericidal activity and on simple and multispecies biofilms of bacteria of endodontic interest superior to CUR, mainly under the action of LED. However, its cytocompatibility was lower than that of the CUR. The presence of the LED affected the viability, proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, showing that the parameters used for antimicrobial purposes were not suitable for application in eukariotic cells(AU)

Actinomicosis pulmonar en niños: reporte de dos casos peruanos / Pulmonary actinomycosis in children: report of two Peruvian cases

INTRODUCCIÓN: La actinomicosis es una enfermedad infecciosa poco frecuente, ocasionada por una bacteria Gram positiva. La especie más común es Actinomyces israelii. Dentro de sus formas de presentación, la torácica es la menos frecuente. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASOS: Reportamos dos pacientes con actinomicosis torácica de 8 y 13 años de diferentes zonas geográficas de Perú. El primer caso tuvo empiema necessitatis y el segundo, consolidación pulmonar y hemoptisis recurrente. Ambos tuvieron cierto grado de dificultad en su diagnóstico, pero con una buena respuesta al tratamiento antibiótico y quirúrgico. El diagnóstico fue mediante estudio histopatológico. Sin embargo, no se pudo identificar la especie de Actinomyces. CONCLUSIÓN: La actinomicosis torácica es poco frecuente en niños y se presenta como una lesión parenquimal con posible fistulización a la pared torácica. Este es uno de los pocos casos reportados en la literatura peruana, constituyendo una contribución al conocimiento de esta enfermedad y su manejo en pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: Actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The most common species is Actinomyces israelii. Among its forms of presentation, the thoracic is the least frequent. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two patients with thoracic actinomycosis, 8 and 13 years old, from different geographical areas of Peru. The first case had empyema necessitans and the second, lung consolidation and recurrent hemoptysis. Both had a certain degree of difficulty in their diagnosis but responded favorably to antibiotics and surgical treatment. The diagnosis was based on the histopathological study. However, we were not able to ascertain the species of actinomyces. CONCLUSION: Thoracic actinomycosis is rare in children and presents as a parenchymal lesion with possible fistulization to the chest wall. This article is one of the few in the Peruvian literature, constituting a contribution to the knowledge of the disease and its management in pediatrics.

Essential Oil from Psidium cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae) Fresh Leaves: Chemical Characterization and in vitro Antibacterial Activity Against Endodontic Pathogens

Abstract Endodontic infections result from oral pathogenic bacteria which reach and infect dental pulp, as well as surrounding tissues, through cracks, unrepaired caries and failed caries restorations. This study aims to determine the chemical composition of essential oil from Psidium cattleianum leaves (PC-EO) and to assess its antibacterial activity against endodontic bacteria. Antibacterial activity of PC-EO was evaluated in terms of its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values by the broth microdilution method on 96-well microplates. Bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (MIC = 20 µg/mL), Prevotella nigrescens (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL), Fusobacterium nucleatum (MIC = 12.5 µg/mL), Actinomyces naeslundii (MIC = 50 µg/mL), Bacteroides fragilis (MIC = 12.5 µg/mL), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL) and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) were evaluated and compared to chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CDH), the positive control. PC-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation with the use of a Clevenger-type apparatus whereas its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Viridiflorol (17.9%), β-caryophyllene (11.8%), 1,8-cineole (10.8%) and β-selinene (8.6%) were the major constituents found in PC-EO, which exhibited high antibacterial activity against all endodontic pathogens under investigation. Therefore, PC-EO, a promising source of bioactive compounds, may provide therapeutic solutions for the field of endodontics.

Effect of Polygonum multiflorum-Andrographis paniculata intercropping system on rhizosphere soil actinomycetes community structure and diversity of P. multiflorum / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the effect of Polygonum multiflorum-Andrographis paniculata intercropping system on rhizosphere soil actinomycetes of P. multiflorum, the community structure and diversity of soil actinomycetes were studied by using the original soil as the control group and the rhizosphere soil actinomycetes communities of P. multiflorum under monoculture and intercropping systems as the experimental group. In this study 655 221 effective sequences were obtained with an average length of 408 bp. OTU coverage and rarefaction curve showed that the sequencing could represent the real situation of soil actinomycetes. According to the results of alpha diversity analysis, the diversity soil actinomycetes varied as follows: original soil>intercropping soil>monoculture soil. The soil actinomycetes community structure and the relative abundance of dominant genera were significantly changed by both monoculture and intercropping, especially monoculture. OTU clustering and PCA analysis of soil samples showed that all the soil samples were divided into three distinct groups and the original soil was more similar to intercropping soil. In addition, intercropping increased the relative abundance of some beneficial actinomyces, such as Kitasatospora and Mycobacterium, which was beneficial to maintain soil health and reduce the occurrence of soil-borne diseases. The results show that, P. multiflorum-A. paniculata intercropping reduced the change of community structure and the decrease of diversity of soil actinomycetes caused by P. multiflorum monoculture, and made the actinomycete community in rhizosphere soil of P. multiflorum close to the original soil.

Actinomicosis pélvica: a propósito de un caso que simula un tumor de recto / Pelvic actinomycosis: from a case that simulates rectal tumor

Resumen Introducción: La actinomicosis, es una infección crónica rara producida por bacterias del género Actinomyces sp. La afectación pélvica es una de sus formas más infrecuentes y en gran parte de los casos se relaciona al uso de un dispositivo intrauterino de larga data o a una cirugía previa. Como otras enfermedades raras, la infección es conocida como "la gran imitadora" por su variada forma de presentación y particular comportamiento pudiendo simular una neoplasia. El tratamiento es fundamentalmente médico y de buenos resultados. Caso Clínico: Damos a conocer el caso de una paciente que se presentó con un cuadro compatible con un tumor de recto, pero que resultó ser actinomicosis. El diagnóstico se realizó en base a la tinción de Gram, el cuadro clínico y el antecedente de un dispositivo intrauterino abandonado por más de 25 años. Fue corroborado posteriormente mediante anatomía patológica y tratada en forma exitosa con antibióticos por un periodo extendido. Conclusión: Si bien la actinomicosis es una patología infrecuente, debe ser considerada en el diagnóstico diferencial de los pacientes que se presentan con tumores de la pelvis. Un alto índice de sospecha y una actitud diagnóstica activa son fundamentales para un tratamiento oportuno, seguro y eficaz de esta enfermedad.

Introduction: Actinomycosis is a rare chronic infection caused by bacterias of the genus Actinomyces sp. Pelvic involvement is one of its most infrequent forms and in many cases it is related to the use of a longstanding intrauterine device or a previous surgery. Like other rare diseases, the infection is known as "the great imitator" because of its varied form of presentation and its particular behavior, which can simulate a neoplasm. The treatment is fundamentally medical with good results. Case Report: We present the case of a patient who presented with a rectal tumor but that turned out to be Actinomycosis. The diagnosis was made based on the Gram stain, the clinical presentation and the history of an intrauterine device left for more than 25 years. It was subsequently corroborated by pathological anatomy and successfully treated with antibiotics for an extended period. Conclusion: Although actinomycosis is an infrequent pathology, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with tumors of the pelvis. An active diagnostic attitude and a high index of suspicion are fundamental for the timely, safe and effective treatment of this disease.

Actinomicetoma plantar en un paciente sin factores de riesgo / Plantar actinomycetoma in a patient without risk factors

Resumen Se presenta un caso clínico de un actinomicetoma plantar en un paciente sin factores de riesgo, cuyo diagnóstico fue realizado mediante una biopsia de tejido plantar por sospecha de una neoplasia. Dado que el paciente no respondió satisfactoriamente a la terapia de primera línea, debió completar 24 semanas de tratamiento con doxiciclina, a lo cual evolucionó favorablemente. Finalmente, se desarrolla una breve discusión sobre los micetomas plantares.

A case of plantar actinomycetoma without risk factors is presented, which was diagnosed by hystopatological analysis of a foot biopsy because of the suspicion of neoplasia. Since the patient did not fully respond to the first-line therapy antibiotics, a 24-weeks doxycycline regime was started, achieving a satisfactory response. Finally, a brief discussion on plantar mycetomas is presented.

Pelvic actinomycosis mimicking pelvic malignancy / Actinomicose pélvica simulando neoplasia maligna pélvica

Abstract Asymptomatic female genital tract colonization with Actinomyces spp is not uncommon, particularly among intrauterine device users. Pelvic actinomycosis is an extremely rare disease. The clinical picture can resemble an advanced ovarian malignancy. We report a case of pelvic actinomycosis mimicking ovarian malignancy diagnosed postoperatively. Preoperative diagnosis is possible if there is a high index of suspicion, obviating extensive surgery and preserving fertility, since long term antibiotic treatment can be completely effective. Pelvic actinomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of women presenting a pelvic mass, especially if there is intrauterine device use history.

Resumo A colonização assintomática do aparelho genital feminino por Actinomyces spp não é infrequente, sobretudo em utilizadoras de dispositivo intra-uterino. A actinomicose pélvica é uma doença extremamente rara. O quadro clínico pode assemelhar-se ao de uma neoplasia maligna do ovário avançada. Relatamos um caso de actinomicose pélvica, simulando uma neoplasia maligna do ovário, com diagnóstico pós-operatório. O diagnóstico pré-operatório é possível se houver um elevado grau de suspeição, permitindo evitar cirurgias extensas e preservar a fertilidade, uma vez que o tratamento antibiótico prolongado pode ser totalmente eficaz. A actinomicose pélvica deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial da mulher que apresente uma massa pélvica, sobretudo se houver história de uso de dispositivo intra-uterino.

The First Case of Otitis in Korea Caused by Brevibacterium otitidis

Brevibacterium spp. are gram-positive rods that are considered to be strictly nonpathogenic, and a very few cases of their infection in humans have been reported. In this study, we report a case of otitis caused by Brevibacterium otitidis. A 53-year-old woman, who visited the hospital, complained of symptoms, such as otorrhea from both ears, ear fullness, tinnitus, and hearing impairment, for several months. Ear discharge was cultured on blood agar for pathogen identification. Bacteria from the isolated colony were initially identified as Actinomyces odontolyticus by VITEK 2 (bioMerieux, France), whereas VITEK® MS (bioMerieux, France) identified them as Brevibacterium luteolum. Subsequently, bacteria from the isolated colony were confirmed as B. otitidis by 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing confirmed their sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid and resistance to clindamycin and penicillin. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of otitis caused by B. otitidis in Korea.

Two Cases of Actinomycosis with Aspergillosis in Unilateral Paranasal Sinuses

Long-term Outcome of Incision and Curettage Treatment in Patients with Lacrimal Gland Ductulitis

PURPOSE: To describe the effects and long-term outcomes of incision and curettage treatment in patients with lacrimal gland ductulitis.METHODS: Twenty-four patients (24 eyes) with lacrimal gland ductulitis who were treated at Saevit Eye Hospital from June 2010 to November 2016. All patients underwent incision and curettage through the lacrimal ductule, and granules or concretions were removed. After the procedure, oral and topical antibiotics, oral anti-inflammatory agent were used for a week. Clinical presentations of the patients were analyzed. The resolution of symptoms and inflammatory signs and recurrence were evaluated more than 12 months after the procedure including telephone follow-up by a specialist nurse.RESULTS: Common symptoms were a painful, swelling mass with mucous discharge (17 eyes) and conjunctival injection (7 eyes) at the lateral canthal area. During the procedure, 22 patients (91.7%) had typical sulfur granule of Actinomyces, and 10 patients (41.7%) had many cilia in the expressed debris from the ductule. Twenty-three of 24 patients had resolution of symptoms after the procedure and all but one patient (95.8%) showed no recurrence.CONCLUSIONS: Incision and curettage is a simple and less invasive procedure that may be considered as a first treatment option for lacrimal gland ductulitis. Furthermore, incision and curettage of the affected lacrimal ductule has been shown to be effective at minimizing long-term recurrence of lacrimal ductulitis.

Pelvic Actinomycosis Mimicking Malignancy of the Uterus: a Case Report

Pelvic actinomycosis is an uncommon infectious disease. It induces a chronic, suppurative illness characterized by an infiltrative and granulomatous response and, thus, the clinical and radiologic findings may mimic other inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. A 56-year-old female with a long-standing intrauterine device was diagnosed with pelvic actinomycosis manifesting as a large uterine mass with locally infiltrative spread into surrounding tissue that mimicked uterine malignancy. Actinomyces israelii infection was confirmed with a surgical specimen, and the patient was treated with antibiotic medication. Pelvic actinomycosis must be included in the differential diagnoses of patients with an infiltrative pelvic mass extending across tissue planes or in patients with findings of multiple microabscesses, particularly in a patient with an intrauterine device, even the lesion primarily involves the uterus.

Actinomicetos con actividad anti-candida aisladas de hormigas cortadoras de hojas Atta cephalotes (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini) / Actinomyces with anti-candida activity isolated from leaf-cutting ants Atta cephalotes (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini)

RESUMEN Objetivos. Aislar, seleccionar e identificar actinomicetos asociados a hormigas cortadoras de hojas Atta cephalotes (Linnaeus, 1758), que presenten mayor actividad anti-Candida. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en hormigas recolectadas de una localidad de Huánuco, Perú, a partir de las cuales se aislaron cepas de actinomicetos que fueron evaluadas mediante pruebas in vitro para determinar su capacidad antagonista frente a especies de Candida. Los actinomicetos de mayor antagonismo fueron seleccionados y cultivados en agitación, luego se obtuvieron los metabolitos extracelulares con solventes orgánicos y finalmente se evaluaron los extractos crudos para determinar cuantitativamente la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI). Resultados. Se logró aislar 30 actinomicetos, de los cuales el 47 % presentaron actividad antagonista a Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC 7516, el 43 % a Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7307, el 37% a Candida tropicalis ATCC 7206 y C. albicans ATCC 10231 y el 30% a C. albicans ATCC 98028. Extractos orgánicos de las cepas HAA-16 y HAA-17 presentaron marcada actividad anti-Candida; siendo el extracto de acetato de etilo de la cepa HAA17 el de mejor rendimiento por tener mayor espectro de actividad y presentar una CMI de 3,25 mg/ml frente a C. albicans ATCC 7516 y Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7307. Los actinomicetos seleccionados se identificaron mediante técnicas moleculares como miembros del género Streptomyces. Conclusiones. Los actinomicetos asociados a Atta cephalotes son excelentes productores de compuestos bioactivos, capaces de inhibir el crecimiento de levaduras patógenas del género Candida y con potencial aplicación en el desarrollo de nuevos productos naturales de interés biomédico.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To isolate, select and identify actinomyces associated to leaf-cutting ants Atta cephalotes (Linnaeus, 1758), that present a greater anti-Candida activity. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional study made with ants collected at a location in Huánuco, Peru, from which strands of actinomyces were isolated and later evaluated by in vitro testing in order to determine its antagonistic capacity against species of Candida. The actinomyces with greater antagonism were selected and cultured by agitation, then the reliable extracellular metabolites were obtained with organic solvents, and finally the crude extracts were evaluated to determine quantitatively the minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC). Results. Thirty (30) actinomyces were isolated, of which 47% exhibited antagonistic activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC 7516, 43% to Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7307, 37% to Candida tropicalis ATCC 7206 and C. albicans ATCC 10231, and 30% to C. albicans ATCC 98028. Organic extracts of the HAA-16 and HAA-17 strands exhibited noticeable anti-Candida activity, being the ethyl acetate extract of the HAA-17 strand the one with the highest performance thanks to a wider activity spectrum of MIC 3.25 mg/mL against C. albicans ATCC 7516 and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7307. The selected actinomyces were identified by means of molecular techniques as members of the Streptomyces genus. Conclusions. Actinomyces associated to Atta cephalotes are excellent producers of bioactive compounds, being able to inhibit the growth of pathogenic mold of the Candida genus and with potential for application in the development of new natural products for the biomedical field.

Antibacterial Activity of Homeopathic Medications Lycopodium clavatum and Arsenicum album Against Periodontal Bacteria / Evaluación antibacteriana de los medicamentos homeopáticos sobre bacterias periodontales

Abstract There are several controversies regarding the efficacy of homeopathic substances; however, these remedies are used in many countries for the treatment of various pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of two homeopathic tinctures Arsenicum album (mineral extract) and Lycopodium clavatum (plant extract) on the periodontal bacteria Actinomyces israelii, Streptococcus sanguinis, Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Phorphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Materials and methods: Equal numbers of bacteria were seeded on agar plates containing enriched media with the homeopathic solutions at 1dH and 1cH dilutions. After 7 days of incubation under anaerobic conditions, colony forming units (CFUs) were counted. The antibacterial effect was calculated based on the total number of CFUs observed on non-tincture containing agar, and on the tincture containing plates. Results: No visible growth of any of the strains was observed on the plates containing Arsenicum album at any of the dilutions tested. In contrast, when Lycopodium clavatum at 1cH dilution was tested, only P. gingivalis was susceptible to this compound. Conclusions: The results suggest that the mineral extract tincture had a greater antibacterial activity than the plant extract tincture, also Lycopodium clavatum preparation could be an effective inhibitor of periodontal pathogens bacteria such as P. gingivalis.

Resumen Se necesita un mayor número de estudios in vitro e in vivo para validar estos resultados.

Removal and killing of multispecies endodontic biofilms by N-acetylcysteine

ABSTRACT Removal of bacterial biofilm from the root canal system is essential for the management of endodontic disease. Here we evaluated the antibacterial effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant and mucolytic agent, against mature multispecies endodontic biofilms consisting of Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis on sterile human dentin blocks. The biofilms were exposed to NAC (25, 50 and 100 mg/mL), saturated calcium hydroxide or 2% chlorhexidine solution for 7 days, then examined by scanning electron microscopy. The biofilm viability was measured by viable cell counts and ATP-bioluminescence assay. NAC showed greater efficacy in biofilm cell removal and killing than the other root canal medicaments. Furthermore, 100 mg/mL NAC disrupted the mature multispecies endodontic biofilms completely. These results demonstrate the potential use of NAC in root canal treatment.

Utility of Conventional Culture and MALDI-TOF MS for Identification of Microbial Communities in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Comparison with the GS Junior Next Generation Sequencing System

BACKGROUND: Diverse microbiota exist in the lower respiratory tract. Although next generation sequencing (NGS) is the most widely used microbiome analysis technique, it is difficult to implement NGS in clinical microbiology laboratories. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of conventional culture methods together with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in identifying microbiota in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. METHODS: BAL fluid samples (n=27) were obtained from patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy for lung mass evaluation. Bacterial and fungal culture was performed with conventional media used in clinical microbiology laboratories. On an average, 20 isolated colonies were picked from each agar plate and identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA NGS was conducted for comparison. RESULTS: Streptococcus spp. and Neisseria spp. were most frequently cultured from the BAL fluid samples. In two samples, Enterobacteriaceae grew predominantly on MacConkey agar. Actinomyces and Veillonella spp. were commonly identified anaerobes; gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium, and fungi were also isolated. NGS revealed more diverse bacterial communities than culture, and Prevotella spp. were mainly identified solely by NGS. Some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus spp., Clostridium spp., and Bifidobacterium spp., were identified solely by culture, indicating that culture may be more sensitive for detecting certain bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Culture and NGS of BAL fluid samples revealed common bacteria with some different microbial communities. Despite some limitations, culture combined with MALDI-TOF MS might play a complementary role in microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA NGS.

Abdominal Actinomycosis Mimicking Acute Appendicitis in Children: a Case Report

Actinomyces are anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria that are part of the endogenous flora of mucous membranes in humans. Infection caused by these bacteria is termed actinomycosis. The 3 most common types of actinomycosis are cervicofacial, abdominopelvic, and pulmonary. A previously healthy 6-year-old boy presented with the emergency room with fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain and initially diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Exploratory laparoscopy was done. Histologic finding demonstrated acute gangrenous appendicitis complicated by perforation and sulfur granules compatible with actinomycosis. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with abdominal actinomycosis and received long-term antibiotic therapy. Abdominal actinomycosis is uncommon in children and difficult to diagnose because of its nonspecific symptoms and of difficulties in growing Actinomyces in the clinical setting. It is necessary to include abdominal actinomycosis as a differential diagnosis of children presenting with abdominal pain.

Actinomicosis diseminada con compromiso de sistema nervioso central / Disseminated actinomycosis with central nervous system involvement

Resumen La actinomicosis diseminada es muy infrecuente, así como la afección del sistema nervioso central (SNC) asociada, con mortalidad de hasta 28%. Sus manifestaciones pueden ser similares a cuadros infecciosos de otras etiologías, por lo que el conocimiento de la entidad aumenta la sospecha clínica y permite brindar un tratamiento oportuno. Se presenta el caso clínico de un adulto con edema en una extremidad superior como manifestación de una tromboflebitis y una lesión abscedada axilar, en que se confirmó una infección por actinomicetos. Presentó una diseminación hematógena con compromiso de SNC, de evolución fatal.

Actinomycosis is very rare, as well as the central nervous system (CNS) condition associated with it, presenting a mortality up to 28%. Its manifestations could be similar to infectious conditions from other etiologies, thus, having a better understanding of the entity increases clinical suspicion and also it can provide a timely treatment. The clinical case of an adult with edema in an upper extremity is presented as a manifestation of thrombophlebitis and an abscessed axillary lesion, in which actinomycetes infection was confirmed. He presented a haematogenous spread with CNS involvement, with fatal ending.