Isolation and characterization of the aerobic bacterial microbiota of the esophagus and its probable association with obstructive caseous lesions in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) / Isolamento e caracterização da microbiota bacteriana aeróbia do esôfago e sua provável associação com lesões caseosas obstrutivas em tartarugas-verdes (Chelonia mydas)

Caseous lesions in the esophagus of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the coast of Brazil have been described as obstructive lesions and can lead to the death of these animals. However, their etiology remains unclear. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the aerobic bacterial microbiota of the esophagus of green turtles (C. mydas) from the Brazilian coast and to verify its possible participation in the etiology of caseous lesions. For this, 42 animals were used, 33 alive and healthy and 9 naturally dead that had esophageal lesions confirmed by necropsy, from Anchieta and Piúma beaches, Espírito Santo. Microbiological tests and morphological evaluation of the esophagus were performed. We isolated 14 different bacterial agents from healthy animal samples, with the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa being (36.36%), Staphylococcus aureus (33.33%), Aeromonas hydrophila (27.27%), and Vibrio alginolyticus (24.24%). In dead animals, only three distinct agents were isolated: S. aureus (50.00%), A. hydrophila (25.00%), and V. alginolyticus (25.00%). Morphological evaluation revealed a predominance of the lesions at the gastroesophageal junction, with multifocal-to-coalescent distribution, discrete intensity, and absence of obstruction. Ulcerations and caseous exudates, inflammatory infiltrates, parasitic eggs, and giant foreign body cells were also observed as well as bacterial lumps and glandular alterations, such as necrosis, adenitis, and fragments of adult parasites. There was a positive correlation between bacterial lumps and microbiological culture and a negative correlation between bacterial lumps and microbiological culture with parasites. Thus, it was noted that the esophageal aerobic microbiota of C. mydas was predominantly composed of Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa, A. hydrophila, and V. alginolyticus, in addition to several enterobacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus. These agents are opportunists and may be involved in the etiology of caseous esophagitis in association with other pathogens as co-factors working in association or, even in a secondary way.(AU)

A ocorrência de lesão caseosa no esôfago de tartarugas-verdes (Chelonia mydas) da costa do Brasil tem sido descrita como de caráter obstrutivo e pode causar a morte dos animais. No entanto, sua etiologia permanece pouco esclarecida. Objetivou-se isolar e caracterizar a microbiota aeróbica esofágica das tartarugas-verdes (C. mydas) da costa brasileira e verificar sua possível participação na etiologia das lesões caseosas. Foram utilizados 42 animais, 33 vivos e hígidos e nove mortos naturalmente que apresentavam lesão esofágica confirmada pela necropsia, provenientes de Anchieta e Piúma, Espírito Santo, nos quais foram feitos testes microbiológicos e avaliação morfológica do esôfago. Foram isolados 14 agentes bacterianos diferentes nas amostras de animais saudáveis, com prevalência de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36,36%), Staphylococcus aureus (33,33%), Aeromonas hydrophila (27,27%) e Vibrio alginolyticus (24,24%). Nos animais mortos, foram isolados apenas três agentes distintos: S. aureus (50,00%), A. hydrophila (25,00%) e V. alginolyticus (25,00%). A avaliação morfológica revelou predominância da lesão em junção gastroesofágica, com distribuição multifocal a coalescente, intensidade discreta e ausência de obstrução. Observou-se ainda ulceração e exsudato caseoso, infiltrado inflamatório, ovos de parasitos e células gigantes do tipo corpo estranho, além de grumos bacterianos e de alterações glandulares, como necrose, adenite e fragmentos de parasitos adultos. Houve correlação positiva dos grumos bacterianos com cultivo microbiológico e negativa dos grumos bacterianos e cultivo microbiológico com parasitos. Assim, nota-se que a microbiota esofágica aeróbica de C. mydas é constituída predominantemente por bactérias Gram-negativas como P. aeruginosa, A. hydrophila e V. alginolyticus, além de diversas enterobatérias e por Gram-positivas, como S. aureus. Esses agentes são oportunistas e podem estar envolvidos na etiologia da esofagite caseosa em associação a outros patógenos como co-fatores agindo em associação, ou mesmo, por via de infecção secundária.(AU)

Perfil microbiológico do palmito de açaí (Euterpe oleracea MART) em conserva e das superfícies envolvidas na sua produção / Microbiological profile açaí palm heart (Euterpe oleracea MART) preserved and the areas involved in the production

Nos últimos anos o palmito vem sendo considerado uma iguaria tipicamente brasileira, consumido em diversos Estados como um produto exótico, muito utilizado na elaboração de pratos finos, com demanda não somente no mercado nacional, mas internacional também. Em contrapartida, é considerado um dos principais "vilões" de muitos casos de doenças causadas por alimentos contaminados. Assim, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade microbiológica do palmito de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) em conserva e das superfícies de contato envolvidas com o processamento do produto, em uma indústria localizada no município de Igarapé-Miri, no Pará. Foram coletadas cinco amostras do palmito de açaí em conserva e da salmoura em que se encontravam os produtos. As coletas foram realizadas em cinco dias diferentes. Todas as análises microbiológicas (Coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Clostridium Sulfito Redutor e Pesquisa de Salmonella spp.) foram realizadas seguindo os métodos oficiais de American Public Health Association. As superfícies analisadas foram: mãos de três manipuladores, bancada, balde, pote de vidro para embalagem, gabarito de corte, placa de corte e faca. As análises realizadas nas superfícies foram: contagem padrão de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, Coliformes totais e termotolerantes, e contagem de Staphylococcus aureus. Os resultados das análises microbiológicas mostraram que todas as amostras de palmito em conserva e das salmouras encontram-se dentro dos padrões microbiológicos vigentes, portanto em condições adequadas de consumo. As análises microbiológicas de swabs das superfícies mostraram que as superfícies avaliadas não apresentaram contaminação por Coliformes termotolerantes. Observou-se, porém, contagens elevadas de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas e Coliformes totais. Em relação às superfícies das mãos dos manipuladores, as mesmas apresentaram níveis elevados de Stahpylococcs aureus, Coliformes totais e bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, mostrando assim a inadequada condição higienicossanitária da indústria.

In recent years the palm has been considered a typically Brazilian delicacy, consumed in several States as an exotic product, widely used in the production of fine dishes, becoming a product with demand not only in domestic market but also internationally. However, it is considered one of the "villains" of many cases of diseases caused by contaminated food. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality açai palm heart (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Canned and contact surfaces involved in product processing, in an industry in the municipality of Igarapé-Miri, Para. Were collected five açai palm samples preserved and brine they were in the products. Samples were collected on five different days. All microbiological analyzes (Total and Thermotolerant Coliforms, Clostridium Sulfite Reducer and Research Salmonella spp.) Were performed following the official methods of the American Public Health Association. The areas analyzed were the hands of three handlers, bench, bucket, glass jar for packaging, cutting template, cutting board and knife. The analyzes carried out on the surfaces were standard count mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Total and Thermotolerant Coliforms, and count Staphylococcus aureus. The results of these analyzes showed that all samples palm preserves and pickles are within agreed microbiological standards, so in appropriate conditions of use. Microbiological analysis of "swabs" from surfaces showed that the assessed surfaces were not contaminated by Coliform Thermotolerant. However, there was high counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Total Coliform. With regard to areas of the hands of manipulators, they showed high levels of Stahpylococcs aureus, Total Coliforms and mesophilic aerobic bacteria, thus showing inadequate hygienic and sanitary condition of the industry.

Modulation of small intestinal homeostasis along with its microflora during acclimatization at simulated hypobaric hypoxia.

At high altitude (HA) hypobaric hypoxic environment manifested several pathophysiological consequences of which gastrointestinal (GI) disorder are very common phenomena. To explore the most possible clue behind this disorder intestinal flora, the major player of the GI functions, were subjected following simulated hypobaric hypoxic treatment in model animal. For this, male albino rats were exposed to 55 kPa (~ 4872.9 m) air pressure consecutively for 30 days for 8 h/day and its small intestinal microflora, their secreted digestive enzymes and stress induced marker protein were investigated of the luminal epithelia. It was observed that population density of total aerobes significantly decreased, but the quantity of total anaerobes and Escherichia coli increased significantly after 30 days of hypoxic stress. The population density of strict anaerobes like Bifidobacterium sp., Bacteroides sp. and Lactobacillus sp. and obligate anaerobes like Clostridium perfringens and Peptostreptococcus sp. were expanded along with their positive growth direction index (GDI). In relation to the huge multiplication of anaerobes the amount of gas formation as well as content of IgA and IgG increased in duration dependent manner. The activity of some luminal enzymes from microbial origin like α-amylase, gluco-amylase, proteinase, alkaline phosphatase and β-glucuronidase were also elevated in hypoxic condition. Besides, hypoxia induced in formation of malondialdehyde along with significant attenuation of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activity and lowered GSH/GSSG pool in the intestinal epithelia. Histological study revealed disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier with higher infiltration of lymphocytes in lamina propia and atrophic structure. It can be concluded that hypoxia at HA modified GI microbial imprint and subsequently causes epithelial barrier dysfunction which may relate to the small intestinal dysfunction at HA.

Susceptibility Pattern of Aerobic Bacterial Isolates from Wound Swab.

Wound swab culture is the most frequently employed method of confirming wound infection. A regular bacteriological review of infected wounds is necessary to provide qualitative health care particularly when blind treatment is a necessity as in underdeveloped and developing nations. Materials and Methods: A total of 614 Wound swabs sample were received in the department during the study period. Direct Gram staining of the specimens were done after which they were inoculated in Blood agar and MacConkey agar plates and antibiotic sensitivity was done according to CLSI guideline. Result: A total of 496 strains were isolated out of which 232 (46.77%) were Gramnegative bacilli and 264(53.23%) were Gram-positive cocci. Out of the 466 culture positive samples, 29 samples showed polymicrobial growth. E coli was the most common pathogen isolated. Of the 156 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus 68 was from ward and 88 from Out Patient Department (OPD) of which 31(45.58%) and 30(34.09%) were determined to be methicillin resistant (MRSA) respectively. Out of 95 isolates of Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus(CoNS ), 56 was from ward and 39 from OPD. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus (MRCoNS) prevalence rate was 46 (82.14%) and 28(71.79%) for ward and OPD respectively. The gram negative isolates were most sensitive to imipenem and it was least sensitive to cephalosporin groups of antibiotics. Conclusion: The most commonly isolated pathogen from wound swab specimens was Gram positive bacteria but 46.77% of the isolates were Gram negative bacteria so antimicrobial coverage for Gram negative bacteria should be included in treatment of wound infection.

Impacto de la espectrometría de masas por MALDI-TOF MS en la identificación rápida de bacterias aeróbicas y anaeróbicas de importancia clínica / Impact of mass spectrometry by MALDI-TOF MS for the rapid identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria of clinical importance

Background: MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization -Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) technology, recently introduced in the microbiology laboratory has proven to be a precise and rapid method for bacterial identification. Objective: To evaluate the performance, costs associated and turnaround time of MALDI-TOF in a routine laboratory. Material and Method: Five hundred and sixty one clinical isolates (281 aerobes and 280 anaerobes) previously identified by conventional methods were evaluated. Discordances were resolved by means of 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: MALDI-TOF identified 95, 7% of the aerobes isolates and 86, 4% of the anaerobes. The groups with better performance were the enterobacteriacea and Bacteroides spp with 95% and 100% identification at the species level. The error rate of MALDI-TOF and conventional methods compared to sequencing was 0, 39% and 9, 4% respectively. The costs associated were 8 times lower with a turnaround time of 6 hours. Conclusion: MALDI-TOF proved to be simple, precise and less expensive technology compared to the traditional methods.

Introducción: La tecnología MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) incorporada recientemente en el laboratorio de microbiología ha demostrando ser un método rápido y preciso para la identificación bacteriana. Objetivo: Evaluar el desempeño de MALDI-TOF para la identificación de aislados clínicos, comparar los costos asociados y el tiempo en la entrega de resultados en un laboratorio de rutina. Material y Método: Se evaluaron un total de 561 aislados de pacientes (281 aeróbicos y 280 anaeróbicos estrictos) identificados previamente por métodos convencionales, los que fueron identificados por MALDI-TOF. Las discordancias fueron resueltas mediante secuenciación del 16S ARNr. Resultados: MALDI-TOF identificó adecuadamente a 95,7% de los aislados aeróbi-cos y 86,4% de los anaeróbicos estrictos, observándose el mayor porcentajes de identificación a nivel de especie en los grupos de enterobacterias y Bacteroides spp (95 y 100% respectivamente). La tasa de error de MALDI-TOF y métodos convencionales vs secuenciación fue de 0,39 y 9,4%, respectivamente. El costo asociado por identificación fue ocho veces menor que el de los métodos tradicionales con una demora promedio de seis horas en la entrega de resultados. Conclusión: MALDI-TOF mostró ser una tecnología simple, precisa y de menor costo que los métodos tradicionales.

Refrigerated poultry breast fillets packed in modified atmosphere and irradiated: bacteriological evaluation, shelf life and sensory acceptance

In the present study the effects on shelf life and sensory acceptance of gamma-irradiated refrigerated poultry breast fillets subjected to modified atmosphere packaging (80% CO2/20% N2 or vacuum) were investigated. After irradiation with 2 kGy, sensory acceptance tests and monitoring of bacterial growth were performed in order to determine the sanitary quality of the samples. It has been found that irradiation, used in combination with modified atmosphere packaging, can double the shelf life of refrigerated poultry breast fillets by reducing the populations of aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteria, coliforms, Listeria spp. and Aeromonas spp., without significantly modifying its color or its overall appearance, the lactic acid bacteria being the most resistant to exposure to radiation and carbon dioxide.

Caracterização da microbiota auricular de cutias (Dasyprocta aguti) criadas em cativeiro / Characterization of auricular natural microbiota from captive agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti)

The aim of this study was to identify the aerobic bacteria of the auricular natural microbiota from healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1758). In the total, 48 agoutis were used in this experiment, being 32 adults and 16 puppies (both groups divided into equal parts between males and females). The animals were raised under captive conditions, in the Brazilian Semiarid. From each animal, a sample of auricular secretion was collected from each auricular pinna and processed for microbiological analyses. A total of 96 samples were collected and analyzed by colony macroscopic format, cytology and by biochemistry proofs with the objective of isolate and identify the microorganisms. The main bacteria found were Staphylococcus spp. (47.26%), Streptococcus spp. (12.80%), Bacillus spp. (22.73%) and Corynebacterium spp. (17.30%). As conclusion, the most frequent bacteria in auricular pinna of healthy agoutis are Gram-positive cocci and rods, similarly to found in some pets.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar as principais bactérias aeróbias que compõem a microbiota natural do pavilhão auricular de cutias hígidas. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 48 cutias, criadas em cativeiro sob as condições Semiáridas do Nordeste Brasileiro. Esses animais foram distribuídos nas categorias de adultos (N=32) e filhotes (N=16), e, em ambas, distribuídos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas. Através de um swab, em cada animal coletou-se de cada orelha a secreção presente na superfície do pavilhão auricular dos animais, totalizando 96 amostras. Este material foi refrigerado, e encaminhado ao laboratório para a realização das análises microbiológicas (macroscopia das colônias, citologia e provas bioquímicas), com o intuito de isolar e identificar os microrganismos. Os principais microrganismos isolados foram Staphylococcus spp. (47,26%), Streptococcus spp. (12,80%), Bacillus spp. (22,73%) e Corynebacterium spp. (17,30%). Verificou-se também que não houve diferença entre adultos e filhotes em relação aos microrganismos retrocitados. Assim, as bactérias residentes do pavilhão auricular de cutias hígidas são essencialmente cocos e bacilos gram-positivos, similarmente ao encontrado em pequenos animais domésticos.

Comparison of the Bact/Alert blood culture system and manual culture method for detection of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates

For reducing bacterial contamination of platelets in the medium, PDA has approved the Bact/Alert for screening the platelet units. This study attempts to compare the Bact/Alert system and the manual culture method as far as the length of time in hours of detection is concerned. In this interventional and diagnostic study, 15 platelet units were selected randomly among 1332 units and inoculated with 10 CFU/ml of various bacteria including Streptococci, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae, Corynebacterium diphteroid, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis which normally contaminate platelet units. These units together with other platelet units in a blind way were tested by both Bact/Alert system and the manual method. Regarding the short expiration time of platelet units, if the length of time in hours in detection is considered as a basis for comparison, the Bact/Alert system is significantly superior to the manual method. The medium length of time in hours for detecting the aerobic bacteria by Bact/Alert system is 31 +/- 8 hours, compared with the manual method which is 61 +/- 11 hours. This shows that Bact/Alert system is nearly 2 times faster than the manual method. Bact/Alert culture system compared with the manual method is more rapid and accurate for detection of bacterial contamination thereby improving platelet safety. Regarding serious effects of these contaminations on platelet recipients, it is also necessary to try to reduce them by using GMP

Calidad microbiológica del agua utilizada en establecimientos lecheros de la zona de Villa María (Córdoba) / Microbiological quality of the water used in a random sample from dairy farms in Córdoba, Argentina

Se evaluó la calidad bacteriológica del agua de pozo y del agua de lavado en una muestra aleatoria de 50 tambos distribuidos en la cuenca lechera de Villa María (Córdoba), Argentina. La visita a los tambos se realizó en 2007. Un 46 % y un 24 % de los tambos presentaron recuentos de aerobios mesófilos superiores a 500 UFC/ml en el agua de lavado y en el agua de pozo, respectivamente. En un 20 % de los establecimientos se aisló Escherichia coli de ambas fuentes de agua. Pseudomonas aeruginosa registró una alta frecuencia de aislamiento en el agua de pozo (36 %) y en la de lavado (42 %). Un 80 % y un 88 % de los establecimientos contaban con agua de pozo y de lavado no aptas, respectivamente. Los niveles de mesófilos aerobios y de coliformes totales presentes en el agua de pozo mostraron una concordancia moderada con los detectados en el agua destinada al lavado. En virtud de estos resultados, puede afirmarse que un elevado porcentaje de los tambos ubicados en la cuenca lechera de Villa María emplean agua de calidad bacteriológica deficiente, no apta para el ordeño ni el lavado de las instalaciones.

Bacteriological contamination of well water and wash water in a random sample obtained from 50 farms from Villa María (Córdoba) dairy area, Argentina, was evaluated during a visit in 2007. Forty six percent and 24 % of farms showed an aerobic mesophilic bacteria count higher than 500 CFU/ml in wash water and well water, respectively. Escherichia coli was isolated in 20 % of samples from both sources. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed high frequency of isolation in well water (36 %) and wash water (42 %). Eighty and eighty-eight percent of dairy farms have contaminated well water and wash water, respectively. The findings show moderate concordance between contamination of well water and wash water for mesophilic aerobics and total coliforms. The results reveal that a high percentage of dairy farms in the basin under study have poor bacteriological water quality, not suitable for milking and washing facilities.

Comprehensive Analysis of Blood Culture Performed at Nine University Hospitals in Korea / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Optimal blood culture performance is critical for successful diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. To understand the status of blood culture, we investigated several aspects of the procedure at 9 university hospitals. METHODS: The process of ordering blood culture sets and sampling volume for adults and children was investigated from January 2010 to April 2010, while the positive rate of detection and growth of skin contaminants were compared in 2009. Microbial growth in aerobic and anaerobic bottles was investigated prospectively. RESULTS: A majority of the hospitals used 2 sets of bottles for adults and 1 bottle for children. The average blood volume in each set was 7.7 mL for adults and 2.1 mL for children. The positive rate of microorganisms was 8.0%, and the isolation rate of the normal flora of the skin was 2.1%. Bacterial growth rates in aerobic and anaerobic bottles only were 31.8% and 24.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ordering blood culture sets and sampling volumes did not comply with CLSI guidelines. However, the rate of positive cultures and skin contamination rates were acceptable. Anaerobic bottles are useful in enhancing the yield of microorganisms.

Antimicrobial resistance of aerobes and facultative anaerobes isolated from the oral cavity

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the resistance to antimicrobials of aerobes and facultative anaerobes isolated from patients wearing complete dentures, patients with gingivitis and periodontitis, and periodontally health subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and four isolates were tested. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the drugs were evaluated through the agar dilution method using Mueller-Hinton agar. RESULTS: The most active antimicrobial drugs were the carbapenems (meropenem and imipenem), and resistance to these drugs was restrict to 1.6-2.3 percent of the isolates, as well as ciprofloxacin and rifampin. Microbial resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, cephalothin, amikacin, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid was particularly high. In most cases, the resistance to β-lactams was mediated by the production of hydrolytic enzymes, especially in gram-negative enteric rods, while enterococci did not evidence production of these enzymes. The association amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was not effective in 28.3 percent of the tested isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation confirmed that the oral cavity of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis, and particularly edentulous patients wearing complete dentures could harbor microorganisms with several antimicrobial resistance markers, and these microorganisms are frequently implicated in multiresistant, systemic, oral or nosocomial infections.

Microbiota cloacal aeróbia de cracídeos cativos no Rio Grande do Sul e sua susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos / Cloacal microbiota identification and evaluation of the antimicrobial resistance in captive cracids from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Os cracídeos são aves silvestres que habitam as matas tropicais da América. Foram coletadas, no ano de 2007, amostras cloacais de 51 aves de dez espécies diferentes de cracídeos mantidos em cativeiros no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A partir dos swabs, colhidos assepticamente, foi realizado o isolamento e a caracterização bacteriana e o teste de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana dos isolados. Foram identificadas 93 cepas de bactérias. As bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. e Streptococcus spp. Todas as amostras foram negativas para o isolamento de Salmonella spp. O resultado do teste de sensibilidade mostrou que dentre as 93 cepas isoladas, todas foram sensíveis apenas ao imipinem. Adicionalmente, os menores percentuais de resistência foram observados frente ao cloranfenicol e ciprofloxacina. Os gêneros e espécies bacterianas com maior percentual de resistência a diferentes antibióticos testados foram Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus spp. Com os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho, concluí-se, que a população de cracídeos estudada apresenta sua microbiota cloacal composta por vários gêneros e espécies bacterianas e que a multirresistencia pode ser um problema no futuro, uma vez que algumas cepas isoladas mostraram percentuais elevados de resistência a diferente antimicrobianos.

Cracids are wildlife Galliformes which inhabits the America's tropical forests. Fifty one cloacal swabs were collected from 10 different species of captive cracids from the Rio Grande do Sul State during 2007. The cloacal swab samples were submitted to bacterial isolation, identification and, subsequently; antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Ninety three bacterial isolates were obtained from the cracid population examined. The most prevalent among the isolates were Escherichia coli, and bacteria from the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. All samples tested in this study were negative for Salmonella spp. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that none of the 93 strains presented resistance to the antimicrobial imipinem. In addition, the lower percentages of resistance were observed against cloranfenicol and ciprofloxacine. The bacteria genus and species with the highest percentage of resistance to the different antimicrobials examined were E. coli, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. In conclusion, the data presented in this article demonstrate that the cloacal microbiota of the reported cracid population is composed of several bacterial genera and species and multi-drug resistance may be a problem for the future, since some strains showed elevated percentage of resistance against several different antimicrobials.

Estudo comparativo entre procedimentos diagnósticos para halitose: uma abordagem preliminar / Comparative study of diagnostic procedures for halitosis: a preliminary approach

Objetivo: Comparar a percepção e diagnóstico da halitose a partir de quatro procedimentos. Método: A amostra foi de 40 indivíduos do sexo masculino sem doenças sistêmicas ou problemas periodontais, não portadores de próteses ou aparelhos ortodônticos e nem usuários de antibióticos ou colutórios. Foram testados a autopercepção do hálito, percepção do hálito pelo "juiz do odor"; aferição dos Compostos Sulfurados Voláteis (CVS) pelo Brath Alert®; sialometria em repouso e estimulada com hiperbolóide e; teste BANA. Os resultados foram comparados pelos testes de Fisher, Qui-quadrado e Pearson com significância para 5%. Resultados: Observou-se que a autopercepção foi falha quando comparada à medição de CVS não sendo significante ao teste de Correlação de Pearson (p-valor > 0,01); já a avaliação pelo "juiz do odor" e a mesma medição de CVS obtiveram valores mais semelhantes, sendo essa correlação significante (p-valor < 0,01); a remoção da saburra foi fator determinante na diminuição dos CVS medidos, diminuindo de 16 para 2 o número de participantes com níveis 3 e 4, sendo significante o teste de Pearson (p-valor < 0,01); A comparação entre a presença de bactérias BANA positivas e halimetria foi significante (p-valor < 0,01) pelo teste de Fischer; a baixa produção de saliva em repouso também se mostrou influente, sendo nesse processo significante ao teste do Qui-quadrado. Conclusões: A auto-percepção é um procedimento falho para o diagnóstico. A avaliação organoléptica é importante no diagnóstico clínico da halitose. A saburra lingual relaciona-se com a formação dos compostos sulfurados voláteis. A presença de bactérias BANA positivas está associada a altos níveis de halimetria. A quantidade de produção de saliva fisiológica em repouso interfere nos níveis de compostos sulfurados voláteis.

Objective: To compare the diagnosis of halitosis with an individual's perception of halitosis through four different procedures. Method: Forty male individuals were conveniently selected for this study. The volunteers were free of systemic or periodontal diseases, had no dental prostheses and were not receiving orthodontic treatment. Also, the volunteers were not using any anti biotic treatment or mouth rinses. Four methods were applied in addition to the individual's auto-perception: organoleptic testing, oral malodor measurement, BANA test and measurement of both stimulated and resting whole saliva. Results: There was a significant correlation between the sulfide monitor test and the organoleptic testing (Pearson's test, p<0.01). There was also a positive association between the BANA and sulfide monitor tests (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Moreover, the results of the sulfide monitor test were lower after the removal of the tongue's bacterial plaque (p<0.01). There was a significant relationship between the resting whole saliva rate and the sulfide monitor test (Chi-square test, p<0.01). However, there was no correlation between sulfide monitor levels and the individual's auto-perception (Pearson's test, p>0.01). Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that: the individual's auto-perception is not reliable for the diagnosis of halitosis; organoleptic testing evaluation is important for the clinical diagnosis of halitosis; the plaque at the tongue dorsum is related to the formation of volatile sulfuric compounds; the presence of BANA-positive bacteria is related to higher levels of volatile sulfuric compounds; the amount of resting whole saliva interferes with the levels of production of volatile sulfuric compounds.

Bacteriological and pathological studies on some aerobic and anaerobic bacteria causing diarrhoea in camel calves

The present study was carried out to investigate the problem of diarrhoea among camel calves, by isolation, identification, histopathological findings and controlling of the associated infective agents [E. coli, Salmonella and C. perfringens]. Faecal, internal organs [spleen, kidneys, liver and part of small intestine] and blood samples were obtained from 120 camel calves [aged 10-18 month] for microbiological examination. The isolated rate of E. coli, Salmonella and C perfringens from diarrhoeic animals were [41.1%], [7.8%] and [65.6%], respectively. The isolated rate from the apparently healthy animals were [13.3%], [0%] and [33.3%], respectively. The serological identification of the isolated E. coli and salmonella strains detailed that [O111/K58 and O55/K59] serovars of E. coli and [S. Entertidis and S. Typhimurium] were the most common causes of diarrhoea in camel calves. The rate of both Beta and Epsilon toxins of C. perfringens was [53.3%] and [23.3%], while individually was [14.4% and 3.3%] and [27.8% and 10%] in diarrhoeic and apparently healthy camel calves, respectively. The microscopical examination revealed degenerative changes with marked necrosis in the hepatic and renal tissues, spleenic depletion and desquamation of the intestinal lining epithelium indicated the toxic effect of C. perfringens type [C and D]. In Salmonella Typhimiurium infection vasculitis and thrombi in blood vessels of the lamina propria and submucosa resulting in focal intestinal infarctions and ulceration, were the most important findings. Caecal glands were dilated and filled with gases and aggregation of inflammatory cells were observed in E. coli infection. The antibiotics used in the treatment of diarrhoea were Augmentin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamycine, Ciprofloxacin, Florofenicol, Rifampicin and Metronidazol, according to sensitivity test

Distribución de bacterias potencialmente fijadoras de nitrógeno y su relación con parámetros fisicoquímicos en suelos con tres coberturas vegetales en el sur de la Amazonia colombiana

Distribution of potentially nitrogen-fixing bacteria and its relationship with physicochemical parameters in soils with three vegetation types in the southern Colombian Amazon region. Potentially nitrogen-fixing microaerobic and aerobic bacteria were isolated from several Colombian Amazon soils (forest, pastures and chagras) and two landscapes (floodable and non floodable areas). The abundance and distribution of bacteria were evaluated, as well as their relationship with soil physical and chemical characteristics. Landscape had a direct influence on the abundance of the microaerobic bacteria, with higher numbers in forest and pasture soils in non- floodable zones. The aerobic isolates (N=51) were grouped into 19 morphologies, with the highest numbers found in forest soil in floodable zones. A higher number of aerobic morphologies was shared among forest sites (Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling and Analysis of Similarity p<0.05), and 40% of the distribution was explained by lime percentage and Al concentration. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (4): 915- 927. Epub 2009 December 01.

Se evaluó la abundancia y distribución de bacterias microaerófilas y aerobias potencialmente fijadoras de nitrógeno aisladas a partir de suelos bajo coberturas de bosque, pastizal y chagra en dos paisajes, terraza y llanura inundable, en el sur de trapecio amazónico. Se relacionó el recuento en placa en el medio Ashby de estas bacterias aerobias con las características físicas y químicas del suelo. Se encontró mayor abundancia de bacterias aerobias y microaerofilas en suelos bajo cobertura de pastizal. Se observó influencia directa del paisaje sobre la abundancia de bacterias microaerófilas registrando mayores recuentos los suelos bajo terraza en las coberturas de bosque y pastizal. Los aislamientos aerobios obtenidos (51) se agruparon en 19 morfologías, de las cuales se obtuvo mayor número en suelos bajo bosque y en el paisaje de llanura inundable. A través del análisis multidimensional no métrico (NMDS) y análisis de similaridades (ANOSIM) (p<0.05) se comprobó que entre los sitios de muestreo bajo la cobertura de bosque se comparten mayor número de morfologías de bacterias aerobias que bajo las demás coberturas. El programa BIOENV indicó que esta distribución fue explicada en un 40% por las variables % limo y Al (meq/100 g).

Acute lower respiratory tract infections in children.

Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) is a common illness, but there have been relatively few studies of the bacterial etiology in developing countries. Nasopharyngeal aspirates of 70 children under 10 years of age with ALRTI were cultured for aerobic bacterial pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the commonest organism (32.2%) isolated followed by S. pneumoniae (10%), E. coli (10%), P. aeruginosa (5.7%), S. aureus (2.8%) and H. influenzae (1.4%). There were significantly more bacterial pathogens isolated in children <1 year of age (73.7%) than in those >1 year of age (56.2%) (P=0.03). A shift in spectrum from Gram-positive cocci to Gram-negative bacilli in ALRTI was observed in our study.

Aerobic bacterial microflora of Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) oral cavity and cloaca, originating from Parque Zoológico Arruda Câmara, Paraíba, Brazil / Microflora bacteriana aeróbica da cavidade oral e cloaca de jacaré-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) procedentes do Zoológico de João Pessoa, PB, Brasil

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the aerobic bacterial microflora from the oral cavity mucosa and cloaca's samples, collected from Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris), born and bred in captivity at Parque Zoológico Arruda Câmara, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The most common bacteria were Staphylococcus sp. (14.74%), Corynebacterium sp. (13.68%), Escherichia coli (13.68%) and Shigella sp. (11.58%), and the less common were Citrobacter sp. (1.05%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.05%) and Salmonella sp. (1.05%).This emphasizes the importance of these microorganisms' participation in infectious processes (sepsis) and injuries caused by crocodilians.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo isolar e identificar a microflora bacteriana aeróbica presente na mucosa da cavidade oral e da cloaca de exemplares de jacarés-de-papo-amarelo(Caiman latirostris) nascidos e criados em cativeiro no Parque Zoológico Arruda Câmara, localizado na cidade de João Pessoa - PB. As bactérias mais freqüentes foram Staphylococcus sp.(14,74%), Corynebacterium sp. (13,68%), Escherichia coli (13,68%) e Shigella sp. (11,58%), e as menos prevalentes foram Citrobacter sp.(1,05%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1,05%) e Salmonella sp. (1,05%). Ressalta-se a importância da participação desses microrganismos em processos infecciosos (septicemias) e em feridas provocadas por crocodilianos.