Influence of Cell Surface Hydrophobicity on Adhesion and Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans and Several Bacterial Species

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation of cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and biofilm formation or adhesion in Candida albicans (C. albicans) and several pathogenic bacteria. All of C. albicans (n=82) and 7 bacterial species (Escherichia coli, n=25; Klebsiella pneumoniae, n=33; Morganella morganii, n=21; Proteus mirabilis, n=33; Proteus vulgaris, n=12; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, n=31; Staphylococcus aureus, n=31) were isolated clinically. CSH was quantified with microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons. Biofilm formation was determined by tetrazolium salt reduction assay. Adhesion assay was performed by counting colonies after culture the microbes adhered to HeLa cells. Although high CSH-expressing bacterial species showed greater adherence to HeLa cells and larger amounts of biofilm formation on polystyrene, the significant relationships within same species were not shown. In C. albicans, however, strong positive correlations were observed between CSH and biofilm formation (r =0.708; p < 0.05) or cell adhesion (r =0.509; p < 0.05). These results suggest that hydrophobic force of bacteria may play a minor role in adhesion and biofilm formation, but CSH of C. albicans may be an important factor for adherence on surface and biofilm forming process.

Anti-Bacterial Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Cell-Free Supernatant Possessing Lysozyme Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Recently, there has been a growing demand for natural preservatives because of increased consumer interest in health. In this study, we produced Lactobacillus rhamnosus cell-free supernatant (LCFS) and evaluated and compared its antimicrobial activity with existing natural preservatives against pathogenic microorganisms and in chicken breast meat contaminated with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Lactobacillus rhamnosus cell-free supernatant possessed 30 units of lysozyme activity and contained 18,835 mg/L of lactic acid, 2,051 mg/L of citric acid and 5,060 mg/L of acetic acid. Additionally, LCFS inhibited the growth of fourteen pathogenic bacteria, S. aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria innocua, S. epidermidis, L. ivanovii, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Shi. flexneri, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antibacterial activity of LCFS was stronger than that of egg white lysozyme (EWL), Durafresh (DF) and grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Additionally, LCFS maintained its antimicrobial activity after heat treatment at 50℃~95℃ and at pH values of 3~9. Moreover, LCFS inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus in chicken breast meat. In conclusion, it is expected that LCFS, which contains both lysozyme and three organic acids, will be useful as a good natural preservative in the food industry.

Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis Decrease Candida albicans Biofilm Formation by Suppressing Morphological Transition to Its Hyphal Form

PURPOSE: Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Proteus species are causative agents in a variety of opportunistic nosocomial infections, and their ability to form biofilms is known to be a virulence factor. In this study, the influence of co-cultivation with Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) and Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) on C. albicans biofilm formation and its underlying mechanisms were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: XTT reduction assays were adopted to measure biofilm formation, and viable colony counts were performed to quantify yeast growth. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of yeast-specific genes (rhd1 and rbe1), filament formation inhibiting genes (tup1 and nrg1), and hyphae-related genes (als3, ece1, hwp1, and sap5). RESULTS: Candida biofilm formation was markedly inhibited by treatment with either living or heat-killed P. vulgaris and P. mirabilis. Proteus-cultured supernatant also inhibited Candida biofilm formation. Likewise, treatment with live P. vulgaris or P. mirabilis or with Proteus-cultured supernatant decreased expression of hyphae-related C. albicans genes, while the expression of yeast-specific genes and the filament formation inhibiting genes of C. albicans were increased. Heat-killed P. vulgaris and P. mirabilis treatment, however, did not affect the expression of C. albicans morphology-related genes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that secretory products from P. vulgaris and P. mirabilis regulate the expression of genes related to morphologic changes in C. albicans such that transition from the yeast form to the hyphal form can be inhibited.

Microorganisms in Vacuum Stored Flower Bee Pollen

Contamination with sanitary microorganisms from Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Micrococcaceae and Bacillaceae families in flower bee pollen from Bulgaria after one-year vacuum-packed cold storage has been found. Dried flower bee pollens intended for human consumption were with high incidence rate of contamination with Pantoea sp. (P. agglomerans and P. agglomerans bgp6) (100%), Citrobacter freundii (47%), Proteus mirabilis (31.6%), Serratia odorifera (15.8%) and Proteus vulgaris (5.3%). Bee pollens were also positive for the culture of microorganisms from Staphylococcaceae, Micrococcaceae and Bacillaceae families: Staphylococcus hominis subsp hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Arthrobacter globiformis, Bacillus pumilis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. It was concluded that, if consumed directly, the vacuum-packed cold stored dried bee pollen, harvested according hygienic requirements from bee hives in industrial pollution-free areas without intensive crop production, is not problem for healthy human.

A Rare Case of Ecthyma Gangrenosum Caused by Proteus vulgaris and Candida albicans in a Patient with Castleman Disease

No abstract available.

[Plasmid pattern of biofilm producing Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris among clinical isolates in Kerman university hospitals during 2011-2012]

Emergence of biofilm producing Proteus strains created a serious problem in the treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The aim of this research was to study biofilm production and plasmid pattern of proteus strains associated with Urinary tract infection. A total of 88 strains of Proteus were isolated from samples collected in hospitals of Kerman/ Iran during 2011-2012. The isolates were identified by routin microbiological tests and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out by disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] by E-test methods. Biofilm production was studied by microtiter plate method and confirmed by Scanning electron microscope. Plasmids from biofilm producing isolates were detected by alkaline lysis technique. From 88 patients infected by proteus, 58% were female and 42% were male. The most and the least frequent age ranges were respectively 20-29 years old [77.39%] and 60-69 years old. From all isolates, 40.69% [n=59] showed the highest MIC range [16-32 +/- 0.05 micro g/mL] to ceftriaxone whereas, 59% [n=41] exhibited the least MIC range to chloramphenicol [1-4 +/- 0.08 micro g/mL]. Biofilm production was positive for 17% [n=15] of the isolates and 6% [n=6] did not show any biofilm [P

Serological evidence of rickettsial infections in Delhi.

Background & objectives: Rickettsial infections remain under-diagnosed due to lack of diagnostic facilities in developing world. Here we present our experience at National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi, about a serosurvey done in Delhi for rickettsial disease with easy to perform low cost, low expertise Weil Felix test. Methods: On the basis of cut-off titre obtained in healthy population, Weil Felix test results were interpreted along with clinical data. Entomological investigation was also carried out in select areas of Delhi. Rodents were trapped from houses and gardens and vector mites were collected. Results: When serum samples were collected during initial 5 yr period from patients with fever of unknown origin, seropositivity was 8.2 per cent whereas when rickettsial infection was kept as one of the differential diagnosis by clinicians seropositivity increased to 33.3 per cent. Rickettsial infections detected were scrub typhus (48.2%) followed by spotted fever group (27.5%) and typhus group (6.8%) during 2005-2009. In preliminary entomological survey vector mite Leptotombidium deliense was found on rodents. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings showed that results of Weil Felix test should not be disregarded, rather clinically compatible cases should be treated to save lives.

Aerobic bacteria from oral cavities and cloaca of snakes in a petting zoo / 대한수의학회지

It is important to identify the bacteria in snakes because they can cause disease; importantly, bacteria such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris etc. could be pathogens especially in hospitalized, debilitated hosts, and immunocompromised patients. To analyze the distribution of snakes' bacteria in petting zoo, samples from 20 snakes were collected from 2002 to 2008. Nine bacteria species were isolated from both oral and cloaca while four and six species were identified only from oral and cloaca, respectively. Except for Actinobacter sp., all of the identified strains are opportunistic pathogens, and most of them can cause nosocomial infections in humans. Present results indicate that prevalence of various zoonotic bacterial strains in snakes could be involved in potential transfer of these bacteria into caretakers and other animals. Therefore, it needs to examine the antibiotic resistance of these pathogens to prevent outbreaks.

Chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste: As novel oral hygiene product.

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste and evaluate its plaque-reducing potential and efficacy in reduction of dental pathogens. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of herbal extracts against dental pathogens were performed by using disk diffusion method. The pharmaceutical evaluation of toothpaste was carried out as per the US Government Tooth Paste Specifications. A 4-week clinical study was conducted in patients with oro-dental problems to evaluate the plaque removing efficacy of chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste with commercially available chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2% w/v) mouthwash as positive control. Total microbial count was carried out to determine the percentage decrease in the oral bacterial count over the period of treatment. Result: Herbal extracts were found to possess satisfactory antimicrobial activity against most of the dental pathogens. Chitosan-containing polyherbal toothpaste significantly reduces the plaque index by 70.47% and bacterial count by 85.29%, and thus fulfills the majority of esthetic and medicinal requirements of oral hygiene products. Conclusion: Chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste proves itself as a promising novel oral hygiene product as compared with currently available oral hygiene products. A further study to confirm the exact mechanism and active constituents behind antiplaque and antimicrobial activity of chitosan-based polyherbal toothpaste and its efficacy in large number of patient population is on high demand.

Soft tissue infections with Arcanobacterium haemolyticum: report of three cases.

We report here three polymicrobial wound infections associated with Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in rural patients aged between 60-65 years. In two patients, one with cellulitis and the other with postoperative wound infection following amputation of the limb, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum was isolated repeatedly along with beta haemolytic streptococci (BHS). The BHS belonged to Lancefield's group G and group C respectively. In another patient, who was a diabetic with chronic osteomyelitis, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum was isolated along with Proteus vulgaris . All the three isolates of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum isolated by us were uniformly resistant to cotrimoxazole and sensitive to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Erythromycin alone or combined therapy of penicillin with erythromycin or penicillin with ciprofloxacin was effective in treating these infections.

Isolation, diagnosis and antibiotics susceptibility of the most prevalent enterobacteriaceae genera from aleppo environment

Enterobacteriaceae is a group of gram-negative bacteria that can cause infections of the digestive tract or other organs of the body. The group Enterobacteriaceae includes the bacteria Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Providencia, Salmonella, Serratia, Shigella, and Yersinia. Although most of these bacteria normally inhabit the intestines, nevertheless it is the one of most important pathogenic which cause dangerous diseases such as: meningitis, infections of the urinary and respiratory tract, septicemia, and endocarditic. 10 bacterial genera have been isolated from different environmental aereas [water, soil, plants] in south of Syria. We used many culture media [general, differential, selective media] to isolate pure bacterial colony, then identify them by using microtetration plates [Micronaut-E] of Micronaut-Mltiscan System /Type: 355, Serial: 355052445/ [Merlin-Diagnostika, Bornheim, Germany]. We have studied the antimicrobial susceptibility for 420 bacterial isolation [related to 10 speacies] against 19 antibiotics, by using SB-plate of automated broth microtiter system [MERLIN Company]. Results indcate that there are great changes of antimicrobial resistance against many antibiotics, often increase and sometimes decrease in susceptibility

Outer membrane proteins responsible for multiple-drug resistance in proteus vulgaris

The role of outer membrane proteins in the development of multiple-drug resistance in Proteus vulgaris. Three Proteus vulgaris clinical isolates obtained from Microbiology laporatory at King Abdul Aziz University Hospitals. One of these isolates that is characterized by its sensitivity to all the used antimicrobial agents was selected for further studies. A total of 5 spontaneous ciprofloxacin-resistant mutants were isolated from Proteus vulgaris clinical isolate on agar plates containing ciprofloxacin at concentration of 6 MIC. Four of these mutants [PvM2-PvM5] are characterized by cross-resistance to other fluoroquinolones [norfloxacin. and ofloxacin], beta-lactam antibiotics [cefamandole, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime], and aztreonam. While the fifth mutant [PvM1] is characterized by selective resistance to the tested fluoroquinolones. The outer membrane proteins [OMPs] analysis showed a significant reduction [in PvM4 and PvM5 mutants] or disappearance [in PvM2 and PvM3 mutants] of 39 KDa OMP as compared to the parent isolate. In case of mutant PvM1, no significant change in the OMP profile was observed. The four multiple-drug resistant mutants [PvM2-PvM5] had about 2.3 to 3.8 time lower rate of norfloxacin uptake than that of the parent isolate, while no significant change in norfloxain uptake was observed in case of PvM1 mutant. The results of beta-lactamase induction and DNA gyrase assay showed no difference between the selected mutants and their parent, with exception for PvM1 mutant in a which a significant decrease in the DNA gyrase sensitivity to ciprofloxacin was observed. Reduction or disappearance of 39 KDa OMPs in P. vulgaris isolate is associated with cross-resistance to fluoroquinolones. Beta-Iactam antibiotics, and aztreonam

Antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of twelve medicinal plants and Epa-Ijebu [a "Wonder Cure" Concoction] used in South West Nigeria on five common bacterial pathogens

Twelve Nigerian medicinal plants namely Crinium jagus, Allium ascalonicum, Alliurn cepa, Xylopia aethiopica, Abrus precalorius Allium sativum, Aframomum, melegueta, Terminalia glaucescens. Tetrapleura tetraptera, Garcinia kola, Nicotiana tabacum, Securidaca longipedunculata and a "Wonder-cure" concoction known as Epa-Ijebu" used by traditional medical practitioners for treatment of several ailments of microbial and non-microbial origin were investigated for in vitro activities against Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris and Shigella sonnei using the punched-hole" diffusion method. Ethanol and aqueous extracts of Allium sativum. Terminalia glaucescens, Allium cepa, Xylopia aethiopiea. Allium ascalonicum. Aframomum melegueta. Securidaca longipedunculata and Epa-Ijebu concoction showed inhibitory activities against the bacterial pathogens. Epa-ljebu showed more activity than any of the other plant extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including tannin, flavonoid, alkaloids, phlobatannin, anthocyanin, reducing sugar, saponin and anthraquinone in both plant extracts and in Epa-Ijebu. In vivo studies are recommended to determine the toxicity. side-effects, serum-attainable levels and pharmacokinetic properties of the potent "Wonder-cure", Epa-Ijebu

Fournier's gangrene in a three month old child

Fournier's gangrene is a progressive infection of the genital and peri-anal regions. It is a urological emergency. Testicular and penile loss, septic shock, multi-organ failure, and death are known complications. The incidence of Fournier's gangrene and its complications is very rare in infants. We report a case of an infant who presented with sepsis secondary to scrotal infection. The event was preceded by auto amputation of scrotal skin following Fournier's gangrene. The history was suggestive that the responsible organism was rubeola. The wound was later contaminated by Proteus vulgaris. A description of his presentation and management is given

Electrochemical, Antifungal, Antibacterial and DNA Cleavage Studies of Some Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)-Copolymer Complexes

Cyclic voltammetric measurements were performed for Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of 1 : 1 alternating copolymer, poly(3-nitrobenzylidene-1-naphthylamine-co-succinic anhydride) (L) and Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 1 : 1 alternating copolymer, poly(3-nitrobenzylidene-1-naphthylamine-co-methacrylic acid) (L1). The in vitro biological screening effects of the investigated compounds were tested against the fungal species including Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia bataicola and Candida albicans and bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumaniae, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by well diffusion method. A comparative study of inhibition values of the copolymers and their complexes indicates that the complexes exhibit higher antimicrobial activity. Copper ions are proven to be essential for the growth-inhibitor effect. The extent of inhibition appeared to be strongly dependent on the initial cell density and on the growth medium. The nuclease activity of the above metal complexes were assessed by gel electrophoresis assay and the results show that the copper complexes can cleave pUC18 DNA effectively in presence of hydrogen peroxide compared to other metal complexes. The degradation experiments using Rhodamine B dye indicate that the hydroxyl radical species are involved in the DNA cleavage reactions.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Studies on Some Schiff Base Complexes of Zinc(II)

Two Schiff base ligands L1 and L2 were obtained by the condensation of glycylglycine respectively with imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde and indole-3-carboxaldehyde and their complexes with Zn(II) were prepared and characterized by microanalytical, conductivity measurement, IR, UV-Vis., XRD and SEM. The molar conductance measurement indicates that the Zn(II) complexes are 1 : 1 electrolytes. The IR data demonstrate the tetradentate binding of L1 and tridentate binding of L2. The XRD data show that Zn(II) complexes with L1 and L2 have the crystallite sizes of 53 and 61 nm respectively. The surface morphology of the complexes was studied using SEM. The in vitro biological screening effects of the investigated compounds were tested against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumaniae, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal species Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia bataicola and Candida albicans by the disc diffusion method. A comparative study of inhibition values of the Schiff base ligands and their complexes indicates that the complexes exhibit higher antimicrobial activity than the free ligands. Zinc ions are proven to be essential for the growth-inhibitor effect. The extent of inhibition appeared to be strongly dependent on the initial cell density and on the growth medium.

Perfil dos pacientes com infecções do trato urinário diagnosticados no município de Flor do Sertão – SC / Profile of the patients with urinal treatment infections diagnosised in the city of Flor do Sertão - SC

Vários fatores, e entre eles o sexo, são determinantes para traçar o perfil epidemiológico das infecções do trato urinário. A caracterização das ITUs são essenciais para o tratamento e combate das mesmas, principalmente na saúde pública, onde a prevenção é o principal objetivo. Foram analisadas 126 uruculturas no período de 01 de outubro de 2006 a 01 de abril de 2007. As colônias isoladas foram identificadas por testes bioquímicos e tintoriais. Das 44 uruculturas positivas, 89% destas foram do sexo feminino e tendo como maior incidência os pacientes entre 20/30 anos (25%) e acima de 60 anos (25%). Foram isolados os seguintes microrganismos: Escherichia coli (50%), Klebsiella sp. (18%), Staphylococcus sp. (16%), Staphylococcus aureus e Proteus sp (7%) e Proteus vulgaris (2%). Foram 66% os pacientes que apresentaram ITU recorrente. Apenas 8% das pacientes estavam grávidas. Do total de pacientes com urucultura positiva, 11% estavam fazendo uso de algum tipo de antimicrobiano. A importância deste estudo se remete ao fato de ser o primeiro levantamento realizado no município. Os resultados mostraram a necessidade de um trabalho constante de orientação e acompanhamento, principalmente, das mulheres.

Some factors, and between them the sex, are determinative to trace the epidemiologist profile of the urinal treatment infections. The characterization of the UTIs is essential for the treatment and combat of the same ones, mainly in the public health, where the prevention is the main objective. Were analyzed 126 uricultures from October 01, 2006 to April 01, 2007. The isolated colonies were identified by biochemists and dye tests. Of the 44 positive uricultures, 89% of these were from the feminine sex and had as bigger incidence the patients between 20/30 years (25%) and above 60 years (25%). The following microrganisms had been isolated: Escherichia coli (50%), Klebsiella sp. (18%), Staphylococcus sp. (16%), Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. (7%) and Proteus vulgaris (2%). 66 % of the patients presented recurrent UTI. Only 8% of the patients were pregnant. Of the total of patients with positive uriculture, 11% were making use of some type of antimicrobials. The importance of this study is the fact of being the first survey carried through in the city. The results had shown the necessity of a constant work of orientation and accompaniment, mainly, of the women.

Differentiation of common gram negative pathogens by PCR- ribotyping

Gram negative bacteria especially members of family Enterobacteriaceae are among the most frequently isolated organisms from the clinical specimens. Rapid diagnosis of the pathogen in a clinical sample is always very important. Conventional methods are time-consuming. Among molecular techniques, PCR is very useful but unless very specific primers are used, non-specific amplifications are a problem. PCR-ribotying is a technique that gives very specific multiple bands by use of a single primer set. This study was designed to establish patterns for five common pathogens of Enterobacteriaceae, namely Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi [Salmonella Typhi], Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Cirtobacter freundii along with another very common and problematic gram negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each species gave a specific ribotyping pattern. Escherichia coli gave four amplification products of 1200, 850, 800, and 700 bps. Four amplification products of different sizes were also observed in Citrobacter freundii [3000, 850, 700, and 580 bps], Proteus vulgaris [900, 800, 750 and 700 bps], and Klebisella aerogenes [3000, 870, 700 and 520 bps]. More discrimination with five amplification products was seen in Salmonella Typhi [3000, 1200, 900, 850, and 700 bps]. On the other side of spectrum was Pseudomonas aeruginosa only a single amplification product of 750 bps was observed. PCR-ribotyping can very efficiently and specifically differentiate between opportunistic gram negative human pathogens

Proteus vulgaris, an emerging fish pathogen in Egypt [with 4 tables and 5 figures]

The aim of this study was to investigate Proteus vulgaris infections in sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, in Assiut, Egypt. Clinical and postmortem findings of infected fish and seasonal prevalence of infection were investigated. Pathogenicity of Proteus vulgaris was also assessed. Out of 120 fish showing skin lesions and signs of septicemia examined over year 2005, only 1.58 [%] fish were infected with Proteus vulgaris. Bacteria identification was based on colony morphology and culture behavior on various media, microscopic examination, biochemical tests and carbohydrate fermentation. Strain K93PV isolated from kidneys of infected fish was used throughout this study. Seasonal prevalence of Proteus vulgaris infections increased over spring and reached maximum in summer. Infection was not recorded in winter. Lethal dose 50 [LD[50]] of Proteus vulgaris in sharptooth catfish was 1.25X10[7] cfu/100g fish body weight intramuscularly injected. Clinical and postmortem examination of experimentally infected fish revealed that skin lesions and sometimes generalized septicemia are the predominant signs associated with Proteus vulgaris infection