Antimicrobial activity of lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from fermented olives origin

Lactobacilus plantarum isolated from fermented olives has been extensively studied with the aim of its use in starter cultures for olive or other production fermentations, but little is known about its antimicrobial resistance and its probiotic effects. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity using different strains of L. plantarum isolated from fermented olives origin against Salmonella typhimurium. Three strains of L. plantarum were isolated from fermented green olives [Lpl, Lp2, Lp3].they were grown in MRS broth at 37°C. Overnight culture of S. typhimurium was added to MRS broth containing 108 CFU/mL of L. plantarum. Reduction of the viable cells was assayed on bismuth sulfit agar medium for 24h. Antimicrobial activities of L. plantarum cells against the test strain of Salmonella were also determined by measuring the diameter of growth inhibition zone in agar spot test. All of the L. plantarum strains could inhibit growth of S. typhimurium. Also visible inhibition zones were observed around the spotted cells of L. plantarum strains in the spot tests. Results showed great inhibitory effect of the L. plantarum strains against Salmonella and were differed in their antimicrobial activities which could be due to the metabolite secreted by the L. plantarum strains specially type of bacteriocins

Some neutrophilic functions in pediatric poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis

Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis [PSGN] is the most common form of glomerulonephritis in children. Leucocytes play a role in mediating glomerular injury. Assessment of neutrophil functions [chemotaxis and phagocytic activity] was studied in 20 cases diagnosed as having PSGN [case group] and 10 age and sex matched healthy children [control group]. There was a statistically significant decrease in chemotaxis and phagocytosis of neutrophil leucocytes in index patients. There was a positive significant correlation between polymorphonuclear leucocyte functions - age and female sex. Meanwhile, there was nonsignificant correlation between antistreptolysin titer [ASOT] and chemotaxis [index and difference], while there was nonsignificant negative correlation between ASOT and phagocytosis [index and percentage]. There was a significant positive correlation between total leucocytic count and both chemotaxis and phagocytosis in case group. Also, there was a highly significant positive correlation between chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leucocyte functions in case group. This study revealed a defect in neutrophil functions as chemotaxis and phagocytosis in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, so this may play a significant role in increasing infection among such children