Estudio inmunológico en paciente con síndrome de Behcet: reporte de un caso / immunological study in a patient with Behcet Syndrome: a case report

Introducción: El síndrome de Behcet, o enfermedad de Behcet, es un proceso autoinflamatorio crónico, poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida. Es una vasculitis que afecta arterias y venas de todos los calibres, con alteración de la función endotelial, que se expresa clínicamente con lesiones orgánicas variadas. En su fisiopatogenia intervienen factores genéticos, microbianos e inmunológicos. Los síntomas más comunes son las úlceras orales y genitales, inflamaciones oculares (uveítis, retinitis e iritis), lesiones de piel y artritis. Objetivo: Evaluar diversos marcadores de la respuesta inmune en paciente con síndrome de Behcet. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino. 39 años de edad, con diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad de Behcet con reactantes de fase aguda y marcadores serológicos de autoinmunidad negativa. Las subpoblaciones linfocitarias están dentro de los valores referenciales, sin evidencias de activación linfocitaria. La presencia de una doble población de linfocitos B y los antecedentes familiares, sugieren la existencia de una población de linfocitos B de autoreconocimiento y la posible presencia de factores genéticos, respectivamente. El paciente respondió favorablemente a la terapia con esteroides. Conclusiones: El estudio apoya el criterio de que, en condiciones basales, no se detectan marcadores humorales de autoinmunidad, alteraciones de los valores de las subpoblaciones linfocitarias, ni evidencias de activación linfocitaria, pero no se puede excluir la presencia de una población de linfocitos B de autoreconocimiento(AU)

Introduction: Behcet's syndrome, also known as Behcet's disease is a chronic autoinflammatory process of low frequency and unknown etiology. It's an all sizes arteries and veins affecting vasculitis that causes an alteration of endothelial function and is expressed clinically by organ damage at various levels. Its pathogenesis involves genetic, microbial and immunological factors. The most common symptoms are oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation (uveitis, iritis and retinitis), skin lesions and arthritis. Objective: to evaluate several inmunological markers in a patient with Behcet syndrome. Case presentation: 39 years old masculine patientwith clinical diagnosis of Behcet disease with negative acute phase reactants and serological authoinmunity markers and lymphocyte populations within referential range, without evidences of lymphocyte activation. The presence of a double B lymphocyte population and familial background, suggest the presence of a self recognitionB lymphocyte population and the probable presence of genetic factors, respectively. There was a good response to steroids treatment. Conclusions: The study supports the idea that at baseline, not humoral autoimmunity markers, changes in the values of lymphocyte subpopulations, and evidence of lymphocyte activation is detected, but can not exclude the presence of a population of B lymphocytes self-recognition(AU)

Reform of courses for microbial genetics and breeding / 生物工程学报

Microbial genetics and breeding is a compulsory course for "Bioengineering Excellence Talents Experimental Class" and "Bioengineering International Student Class". However, the traditional teaching model has many deficiencies in terms of content selection, teaching methods and examination forms. At Tianjin University of Science and Technology, to improve the quality and effectiveness of teaching, especially in the field of microbiology, innovative leaders who meet the needs of national and international communities are highly needed. This article describes the reformed teaching content, teaching methods, and curriculum assessment methods of microbial genetics and breeding. With the help of the latest scientific research progress, pre-class preview system, video display, and diversified assessment methods, teaching mode has been innovatively reformed. As such, students not only mastered the relevant professional knowledge of microbial genetics and breeding, but also exercised their subjective initiative, teamwork consciousness, professional foreign language expression level, and cultivated their interest in scientific knowledge related to microbial genetics.

Aislamiento, identificación y evaluación de la actividad antimicrobiana de metabolitos producidos por Mucor circinelloides ( Cepa Nativa SPG 321) / Isolation identification and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity for metabolites produced by Mucor circinelloides

Resumen Objetivo. Identificar y evaluar la capacidad antimicrobiana de los metabolitos aislados a partir del proceso de fermentación en una cepa de Mucor circinelloides. Método. En el presente estudio se trabajó la cepa nativa de Mucor circinelloides SPG 321 suministrada por el Grupo de Investigación de Biotrasformación (GIBUJ), con el fin de evaluar su actividad antimicrobiana. La cinética de crecimiento determinó que la ideofase culminó a la hora 264, hora determinada como la finalización de la fermentación. Se separó el micelio del caldo y posteriormente se fraccionaron los extractos con cromatografías de capa fina y columna en sílica gel, eluidas con diferentes relaciones de solventes. Resultados. Los resultados arrojados por la técnica de gases acoplado a masas CG-EM confirman la importancia de Mucor circinelloides en la producción de ácidos grasos insaturados. A partir del micelio se obtuvo un esterol, compuesto M. cB3. La fracción CHCl3 en biomasa mostró actividad inhibitoria para los microorganismos Gram positivos.

Abstract Objective. To identify and evaluate the antimicrobial capacity of the metabolites isolated from the fermentation process in a strain of Mucor circinelloides. Method. For this study it was taken the 321 SPG native strain of Mucor circinelloides provided by GIBUJ. The kinetics growth was made, observing the ending of the idiofase at hour 264, hour taken for the conclusion of fermentation. Mycelium was separated from the broth and then purified with thin layer chromatography and silica gel column, eluted with different relations of solvents. Results. The results given by the technique of coupled gases with GC-MS mass confirm the importance of Mucor circinelloides in the production of unsaturated fatty acids. A sterol was obtained from the mycelium, M.cB3 compound. The fraction CHCl3 in biomass showed inhibitory activity for Gram-positive microorganisms.

Papel da proteína HspX do Mycobacterium tuberculosis na regulação de genes relacionados à adaptação morfológica de micobactérias ao período de dormência, utilizando Mycobacterium smegmatis como organismo modelo / The role of HspX protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in regulation of genes involved with morphological adaptation to mycobacterial dormancy, with Mycobacterium smegmatis as model organism

A manutenção da infecção latente pelo M. tuberculosis (TBIL) pode ser atribuída à sua capacidade de sobreviver durante anos no organismo humano em um estado não replicativo (dormente). A proteína HspX do M. tuberculosis, induzida sob condições de hipóxia, está fortemente associada com a manutenção da viabilidade do bacilo na TBIL. O presente estudo tem como objetivo, verificar se a superexpressão da proteína HspX altera a expressão de genes envolvidos com a síntese de componentes da parede celular, replicação do DNA e divisão celular de bacilos, assim como, na expressão de genes envolvidos com a resposta imune inata em macrófagos infectados com esses bacilos. O gene hspX foi amplificado pela PCR a partir do DNA do M. tuberculosis H37Rv, clonado no vetor de expressão pFPCA1GFP, e a proteína HspX expressa em M. smegmatis mc2155. As bactérias, nas quais, a presença da proteína recombinante foi confirmada por Western Blot, foram utilizadas, para a análise de expressão gênica tanto em bactérias quanto em macrófagos infectados. O estudo de expressão gênica foi realizado utilizando a RT-qPCR. Quando comparado aos controles, as bactérias que expressavam a proteína HspX apresentaram uma redução na expressão de genes de replicação do DNA e divisão celular, que foi acompanhado por uma tendência a filamentação das células e uma redução no tamanho das colônias. Além disso, nos macrófagos infectados com a bactéria expressando a proteína HspX, houve um aumento tanto da expressão do mRNA quanto da secreção de IL-1b, citocina importante para estabilização do granuloma, e uma redução na expressão de IRGM, gene relacionado com o processo autofágico, importante mecanismo de defesa do hospedeiro contra bactérias intracelulares. Portanto, em conjunto, essas alterações de expressão gênica, em consequência da presença da proteína HspX sugerem uma contribuição, direta ou indireta, dessa proteína para a adaptação morfológica e metabólica da bactéria dormente durante a TBIL, e consequentemente, para a resposta imune inata dos macrófagos infectados favorecendo a viabilidade intracelular dessas bactérias

The maintenance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection latent (TBIL) may be attributed to its ability to persist for years in the host in a non-replicative state (dormant). The HspX protein from M. tuberculosis, induced under hypoxic, is strongly associated with maintaining the bacillus viability in TBIL. This study aims to determine if HspX overexpression chances the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of cell wall components, DNA replication and cell division of bacilli, as well as, the expression of genes involved in innate immune response of macrophages infected. The gene hspX was amplified by PCR from DNA of M. tuberculosis H37Rv, and cloned into the expression vector pFPCA1GFP. The HspX was expressed in M. smegmatis mc2155 and the recombinant protein was confirmed by Western blot. The bacterias expressing HspX were used for gene expression analysis both in bacteria and in infected macrophages by RT-PCRq. In bacterias expressing HspX, it was observed a reduction in expression of genes involved in DNA replication and cell division, and with cells more filamentous and smaller colonies, compared with controls. In addition, in macrophages infected with bacillus expressing HspX, there was an increase in both mRNA expression and secretion of IL-1b, an important cytokine for granuloma stability, and a reduction in expression of IRGM, an autophagic gene, important for host defense mechanism against intracellular bacteria. Together, these results suggest a direct or indirect contribution of HspX protein for metabolic and morphological adaptation of dormant bacteria in TBIL, and for the innate immune response in infected macrophages, improving the bacteria intracellular viability

Pseudorabies virus can be classified into five genotypes using partial sequences of UL44

Suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1) is the causative agent of pseudorabies (PR), a disease of great importance due to the huge losses it causes in the swine industry. The aim of this study was to determine a method for genotyping SuHV-1 based on partial sequences of the gene coding for glycoprotein C (gC) and to elucidate the possible reasons for the variability of this region. A total of 109 gCsequences collected from GenBank were divided into five major groups after reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree by Bayesian inference. The analysis showed that a portion of gC (approximately 671 bp) is under selective pressure at various points that coincide with regions of protein disorder. It was also possible to divide SuHV-1 into five genotypes that evolved under different selective pressures. These genotypes are not specific to countries or continents, perhaps due to multiple introduction events related to the importation of swine.

Human rhinovirus infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects

The role of rhinovirus asymptomatic infections in the transmission among close contacts subjects is unknown. We tested health care workers, a pair of one child and a family member and immunocompromised patients (n =191). HRV were detected on 22.9% symptomatic and 3.6% asymptomatic cases suggesting lower transmission among contacts.

Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from hospitals in siedlce (Poland)

A total of 62 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from two hospitals in Siedlce (Poland) were studied by repetitive element based PCR (rep-PCR) using BOX primer. BOX-PCR results revealed the presence of 7 numerous genotypes and 31 unique patterns among isolates. Generally, the strains of P. aeruginosa were characterized by resistance to many antibiotics tested and by differences in serogroups and types of growth on cetrimide agar medium. However, the P. aeruginosa strains isolated from faeces showed much lower phenotypic and genotypic variations in comparison with strains obtained from other clinical specimens. It was observed that genetic techniques supported by phenotypic tests have enabled to conduct a detailed characterization of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from a particular environment at a particular time.

Transference in vitro of the resistance to the antimicrobials between Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Salmonella enteritidis isolated from chickens / Transferência in vitro da resistência aos antimicrobianos entre Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus.spp e Salmonella enteritidis isoladas de frangos

The objective of this work was to verify the possibility of transference of resistance to the antimicrobials between bacteria that are in the present normal microbiota of chickens and Salmonella Enteritidis. Samples of Lactobacillus spp. (L. spp.), Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) previously isolated from chickens, selected after the test of sensitivity antimicrobial in vitro according the standard method (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) utilizing those with resistance and sensibility to the antimicrobials inductors, named donor and receptor bacteria, respectively were used. Antimicrobials inductors were utilized to stimulate the transference of resistance to the antimicrobials between the bacteria. The possibility of transference was verified from the E. coli resistant to the SE and L. spp. Transference of a sample of L. spp resistant to the antimicrobials inductors to the SE was also verified. It was only possible to verify the transference of the resistance to the antimicrobials inductor when the donor bacteria was the E. coli and the bacteria receptor was SE. In the present study we conclude that the transference of resistance to the antimicrobials between bacteria is possible, however, not all bacteria participate in that trial, not transmitting and neither acquiring this resistance.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de transferência de resistência aos antimicrobianos entre bactérias normais da microbiota de frangos e Salmonella Enteritidis. Utilizamos amostras de Lactobacillus spp. (L. spp.), Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) e Escherichia coli (E. coli) previamente isolados de frangos, selecionados após prova de sensibilidade antimicrobiana in vitro conforme metodologia padrão (Comitê Nacional para Padrões Clínicos de Laboratório). Utilizamos aqueles com resistência e sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos indutores, chamados de bactérias doadoras e receptoras, respectivamente. Os antimicrobianos indutores foram utilizados para estimular a transferência de resistência aos antimicrobianos entre as bactérias. A possibilidade de transferência foi verificada da E. coli resistente para a SE e L. spp. Também foi verificada a transferência de uma amostra de L. spp resistente aos antimicrobianos indutores para a SE. Só foi possível verificar a transferência da resistência aos antimicrobianos indutores quando a bactéria doadora foi a E. coli e a bactéria receptora foi a SE. No presente estudo concluímos que a transferência de resistência aos antimicrobianos entre bactérias é possível, mas nem todas as bactérias participam desse evento, não transmitindo e nem adquirindo esta resistência.

Formulation of economical microbial feed using degraded chicken feathers by a novel Streptomyces sp: mitigation of environmental pollution

A new Streptomyces sp. IF 5 was isolated from the feather dumped soil and found to have a tremendous keratinase activity. The strain enabled the degradation of the chicken feathers very effectively in 60 h. The 16S rRNA sequence of 1474 bp long was submitted to the National centre for Biotechnological information. The keratinolytic activity in the culture medium was 1181 U/ml. The release and analyses of sulphydryl groups in the culture medium evident the degradation activity by the Streptomyces sp. IF 5. The idea of the present study was to use the degraded chicken feathers as the substrate for the growth and cultivation of microorganisms. We have designed a very economical culture medium that includes the usage of some basal salts alone and degraded chicken feathers (10 g/l). The results of the specific growth rate of the tested microbes confirm the usage of the new designed medium for microbial culturing.

Characterization of free nitrogen fixing bacteria of the genus Azotobacter in organic vegetable-grown Colombian soils

With the purpose of isolating and characterizing free nitrogen fixing bacteria (FNFB) of the genus Azotobacter, soil samples were collected randomly from different vegetable organic cultures with neutral pH in different zones of Boyacá-Colombia. Isolations were done in selective free nitrogen Ashby-Sucrose agar obtaining a recovery of 40 percent. Twenty four isolates were evaluated for colony and cellular morphology, pigment production and metabolic activities. Molecular characterization was carried out using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). After digestion of 16S rDNA Y1-Y3 PCR products (1487pb) with AluI, HpaII and RsaI endonucleases, a polymorphism of 16 percent was obtained. Cluster analysis showed three main groups based on DNA fingerprints. Comparison between ribotypes generated by isolates and in silico restriction of 16S rDNA partial sequences with same restriction enzymes was done with Gen Workbench v.2.2.4 software. Nevertheless, Y1-Y2 PCR products were analysed using BLASTn. Isolate C5T from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) grown soils presented the same in silico restriction patterns with A. chroococcum (AY353708) and 99 percent of similarity with the same sequence. Isolate C5CO from cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) grown soils showed black pigmentation in Ashby-Benzoate agar and high similarity (91 percent) with A. nigricans (AB175651) sequence. In this work we demonstrated the utility of molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools as a support to conventional techniques in characterization of the genus Azotobacter from vegetable-grown soils.

Evaluation of INNO-LiPA mycobacteria v2 assay for identification of rapidly growing mycobacteria

A total of 54 rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) isolated from patients attended in the two hospitals of Cádiz Bay (Spain) were selected during a seven-year-period (2000-2006) in order to evaluate the INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria v2 assay for mycobacterial identification, based on the reverse hybridization principle. The strains were cultured in Lõwenstein-Jensen and Middlebrook 7H9 media and identified to the species level by sequencing of the 16S rRNA, PCR-restriction enzyme analysis of the hsp65 gene, conventional tests and INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria v2 assay. By the molecular methods we identified a total of 12 different species: 23 Mycobacterium fortuitum, 11 M. chelonae, 10 M. abscessus, 2 M. senegalense, 1 M. alvei, 1 M. brumae, 1 M. mageritense, 1 M. mucogenicum, 1 M. neoaurum, 1 M. peregrinum, 1 M. septicum and 1 M. smegmatis. Fifty two strains (96.3 percent) were correctly identified by conventional techniques and 47 strains (87.0 percent) by INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria v2 assay. We find INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria v2 assay simple to perform but it provides few advantages in comparison with conventional methods and sometimes needs complementary tests to identify Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, M. chelonae complex and specific species due to the great heterogeneity in the RGM group.

Perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana e detecção do gene ISS pela reação em cadeia da polimerase na tipificação de escherichia coli patogênica em codornas de corte sob inspeção sanitária / Profile of antimicrobial resistance and detection of iss gene by the polymerase chain reaction in the typification of pathogenic escherichia coli in meat type quails under sanitary inspection

A patogenicidade das cepas de Escherichia coli está relacionada à expressão de fatores de virulência encontrados em elementos genéticos denominados plasmídios. O patotipo APEC, responsável por diferentes tipos de doenças em aves, pode apresentar o gene iss que aumenta a resistência das cepas de E. coli aos efeitos líticos do soro, além da resistência a diversos antimicrobianos. Este estudo foi conduzido para detectar E. coli em traquéias de codornas destinadas ao abate e avaliar, pela presença do gene iss e o perfil de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana, o potencial patogênico para aves e humanos dos isolados obtidos. Foram coletadas 180 traquéias de codornas para detecção de E. coli, determinação do perfil de resistência a agentes antimicrobianos e posterior detecção, por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), do gene iss. Das traquéias analisadas, 8,9 por cento (16/180) foram positivas para E. coli, sendo obtidos 20 isolados deste agente. A maioria dos isolados foi resistente à Tetraciclina (16/20), seguida pela Ceftazidima (13/20) e Ácido Nalidíxico (12/20), sendo apenas um resistente à Amoxicilina. A detecção do gene iss ocorreu em 55 por cento (11/20) dos isolados. A presença do gene iss e a resistência a múltiplos antimicrobianos dos isolados obtidos neste estudo pode indicar um possível potencial patogênico das cepas de E. coli tanto para codornas quanto para outros tipos de aves e animais e mesmo para o ser humano que fique em contato com as mesmas.

The pathogenicity of Escherichia coli strains is partially related to the expression of virulence factors genes, present in genetic elements called plasmids. APEC strains responsible for diseases in birds may present the iss gene which increases the resistance of E. coli strains to the lityc effect of the host's serum, besides resistance to several antimicrobials. This study was conduced in order to detect E. coli in tracheae of meat-type quails and to evaluate, by the presence of the iss gene and the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility, the pathogenic potential of the isolated samples for birds and humans. One hundred and eighty tracheae of quails were collected for detection of E. coli, antimicrobial sensitivity tests, and for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for detection of iss gene. From the examined quails, 8.9 percent (16/180) were positive for E. coli, from which 20 strains of this bacterium were obtained. Most of them were resistant to Tetracycline (16/20), followed by Ceftadizime (13/20) and Nalidixic-acid (12/20) and only one isolate was resistant to Amoxicillin. The detection of iss gene occurred in 55 percent (11/20) of the isolates, indicating that these strains had the potential to be pathogenic not only for quails, but also for other kinds of birds, other animals and even human beings that would be in contact with these E. coli isolates.

Engineering of a genome-reduced host: practical application of synthetic biology in the overproduction of desired secondary metabolites

Synthetic biology aims to design and build new biological systems with desirable properties, providing the foundation for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The most prominent representation of synthetic biology has been used in microbial engineering by recombinant DNA technology. However, there are advantages of using a deleted host, and therefore an increasing number of biotechnology studies follow similar strategies to dissect cellular networks and construct genome-reduced microbes. This review will give an overview of the strategies used for constructing and engineering reduced-genome factories by synthetic biology to improve production of secondary metabolites.

Glass bead transformation method for gram-positive bacteria

A simple, inexpensive and reproducible transformation method was developed for Gram-positive bacteria. It was based on agitation of bacterial protoplasts with glass beads in the presence of DNA and polyethylene glycol. By using this method, introduction of pGK12 into protoplasts of several strains of Gram-positive bacteria was achieved.

Applications of reverse genetics in studying classical swine fever virus / 生物工程学报

Classical swine fever (CSF), caused by classical swine fever virus (CSFV), has been epidemic or endemic in many countries, and causes great economical losses to pig industry worldwide. Attenuated vaccines (such as C-strain) have played an important role in the control of CSF. Recently some new phenomena appear, such as atypical and persistent infections of CSF, immunization failure and so on. Meanwhile, eradication programs have been implemented in many countries, restricting the widespread applications of attenuated vaccines. Thus, currently the priority is to strengthen the research in pathogenesis and transmission mechanisms, as well as to develop marker vaccines. Recently, the applications of reverse genetics technology open up a new way for research of structure and function of CSFV proteins and development of novel vaccines against CSF. This review focuses on the progress of applications of reverse genetics in the functional analysis and marker vaccine development of CSFV, and also discusses the problems confronted now and prospective aspects in the study of CSFV.

Qualidade microbiana e aspecto visual de mandioca minimamente processada / Microbial quality and visual aspect of minimally processed cassava

Foi avaliada a qualidade microbiológica de mandioca minimamente processada, embalada a vácuo e refrigerada (4-7ºC), com quatro a oito dias de armazenamento. Três amostras representativas foram obtidas no comércio da região de Pelotas, a partir de três lotes do produto. As amostras foram coletadas em supermercado para realizar as seguintes avaliações: contagens de bactérias mesófilas, psicrotróficas, láticas, clostrídios sulfito redutores, coliformes totais e fecais, mofos e leveduras, e presença de Salmonella. Os resultados das contagens (UFC g-1) variaram de 4,7 x 106 a 6,3 x 108, para bactérias mesófilas; 1,8 x 107 a 6,0 x 108, para psicrotróficas; 2,8 x 107 a 3,8 x 108, para láticas; 1,5 x 103 a > 1,1x106, para coliformes totais; < 30 a 4,6 x 104 para coliformes fecais; 2,4 x 102 a 2,5 x 104, para mofos e leveduras; e < 10 para clostrídios sulfito redutores. Salmonella não foi detectada. As altas contagens de bactérias sugerem falhas na higiene de produção, processamento ou armazenamento do produto.

Microbial quality and visual aspect of minimally processed cassava. The hygienic-sanitary quality of minimally processed vacuum packaged and refrigerated cassava (4-7ºC), with 4-8 days of storage was evaluated. Three representative samples from 3 different lots of cassava were obtained from retail stores in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The following microbial counts were carried out in each sample: mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic and sulfide-reducing bacteria, total e fecal coliforms and yeast and molds. The presence of Salmonella was also investigated. Results of counts ranged from 4.7 x 106 to 6.3 x 108 CFU g-1 for mesophilic bacteria, 1.8 x 107 to 6.0 x 108 CFU g-1 for psychrotrophic bacteria, 2.8 x 107 to 3.8 x 108 CFU g-1 for lactic bacteria, 1.5 x 103 to > 1.1 x 106 for total coliforms, < 30 to 4.6 x 104 for fecal coliforms, 2.4 x 102 to 2.5 x 104 CFU g-1 for yeasts and molds and < 10 CFU g-1 for sulfide-reducing bacteria. Salmonella was not detected. The high counts of bacteria in the product suggest poor processing or storage practices.

Microbial diversity--biotechnological and industrial perspectives.

Biodiversity is an addition sum of the studies on genetic, taxonomic commercial and ecosystem aspects of living systems. All the living individuals of a species contain a distinct combination of genes and the intrinsic interaction among the gene pool influences evolution, survival and phenotypic/genotypic changes of the part of the biodiversity i.e. community. The amount of genetic diversity within population varies tremendously and much of modern conservation biology is concerned with the maintenance of genetic diversity within the population of plants, animals and microbes. Germplasm, obtained with the vast biodiversity, provides a major source of biological material for the development of medicines, vaccines, pharmaceutical products, improved crop and animal varieties and for other environmental applications. Industrialized nations, who have the technology and resources to patent and develop commercial biological products, are having the benefits of biodiversity through the collected and conserved germplasm flowing through the international research centers. In fact a particular genetic contribution usually represents only a small percentage of the total value of the eventual products. In addition, the research and development process required to commercialize a particular product requires enormous technical efforts. The principle of patenting genes is the morally or ethically correct is a matter of intense debate. However, geneticists, having conceived of the technologies with vast and immediate therapeutic, food and environmental values must try to bring to the material to market as soon as possible.

Diarrea viral bovina: patogénesis e inmunopatología / Bovine viral diarrhea: pathogenesis and inmunopathology

La diarrea viral bovina (DVB) representa un problema de ámbito mundial que causa considerables pérdidas tanto en ganado de carne como lechero, afectándolo de diversas formas las cuales están supeditadas a la edad del animal, estado inmunológico y momento de la gestación en el que se produce la infección. La DVB es causada por un virus ARN, género Pestivirus, familia Flaviviridae, el cual ha sido clasificado en 2 biotipos (citopático y no citopático) según su comportamiento en células de cultivo y en 2 genotipos (I y II) basados en su secuencia genética. Dependiendo de las cepas infectantes se presenta un cuadro clínico particular variando en severidad desde una forma subclínica, pasando por la forma clínica e incluso produciendo la fatal enfermedad de las mucosas o causando efectos deletéreos sobre el feto. A pesar de que en nuestro medio ya existen estudios sobre esta entidad, la implementación de metodologías diagnósticas constituye una limitante para el manejo de la misma. La presente revisión se enfoca en la patogenia e inmunopatología de la DVB.

Microorganismos inusuales en surcos y bolsas periodontales / Unusual microorganisms in gingival sulcus and periodontal pockets

Introducción: Los microorganismos de la familia Enterobacteriaceae, los bacilos Gram negativos no fermentadores y ciertas especies de Candida se han considerado como inusuales en quienes sufren enfermedad periodontal, y en ellos el tratamiento mecánico o antimicrobiano puede ser poco efectivo para resolver o controlar la progresión de la enfermedad. Objetivos: Analizar los perfiles microbiológicos en individuos sanos y en pacientes con diagnóstico de periodontitis crónica y periodontitis agresiva, determinar la frecuencia de los microorganismos inusuales y las posibles asociaciones con algunos microorganismos periodontopáticos en la base de datos del laboratorio de microbiología oral y periodontal en Cali. Materiales y métodos: Se estudiaron los informes microbiológicos de 356 pacientes en un período de 41 meses. Las variables analizadas fueron: diagnóstico periodontal, recuento total de colonias, porcentaje de aislamiento de diez microorganismos periodontopáticos y de otros inusuales como miembros de la familia Enterobacteriaceae, bacilos Gram negativos no fermentadores y levaduras. Resultados: Se analizaron 202 (56.7%) informes de pacientes con periodontitis crónica, 139 (39.1%) de periodontitis agresiva y 15 (4.2%) de individuos periodontalmente sanos. La presencia de microorganismos inusuales de tipo entérico fue 36% y la prevalencia de levaduras 7% en las personas con periodontitis. No se encontraron diferencias significantes entre los tres diagnósticos clínicos con respecto a la presencia de microorganismos entéricos y levaduras. La mayor prevalencia de organismos entéricos correspondió a los géneros Klebsiella, Enterobacter y a bacilos Gram negativos no fermentadores. Se encontraron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre la presencia o ausencia de microorganismos infrecuentes con la de algunos microorganismos periodontopáticos en los individuos con enfermedad periodontal.

Introduction: Microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family, non-fermentative Gram negative rods and species of Candida (yeast) have been considered as unusual microorganisms in patients with periodontitis, where antimicrobial and mechanical treatment have been often ineffective to solve or control the disease progression. Objectives: To analyze the microbiological profiles in periodontally healthy individuals, and in chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients; to determine the frequency of detection of unusual microorganisms and the possible associations with some periodontopathic bacteria in an oral microbiology laboratory database in Cali. Material and methods: Microbiological reports of 356 patients were analyzed in a period of 41 months. The variables were periodontal diagnosis, total colony counts, percentage of isolation of ten periodontal bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae spp; non-fermentative Gram negative rods and yeasts were also included in the analyses. Results: Reports of 202 (56.7%) patients with chronic periodontitis, 139 (39.1%) of patients with aggressive periodontitis and 15 (4.2%) of periodontally healthy individuals were found. The presence of unusual microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family was 36% and the prevalence of yeast was 7% in the periodontitis patients. Among the three clinical diagnoses no significant differences were found with respect to the presence of enteric organism and yeasts. The greatest prevalence of enteric organisms belonged to Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter and non-fermentative Gram negative rods. Significant associations were found between the presence and absence of unusual microorganisms related to Actinobacillus. actinomycetemcomitans.