Hydroxytyrosol improves mitochondrial energetics of a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease.

Mitochondrial energetic deficit is one of the hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders, e.g. Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with lower incidence of cognitive decline and AD and extra virgin olive oil's (poly)phenols such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol (HT) are being actively studied in this respect. In this study, we assessed the effects of HT on mitochondrial energetic dysfunction in the 7PA2 cells cellular model, i.e. one of the best cellular models of Aß toxicity with a well-characterized mitochondrial dysfunction typically observed in AD. We report an increase of new mitochondria at 8 h post HT-treatment, which was followed by higher mitochondrial fusion. Further, ATP concentrations were significantly increased after 24 h of treatment with HT as compared with controls. Our data suggest that HT may revert the energetic deficit of a cellular model of AD by potentiating mitochondrial activity. Because HT is being proposed as dietary supplement or component of functional foods, future studies in appropriate animal models and - eventually - humans are warranted to further investigate its potential neuroprotective actions in AD.

Lactational mastitis caused by Streptococcus lactarius.

Human infections caused by Streptococcus lactarius have not been previously reported. In the present report, we describe a lactational mastitis caused by this organism. The infection occurred in a 28-year-old breast-feeding female, with a 10-days history of moderate pain on the right breast. The patient was cured after antibiotic treatment with levofloxacin for 21 days. Our case shows that S. lactarius should be considered as a cause of lactational mastitis. The introduction of molecular microbiology techniques can be extremely useful for knowing the implication of streptococci in lactational mastitis.

Muscular abscess caused by Cupriavidus gilardii in a renal transplant recipient.

Cupriavidus gilardii is a rare cause of human infection. We report a muscular abscess on the right thigh caused by this organism in a renal transplant recipient, who had suffered a septic shock associated with an extensive cellulitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The patient was successfully treated with surgical drainage and intravenous ciprofloxacin for 13 days. This is the first time that C. gilardii is isolated from a human abscess. C. gilardii should be considered as a cause of human infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. Infection caused by this organism may be underdiagnosed because the identification is very difficult.

Fournier's gangrene caused by Actinomyces funkei, Fusobacterium gonidiaformans and Clostridium hathewayi.

We report the first case of Fournier's gangrene caused by three unusual anaerobic organisms: Actinomyces funkei, Fusobacterium gonidiaformans and Clostridium hathewayi. The infection occurred in a 73-year-old man without typical risk factors for the development of Fournier's gangrene. Clinical outcome was good after prolonged antibiotic treatment and extensive debridement of the perineum. The case suggests that A. funkei, F. gonidiaformans and C. hathewayi should be considered as potential pathogens of Fournier's gangrene. Human infections caused by these organisms are very rare but can be underestimated because correct identification is very difficult, especially in polymicrobial infections such as Fournier's gangrene.

Peritonitis caused by Bifidobacterium longum: case report and literature review.

Bifidobacterium spp. rarely causes human infections. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with a history of pancolonic diverticulosis, who suffered a purulent peritonitis caused by Bifidobacterium longum secondary to intestinal perforation. Clinical outcome was good after urgent surgery and antibiotic treatment with imipenem and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Our case shows that Bifidobacterium spp. should be considered as a cause of peritonitis, especially in patients with risk of intestinal perforation. The review of the literature shows that these organisms can cause a wide spectrum of severe infections, especially in patients with underlying diseases. Infections caused by Bifidobacterium spp. may be overlooked or underreported since it may be considered normal microbiota.

Skin and soft tissue infection caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans: report of 14 cases.

BACKGROUND: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans are very infrequent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of this infection. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of 14 cases of SSTI due to A. xylosoxidans that occurred at the University Hospital of Guadalajara (Spain) from January 2007 to December 2012. RESULTS: The infection was secondary to vascular diseases, trauma, and recent surgery in 12 patients (85.7%). The most frequent clinical presentation was infection of a vascular ulcer (5 cases). The infection was monomicrobial in 7 patients (50%) and 9 cases were community-acquired (64.2%). The clinical outcome of the patients was uniformly good after antibiotic treatment, except in 4 patients who suffered recurrence of the infection. CONCLUSION: A. xylosoxidans should be considered a potential pathogen in patients with SSTIs, especially in patients with vascular diseases or after surgery or trauma. A history of contact with water should be investigated in all cases. Treatment can be difficult due to the high level of antibiotic resistance. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may be useful for treatment in outpatients with community-acquired infections.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis complicated with peritonitis caused by Lactobacillus plantarum.

Lactobacillus spp. rarely causes human disease. We report a case of a 57-year-old man with non-insulin-dependent diabetes and vascular disease admitted to our hospital with severe abdominal pain and fever. Signs of peritonitis were found upon examination. The patient underwent surgery, and a diagnosis of perforated cholecystitis with purulent peritonitis was made intra-operatively. A cholecystectomy was performed, and therapy with imipenem was initiated. Lactobacillus plantarum was isolated from bile and peritoneal fluid cultures 2 days later. The patient recovered well and was discharged on post-operative day 16 after 14 days of treatment with imipenem. To our knowledge, this is the second case reported of acute cholecystitis caused by Lactobacillus spp. This organism should be considered as a cause of biliary infections, especially in patients with underlying diseases. Correct identification is often difficult, but it is very important because these organisms are usually resistant to vancomycin and other antibiotics.