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Bacterial Flora (bacterial + flora)
Selected AbstractsDevelopment of Biogenic Amines in Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares): Effect of Storage and Correlation with Decarboxylase-Positive Bacterial FloraJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002W.-X. Du ABSTRACT: The effects of storage at 0,4,10, and 22°C for 0,1,3,5, and 9 d on the quality of yellowfin tuna fillets as determined by microbiological assessment, development of some biogenic amines, and sensory analysis were studied. Tuna fillets stored at 22 °C for 3 d, 10 °C for 5 d, and 4 °C for 9 d were rated unacceptable for consumption. Those stored at 22 °C for 3 d had total aerobic bacterial count of > 8 log10 CFU/g, a histamine-producing bacterial population of 7 log10 CFU/g, and 832 ppm of histamine, 35.8 ppm of putrescine, and 147 ppm of cadaverine. A comparison of the capillary electrophoresis, AOAC fluorometric method, and gas chromatography showed a very good correlation (r2 > 0.99) among these 3 methods for histamine quantitation in tuna samples. Morganella morganii, Enterobacter agglomerans, Enterobacter intermedium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Proteins vulgaris, and Serratia liquefaciens were the decarboxylase-positive bacterial species isolated by using the Niven's medium and identified during storage, which were responsible for histamine production in test tuna fillets. [source] Bacterial flora in irritable bowel syndrome: role in pathophysiology, implications for managementJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 1 2007Eamonn M M QUIGLEY Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may, in part at least, result from a dysfunctional interaction between the indigenous flora and the intestinal mucosa which, in turn, leads to immune activation in the colonic mucosa. Some propose a role for bacterial overgrowth as a common causative factor in the pathogenesis of symptoms in IBS; other evidence points to more subtle qualitative changes in the colonic flora; both hypotheses remain to be confirmed but the likelihood that bacterial overgrowth will prove to be a major factor in IBS now seems remote. Nevertheless, short-term therapy with either antibiotics or probiotics does seem to reduce symptoms among IBS patients. It seems most likely that the benefits of antibiotic therapy are mediated through subtle and, perhaps, localized, quantitative and/or qualitative changes in the colonic flora. How probiotics exert their effects remain to be defined but an anti-inflammatory effect seems likely. While this approach to the management of IBS is in its infancy, it is evident that manipulation of the flora, whether through the administration of antibiotics or probiotics, deserves further attention in IBS. [source] Shelf Life and Microbial Quality of Fresh-cut Mango Cubes Stored in High CO2 AtmospheresJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005Jutatip Poubol ABSTRACT: Fresh-cut,Carabao'and,Nam Dokmai'mango cubes were stored in air or in high CO2 atmospheres (3%, 5%, and 10%) at 5 °C and 13 °C. Freshly sliced,Carabao'mango cubes had a lower respiration rate and total bacterial count and higher L-ascorbic acid content and firmness than,Nam Dokmai'mango cubes. The shelf life of fresh-cut mango, based on browning discoloration and water-soaked appearance, was 6 d at 5 °C and 4 d at 13 °C for,Carabao'and 2 d at 5 °C and less than 1 d at 13 °C for,Nam Dokmai'. High CO2 atmospheres retarded the development of water-soaked,Carabao'cubes at 5 °C and 13 °C and,Nam Dokmai'cubes at 5 °C. Texture of,Carabao'cubes was enhanced by high CO2, but ethanol and L-ascorbic acid contents were not affected at 5 °C and 13 °C. Total bacterial count was lower in,Carabao'cubes than in,Nam Dokmai'cubes during storage at both temperatures, and a 10% CO2 only reduced the bacterial count on,Carabao'and,Nam Dokmai'cubes stored at 13 °C. Bacterial flora in,Nam Dokmai'mango cubes consisted mostly of Gram-negative rods assigned primarily to phytopathogenic bacteria such as Pantoea agglomerans and Burkholderia cepacia. The genera of bacteria isolated from cubes stored in 10% CO2 were similar to those from cubes on the initial day. [source] Bacterial flora of the low male genital tract in patients consulting for infertilityANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2005F. Virecoulon Summary The physiological aerobic bacterial flora of the low male genital tract was determined. This prospective study was performed on 600 semen specimens collected from 543 asymptomatic males consulting for infertility. Semen cultures were sterile in 28.8%, with a polymicrobial flora and/or absence or low titres of Ureaplasma urealyticum in 49.3%, and with one or two aerobic and facultative bacteria ,1 × 103 CFU ml,1 and/or U. urealyticum with titres ,104 CCU ml,1 (colour changing units) in 21.8%. In standard aerobic cultures, Gardnerella vaginalis was the most commonly isolated species (26.1%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (15.7%) and Streptococcus anginosus (14.2%). Ureaplasma urealyticum was absent in 84.5% of semen samples, but when recovered, high (,104 CCU ml,1) and low titres (,103 CCU ml,1) were counted in 7.2% and 8.3% respectively. Of 48 patients, the follow-up of semen cultures showed marked variations in time. This study shows that (i) there was no relationship between the bacterial flora and the leucocytospermia; (ii) low titres of U. urealyticum in semen were not associated with a disturbance of the ecosystem; (iii) the critical threshold for U. urealyticum should be raised to ,104 CFU ml,1 and (iv) a positive semen culture should be repeated before any treatment. [source] Bacterial flora of fish feeds and organic fertilizers for fish culture ponds in GhanaAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 8 2003J A Ampofo First page of article [source] Association of immunological disorders in lethal side effect of NSAIDs on ,-glucan-administered miceFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Hideaki Takahashi Abstract (1,3)-,- d -Glucan (,-glucan) is a biological response modifier that regulates host immune response. We have found that the combination of a ,-glucan and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), indomethacin (IND), induced lethal toxicity in mice [Yoshioka et al. (1998) FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol., 21, 171,179]. This study was undertaken to analyze the mechanism of the lethal side effect. Combination of a ,-glucan and IND increased the number of leukocytes, especially macrophages and neutrophils, in various organs and these cells were activated. The activated state of these cells was supported by the enhanced production of interferon-, in the presence of IND in vitro culture of the peritoneal exudate cells. Intestinal bacterial flora was translocated into the peritoneal cavity in these mice to cause peritonitis. Comparing the toxicity of various NSAIDs, nabumetone, a partially cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAID with weaker toxicity to the gastrointestinal tract, did not exhibit a lethal side effect. These facts strongly suggested that gastrointestinal damage by NSAIDs was more severe in ,-glucan-administered mice, resulting in peritonitis by enteric bacteria and leading to death. [source] Toll-like receptor-1, -2, and -6 polymorphisms influence disease extension in inflammatory bowel diseasesINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2006Marie Pierik MD Abstract Background: Evidence that a deficient innate immune response toward the bacterial flora of the gut plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is growing. This is underscored by the finding of the association between CARD15 variants and Crohn's disease (CD) and D299G in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and IBD. Our aims were to study nonsynonymous polymorphisms in other TLR genes in IBD. Methods: Thirty-five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in TLR1-10 were identified from public databases. 284 IBD parent-child trios and a second independent cohort of 285 IBD patients and 191 healthy controls were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Patients were pooled for genotype-phenotype analyses. Results: Although none of the SNPs was involved in disease susceptibility, a number of variants influenced the disease phenotype. A positive association between TLR1 R80T and pancolitis in UC (P = .045, OR [95% CI] 2.844 [1.026-7.844]) was found. The TLR2 R753G SNP was also associated with pancolitis (P = .027, OR [95% CI] 4.741 [1.197-18.773]). The relative risks for heterozygous patients to develop pancolitis were 5.8 and 3.3 for R80T and R753G, respectively. There was a negative association between TLR6 S249P and ulcerative colitis with proctitis only (P = .026, OR [95% CI] 0.223 [0.096-0.705]). In CD, we found a negative association between ileal disease involvement and TLR1 S602I (P = .03, OR [95% CI] 0.522 [0.286-0.950]). Conclusion:TLR2 and its cofactors TLR1 and TLR6 are involved in the initial immune response to bacteria by recognizing peptidoglycan. An association between nonsynonymous variants in the TLR1, - 2, and - 6 genes and extensive colonic disease in UC and CD was found. Our findings further highlight the role of an abnormal innate immune response in the pathogenesis of IBD. [source] Bacteriological study of shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, hatcheries in IndiaJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Shrimp hatcheries often face problems of mortality caused by diseases. To understand the bacteriological status of shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, hatcheries in India, a study of hatchery water at different points was conducted in several hatcheries located along the east and west coast of India. The species composition of the bacterial flora was also determined. The total plate counts of raw sea water on tryptic soya agar ranged from 102 to 104 ml,1, whereas it ranged from 104 to 106 ml,1 in larval tanks. In the larval tanks, the proportion of Vibrio species ranged from 50% to 73%, as compared to 31% in raw sea water. A mixed bacterial flora was observed in hatchery water; however, in the larval tanks, the flora in the larvae was predominantly made up of Vibrio species. A few of the tested Vibrio isolates were non-virulent to shrimp larvae under experimental conditions. Over 90% of the strains were resistant to amoxycillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, cephazolin, cloxacillin and sulphafurazole. Most strains showed sensitivity to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and quinolones such as norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. [source] The bacterial flora of vacuum-packed cold-smoked salmon stored at 7°C, identified by direct 16S rRNA gene analysis and pure culture techniqueJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007T.C. Olofsson Abstract Aims:, The indigenous flora of freshly chilled cold-smoked salmon just after the vacuum packaging, and the spoilage flora after storage, in vacuum package at 7°C for 19 days, were to be investigated with two different sampling strategies. Methods and Results:, Identification was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing of both isolated bacteria and bacterial DNA from tissue extract. The indigenous flora of fresh cold-smoked vacuum-packed salmon was dominated by, in order, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Yersinia ruckeri, Photobacterium and Carnobacterium, whereas the spoilage flora of the same product stored at 7°C for 19 days was dominated by Lactobacillus and Photobacterium. The two sampling strategies showed similar results on the fish flora. Several new types of Photobacterium sequences, closely related to Photobacterium iliopiscarium and Photobacterium phosphoreum, were found from both the freshly processed and the stored salmon, indicating that smoked salmon harbours at least three different, as yet unknown, Photobacterium species. Conclusions:, Ten per cent of the bacterial flora multiplying on chilled, vacuum-packed, cold-smoked salmon comprised unknown species. The two sampling strategies complement each other. Significance and Impact of the Study:, As cold-smoked salmon is consumed without heat-treatment, the presence of undefined bacteria in high numbers should be considered in public health assessments. [source] Evaluation of the relationship between smoking during pregnancy and subgingival microbiotaJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Nurcan Buduneli Abstract Background: Numerous studies have shown that smoking negatively affects periodontal health. Hormonal changes, which occur during pregnancy have also been reported to have adverse effects on the periodontal tissues or indirectly through alterations in the subgingival bacterial flora. At present, no knowledge exists concerning possible effects of smoking on the composition of subgingival plaque in pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of smoking during pregnancy on the subgingival plaque bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease. Methods: A total number of 181 women were examined within 72 h post-partum. Smoking status was recorded by means of a self-reported questionnaire and the study population was divided into three groups; non-smokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers. In each woman, two subgingival plaque samples were obtained from mesio- or disto-buccal aspect of randomly selected one molar and one incisor tooth by sterile paperpoints. Clinical periodontal recordings comprising presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were performed at six sites per each tooth at all teeth. Plaque samples were analysed by checkerboard DNA,DNA hybridization with respect to 12 bacterial species. In all analyses, the individual subject was the computational unit. Thus, mean values for all clinical parameters were calculated and bacterial scores from each individual sample were averaged. Statistical methods included ,2 test, Kruskal,Wallis test and Mann,Whitney U -test. Results: Mean ages were similar in the study groups. Plaque, BOP and PPD recordings were lower in the heavy-smoker group, but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The detection rates and bacterial loads of the specific subgingival bacteria exhibited no significant differences between the groups. No correlation could be found between smoking status and detection rates and bacterial loads of various bacterial species. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that smoking during pregnancy does not have a significant effect on the composition of subgingival plaque bacteria. [source] Occurrence of Histamine-Forming Bacteria in Albacore and Histamine Accumulation in Muscle at Ambient TemperatureJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 4 2002S.H. Kim ABSTRACT Distribution of histamine-producing bacteria in fresh albacore and their proliferation in muscle during storage at 25 °C were monitored. Histamine formers constituted a minor portion of the bacterial flora in albacore. Only weak histamine formers were detected in the gill and skin of fresh fish after enrichment. Histamine formers were isolated from the muscles when APC reached >107 CFU/g during storage. Hafnia alvei was most prevalent in both fresh and temperature-abused fish. The most prolific histamine former, Morganella morganii, was rarely isolated even from spoiled muscles. The prevalence of weak histamine formers resulted in low levels of histamine accumulation in muscle, 67.1 mg/100 g, for 6 d of storage. [source] Microbiological, immunological and genetic factors in family members with periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease, associated with hematological disordersJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Mitsugi Okada The microflora, immunological profiles of host defence functions, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) findings are reported for a mother, son and daughter who were diagnosed as having ,periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases, associated with hematological disorders'. Examinations were made of the bacterial flora from the periodontal pocket, neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil phagocytosis, and the genotypes (DQB1) and serotypes (DR locus) of HLA class II antigens. Phenotypic analyses of the peripheral lymphocytes were also conducted. The subgingival microflora from the mother was dominated by Gram-negative rods, especially Porphyromonas endodontalis, Prevotella intermedia/Prevotella nigrescens and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Subgingival microflora samples from the son and daughter were dominated by Gram-positive cocci and Gram-positive rods. Through the use of polymerase chain reaction, Campylobacter rectus and Capnocytophaga gingivalis were detected in all subjects, whereas Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. intermedia, and Treponema denticola were not detected in any subjects. All three subjects showed a remarkable level of depressed neutrophil chemotaxis to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, although their phagocyte function levels were normal, in comparison to healthy control subjects. Each subject had the same genotype, HLA-DQB1*0601, while the mother had HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR8, and the son and daughter had HLA-DR2 only. In summary, the members of this family showed a similar predisposition to periodontitis with regard to certain host defence functions. It is suggested that the depressed neutrophil chemotaxis that was identified here could be a significant risk factor for periodontitis in this family. [source] NITROGEN ENRICHMENT OF PORPHYRA PERFORATA THROUGH HIGH DOSE PULSE FERTILIZATIONJOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2001Article first published online: 24 SEP 200 Zertuche-González, J. A1., Chanes-Miranda L2., Carmona, R3., Kraemer G4., Chopin T.5 & Yarish, C3 1Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanologicas, PO Box #453, C.P. 22830, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. 2CBTIS-41, Km 115 Carretera Transpeninsular, Ensenada, BC Mexico. 3University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 1 University Place, Stamford, CT, 06901-2315, USA. 4State University of New York, Purchase College, Div. of Nat. Sciences, Purchase, NY, 10577, USA. 5University of New Brunswick, Centre for Coastal Studies and Aquaculture and Centre for Environmental and Molecular Algal Research, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada Porphyra perforata is a highly preferred seaweed used as fodder in abalone culturing due to its relatively high nutritional value. High growth rates of abalone, particularly in the early stages, are suspected to be due the high protein-aminoacid and low water content of the Porphyra. Also, high NO3 content may be important to improve the bacterial flora in the animals, which in turn may favor more efficient digestion. Changes in the composition of Porphyra, however, can occur rapidly due to environmental conditions decreasing the nutritional value of the plant. Short term N pulse fertilization were performed on P. perforata in order to evaluate the feasibility to increase its nutritional value. Enrichment was performed under low light conditions (<5 ,E m -2 s -1) to inhibit growth and promote higher N enrichment per unit of biomass. Tissue N in the form of NO3, NH4 and total organic N were measured, after 3,6,12 and 24 hrs, in tissue exposed to 500 ,M of N. Results indicated a rapid N tissue enrichment particularly in the form of NO3. Nitrate accumulation occurs continuously, up to 24 hrs. Total organic N is maximum after 12 hrs and tends to decrease after that. Fertilization with NH4 promotes NO3 accumulation. These results suggest the feasibility to improve the nutritional value of P. perforata by short-term pulse fertilization. The capacity of this species to uptake NH4 under low light conditions (similar to those use in abalone culturing) makes it also ideal for integrated aquaculture. [source] Effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum on adaptive immune senescence in aging miceMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Yu-Rong Fu ABSTRACT Bifidobacteria are a natural component of the bacterial flora of the human body and have a symbiotic bacteria-host relationship with human beings. Aging is associated with reduced numbers of beneficial colonic Bifidobacteria and impaired immunity. The possible anti-senescence effects of Bifidobacteria are presently unknown. The aims of the present study were to investigate possible anti-senescence effects of B. bifidum on naturally senescent mice and to explore their mechanisms. After treatment with B. bifidum, mice were killed and samples collected. Cytokine production in serum and lymphocyte culture supernatant, anti-oxidation activity and gene expression were measured. B. bifidum significantly increased cytokine IL-2 and IFN-, levels but decreased proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-, concentrations. Moreover, B. bifidum improved anti-oxidation activity and reduced lipid peroxidation in thymus and spleen. In addition, B. bifidum down-regulated p16 expression in thymus and spleen. Taken together, the results indicate, for the first time, that B. bifidum delays senescence by several mechanisms, including enhancement of anti-oxidation activity in thymus and spleen, alteration of gene expression and improvement in immune function. [source] A new checkerboard panel for testing bacterial markers in periodontal diseaseMOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006G. Dahlén Background/aims:, Various microbiological methods have been used for testing bacterial markers for periodontitis and periodontal disease progression. Most studies have used only a limited number of well recognized bacterial species. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association of 13 more recently identified bacterial species in a new panel in comparison with 12 previously more recognized periodontotopathogens (,old panel') using the ,checkerboard' DNA,DNA hybridization method. Methods:, Fifty individuals were chosen who showed at least one site with a probing pocket depth of 6 mm or more (disease) and bleeding on probing and at least one site with a probing pocket depth of 3 mm and without bleeding on probing (health). One diseased and one healthy site on each individual were sampled with the paperpoint technique and the samples were processed in the checkerboard technique against deoxigenin-labeled whole genomic probes to 25 subgingival species representing 12 well recognized and 13 newly identified periodontitis associated species. Results:, Twenty-four (out of 25) species were detected more frequently in the subgingival plaque of diseased than healthy sites both at score 1 (> 104) and score 3 (> 105). A significant difference at the higher score (score 3) was noticed for all species of the old panel except for three (Streptococcus intermedius, Selenomonas noxia, and Eikenella corrodens). Of the species in the new panel only Prevotella tannerae, Filifactor alocis, and Porphyromonas endodontalis showed a statistical significant difference between diseased and healthy sites. Conclusion:, It was concluded that P. tannerae, F. alocis, and P. endodontalis should be added to the 12 species used for routine diagnostics of periodontitis-associated bacterial flora. [source] Visceral sensation and colitis: inflammation and hypersensitivity do not always go hand in handNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 2 2006K. A. Sharkey Abstract, Visceral sensitivity and inflammation are discussed in relation to novel observations in the current issue of the Journal by Larsson and her colleagues. This paper shows that neither acute nor chronic intestinal inflammation initiated by dextran sodium sulfate is associated with an increase in visceral sensitivity to balloon distension in mice. These findings are discussed in the context of recent work highlighting the role of mast cells, the induction of endogenous antinociceptive pathways and the role of altered bacterial flora in visceral hypersensitivity. [source] How enrichment, ecosystem size, and their effects on species richness co-determine the stability of microcosm communitiesOIKOS, Issue 4 2010Wei Li Nutrient enrichment, ecosystem size, and richness each may directly affect the stability of both populations and communities. Alternatively, nutrient enrichment and ecosystem size each may directly affect richness, which in turn may affect stability. No previous studies, however, have tested empirically how these three factors interact and co-determine stability. We manipulated nutrient input and ecosystem size in replicate microcosms containing a diverse bacterial flora, and a range of green algae and heterotrophic protozoa, and used these manipulations and the resulting variation in species richness to measure their combined effects on temporal stability of both populations and communities. Results showed that nutrient enrichment and ecosystem size controlled protist richness, and their effects on stability could be mediated by richness. In addition, both community-level and population-level stability increased with protist richness. Furthermore, mean species evenness and mean species richness was negatively related. Effects of statistical averaging, overyielding, and component population stability were identified as possible mechanisms involved explaini ng the stabilizing effects of richness on community stability. Their relative strength in influencing stability, however, is likely to change as mean evenness decreased with increasing richness. This decrease in evenness would tend to weaken the strength of the statistic averaging effect, but increase the strength of the other two mechanisms due to relatively lower population variability (component population stability) and higher mean biovolumes of dominant protists (overyielding). [source] Bacteriological Findings and Hormonal Profiles in the Postpartum Balady GoatsREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2006M M Ababneh Contents Twenty-six Balady goats categorized according to parity into primiparous and pluriparous goats were used to investigate bacterial flora of the genital tract and hormonal profiles during the postpartum (PP) period. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in pure or mixed culture from the uterus. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from swabs obtained from the vagina and cervix of one primiparous goat. Uteri and cervices but not vaginas were free of bacterial contamination by day 10 PP except for one pluriparous goat with scanty E. coli contamination on day 25 PP. Fluctuating oestradiol 17, (E2) levels demonstrated resumption of follicular activity as early as day 13 PP in both parity groups. Progesterone (P4) levels remained low at basal levels throughout the study period. Higher concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F2, (PGFM) were observed during the first week PP compared with the rest of the PP period. PGFM concentrations dropped to low basal level by day 10 PP and remained constantly low throughout the study period. P4, E2 and PGFM profiles were not different between the different parity groups. In conclusion, intrauterine infection is not common in goats with normal kidding. E. coli was the most common intrauterine bacterial isolate. E2 and P4 profiles were consistent with resumption of follicular growth but not ovulation. High PGFM concentrations coincided with the fast regression phase of uterine involution. Hormonal profile and bacterial contamination and clearance were similar to those reported in other related species and not related to parity. [source] Bacterial flora of the low male genital tract in patients consulting for infertilityANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2005F. Virecoulon Summary The physiological aerobic bacterial flora of the low male genital tract was determined. This prospective study was performed on 600 semen specimens collected from 543 asymptomatic males consulting for infertility. Semen cultures were sterile in 28.8%, with a polymicrobial flora and/or absence or low titres of Ureaplasma urealyticum in 49.3%, and with one or two aerobic and facultative bacteria ,1 × 103 CFU ml,1 and/or U. urealyticum with titres ,104 CCU ml,1 (colour changing units) in 21.8%. In standard aerobic cultures, Gardnerella vaginalis was the most commonly isolated species (26.1%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (15.7%) and Streptococcus anginosus (14.2%). Ureaplasma urealyticum was absent in 84.5% of semen samples, but when recovered, high (,104 CCU ml,1) and low titres (,103 CCU ml,1) were counted in 7.2% and 8.3% respectively. Of 48 patients, the follow-up of semen cultures showed marked variations in time. This study shows that (i) there was no relationship between the bacterial flora and the leucocytospermia; (ii) low titres of U. urealyticum in semen were not associated with a disturbance of the ecosystem; (iii) the critical threshold for U. urealyticum should be raised to ,104 CFU ml,1 and (iv) a positive semen culture should be repeated before any treatment. [source] Alloiococcus otitidis,otitis media pathogen or normal bacterial flora?,APMIS, Issue 9 2008KRISTER TANO During the last decade a new potential otitis media pathogen, Alloiococcus otitidis, has been studied. It is still not clear whether this bacterium really is a pathogen, although it has been found in a high percentage of middle ear effusions in children. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of A. otitidis in the nasopharynx and outer ear canals, and to develop a culture method that would make it possible to isolate A. otitidis from these locations. Nasopharyngeal samples (n=129) from children below 6 years were investigated by conventional culture on blood agar plates with 6% saline and rabbit antisera against A. otitidis, and by a PCR method. In the same way, we investigated 10 samples from vestibulum nasi of healthy persons, 68 samples from outer ear canals of patients with acute or chronic ear problems, and 24 samples from outer ear canals of healthy persons. In a rat model of acute otitis media, we instilled living A. otitidis into rat middle ears through the tympanic bulla and evaluated the outcome clinically by otomicroscopy at days 3, 6 and 14. Of the 129 nasopharyngeal cultures, 9 were positive for A. otitidis by PCR, but none by the culture method. Of the 68 samples from patients with running ears, 4 were positive for A. otitidis by PCR, but none by the culture method. Of the 24 healthy ear canals, 7 were positive for A. otitidis by PCR and 3 of them also by the culture method. No A. otitidis could be found from the vestibulum nasi. The rat experiment showed that the reactions in the middle ears were mild; we could not provoke a purulent acute otitis media in any of the rats. There was a 7% prevalence of A. otitidis in children below 6 years. The highest prevalence (29%) was found in outer ear canals of healthy persons, which strongly suggests that A. otitidis is part of the normal bacterial flora of the outer ear canal. The doubtful pathogenicity is also confirmed by the fact that,in the rat model,A. otitidis elicited only a mild response in the middle ear. It was possible to isolate A. otitidis using a blood agar plate with 6% saline. [source] Bacterial vaginosis , a disturbed bacterial flora and treatment enigma,APMIS, Issue 5 2005Review article IV The syndrome bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a disturbed vaginal microflora in which the normally occurring lactobacilli yield quantitatively to an overgrowth of mainly anaerobic bacteria. As BV is a possible cause of obstetrics complications and gynaecological disease , as well as a nuisance to the affected women , there is a strong impetus to find a cure. In BV treatment studies, the diagnosis criteria for diagnosis of BV vary considerably and different methods are used for cure evaluation. The design of study protocols varies and there is no consensus respecting a suitable time for follow-up visits. For the purpose of this review, available data were recalculated for 4-week post treatment cure rates. For oral metronidazole the 4-week cure rate was found not to exceed 60,70%. Treatment regimens with topical clindamycin or topical metronidazole have the same cure rates. It can thus be said that no sound scientific basis exists for recommending any particular treatment. There is no evidence of beneficial effects on BV engendered by partner treatment, or by addition of probiotics or buffered gel. Long-term follow-up (longer than 4 weeks) shows a relapse rate of 70%. With a primary cure rate of 60,70%, and a similar relapse rate documented in the reviewed literature, clinicians simply do not have adequate data for determining treatment or designing clinical studies. This is unfortunate since , apart from the obvious patient benefits , clinical studies can often serve as a guide for more basic studies in the quest for underlying disease mechanisms. In the case of BV there is still a need for continued basic studies on the vaginal flora, local immunity to the flora and host-parasite interactions as an aid when designing informative clinical studies. [source] Phytase-producing bacteria in the digestive tracts of some freshwater fishAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2009Tanami Roy Abstract Isolation and enumeration of phytase-producing bacterial flora in the foregut and hindgut regions of the gastrointestinal tracts of 10 culturable freshwater teleosts of different feeding habits, namely rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), bata (Labeo bata), kalbasu (Labeo calbasu), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), have been carried out. Microbial culture of the gut mucosa on selected nutrient media following the enrichment culture technique was performed for bacterial isolation. The bacterial isolates were screened on the basis of their enzyme-producing ability. The bacterial population on the tryptone soya agar (TSA) plate was maximum in the hindgut region of bata, followed by mrigal and minimum in the foregut region of Nile tilapia. In modified phytase screening medium (MPSM), phytase-producing strains were recorded at higher densities in the foregut region of mrigal and grass carp and minimum in the foregut region of bata. In case of the hindgut, maximum phytase-producing strains were present in grass carp and mrigal and minimum in rohu. In general, in MPSM, the bacterial population was lower in the hindgut region of all the 10 species of fish examined. The phytase-producing ability of the selected 31 strains (16 from the foregut and 15 from the hindgut region) was determined by clearing zones on phytate-containing plates. Among these isolates, 22 strains (12 from the foregut and 10 from the hindgut region) were selected as potent phytase producers according to a quantitative enzyme assay. The highest phytase activity was observed in the bacterial strains LF1 and LH1 isolated from the fore and the hindgut regions of rohu respectively. Both the strains were identified as Bacillus licheniformis on the basis of phenotypic characteristics as well as 16S rDNA sequence analysis. [source] Tracking human migration patterns through the oral bacterial floraCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 2009P. W. Caufield Abstract As modern humans (Homo sapiens) migrated out of Africa to different parts of the world, their obligate indigenous bacterial biota accompanied them. As both evolved, the accumulations of mutations in their DNA can reveal their phylogenies. Here, we describe the evolutionary history of an indigenous bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, from the oral cavity. Using several genetic markers, four distinct clusters of S. mutans genetic traits coincide with individuals of distinct geographic or racial groups comprised of two African clades and an Asian and a Caucasian clade. The evolutionary lineage of S. mutans is in agreement with anthropological artifacts marking the trail of human migrations. [source] Association between commensal bacteria and opportunistic pathogens in the dental plaque of elderly individualsCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 8 2006A. Tada Abstract Opportunistic infections in the oral cavity of the elderly may increase the incidence of systemic disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in the oral bacterial flora between dependent elderly (inpatients) and independent elderly (community-dwelling residents). After multiple variables were taken into account, inpatients had significantly lower detection rates than community-dwelling residents for ,-streptococci (p < 0.001) and Neisseria (p 0.004), and higher detection rates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p 0.024), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (p 0.011) and Actinomyces spp. (p 0.005). Among inpatients, the requirement for a high degree of care was related negatively to detection of ,-streptococci, but was related significantly to detection of P. aeruginosa (p 0.018) or MRSA (p 0.004). Tube-fed inpatients had a significantly lower detection rate for ,-streptococci (p 0.041) and a higher detection rate for P. aeruginosa (p 0.004) than those who did not require tube feeding. Inpatients with a history of antibiotic use had a significantly lower detection rate for ,-streptococci (p 0.049) and a higher detection rate for MRSA (p 0.007) than those without a history of antibiotic use. The detection rates for P. aeruginosa or MRSA in inpatients without ,-streptococci were higher than in inpatients with ,-streptococci after controlling for age and gender (P. aeruginosa, p 0.006; MRSA, p 0.001). Overall, detection of ,-streptococci had an inverse correlation with the detection of P. aeruginosa and MRSA in the oral cavity and is likely to be an indicator of pathogenic bacterial infection. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||