Chloramphenicol

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Terms modified by Chloramphenicol

  • chloramphenicol acetyl transferase
  • chloramphenicol acetyltransferase

  • Selected Abstracts


    Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme activity in relation to in vitro metabolism/inhibition of polychlorinated biphenyls and testosterone in Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2003
    Hongxia Li
    Abstract Among other factors, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activity determines polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccu-mulation, biotransformation, and toxicity in exposed species. We measured the oxidative metabolism in vitro of 12 PCB congeners, representing structural groups based on the number and position of the chlorine atoms, by the hepatic microsomes of one Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Microsomal metabolism was observed for several PCBs with vicinal H atoms exclusively in the ortho and meta positions and without any ortho -Cl substituents (CB-15 [4,4,-Cl2] and CB-77 [3,3,,4,4,-Cl4]), vicinal meta and para -H atoms (CB-52 [2,2,,5,5,-Cl4], and ,101 [2,2,,4,5,5,-Cl5]) or with both characteristics in combination with either only one ortho -Cl (CB-26 [2,3,,5-Cl3], CB-31 [2,4,,5-Cl3]) or two ortho -Cl substituents (CB-44 [2,2,,3,5,-Cl4]). To allocate PCB biotransformation to specific CYPs, the inhibitive effect of compounds with known CYP-specific inhibition properties was assessed on in vitro PCB metabolism and on regio- and stereospecific testosterone hydroxylase activities. Metabolic inhibition was considered relevant at concentrations ,1.0 ,M because these inhibitors became decreasingly selective at higher concentrations. At <1.0 ,M, ellipticine (CYP1A1/2 inhibitor) selectively inhibited CB-15, ,26, ,31, and ,77 metabolism, with no significant inhibition of CB-44, ,52, and ,101 metabolism. Inhibition of CB-52 and ,101 metabolism by chloramphenicol (CYP2B inhibitor) started at 1.0 ,M and maximized at about 100% at 10 ,M. Ketoconazole (CYP3A inhibitor) appeared to selectively inhibit CB-26, ,31, and ,44 metabolism relative to CB-15, ,77, and ,52 at concentrations ,1.0 ,M. Major testosterone metabolites formed in vitro were 2,-(CYP3A), 6,- (CYP3A, CYP1A), and 16,- (CYP2B) hydroxytestosterone and androstenedione (CYP2B, CYP2C11). The CYP forms indicated are associated with the specific metabolism of testosterone in laboratory animals. Inhibition of 2,- and 6,-hydroxytestosterone formation at ellipticine and ketoconazole concentrations ,1.0,M suggested that both inhibitors were good substrates of CYP3A-like enzymes in grey seal. Chloramphenicol (model for CYP2B) is apparently not a good inhibitor of CYP1A and CYP3A activities in grey seal because the chemical did not inhibit any metabolic route of testosterone at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 ,M. Our findings demonstrated that at least CYP1A- and CYP3A-like enzymes in the liver of grey seals are capable of metabolizing PCBs with ortho - meta and/or meta - para vicinal hydrogens. A CYP2B form might also be involved, but this could not be proven by the results of our experiments. Defining the profiles of CYP enzymes that are responsible for PCB biotransformation is necessary to fully understand the bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and risk of PCB exposure in seals and other free-ranging marine mammals. [source]


    Molecular basis of bacterial resistance to chloramphenicol and florfenicol

    FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 5 2004
    Stefan Schwarz
    Abstract Chloramphenicol (Cm) and its fluorinated derivative florfenicol (Ff) represent highly potent inhibitors of bacterial protein biosynthesis. As a consequence of the use of Cm in human and veterinary medicine, bacterial pathogens of various species and genera have developed and/or acquired Cm resistance. Ff is solely used in veterinary medicine and has been introduced into clinical use in the mid-1990s. Of the Cm resistance genes known to date, only a small number also mediates resistance to Ff. In this review, we present an overview of the different mechanisms responsible for resistance to Cm and Ff with particular focus on the two different types of chloramphenicol acetyltransferases (CATs), specific exporters and multidrug transporters. Phylogenetic trees of the different CAT proteins and exporter proteins were constructed on the basis of a multisequence alignment. Moreover, information is provided on the mobile genetic elements carrying Cm or Cm/Ff resistance genes to provide a basis for the understanding of the distribution and the spread of Cm resistance , even in the absence of a selective pressure imposed by the use of Cm or Ff. [source]


    Etiologic spectrum and pattern of antimicrobial drug susceptibility in bacterial meningitis in Sokoto, Nigeria

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2000
    FE EmeleArticle first published online: 2 JAN 200
    Etiologic agents of meningitis were prospectively investigated among patients admitted to Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Of 1097 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples submitted to the microbiology laboratory from various wards of the hospital, 289 (26%) were microscopically, culturally and/or serologically proven to be bacterial meningitis. The etiologic spectrum was as follows: Neisseria meningitidis (61%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (18%), Haemophilus influenzae (10%), Staphylococcus aureus (6%), Coliform bacilli (3%), Escherichia coli (0.7%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (0.7%), Listeria monocytogenes (0.4%), Flavobacterium meningosepticum (0.4%) and Pseudomonas putrifasciens (0.4%). Bacterial meningitis was most prevalent (195 or 68%) among children aged 1-9 y, while adults and neonates were least affected. Coliform bacilli caused five of eight neonatal cases. Males were more frequently affected than females (x2=12.50;p < 0.05). Culture and microscopy were comparatively less efficient than the search for bacterial antigens, especially in the diagnosis of Haemophilus meningitis. Antimicrobial susceptibility of N. meningitidis to ampicillin and benzyl penicillin reduced progressively over the years (F = 406.98;p < 0.001). Nineteen (11%) of the isolates (5 Meningococci, 7 Staph. aureus, 1 Haem. influenza and 6 others) showed simultaneous resistance to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and benzyl penicillin. [source]


    Competitive immunoassay by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence for the trace detection of chloramphenicol in animal-derived foods

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 16 2008
    Can Zhang
    Abstract A competitive immunoassay using CE with an LIF detector was developed for the detection of chloramphenicol (CAP). The method was based on the competitive reactions between fluorescently labeled CAP hapten and free CAP, with a limited amount of anti-CAP antibody. The poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPA) hydrogel was added in the separation buffer as a dynamic modifier to reduce adsorption and enhance reproducibility. The linear range and LOD for CAP were 0.008,5,,g/L and 0.0016,,g/L, respectively. An ELISA using the same immuno-reagents was also developed for the analysis of CAP, with an LOD of 0.03,,g/L. The sensitivity of this CE immunoassay (CEIA)-LIF was almost 20 times greater than that of the ELISA. Using CEIA-LIF, equilibrium was reached in 15,min and the analytical results were obtained within 5,min by CE separation. Sample preparation for CEIA-LIF was not time-consuming and the matrix effect was easy to remove. An LOD of 0.1,,g/kg CAP in food matrices was easily achieved. This method is thus proposed as a fast and sensitive means of detecting trace amounts of CAP residues in animal-derived foods. [source]


    Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme activity in relation to in vitro metabolism/inhibition of polychlorinated biphenyls and testosterone in Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2003
    Hongxia Li
    Abstract Among other factors, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activity determines polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccu-mulation, biotransformation, and toxicity in exposed species. We measured the oxidative metabolism in vitro of 12 PCB congeners, representing structural groups based on the number and position of the chlorine atoms, by the hepatic microsomes of one Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Microsomal metabolism was observed for several PCBs with vicinal H atoms exclusively in the ortho and meta positions and without any ortho -Cl substituents (CB-15 [4,4,-Cl2] and CB-77 [3,3,,4,4,-Cl4]), vicinal meta and para -H atoms (CB-52 [2,2,,5,5,-Cl4], and ,101 [2,2,,4,5,5,-Cl5]) or with both characteristics in combination with either only one ortho -Cl (CB-26 [2,3,,5-Cl3], CB-31 [2,4,,5-Cl3]) or two ortho -Cl substituents (CB-44 [2,2,,3,5,-Cl4]). To allocate PCB biotransformation to specific CYPs, the inhibitive effect of compounds with known CYP-specific inhibition properties was assessed on in vitro PCB metabolism and on regio- and stereospecific testosterone hydroxylase activities. Metabolic inhibition was considered relevant at concentrations ,1.0 ,M because these inhibitors became decreasingly selective at higher concentrations. At <1.0 ,M, ellipticine (CYP1A1/2 inhibitor) selectively inhibited CB-15, ,26, ,31, and ,77 metabolism, with no significant inhibition of CB-44, ,52, and ,101 metabolism. Inhibition of CB-52 and ,101 metabolism by chloramphenicol (CYP2B inhibitor) started at 1.0 ,M and maximized at about 100% at 10 ,M. Ketoconazole (CYP3A inhibitor) appeared to selectively inhibit CB-26, ,31, and ,44 metabolism relative to CB-15, ,77, and ,52 at concentrations ,1.0 ,M. Major testosterone metabolites formed in vitro were 2,-(CYP3A), 6,- (CYP3A, CYP1A), and 16,- (CYP2B) hydroxytestosterone and androstenedione (CYP2B, CYP2C11). The CYP forms indicated are associated with the specific metabolism of testosterone in laboratory animals. Inhibition of 2,- and 6,-hydroxytestosterone formation at ellipticine and ketoconazole concentrations ,1.0,M suggested that both inhibitors were good substrates of CYP3A-like enzymes in grey seal. Chloramphenicol (model for CYP2B) is apparently not a good inhibitor of CYP1A and CYP3A activities in grey seal because the chemical did not inhibit any metabolic route of testosterone at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 ,M. Our findings demonstrated that at least CYP1A- and CYP3A-like enzymes in the liver of grey seals are capable of metabolizing PCBs with ortho - meta and/or meta - para vicinal hydrogens. A CYP2B form might also be involved, but this could not be proven by the results of our experiments. Defining the profiles of CYP enzymes that are responsible for PCB biotransformation is necessary to fully understand the bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and risk of PCB exposure in seals and other free-ranging marine mammals. [source]


    Antibiotic-Loaded PLGA Nanofibers for Wound Healing Applications,

    ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010
    David A. Soscia
    Incorporating antibiotics into biocompatible nanoscale non-woven fibrous mats could provide utility for wound healing applications and for incorporation into wound dressing materials. In this study, the antibiotic chloramphenicol (Cm) was incorporated into electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers, which were then tested for inhibition of bacterial growth for multiple bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). In addition, the cytotoxicity of Cm-PLGA nanofibers was examined for two types of mammalian cells including mouse embryonic stem cells and fibroblasts. Electrospun PLGA nanofibers containing Cm were able to reduce bacterial growth on solid agar plates for all species except for P. aeruginosa. In liquid culture, Cm-loaded nanofibers inhibited growth for E. coli, B. cereus and S. typhimurium by 93% or greater, while P. aeruginosa and S. aureus growth was inhibited by 42% and 56%, respectively. Cm-loaded nanofibers showed limited cytoxicity on fibroblasts and embryonic stem cells, with viability greater than 96% for all conditions tested. These results suggest that Cm can be successfully incorporated into electrospun nanofibers and that these fibers could be used for wound healing applications with minimal cytotoxicity to the surrounding tissue. [source]


    Productive Chlamydia trachomatis lymphogranuloma venereum 434 infection in cells with augmented or inactivated autophagic activities

    FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2009
    Niseema Pachikara
    Abstract Autophagy, a eukaryotic cellular activity leading to the degradation of cellular components, serves as a defense mechanism against facultative intracellular bacteria as well as a growth niche for the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. We here demonstrate that the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis lymphogranuloma venereum strongly induced autophagy in the middle of the chlamydial developmental cycle (24 h after infection), a time point with maximal level of chlamydial replication, but not during the early stages with low overall chlamydial metabolism (before 8 h). No autophagy induction was evident in cells exposed to heat- and UV-inactivated elementary bodies (EBs, the infectious form of Chlamydia) or to inocula from which EBs had been removed before inoculation. Blocking chlamydial development with chloramphenicol also prevented autophagy induction in cells infected with infectious EBs. It appears that autophagy is activated primarily in response to the metabolic stress consequent to chlamydial replication. However, autophagy-defective ATG5,/, cells supported chlamydial development as efficiently as autophagy-proficient ATG5+/+ cells. [source]


    Molecular basis of bacterial resistance to chloramphenicol and florfenicol

    FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 5 2004
    Stefan Schwarz
    Abstract Chloramphenicol (Cm) and its fluorinated derivative florfenicol (Ff) represent highly potent inhibitors of bacterial protein biosynthesis. As a consequence of the use of Cm in human and veterinary medicine, bacterial pathogens of various species and genera have developed and/or acquired Cm resistance. Ff is solely used in veterinary medicine and has been introduced into clinical use in the mid-1990s. Of the Cm resistance genes known to date, only a small number also mediates resistance to Ff. In this review, we present an overview of the different mechanisms responsible for resistance to Cm and Ff with particular focus on the two different types of chloramphenicol acetyltransferases (CATs), specific exporters and multidrug transporters. Phylogenetic trees of the different CAT proteins and exporter proteins were constructed on the basis of a multisequence alignment. Moreover, information is provided on the mobile genetic elements carrying Cm or Cm/Ff resistance genes to provide a basis for the understanding of the distribution and the spread of Cm resistance , even in the absence of a selective pressure imposed by the use of Cm or Ff. [source]


    Physiological characteristics of the biocontrol yeast Pichia anomala J121

    FEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002
    Elisabeth Fredlund
    Abstract The yeast Pichia anomala J121 prevents mold spoilage and enhances preservation of moist grain in malfunctioning storage systems. Development of P. anomala J121 as a biocontrol agent requires in-depth knowledge about its physiology. P. anomala J121 grew under strictly anaerobic conditions, at temperatures between 3°C and 37°C, at pH values between 2.0 and 12.4, and at a water activity of 0.92 (NaCl) and 0.85 (glycerol). It could assimilate a wide range of C- and N-sources and produce killer toxin. A selective medium containing starch, nitrate, acetic acid, and chloramphenicol was developed for P. anomala. P. anomala was equally sensitive as Candida albicans to common antifungal compounds. Growth ability at a range of environmental conditions contributes to the competitive ability of the biocontrol yeast P. anomala J121. [source]


    Epidemiologic evaluation of pharmaceuticals with limited evidence of carcinogenicity

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 9 2009
    Gary D. Friedman
    Abstract Thorough review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has resulted in classifying many substances, including pharmaceuticals, as probably or possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on experiments on animals or limited data on humans. We evaluated 9 such pharmaceuticals for evidence of carcinogenicity in patients receiving them in a large medical care program with automated pharmacy records and a cancer registry. Nested case,control analyses were performed in a cohort of 6.5 million subscribers with up to 12 years of follow-up, focusing on cancer sites suggested by previous evidence and other sites with odds ratio of at least 1.50, p < 0.01 and some evidence of dose,response. Unmeasured confounding was estimated in sensitivity analyses. We found some supportive evidence for carcinogenicity of griseofulvin, metronidazole and phenytoin and for the known carcinogen, cyclophosphamide, which was added for validation of our data and analyses. Findings for chloramphenicol, iron-dextran complex, phenoxybenzamine and phenobarbital were essentially non-contributory. Confounding by cigarette smoking and prior thyroid disease could account, respectively, for associations of oxazepam with lung cancer and propylthiouracil with thyroid cancer. Although not definitive, these findings should be considered in the evaluations of these pharmaceuticals. © 2009 UICC [source]


    Bacteriological study of shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, hatcheries in India

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 2 2001

    Shrimp 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]


    Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and genetic relatedness among enterococci isolated from dogs and cats in the United States

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
    C.R. Jackson
    Abstract Aims:, In this study, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and genetic relatedness among resistant enterococci from dogs and cats in the United States were determined. Methods and Results:, Enterococci resistant to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, lincomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin and tetracycline were screened for the presence of 15 antimicrobial resistance genes. Five tetracycline resistance genes [tet(M), tet(O), tet(L), tet(S) and tet(U)] were detected with tet(M) accounting for approx. 60% (130/216) of tetracycline resistance; erm(B) was also widely distributed among 96% (43/45) of the erythromycin-resistant enterococci. Five aminoglycoside resistance genes were also detected among the kanamycin-resistant isolates with the majority of isolates (25/36; 69%) containing aph(3,)-IIIa. The bifunctional aminoglycoside resistance gene, aac(6,)-Ie -aph(2,)-Ia, was detected in gentamicin-resistant isolates and ant(6)-Ia in streptomycin-resistant isolates. The most common gene combination among enterococci from dogs (n = 11) was erm(B), aac(6,)-Ie- aph(2,)-Ia, aph(3,)-IIIa, tet(M), while tet(O), tet(L) were most common among cats (n = 18). Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), isolates clustered according to enterococcal species, source and antimicrobial gene content and indistinguishable patterns were observed for some isolates from dogs and cats. Conclusion:, Enterococci from dogs and cats may be a source of antimicrobial resistance genes. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Dogs and cats may act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes that can be transferred from pets to people. Although host-specific ecovars of enterococcal species have been described, identical PFGE patterns suggest that enterococcal strains may be exchanged between these two animal species. [source]


    High prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant genes and integrons in Escherichia coli isolates from Black-headed Gulls in the Czech Republic

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
    M. Dolejska
    Abstract Aims:, To carry out an assessment of the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobials in Escherichia coli that has been isolated from young Black-headed Gulls in three nesting colonies. Methods and Results:, A total of 257 isolates were tested for sensitivity to eight antibacterial substances by disk diffusion method. The polymerase chain reaction was used for detecting specific genes of antibacterial resistance and class 1 integrons in resistant E. coli isolates. A total 75 (29·9%) of 257 isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. The dominant type of resistance was to tetracycline, detected in 49 (19·1%) isolates. Resistance to ampicillin was detected in 30 (11·7%), cephalothin in 11 (4·3%), streptomycin in 24 (9·3%), sulphonamides in 20 (7·8%) and chloramphenicol in 5 (1·9%) isolates. Nine isolates carrying integrons were detected. Conclusions:, The study suggests that young Black-headed Gulls are an important host reservoir of resistant E. coli strains, probably reflecting the presence of such strains in their sources of food and/or water. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Although Black-headed Gulls do not naturally come into contact with antibiotics, these birds can be infected with resistant E. coli and potentially serve as their reservoirs, vectors and bioindicators in the environment. [source]


    Induction of complement sensitivity in Escherichia coli by citric acid and low pH

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001
    C. Ocaña-Morgner
    Aims:,The lytic functions of the complement system play an important role in the control of Gram-negative infections. Complement-resistant Escherichia coli LP1395 (O18) grown under normal conditions can survive the bactericidal action of complement present in human serum. Towards elucidating the mechanisms of complement resistance, the resistance of E. coli LP1395 grown under conditions of low pH and in the presence of citric acid was tested. Methods and Results:,E. coli LP1395 becomes sensitive to complement after growth in the presence of citric acid at pH 5. Complement resistance could be restored when the cells were transferred to pH 7 media. However, this recovery was greatly impaired when the cells were transferred to pH 7 media with chloramphenicol. This implies that protein synthesis may be involved in complement resistance. The cells exposed to citric acid at pH 5 showed no indication of a generalized outer membrane (OM) permeability when compared with those grown under normal conditions in terms of sensitivity to lysozyme, uptake of lipophilic dye, or sensitivity to a number of antibiotics. Conclusions:,Complement-resistant LP1395 may acquire a sensitivity to complement due not to a generalized disruption of the OM barrier, but possibly to the alteration of the activity of one or more normal complement resistance factors. Significance and Impact of the Study:,The elucidation of the echanisms of complement resistance of Gram-negative pathogens would bring important information about bacterial infections. Complement resistance factors could also be potential targets in antimicrobial therapies. [source]


    Evaluation of extracts of Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera in culture media for selective inhibition of saprophytic fungal contaminants

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2009
    Grace Mebi Ayanbimpe
    Abstract Most fungi occur in nature and utilize simple sources of carbohydrates and nitrogen for growth. Sabouraud's dextrose agar has been an ideal medium for primary isolation of fungi from clinical specimens, but for specimens from nonsterile sites or heavily contaminated ones, it has been necessary to include inhibitory substances such as antibiotics like chloramphenicol (antibacterial) and cycloheximide (antifungal). The problems we have in the our laboratory owing to frequent contamination of cultures and the delays in the procurement of cycloheximide have stimulated a search for alternatives in our local environment to enhance effective laboratory diagnoses of fungal infections. Purified extracts of the leaves and bark of Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera (common plants in our locality) were tested against clinical isolates of fungi at various concentrations to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration at which common fungal contaminants are inhibited, without affecting the growth of the pathogenic fungi sought for. At a concentration of 0.75,mg,ml,1 contaminants were totally inhibited by the leaf extracts. The bark extracts did not inhibit any fungus even at higher concentrations. From the results it was evident that the leaf extracts of both plants have potentials for use as inhibitory substances in culture media against contaminant fungi including Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., etc. J. curcas and M. oleifera are very common plants in our locality. They can be obtained at almost no cost and at any time needed. The benefits of these findings to mycology laboratories in a developing country are enormous. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:161,164, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF LISTERIA SPECIES IN FOOD PRODUCTS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

    JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 1 2010
    SIRIPORN STONSAOVAPAK
    ABSTRACT A total of 380 meat and meat products, dairy and dairy products, fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, and ready-to-eat food samples from supermarkets in Bangkok, Thailand were collected and analyzed for the occurrence of Listeria spp. and of Listeria monocytogenes. The overall incidence of Listeria spp. was 16.8%, most of them were isolated from raw meat and vegetables. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 18 (4.7%) out of 380 studied samples. Other species isolated were L. innocua (6.6%), L. ivanovii (0.8%), L. seeligeri (0.5%), L. grayi (1.6%) and L. welshimeri (2.6%). The antimicrobial susceptibilities of the 64 isolate of Listeria spp. were also examined by the standard disk diffusion method. Listeria spp. were resistant to penicillin (6.3%), chloramphenicol (3.1%) and tetracycline (1.6%), but sensitive to amoxicillin, vancomycin, ampicillin, rifampicin and sulfamethoxazole. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in food products in Bangkok has been documented. More studies on the occurrence of L. monocytogenes are needed to establish microbiological criteria of foods in the country. The findings of our study, increases in antibiotic resistance among Listeria spp. will provide useful information for the development of public health policy in the use of antimicrobials in food animal production. [source]


    ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS ISOLATED FROM FOODS INVOLVED IN HUMAN FOODBORNE OUTBREAKS THAT OCCURRED IN THE SOUTH OF BRAZIL, 1999,2000

    JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2005
    M. P. GEIMBA
    ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance was determined for 73 isolates of Salmonella enteritidis isolated from foods involved in human foodborne outbreaks that occurred in the South of Brazil, from 1999 to 2000. The isolates were individually tested against 10 antimicrobial agents using a disc diffusion method. Most isolates were susceptible to all drugs tested. No S. enteritidis isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim or chloramphenicol. The predominant resistance observed was to streptomycin (S) (37%), gentamicin (GEN) (13.7%) and nalidixic acid (NAL) (13.7%), while intermediate resistance was observed most often for tetracycline (53.4%), neomycin (NEO) (30.1%) and GEN (15.1%). Resistance was verified in 40 isolates (54%), which were grouped in 15 different patterns. Multiple resistance was presented in 17 (23%) of the isolates, and one isolate exhibited resistance to four drugs (NEO, kanamycin, S and NAL), demonstrating the involvement of multiresistant S. enteritidis strains with foodborne outbreaks. [source]


    OCCURRENCE OF HEMOLYSIN-PRODUCING AEROMONADS IN MEAT AND OFFAL SOLD IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

    JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2005
    E.N. AMADI
    ABSTRACT Fresh, different meat types and offal were examined for the occurrence of Aeromonas species by the direct-plating and enrichment methods. The enrichment method (coefficient of variation = 15.1%) enhanced the recovery of Aeromonas species. The major Aeromonas species identified were A. sobria (67.3%) and A. hydrophila (21.2%). Other species occurred in minor proportions and were A. caviae, A. proteolytica and A. salmonicida. Out of the 52 isolates, 50 were motile species except two which were not motile and identified as the species A. proteolytica. Sixteen motile species occurred in cow, 18 in goat and 16 in lamb. The motile species and the two nonmotile species were hemolytic. They were all sensitive to chloramphenicol (30 mg) and resistant to ampicillin (10 mg). The nonmotile A. proteolytica were all resistant to tetracycline. Aeromonas caviae, A. salmonicida, A. hydrophila and A. sobria were killed after exposure to 50C (decimal reduction time, D10 = 30 s). Aeromonads are unlikely to pose a public health problem in Nigeria where meat undergoes prolonged cooking. Meat is a possible factor in the epidemiology of Aeromonas -associated gastroenteritis in man. [source]


    Determination and Confirmation of Chloramphenicol Residues in Swine Muscle and Liver

    JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002
    T.L. Li
    ABSTRACT: Average high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) recoveries of chloramphenicol (CAP) in swine muscle and liver ranged from 91.3 to 94.2% and 93.1 to 103.7%, respectively, with coefficients of variation ranging from 1.4 to 4.3% and 1.1 to 11.2% for each tissue sample. The method described was repeatable and reproducible in swine muscle and liver, with a limit of quantification of 15 ng/mL and a limit of detection estimated at 5 ng/mL. The limit of identification of CAP was 25 ng/mL, 5ng/mL, and 20 ng/mL for HPLC/PDA, GC/MS selected ion monitoring (SIM), and LC/MS analysis, respectively. [source]


    Chloramphenicol decreases brain glucose utilization and modifies the sleep,wake cycle architecture in rats

    JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005
    Marcelle Moulin-Sallanon
    Abstract We studied the effects of chloramphenicol on brain glucose utilization and sleep,wake cycles in rat. After slightly anaesthetized animals were injected with [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose, we acquired time,concentration curves from three radiosensitive , microprobes inserted into the right and left frontal cortices and the cerebellum, and applied a three-compartment model to calculate the cerebral metabolic rates for glucose. The sleep,wake cycle architecture was analysed in anaesthetic-free rats by recording electroencephalographic and electromyographic signals. Although chloramphenicol is a well-established inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, no compensatory increase in glucose utilization was detected in frontal cortex. Instead, chloramphenicol induced a significant 23% decrease in the regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose. Such a metabolic response indicates a potential mismatch between energy supply and neuronal activity induced by chloramphenicol administration. Regarding sleep,wake states, chloramphenicol treatment was followed by a 64% increase in waking, a 20% decrease in slow-wave sleep, and a marked 59% loss in paradoxical sleep. Spectral analysis of the electroencephalogram indicates that chloramphenicol induces long-lasting modifications of delta-band power during slow-wave sleep. [source]


    PYRENOID FORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE CELL CYCLE IN THE BROWN ALGA, SCYTOSIPHON LOMENTARIA (SCYTOSIPHONALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE),

    JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
    Chikako Nagasato
    Vegetative cells of the brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link characteristically have only one chloroplast with a prominent protruding pyrenoid, whereas zygotes have both paternal and maternal chloroplasts. In zygotes, before cell and chloroplast division, each chloroplast has an old and a new pyrenoid. In this study, we raised a polyclonal antibody to RUBISCO and examined the distribution of RUBISCO by immunofluorescence microscopy, focusing on new pyrenoid formation in vegetative cells of gametophytes and zygotes in Scytosiphon. In interphase, only one old pyrenoid was positively indicated by anti-RUBISCO antibody in vegetative cells of gametophytes. From mid-S phase, small fluorescence aggregates reflecting RUBISCO localization started to appear at stroma positions other than adjacent to the old protruding pyrenoid. The fluorescent spots eventually coalesced into a protrusion into the adjacent cytoplasm. We also used inhibitors to clarify the relationship between the cell cycle and new pyrenoid formation, using zygotes after fertilization. When DNA replication was blocked by aphidicolin, new pyrenoid formation was also inhibited. Washing out aphidicolin permitted new pyrenoid formation with the progression of the cell cycle. When mitosis was prolonged by nocodazole, which disrupted the spindle microtubules, the fluorescent masses indicating RUBISCO localization continued to increase when compared with pyrenoid formation in untreated zygotes. During treatment with chloramphenicol, mitosis and cytokinesis were completed. However, there was no occurrence of new RUBISCO localization within the chloroplast stroma beyond the old pyrenoid. From these observations, it seems clear that new pyrenoid formation in the brown alga Scytosiphon depends on the cell cycle. [source]


    Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever: A 10-Year Retrospective Study of 41 Cases in a Parisian Hospital

    JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001
    Eric Caumes
    Background: Enteric fever remains a major cause of fever in travelers. We evaluated new trends in enteric fever. Methods: We reviewed the epidemiological, clinical, biological, bacteriological data, and outcome of all cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever seen in our department over the last decade. The inclusion criteria were the presence of signs compatible with enteric fever and isolation of Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi A, B, or C from blood or stool cultures or any other site. Results: Among the 41 patients, 38 (93%) had travel-associated enteric fever. The main geographic source of contamination was the Indian subcontinent. One patient had been vaccinated with parenteral Vi vaccine 1 year previously. Fever and headaches were the only signs which were present in more than 80% of patients. The Widal test at inclusion was positive in 27%, and a second serological test was found to be positive in 50% of evaluated cases. Blood cultures and stool cultures were positive in 34 cases and 10 cases, respectively. Salmonellae spp were isolated in both hemocultures and stool cultures in 4 cases and in urine in 1 case. Two strains of S. typhi were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. One strain of S. typhi and one of S. paratyphi B were nalidixic acid resistant. All evaluable patients were cured with the exception of 2 patients (1 failure, 1 relapse). We observed 3 toxic reactions. No patients died. Conclusion: The diagnosis and outcome of enteric fever are hampered by the lack of specificity of clinical and biological signs, the increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance, and the occurrence of toxic reactions during treatment. [source]


    TRACING THE ORIGIN OF MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT (MDR) ESCHERICHIA COLI INFECTIONS FROM URINARY CATHETERS IN ICU CANINE PATIENTS

    JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue S1 2004
    J Ogeer-Gyles
    Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs with urinary catheters in intensive care units (ICUs) are frequent. Historically, multi-drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli account for about 10% of the UTIs. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of E. coli infections and of MDR E. coli in dogs with UTIs in our ICU, and to assess whether the MDR E. coli were community-acquired or nosocomial in origin. Methods: Over a 1-year period, rectal swabs were taken from all dogs in the ICU on the day of admission (D0) and on days 3 (D3), 6 (D6), 9 (D9) and 12 (D12). Urine was collected on these days from dogs with an indwelling urinary catheter (n=190). Rectal swabs and urine were routinely cultured. E. coli isolates were identified by biochemical tests. Using NCCLS guidelines, antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by disk diffusion method on fecal and urinary E. coli isolates. Twelve antimicrobial agents were used: nalidixic acid, enrofloxacin, cephalothin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, ceftiofur, trimethoprim-sulfa, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline, ampicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to compare MDR E. coli UTI strains with fecal E. coli strains from the same patient and with MDR fecal E. coli from patients that were adjacent to, or housed in the same cages. Results: E. coli was cultured from 12 (48%) of 25 UTIs. Two of the E. coli were MDR. For one dog, PFGE showed no similarities among fecal E. coli and the urinary MDR E. coli isolates from the patient or between these isolates and fecal E. coli from a dog housed in the same kennel on the previous day. The MDR E. coli UTI was likely acquired prior to admission to the ICU, as it was present on D0. For the other dog, PFGE showed genetic similarity but not complete identity between the D3 MDR E. coli urinary isolate and the D3, D6, D9 fecal MDR isolates. This suggests that the UTI originated with the fecal E. coli. Using selective plates, fecal MDR E. coli were not found on D0. Selection of the MDR strain in the intestine by the use of antibiotics occurred while the dog was in the ICU and possibly led to the UTI. Conclusions: Multi-drug resistant E. coli accounted for 2 of 12 E. coli UTIs in dogs in the ICU over a 1-year period. Genotyping showed that one of the two MDR E. coli infections could possibly be of nosocomial origin. [source]


    Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in broiler chickens

    JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2003
    J. Shen
    The bioavailability and pharmacokinetic disposition of florfenicol in broiler chickens were investigated after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral administrations of 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Plasma concentrations of florfenicol were determined by a high performance liquid chromatographic method in which plasma samples were spiked with chloramphenicol as internal standard. Plasma concentration,time data after i.v. administration were best described by a two-compartment open model. The elimination half-lives were 168 ± 43 and 181 ± 71 min, total body clearance 1.02 ± 0.17 and 1.02 ± 0.16 L·kg/h, the volume of distribution at steady-state 4.99 ± 1.11 and 3.50 ± 1.01 L/kg after i.v. injections of 15 and 30 mg/kg b.w., respectively. Plasma concentration,time data after i.m. and oral administrations were adequately described by a one-compartment model. The i.m. bioavailability and the oral bioavailability of florfenicol were 95, 98 and 96, 94%, respectively, indicating that florfenicol was almost absorbed completely after i.m. and oral administrations of 15 and 30 mg/kg b.w. [source]


    Antibiotic resistance in Listeria species isolated from catfish fillets and processing environment

    LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
    B.-Y. Chen
    Abstract Aims:, To investigate the susceptibility of 221 Listeria spp. (86 Listeria monocytogenes, 41 Listeria innocua and 94 Listeria seeligeri-Listeria welshimeri-Listeria ivanovii) isolated from catfish fillets and processing environment to 15 antibiotics. Methods and Results:,Listeria isolates were analysed by disc-diffusion assay for their resistance to 15 drugs. All isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and clindamycin but were sensitive to ampicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin, kanamycin, rifampin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and vancomycin. Unlike L. monocytogenes and L. seeligeri-L. welshimeri-L. ivanovii isolates, 22% of L. innocua isolates displayed tetracycline/oxytetracycline resistance. Screening of tet genes by PCR identified tet(M) gene in the chromosome of all tetracycline/oxytetracycline-resistant L. innocua. However, this gene was not associated with the integrase gene of Tn1545. Repetitive extragenic palindromic- and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR typing methods showed no genotype-specific tetracycline resistance in the tet(M)-positive strains. Conclusions:, Catfish fillets and processing environment were currently free of L. monocytogenes resistant to antibiotics commonly used in human listeriosis treatment. However, the presence of tet(M) gene in L. innocua raises the possibility of future acquisition of resistance by L. monocytogenes. Significance and Impact of the Study:, These data will be helpful in improving background data on antibiotics resistance strains isolated from food and processing environment. [source]


    A simple cultural method for the presumptive detection of the yeasts Brettanomyces/Dekkera in wines

    LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
    J.A. Couto
    Abstract Aims:, The development of a simple and reliable procedure, compatible with routine use in wineries, for the presumptive detection of Brettanomyces/Dekkera from wine and wine-environment samples. Methods and Results:, The method of detection of these yeasts employs a selective enrichment medium. The medium contains glucose (10 g l,1) as carbon and energy source, cycloheximide (20 mg l,1) to prevent growth of Saccharomyces, chloramphenicol (200 mg l,1) to prevent growth of bacteria and p -coumaric acid (20 mg l,1) as the precursor for the production of 4-ethyl-phenol. After the inoculation with wine, the medium is monitored by visual inspection of turbidity and by periodic olfactive analysis. Contaminated wines will develop visible turbidity in the medium and will produce the 4-ethyl-phenol off-odour, which can be easily detected by smelling. Conclusions:, A selective enrichment liquid medium was developed to differentially promote the growth and activity of Brettanomyces/Dekkera. The method is simple to execute, employing a simple-to-prepare medium and a periodic olfactive detection. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The characteristics of the procedure make it particularly applicable in a wine-making environment thus presenting important advantages to the wine industry. [source]


    Changes in the rRNA levels of specific microbial groups in activated sludge during sample handling and storage

    LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
    J.E. Keith
    Abstract Aims:, To quantitatively analyse the changes in group-specific rRNA levels in activated sludge as a function of sample handling and storage procedure. Methods and Results:, Quantitative membrane hybridizations with 32P-labelled oligonucleotide probes were used to analyse the effects of different sample handling and storage conditions on the relative rRNA levels of the alpha, beta, and gamma-Proteobacteria, the Cytophaga-Flavobacteria group, and the mycolic acid-containing actinomycetes in activated sludge. Group-specific rRNA levels, expressed as percentages of total 16S rRNA detected with a universal probe, in samples maintained at room temperature significantly changed after 48 h. Group-specific rRNA levels in samples treated with chloramphenicol showed significant change after 72 h. Conclusions:, Sample storage at room temperature is a viable option if freezing or analysis can be performed within 24 h, while treatment with chlorampenicol can extend that time to at least 48 h. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Handling, shipping, and storage of environmental samples under several conditions may result in inaccurate determination of the microbial populations in microbial ecology studies. [source]


    Copper amendment of agricultural soil selects for bacterial antibiotic resistance in the field

    LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
    J. Berg
    Abstract Aims:, The objective of this study was to determine whether Cu-amendment of field plots affects the frequency of Cu resistance, and antibiotic resistance patterns in indigenous soil bacteria. Methods and Results:, Soil bacteria were isolated from untreated and Cu-amended field plots. Cu-amendment significantly increased the frequency of Cu-resistant isolates. A panel of isolates were characterized by Gram-reaction, amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis and resistance profiling against seven antibiotics. More than 95% of the Cu-resistant isolates were Gram-negative. Cu-resistant Gram-negative isolates had significantly higher incidence of resistance to ampicillin, sulphanilamide and multiple (,3) antibiotics than Cu-sensitive Gram-negative isolates. Furthermore, Cu-resistant Gram-negative isolates from Cu-contaminated plots had significantly higher incidence of resistance to chloramphenicol and multiple (,2) antibiotics than corresponding isolates from control plots. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The results of this field experiment show that introduction of Cu to agricultural soil selects for Cu resistance, but also indirectly selects for antibiotic resistance in the Cu-resistant bacteria. Hence, the widespread accumulation of Cu in agricultural soils worldwide could have a significant effect on the environmental selection of antibiotic resistance. [source]


    In vitro antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated from EUS-affected fishes in India

    LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2002
    D. Saha
    Aims:,Twelve antibiotics were evaluated for in vitro sensitivity against 16 bacterial strains isolated from surface lesions of fishes affected with epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS). Methods and Results:,Disc diffusion assay in Mueller-Hinton agar showed that the pseudomonads and aeromonads were mainly resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin. Additionally, some were resistant to gentamycin and amoxycillin. However, resistance towards antibiotics previously recommended for EUS treatment, such as oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol, was not observed. Four aeromonads and two pseudomonads were found to induce ulcers when injected intramuscularly in healthy Anabas testudineus. Conclusions:,All six pathogenic isolates were sensitive towards oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid. Oxytetracycline seems to be an effective antibiotic, and further investigations to determine the mode of treatment and dose appear to be worthwhile. [source]


    Combined use of nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy for studying recognition processes between amphenicolic antibiotics and albumin

    MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2003
    Silvia Martini
    Abstract Biological reactions are mostly concerned with selective interactions between small ligands and macromolecular receptors. The same ligands may activate responses of different intensities and/or effects in the presence of different receptors. Many approaches based on spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic methods have been used to study interactions between small ligands and macromolecular receptors, including methods based on NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis of the solution behaviour of the ligand in the presence of receptors. In this work, we investigated the interaction between ovine serum albumin with two amphenicolic antibiotics [chloramphenicol (CAP) and thiamphenicol (TAP)], using a combined approach based on NMR and IR methodologies, furnishing complementary information about the recognition process occurring within the two systems. The two ligands, despite their similar structures, showed different affinities towards albumin. NMR methodology is based on the comparison of selective () and non-selective () spin,lattice relaxation rates of the ligands in the presence and absence of macromolecular receptors and and temperature dependence analysis. From these studies, the ligand,receptor binding strength was evaluated on the basis of the ,affinity index.' The derivation of the affinity index from chemical equilibrium kinetics for both the CAP,albumin and TAP,albumin systems allowed a comparison of the abilities of the two amphenicolic antibiotics to interact with the protein. IR methodology is based on the comparison of the ligand,protein ,complex' spectra with those of the non-interacting systems. On the basis of the differences revealed, a more thorough IR analysis was performed in order to understand the structural changes which occurred on both ligand and protein molecules within the interacting system. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]