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Potential Pathogens (potential + pathogen)
Selected AbstractsBRIEF COMMUNICATIONS: A quantity survey of intravenous administration of metronidazole in its different forms in a tertiary teaching hospitalINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2010L. L. Lee Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine the prescribing patterns and cost of various formulations of metronidazole in a hospital setting over a 3-month period. Oral metronidazole has high bioavailability (98.9%) with peak plasma concentrations averaged at 2.3 h after dosing. Despite the high bioavailability of oral metronidazole, many patients continue to receive metronidazole intravenously when they are suitable for oral preparation. An audit of 120 consecutive patients prescribed metronidazole was conducted at the Liverpool Hospital, NSW, from March to July 2005. There were 65 men and 55 women (age 18,93). Of the 120 patients, 16 were on oral, 1 on rectal and 103 were on intravenous metronidazole. Treatment was initiated based on clinical diagnoses. Potential pathogens were subsequently identified on only 21 occasions. The use of metronidazole as an oral preparation was contraindicated in 27 patients (22.5%) who were nil-by-mouth. Of these, rectally administered metronidazole was contraindicated in only eight patients. The average course of intravenous metronidazole was 8.0 ± 9.7 days (mean ± SD). The total number of intravenous metronidazole treatment days was 824. Oral metronidazole would have been possible in 618 out of the 824 days. The estimated cost to administer each dose of oral, suppository and intravenous forms of metronidazole is $A0.11, $A1.34 and $A6.09 respectively. Thus, substantial savings could be achieved if oral metronidazole were to be administered whenever possible. The early use of oral or rectal metronidazole should be encouraged when there are no clinical contraindications. [source] Survival of salmonellae in bio-yoghurtINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Khawla S H Al-Haddad Many yoghurt-like products are sold with pH values of 4.5,4.6, and a potential pathogen, Salmonella infantis, was shown to survive for 10 days in typical commercial samples of ,bio-yoghurt'. Another servovar, Salmonella hadar, could not be detected after 48 h in similar products. The need to avoid contamination during the manufacture of fermented milks with pH values above those traditionally associated with yoghurt (~4.0) is stressed. [source] Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba species related to amoebic encephalitis and nonpathogenic free-living amoeba species from the rice fieldJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2010S.-Y. Liang Abstract Aims:, Isolation and characterization of the clinically relevant amphizoic amoebas in vegetated farmlands, which may present a risk to farmers' health. Methods and Results:,Acanthamoeba species was isolated and characterized via morphological and molecular means in the rice field where the patient was exposed to rice paddy water which most probably was the point of infection. An Acanthamoeba sp. abundant in the rice field was identified. Genotyping showed the strain to be genotype T4, which was identical to the amoebic parasite found in patient's cerebrospinal fluid. During the course of the study, three nonpathogenic free-living amoeba species were also isolated and characterized for the first time in Taiwan. Conclusions:, This study successfully located a possible source of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis in a patient and provided the first evidence that Acanthamoeba genotype T4 may be a potential pathogen in Taiwan. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The integration of field survey, clinical data and morphological and genetic examination represents a sound strategy for investigation of the possible role of free-living amoebae in causing human diseases. Future work should include investigating the potential contributory role of other nonpathogenic free-living protozoa in disease of livestock or even human. [source] BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis in a pediatric lung transplant recipientPEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2007Okan Elidemir Abstract:, BKV was first postulated to be a potential pathogen in 1971 when it was isolated in the urine of a renal transplant recipient. The pathology of BKV is generally confined to the urinary tract. In renal transplant recipients, BKV has been associated with hemorrhagic cystitis, urethral stenosis, and interstitial nephritis. Reports of BKV infection in lung transplant recipients are limited to a few case reports in adult patients. A recent report revealed that up to 32% of adult lung transplant recipients may shed BKV in their urine without symptoms or renal dysfunction. To our knowledge, there are no published reports of pediatric lung transplant recipients with BKV-associated hematuria. We hereby report a case of BKV-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in a pediatric lung transplant recipient. [source] Mycobacterium abscessus: an emerging rapid-growing potential pathogen,APMIS, Issue 5 2006Review article Mycobacterium abscessus is the most pathogenic and chemotherapy-resistant rapid-growing mycobacterium. It is commonly associated with contaminated traumatic skin wounds and with post-surgical soft tissue infections. It is also one of the mycobacteria that are most often isolated from cystic fibrosis patients. It is essential to differentiate this species from the formerly indistinct "M. chelonae -complex", as chemotherapy is especially difficult in M. abscessussenso strictu. Clarithromycin or azithromycin are the only regular oral antimycobacterial agents with an effect on M. abscessus, and should preferably be supplemented with other drugs since long-term monotherapy may cause resistance. Amikacin is a major parenteral drug against M. abscessus that should also be given in combination with another drug. The recently introduced drug tigecycline may prove to be an important addition to chemotherapy, but has yet to be fully clinically evaluated as an antimycobacterial agent. Surgery can be curative, or at least helpful, in the healing of M. abscessus infection, and if conducted, it should include the removal of all foreign or necrotic material. There is increasing awareness of M. abscessus as an emerging pathogen. [source] Antagonistic interactions among coral-associated bacteriaENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Krystal L. Rypien Summary Reef-building corals are comprised of close associations between the coral animal, symbiotic zooxanthellae, and a diversity of associated microbes (including Bacteria, Archaea and Fungi). Together, these comprise the coral holobiont , a paradigm that emphasizes the potential contributions of each component to the overall function and health of the coral. Little is known about the ecology of the coral-associated microbial community and its hypothesized role in coral health. We explored bacteria,bacteria antagonism among 67 bacterial isolates from the scleractinian coral Montastrea annularis at two temperatures using Burkholder agar diffusion assays. A majority of isolates exhibited inhibitory activity (69.6% of isolates at 25°C, 52.2% at 31°C), with members of the ,-proteobacteria (Vibrionales and Alteromonadales) being especially antagonistic. Elevated temperatures generally reduced levels of antagonism, although the effects were complex. Several potential pathogens were observed in the microbial community of apparently healthy corals, and 11.6% of isolates were able to inhibit the growth of the coral pathogen Vibrio shiloi at 25°C. Overall, this study demonstrates that antagonism could be a structuring force in coral-associated microbial communities and may contribute to pathogenesis as well as disease resistance. [source] Bacterial challenge stimulates innate immune responses in extra-embryonic tissues of tobacco hornworm eggsINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004M. J. Gorman Abstract Innate immunity protects juvenile and adult vertebrates and invertebrates against potential pathogens; however, it is unknown when developing embryos become immune competent and just how they are guarded from infection. To address these questions, we studied the effect of immune challenge on early stage eggs of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. We detected many immune-related proteins and mRNAs in naive eggs. Upon immune challenge, antimicrobial protein genes were up-regulated, and antibacterial activity increased. Antimicrobial protein mRNAs and lysozyme were present in the extra-embryonic tissues of immune-challenged eggs; in addition, melanization in response to bacteria occurred in the yolk but not embryonic tissues. We conclude that the extra-embryonic tissues of early stage M. sexta eggs are immune competent and likely protect the developing embryo from infection. We suggest that innate immune responses of extra-embryonic tissues may be a common mechanism for protecting early embryos. [source] Pathogen-reduction methods: advantages and limitsISBT SCIENCE SERIES: THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTRACELLULAR TRANSPORT, Issue 1 2009H. G. Klein Pathogen-reduction (inactivation) provides a proactive approach to reducing transfusion-transmitted infection. Pathogen-reduction technologies have been successfully implemented by plasma fractionators resulting in no transmission of human immunodeficiency, hepatitis C, or hepatitis B viruses by US-licensed plasma derivatives since 1987. Fractionation technologies cannot be used to treat cellular blood components. Although blood donor screening, deferral and disease testing have drastically reduced the incidence of transfusion-transmitted diseases, the threat of new or re-emerging pathogens remains. Of particular concern is the silent emergence of a new agent with a prolonged latent period in which asymptomatic infected carriers would donate and spread infection. The ultimate goal of pathogen-inactivation is to reduce transmission of potential pathogens without significantly compromising the therapeutic efficacy of the cellular and protein constituents of blood. The acceptable technology must not introduce toxicities into the blood supply nor result in neoantigen formation and subsequent antibody production. Several promising pathogen-inactivation technologies are being developed and tested, and others are currently in use, but all of them have limits. Pathogen-reduction promises an additional ,layer of protection' from infectious agents and has the potential to impact the safety of blood transfusions worldwide. [source] Distribution of type III secretion systems in Vibrio parahaemolyticus from the northern Gulf of MexicoJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010N.F. Noriea III Abstract Aims:, Two well-characterized Vibrio parahaemolyticus pathogenicity factors , thermostable direct haemolysin (TDH) and TDH - related haemolysin , are produced by strains containing the tdh and trh genes, respectively. Most strains of V. parahaemolyticus contain two nonredundant type III secretion systems (T3SS), T3SS1 and T3SS2, both of which contribute to pathogenicity. Furthermore, a recent study has revealed two distinct lineages of the V. parahaemolyticus T3SS2: T3SS2, and T3SS2,. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of these pathogenicity factors in environmental isolates of V. parahaemolyticus. Methods and Results:, We collected 130 V. parahaemolyticus isolates (TCBS agar) containing tdh and/or trh (determined by colony hybridization) from sediment, oyster and water in the northern Gulf of Mexico and screened them and 12 clinical isolates (PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis) for pathogenicity factors tdh, trh, T3SS1, T3SS2, and T3SS2,. The majority of potential pathogens were detected in the sediment, including all tdh,/trh+ isolates. T3SS2, components were detected in all tdh+/trh, isolates and zero of 109 trh+ isolates. One T3SS2, gene, vopB2, was found in all tdh+/trh, clinical strains but not in any of the 130 environmental strains. Fluorescence in situ hybridization adapted for individual gene recognition (RING-FISH) was used to confirm the presence/absence of vopB2. T3SS2, was found in all tdh,/trh+ isolates and in no tdh+/trh, isolates. Conclusions:, The combination of haemolysins found in each isolate consistently corresponded to the presence and type of T3SS detected. The vopB2 gene may represent a novel marker for identifying increased virulence among strains. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This is the first study to confirm the presence of T3SS2, genes in V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from the Gulf of Mexico and one of the few that examines the distribution and co-existence of tdh, trh, T3SS1, T3SS2, and T3SS2, in a large collection of environmental strains. [source] Two pathogens of GreenshellÔ mussel larvae, Perna canaliculus: Vibrio splendidus and a V. coralliilyticus/neptunius -like isolateJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 6 2009A Kesarcodi-Watson Abstract Bacterial pathogens of GreenshellÔ mussel (GSM) larvae can cause batch losses during hatchery production. Twenty-two isolates were screened using a larval bioassay. Two strains were identified as potential pathogens. Phenotypic identification of these strains revealed two non-reactive Gram-negative, oxidase positive rods. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified Vibrio splendidus and a V. coralliilyticus/neptunius -like isolate as pathogens of GSM larvae, with an ability to cause 83% and 75% larval mortality in vitro, respectively, at a concentration of 102 CFU mL,1. Histopathology indicated that the route of infection was via the digestive system. Using healthy larvae as target hosts, Koch's postulates were confirmed for the two isolates. This is the first report on pathogens of GSM larvae. [source] Three Infant Care Interventions: Reconsidering the EvidenceJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 5 2002Jennifer M. Medves RN Newborn care in the first 24 hours of life has been based on tradition for many years. Nurses recognize that many practices are not based on good scientific evidence and are not individualized. Instead, all newborns are treated as though they acquire potential pathogens during birth and are oblivious to noxious interventions such as intramuscular injections and heel sticks. In this article, obtaining blood samples from heel sticks and administering vitamin K and prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum are presented as practices that require scrutiny by nurses to promote evidence-based care of newborns in the 1st day of life. [source] Induction of Systemic Acquired Resistance in Arachis hypogaea L. by Sclerotium rolfsii Derived ElicitorsJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Durgesh Nandini Abstract Plants evolve a strategy to survive the attacks of potential pathogens by inducing the microbial signal molecules. In this study, plant defence responses were induced in four different varieties of Arachis hypogaea (J-11, GG-20, TG-26 and TPG41) using the fungal components of Sclerotium rolfsii in the form of fungal culture filtrate (FCF) and mycelial cell wall (MCW), and the levels of defence-related signal molecule salicylic acid (SA), marker enzymes such as peroxidase (POX), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), ,-1,3-glucanase and lignin were determined. There was a substantial fold increase in POX, PAL, SA, ,-1,3-glucanase and lignin content in FCF- and MCW-treated plants of all varieties of groundnut when compared to that of control plants. The enzyme activities were much higher in FCF-treated plants than in MCW-treated plants. The increase in fold activity of enzymes and signal molecule varied between different varieties. These results indicate that the use of fungal components (FCF and MCW) had successfully induced systemic resistance in the four different varieties of groundnut plants against Sclerotium rolfsii. [source] T cell-mediated immunoregulation in the gastrointestinal tractALLERGY, Issue 4 2009L. Saurer In the intestinal tract, only a single layer of epithelial cells separates innate and adaptive immune effector cells from a vast amount of antigens. Here, the immune system faces a considerable challenge in tolerating commensal flora and dietary antigens while preventing the dissemination of potential pathogens. Failure to tightly control immune reactions may result in detrimental inflammation. In this respect, ,conventional' regulatory CD4+ T cells, including naturally occurring and adaptive CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells, Th3 and Tr1 cells, have recently been the focus of considerable attention. However, regulatory mechanisms in the intestinal mucosa are highly complex, including adaptations of nonhaematopoietic cells and innate immune cells as well as the presence of unconventional T cells with regulatory properties such as resident TCR,, or TCR,, CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes. This review aims to summarize the currently available knowledge on conventional and unconventional regulatory T cell subsets (Tregs), with special emphasis on clinical data and the potential role or malfunctioning of Tregs in four major human gastrointestinal diseases, i.e. inflammatory bowel diseases, coeliac disease, food allergy and colorectal cancer. We conclude that the clinical data confirms some but not all of the findings derived from experimental animal models. [source] MAMPs and MIMPs: proposed classifications for inducers of innate immunityMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006David Mackey Summary Plants encode a sophisticated innate immune system. Resistance against potential pathogens often relies on active responses. Prerequisite to the induction of defences is recognition of the pathogenic threat. Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the non-self molecules that are recognized by plants and the means by which plants perceive them. Established terms describing these recognition events, including microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP), MAMP-receptor, effector, and resistance (R) protein, need clarification to represent our current knowledge adequately. In this review we propose criteria to classify inducers of plant defence as either MAMPs or microbe-induced molecular patterns (MIMPs). We refine the definition of MAMP to mean a molecular sequence or structure in ANY pathogen-derived molecule that is perceived via direct interaction with a host defence receptor. MIMPs are modifications of host-derived molecules that are induced by an intrinsic activity of a pathogen-derived effector and are perceived by a host defence receptor. MAMP-receptors have previously been classified separately from R-proteins as a discrete class of surveillance molecules. However, MAMP-receptors and R-proteins cannot be distinguished on the basis of their protein structures or their induced responses. We propose that MAMP-receptors and MIMP-receptors are each a subset of R-proteins. Although our review is based on examples from plant pathogens and plants, the principles discussed might prove applicable to other organisms. [source] Fungal flora of human toe websMYCOSES, Issue 11-12 2002C. A. Oyeka Dermatomykosen; Zehenzwischenraum; Epidemiologie; Nigeria Summary. A total of 100 young adults (67 males and 33 females) participated in the study. Clinical evaluation showed that only 10 of the volunteers showed some scaling, fissuring and peeling of the toe webs. Four of these complained of occasional itching. Fourteen different genera of fungi were recovered from 78 of the 100 youths screened. Yeasts were recovered from 21 (27%) of the positive cases, nondermatophytes from 38 (49%) and dermatophytes from 19 (24%). Microsporum gypseum was the most commonly recovered dermatophyte. Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichosporon cutanueum were the most frequently recovered nondermatophytic mould and yeast, respectively. More males (62.8%) harboured these organisms than females (37.2%). The study further showed that human toe webs that are apparently healthy harbour a variety of fungi, that may be potential pathogens. Zusammenfassung. An der Studie nahmen 100 freiwillige, junge Erwachsene teil (67 Männer und 33 Frauen). Nur bei 10 zeigten sich Schuppung, Fissuren und Hautablösung im Zehenzwischenraum. Vier davon klagten über gelegentlichen Juckreiz. Von 78 der 100 Probanden wurden 14 verschiedene Pilzgattungen isoliert, Hefen von 21 (27%), Nicht-Dermatophyten von 38 (49%) und Dermatophyten von 19 (24%) Probanden. Microsporum gypseum war der am häufigsten gefundene Dermatophyt, Rhizopus stolonifer der häufigste Schimmelpilz und Trichosporon cutaneum die häufigste Hefe. Männer beherbergten Pilze häufiger als Frauen (63% vs. 37%). Die Studie zeigt, dass auch augenscheinlich gesunde Zehenzwischenräume eine Vielfalt von Pilzen beherbergen, die potentielle Erreger darstellen. [source] Role of nutrients in the development of neonatal immune responseNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 2009Susanna Cunningham-Rundles Nutrients exert unique regulatory effects in the perinatal period that mold the developing immune system. The interactions of micronutrients and microbial and environmental antigens condition the post-birth maturation of the immune system, influencing reactions to allergens, fostering tolerance towards the emerging gastrointestinal flora and ingested antigens, and defining patterns of host defense against potential pathogens. The shared molecular structures that are present on microbes or certain plants, but not expressed by human cells, are recognized by neonatal innate immune receptors. Exposure to these activators in the environment through dietary intake in early life can modify the immune response to allergens and prime the adaptive immune response towards pathogens that express the corresponding molecular structures. [source] REVIEW ARTICLE: Sex Hormone Regulation of Innate Immunity in the Female Reproductive Tract: The Role of Epithelial Cells in Balancing Reproductive Potential with Protection against Sexually Transmitted PathogensAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Charles R. Wira Citation Wira CR, Fahey JV, Ghosh M, Patel MV, Hickey DK, Ochiel DO. Sex hormone regulation of innate immunity in the female reproductive tract: the role of epithelial cells in balancing reproductive potential with protection against sexually transmitted pathogens. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010 The immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) does not mount an attack against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STI) with a single endogenously produced microbicide or with a single arm of the immune system. Instead, the body deploys dozens of innate antimicrobials to the secretions of the female reproductive tract. Working together, these antimicrobials along with mucosal antibodies attack many different viral, bacterial and fungal targets. Within the FRT, the unique challenges of protection against sexually transmitted pathogens coupled with the need to sustain the development of an allogeneic fetus have evolved in such a way that sex hormones precisely regulate immune function to accomplish both tasks. The studies presented in this review demonstrate that estradiol and progesterone secreted during the menstrual cycle act both directly and indirectly on epithelial cells and other immune cells in the reproductive tract to modify immune function in a way that is unique to specific sites throughout the FRT. As presented in this review, studies from our laboratory and others demonstrate that the innate immune response is under hormonal control, varies with the stage of the menstrual cycle, and as such is suppressed at mid-cycle to optimize conditions for successful fertilization and pregnancy. In doing so, a window of STI vulnerability is created during which potential pathogens including HIV enter the reproductive tract to infect host targets. [source] Microbiology of Healthy and Diseased AdenoidsTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2000Itzhak Brook MD Abstract Objective To determine the qualitative and quantitative microbiology of core adenoid tissue obtained from four groups of 15 children each, with recurrent otitis media (ROM), recurrent adenotonsillitis (RAT), obstructive adenoid hypertrophy (OAH), and occlusion or speech abnormalities (controls). Methods Core cultures of surgically removed diseased adenoids and of healthy controls were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Results Polymicrobial aerobic-anaerobic flora were present in all instances. Ninety-four organisms were isolated from control specimens, and 148 from ROM, 142 from RAT, and 149 from OAH specimens. The predominant aerobes in all groups were ,-hemolytic and ,-hemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, group A ,-hemolytic streptococci, and Moraxella catarrhalis. The prominent anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium species. The number, concentration and distribution of types of most organisms did not vary among the three groups of diseased adenoids. However, the number of those that are potential pathogens and those that produced ,-lactamase was lower in the control than the diseased adenoids (P < .001). Conclusion The study highlights the importance of the bacterial load in the adenoids in contributing to the etiology of ROM, RAT, and OAH. [source] The Prenatal Development and Histochemistry of the Ileal Mucins in the Bovine FetusesANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2009F. Beyaz Summary Few studies exist regarding the distribution of intestinal mucins in fetuses of mammalians such as cattle and sheep. In this study, we aimed to describe the changes in the mucin production by ileal epithelium of bovine fetuses during their prenatal development. The goblet cells showed heterogeneity in mucins and the apical cytoplasm of the enterocytes demonstrated Periodic acid Schiff-positive reaction which declined gradually towards the birth. Moreover, the number of the goblet cells containing acidic and mixed mucins augmented, whereas those containing neutral mucins decreased with advancing gestational age. After sixth month of gestation, with the initiation of the ileal Peyer patches and follicle-associated epithelium development, a gradual increase in the number of goblet cells containing sulfomucins was also noticed towards the birth. The presence of different mucins in the ileum of bovine fetuses throughout prenatal development might play a role in the protection of the intestinal mucosa against urinary waste products in swallowed amniotic fluid and bile. Furthermore, mucins can also contribute for the formation of meconium in intra-uterine life and building of strong intestinal barrier with predominating sulfomucins, protecting the intestine against potential pathogens and digestive enzymes after birth. [source] Probiotic applications for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) II.AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 5 2010Effects on growth performance, feed utilization, intestinal microbiota, related health criteria postantibiotic treatment Abstract The effect of dietary probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Enterococcus faecium) was assessed on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) previously treated with oxolinic acid. After feeding on supplemented diets for 10 weeks growth performance, feed utilization, gastrointestinal colonization and health status were assessed. B. subtilis + B. licheniformis fed fish displayed a significant improvement of feed conversation ration (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). High levels of probiotic species were observed in the posterior gastrointestinal tract as transient digesta associated populations and potentially resident mucosal populations. Levels of Bacillus spp. reached log 3.74 CFU g,1 on the mucosal epithelium and log 7.41 CFU g,1 in the digesta of fish fed diets supplemented with B. subtilis and B. licheniformis. Enterococci levels reached log 2.84 CFU g,1 on the mucosa and log 7.78 CFU g,1 in the digesta of fish fed E. faecium supplemented diets. Feeding trout the Bacillus probionts alone or synergistically with E. faecium resulted in elevated leucocyte levels. The results of the current study demonstrate a potential role of probiotics for stabilizing/reinforcing the gastrointestinal microbiota after antibiotic treatment. This could reinvigorate the intestinal defensive barrier mechanism and provide protection against secondary potential pathogens. [source] Probiotics for shrimp larviculture: review of field data from Asia and Latin AmericaAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Olivier Decamp Abstract Disease problems have emerged as major constraints in aquaculture production. The prophylactic application of antibiotics is expensive and detrimental, i.e. selection of bacteria that are drug-resistant or more virulent and the prevalence of drug residues in reared animals. Probiotics, which compete with bacterial pathogens for nutrients and/or inhibit the growth of pathogens, could be a valid alternative to the prophylactic application of chemicals. A mixture of specific Bacillus strains was designed following a research programme on the ability of numerous Bacillus strains to inhibit a range of pathogenic Vibrio strains, to grow under conditions prevailing in shrimp hatcheries and to degrade waste products. These strains were then included in bioassays and challenge tests in order to confirm the lack of toxin production and pathogenicity to humans, target organisms and the environment. Here, we report on the performance of a commercially available mixture of Bacillus strains (SANOLIFE® MIC), using data from Asian and Latin-American hatcheries, with Penaeus monodon (Fabricius 1798) and Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931). These results show that probiotics may be a suitable alternative to the prophylactic use of antibiotics. Obviously, minimizing the risk of vibriosis demands a multi-disciplinary approach, including good hygiene and sanitation measures to reduce the input of potential pathogens, as well as a suitable farm management. [source] Does Bathing Newborns Remove Potentially Harmful Pathogens from the Skin?BIRTH, Issue 3 2001Jennifer M. Medves RN Background: Newborn infants are routinely bathed after birth partly to reduce the possibility of transmitting potential pathogens to others. The extent to which a mild soap reduces the quantity and type of microbes found on the skin through normal colonization has not been reported. The objective of the study was to compare colonization rates between infants bathed in soap and water and infants bathed in plain water. Method: One hundred and forty infants were randomly assigned to one group bathed in a mild pH neutral soap and water or to another group bathed in water alone. Microbiology swabs were taken on three occasions (before the first bath, 1 hour after the bath, and 24 hours after birth) from two sites (anterior fontanelle and umbilical area). Results: No difference occurred between groups on type or quantity of organisms found at each time period. Skin colonization is a function of time, and the quantity of organisms identified increased over time (Friedman A 2= 111.379, df = 5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Bathing with mild soap as opposed to bathing in water alone has minimal effect on skin bacterial colonization. Skin colonization increased over time. The findings did not support the efficacy of bathing with soap and water to reduce skin colonization of bacterial pathogens. Although the incidence of potential pathogens colonizing the skin during the first day of life is low and unlikely to pose a risk to healthy newborns, health care professionals may wish to wear gloves until the infant has been bathed. [source] Control of mucosal polymicrobial populations by innate immunityCELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 9 2009Katie L. Mason Summary The gastrointestinal tract carries out the complex process of localizing the polymicrobial populations of the indigenous microbiota to the lumenal side of the GI mucosa while absorbing nutrients from the lumen and preventing damage to the mucosa. This process is accomplished through a combination of physical, innate and adaptive host defences and a ,strategic alliance' with members of the microbiota. To cope with the constant exposure to a diverse microbial community, the GI tract, through the actions of a number of specialized cells in the epithelium and lamina propria, has layers of humoral, physical and cellular defences that limit attachment, invasion and dissemination of the indigenous microbiota. However, the role of the microbiota in this dynamic balance is vital and serves as another level of ,innate' defence. We are just beginning to understand how bacterial metabolites aid in the control of potential pathogens within the microbiota and limit inflammatory responses to the microbiota, concepts that will impact our understanding of the biological effects of antibiotics, diet and probiotics on mucosal inflammatory responses. [source] Does molecular typing make any contribution to the care of patients with infection?CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 4 2004H. Humphreys Abstract Molecular typing has been used extensively to study the epidemiology of infection, but there are few studies on the role of typing in the clinical management of infected patients. Examples of this include distinguishing relapse of infection from new infection, determining the significance of colonisation with potential pathogens, assessing the capacity of isolates to spread and cause serious illness, and linking changes in antimicrobial resistance with treatment. Further studies in selected patient groups and greater collaboration between molecular microbiologists, clinical microbiologists and infectious disease physicians are required to determine the impact of molecular typing in these and other scenarios. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||