Showing papers in "Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology in 2013"

A Review on Biology, Epidemiology and Public Health Significance of Leishmaniasis

Abstract: Leishmaniasis is a major vector-borne disease caused by obligate intramacrophage protozoa of the genus Leishmania, and transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sand flies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia, in the old and new worlds, respectively. Among 20 well-recognized Leishmania species known to infect humans, 18 have zoonotic nature, which include agents of visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous forms of the disease, in both the old and new worlds. Currently, leishmaniasis show a wider geographic distribution and increased global incidence. Environmental, demographic and human behaviors contribute to the changing landscape for zoonotic cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania are sylvatic mammals such as forest rodents, hyraxes and wild canids, and dogs are the most important species among domesticated animals in the epidemiology of this disease. These parasites have two basic life cycle stages: one extracellular stage within the invertebrate host (phlebotomine sand fly), and one intracellular stage within a vertebrate host. Co-infection with HIV intensifies the burden of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis by causing severe forms and more difficult to manage. The disease is endemic to Ethiopia, and the clinical signs are not pathognomic. The visceral form (Kala-azar) may be confused with other similar conditions such as malaria, tropical splenomegaly, schistosomiasis, milliary tuberculosis, and brucellosis. Similarly, cutaneous leishmaniasis should be differentiated from disease like tropical ulcers, impetigo and leprosy. There are several methods of laboratory diagnosis of leishmaniasis, including parasitological, immunological and molecular. Different forms of treatments are available including oral, parenteral, and topical medications such as pentavalent antimonials, liposomal amphotericin B, miltefosine and paromomycin. Methods of control are largely limited to destruction of animal reservoirs, treatment of infected humans, and management of sand fly populations. Development of an effective vaccine against leishmaniasis has been largely unsuccessful and hinders its prevention.

Water Contact Activities and Prevalence of Schistosomiasis Infection among School-age Children in Communities along an Irrigation Scheme in Rural Northern Ghana

Abstract: Of the various trematodes that infect humans, schistosomes remain among the most prevalent, and the various forms of schistosomiasis still pose significant public health problems. The prevalence of schistosomiasis infection among in-school and not-in-school children resident in communities along the Tono irrigation canals in northern Ghana was determined. Stool and urine samples from random representative samples were parasitologically examined using the Kato-Katz and 10 ml urine filtration methods respectively. A total of 920 children (mean age: 11.0 yrs; range: 6-15 yrs; STD Dev: 4.6 yrs), 573 (62.3%) males and 347 (37.7%) females with 473 in-school and 447 not-in-school participated in the study. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection was 33.2% (305/920) whilst that of S. mansoni was 19.8% (95% CI: 17.3-22.5; 182/920). The overall prevalence of infection (S. haematobium plus S. mansoni) was 47.7% (439/920). Many more males (51.7%; 95% CI: 47.5-55.8) than females (41.2%; 95% CI: 36.0-46.6) were infected. Forty-six (5.0%, 46/920) children were infected with both S. haematobium and S. mansoni. There was no difference in the prevalence of infection (S. haematobium plus S. mansoni) among children in-school (48.4%; 95% CI: 43.8-53.0) and those not-in-school (46.5%; 95% CI: 41.8-51.3). There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence of infection among communities (P=0.0002); with the lowest level of infection in residents of Korania (29.9%; CI: 20.0- 41.4) and the highest among those resident in Kajelo (64.9%; CI: 51.1-77.1), with significant differences in levels of water contact activities (χ2 =6.69; P=0.04). The highest intensity of S. mansoni infection (115.6 epg) was in Bonia where the highest prevalence of blood stained stools was collected (5.5%). Overall, 2.8% (26/920; 95% CI: 1.9-4.2) of stool samples were blood stained, whilst 10% (92/920; 95% CI: 8.2-12.2) of children had haematuria. S. haematobium ova were detected in 98.9% (91/92) of blood stained urine samples. Children infected by S. mansoni were more likely to have blood stained stool (χ2 =32.7; P<0.0001). The prevalence of schistosomiasis infection in the irrigation project site is high, adding praziquantel to albendazole and ivermectin for distribution during the annual mass drug administration for filariasis and onchocerciasis control will be an effective way of reaching all at risk groups in the Kassena-Nankana district for the control of schistosomiasis.

Species Identification of Bacteria and Fungi from Solid and Liquid Culture Media by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Abstract: Within the past years MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has become a powerful tool for the species identification of cultured bacteria and fungi. In the present study, the implementation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in a commercial high throughput laboratory is described. The impact of different growth conditions on the identification results was evaluated. Although slight differences in MALDI-TOF spectra of E. coli and S. aureus strains cultured on blood agar for various periods (5, 18, 24 and 48 hours) were noticed, reliable species identification was obtained for all periods. The same was true when E. coli and S. aureus strains were cultured for 18 hours on various solid media. Reliable identification was also achieved when fungi were cultured on solid and in liquid media (Sabouraud bouillon). Moreover, growth of fungi in bouillon resulted in accelerated identification. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry also allowed reliable identification of microorganisms from positive blood culture samples. In total, 2,900 specimens (234 different species) predominantly derived from clinical samples were examined. Microorganisms were cultured on solid media, in blood culture bottles and in liquid Sabouraud bouillon. 98.6% (n=2,860) of the MALDI-TOF identification results matched those of conventional methods (e.g. Gram staining, carbohydrate degradation ability, Phoenix system) and 16S rDNA PCR product sequencing. Mismatches were mainly based on missing reference spectra in the database of the analysis system. The study was performed in 2009. Due to continuous improvement of the database, even higher accuracy would be achieved when performing the study nowadays. In summary, the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in a clinical high throughput environment leads to reliable results, even when various culture conditions are used, for instance bouillons for culture of fungi. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a fast and robust identification system, which is on its way to become a new standard for the identification of microorganisms in high throughput laboratories.

Ralstonia Solanacearum Species Complex and Bacterial Wilt Disease

Abstract: The bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum is the causal agent for bacterial wilt on more than 200 plant species from 50 botanical families, including important crops such as potato, tomato, eggplant, pepper, tobacco and banana. R. solanacearum is considered a species complex, and is also a widely accepted model organism for the study of bacterial pathogenicity in plants. This review discusses the disease caused by R. solanacearum, the classification of the pathogen, the major virulence and pathogenicity factors and their complex regulation in R. solanacearum.

Detection, Identification and Susceptibility Testing of Bacteria by Flow Cytometry

Abstract: Flow cytometry permits the simultaneous analysis of numerous parameters of eukaryotic cells as well as microorganisms making it a powerful tool for differentiation and functional analysis. However, application of flow cytometry in clinical microbiology is still infrequent. Here, we report on the development of flow cytometric assays to detect and identify bacteria, and determine antibiotic susceptibility. Susceptibility testing of a wide spectrum of bacterial culture isolates was based on the oxonol DiBAC4(3), and further modified to allow susceptibility testing using specimens such as blood cultures or swabs. Additionally an extended assay was developed for the rapid detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within 6 hours from swabs. The results of 402 flow cytometric susceptibility tests were confirmed by Bauer-Kirby agar disk diffusion or automated systems with an average agreement of 94%. This assay brought essential time saving of one day particularly concerning extended beta lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL). Susceptibility testing performed directly from positive blood cultures or from swabs increased the rapidness furthermore. Susceptibility results of bacterial strains tested directly from blood culture achieved an accordance of 89% compared to Vitek® 2. Investigating 140 screening swabs of patients colonized with MRSA and of their contact persons 22 swabs were identified correctly to contain MRSA, 2 MRSA samples were not identified due to a lack of protein A expression of the MRSA-strains. False classifications as MRSA-positive swabs did not occur. Flow cytometry offers a suitable technique for the rapid detection, identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria with great potential.

Effect of Biofertilizers and Sulphur on Growth, Yield, and Oil Content of Hybrid Sunflower (Helianthus annuus. L) In a Typical Lateritic Soil

Abstract: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops containing high quality edible oil. It is easy to cultivate and grown in different conditions and soils [1,2]. Sunflower oil has excellent nutritional properties, and has a relatively high concentration of linoleic acid [3]. Since the environmental and health problems arising from chemical fertilizers usage, attention has been drawn to the application of biological fertilizers in agriculture. Biological fertilizers or biofertilizers contain useful microorganisms, which could colonize the rhizosphere and promote plant growth through increasing the supply or availability of essential nutrients to the plants [4]. Considering the significant role of N, S and P in sustainable production of oil seed crops, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizers and sulphur on growth, yield and oil content of sunflower (Helianthus annuus. L).

Microbial Comparative Genomics: An Overview of Tools and Insights Into The Genus Corynebacterium

Abstract: Next generation sequencing (NGS) made it possible to provide whole genome sequences of pathogenic and commercially significant organisms in limited time, and with minimal cost. Computational comparative genomics is necessary, given that we sequence thousands of organisms every day, but our follow-up knowledge is still very limited. Nevertheless, genomic information from a single genome is insufficient to provide insights into the life style and extended view of the gene pool of a species. Multiple genomes could enrich our understanding of the relatedness of, and variations in organisms. Consequently, comparative genomic analysis remains powerful tools for identifying the orthologous genes in species, presence and absence of specific genes, evolutionary signals, and candidate regions associated with pathogenicity. Furthermore, pangenomic strategies, together with subtractive genomics, help in highlighting the inter- and intra-species relationships, conserved core and, pan-genome for characterizing virulence factors, drug targets and vaccine candidates. In this article, we present an overview of microbial comparative genomics pre-requisites: sequencing technologies, alignment tools, annotation pipelines, databases and resources, visualization and comparative genomic tools, and strategies. Finally, we present comparative genomic and functional analysis based insights and recent findings in genus Corynebacterium.

Molecular Typing of Enterococci/VRE

Abstract: With their increased frequency of occurrence as a nosocomial pathogen and thus their elevated overall medical importance, the demand to characterize and differentiate strains of Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium has risen. Available techniques vary in ease of use, demands in costs, manpower and time, inter- and intra-laboratory comparability and reproducibility of results, portability of data and discriminatory power. Analysing outbreaks by sophisticated molecular techniques requires methods with a different discrimination than methods to detect and follow transmission of epidemic strains over longer time periods. The latter is especially critical for bacteria showing a rather flexible genome such as Enterococcus. The value and application for commonly used techniques for typing (vancomycinresistant) enterococci is discussed including ribotyping, PCR-based typing, macrorestriction analysis in Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Multiple Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analyses (MLVA), Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and some specialist approaches (resistance cluster typing, plasmid typing, next generation sequencing).

Bite Marks as Physical Evidence from the Crime Scene-An Overview

Abstract: Introduction A bite mark has been defined as ‘a pattern produced by human or animal dentitions and associated structures in any substance capable of being marked by these mean’s [1]. Forensic dentistry is the application of dental knowledge to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system [2]. Forensic dentists are involved in assisting investigative agencies to identify recovered human remains in addition to the identification of whole or fragmented bodies; forensic dentists may also be asked to assist in determining age, race, occupation, previous dental history and socioeconomic status of unidentified human beings. Identification is done by the comparison of ante mortem and post mortem dental records and using the unique features visible on dental radiographs, including both those resulting from dental treatment and those occurring naturally [3]. Human bite marks is one among the most violent crimes tried in the criminal courts. Bites have been found in cases of homicide, attempted suicide, sexual assault, and child abuse [4]. Bites can occur on both the victim and the suspect; teeth are used as weapon by the aggressor and in self defense by the victim [5]. Although they are only a small portion of most forensic dentist’s case load, bite marks represent the most challenging aspect of the discipline. In addition to the location of the bite mark the type of severity of the injury may give investigators clues as to the mental state of the offender [6].

Survival of Vibrio cholerae Inside Acanthamoeba and Detection of Both Microorganisms From Natural Water Samples May Point out the Amoeba as a Protozoal Host for V. cholerae

Abstract: Summary The ability of free living and waterborne amoebae to feed on bacteria in the surroundings, as well as to host several human bacteria suggests that both amoebae and bacteria are involved in complex interactions. The extracellular bacterium, Vibrio cholerae requires 108 to 109 cells to cause cholera, and accordingly it needs an environmental host to grow to such high numbers to be able to cause the infection in humans. The current review discusses the properties of V. cholerae to be able to grow inside the environmental protozoa Acanthamoeba species, findings of our field study applied molecular detection of both microorganisms in the same natural water samples from cholera endemic area, and role of Acanthamoeba as a protozoal host to V. cholerae in nature beside human.

Quorum Sensing in Vibrio and its Relevance to Bacterial Virulence

Abstract: Quorum sensing is a widespread system of cell to cell communication in bacteria that is stimulated in response to population density and relies on hormone-like chemical molecules to control gene expression. In mutualistic marine organisms like Vibrio, this system enables them to express certain processes, like virulence, only when its impact as a group would be maximized. An N-acylhomoserine lactone-dependent LuxI/R quorum sensing system has first been exemplified in Vibrio fischeri in the 1970s, regulating core bioluminescence genes. Since then, quorum sensing in Vibrio has been shown to influence a wide variety of process ranging from virulence factor formation to sporulation and motility. Most quorum sensing pathways produce and detect an autoinducer in a population dependent manner and transmit this information via a phospho-relay system to a core regulator that controls gene expression using certain pivotal elements. With several members of the genus Vibrio being known to cause severe foodborne infections, this review aims to present an overview of the quorum sensing systems present in four major Vibrio pathogens, V. fischeri, V. harveyi, V. cholerae and V. vulnificus and their roles in regulating the virulence of these organisms.

A Systems Level Comparison of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium smegmatis Based on Functional Interaction Network Analysis

Abstract: Mycobacterium leprae is a pathogenic bacteria that causes leprosy, a disease which affects mainly the skin, peripherical nerves, eyes and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Despite significant progress recorded in the last few years to stop this disease through a Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) strategy, every year there are new reported cases of the disease. According to the World Health Organization, there were 192,242 new cases at the beginning of 2011. Mycobacterium leprae cannot be cultured in the laboratory but can be grown in mouse foot pads and more recently in nine banded armadillos because of its susceptibility to leprosy. Its highly reduced genome makes it an interesting species as a model for reductive evolution within the mycobacterial genus; it shares the same ancestor with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). A functional network for MTB was generated previously and extensive computational analyses were conducted to reveal the biological organization of the organism on the basis of the network’s topological properties. Here, we use genomic sequences and functional data from public databases to build protein functional networks for another slow grower, Mycobacterium leprae (MLP) and the fast growing non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSM). Together with the MTB network, this provides an opportunity for comparison of three mycobacteria with different sized genomes. In this paper, we use network centrality measures to systematically compare MTB, MLP and MSM to quantify differences between these organisms at the systems biology level and to study network biology and evolution.

Water Injection Effects on the Performance of Four-Cylinder, LPG Fuelled SI Engine

Abstract: Significantly fuel and energy consumption rate are increased with small amounts of water addition. Lanfazame [2] measured a reduction in compression work when performing experiments on a singlecylinder CFR engine with water addition. He also reported that water injection really represents a new way to avoid detonation and to control NOx formation in SI engines. Several engine tests using water/fuel emulsions have been conducted. Abu-zaid [3] concluded that the addition of water in the form of emulsion in fuel improves the combustion efficiency in the diesel engine, hence the performance of the engine.

Characterization of Physico-chemical Properties and their Impact on Enzyme Activities in a Chronosequence Coal Mine Overburden Spoil as Biomarker of Reclamation Process

Abstract: Mining activities lead to land degradation and alter ecosystem functions. Monitoring land degradation status is essential to take appropriate and timely conservation measures. Soil genesis during early years of mine spoil reclamation is critical and may help to predict reclamation success. The microbial activity is significantly influenced by the physicochemical properties, and hence, the assessment of these changes is essential for soil management practices. In the present investigation, the physico-chemical characterization and the activities of six different enzymes (amylase, invertase, protease, urease, phosphatase and dehydrogenase) were periodically analyzed with respect to different coal mine overburden spoil in chronosequence over a period of 10 yr, and compared with the native forest soil, in order to assess their effectiveness in reclaiming mine overburden spoil. Comparative analysis suggested that there was gradual increase in enzyme activities from a nutrient deficient situation (fresh mine spoil) to an enriched soil (native forest soil). Besides, the variation in enzyme activities was significantly attributable to differences in physico-chemical properties. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed in order to determine the contribution of different physico-chemical properties influencing the variability in enzyme activities. Further, principal component analysis was able to discriminate six coal mine overburden spoils and native forest soil into independent clusters on the basis of their physico-chemical properties and enzyme activities. The study clearly revealed that the change in microbial indices in terms of enzyme activities were more responsive and correlated very well with the extent of land degradation, and therefore, can serve as biomarker for reclamation studies.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Stray Cats: A Case Study of Two Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract: Parasitological examination using concentration techniques, which included sedimentation (Formol-Ether) and floatation technique (Sucrose) were employed on the faecal samples of twenty-six (26) cats, comprising of juveniles and adult cats. The cats were stray cats roaming around the study areas. Ten (10) different types of parasites were found to be infecting the cats. Mixed infection with more than one genus of helminthes was also observed. The public health significance of the parasites and the need for their control were discussed.

Subclinical diagnosis of Caseous lymphadenitis based on Elisa in Sheep from Brazil

Abstract: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is a chronic contagious disease that affects small ruminants and still remains an important problem for many lamb-producing countries. Animals are considered clinically infected when occurs abscesses in superficial lymph nodes. Visceral or internal form can coexist which no apparent clinical signs of infection are seen. The best procedure to avoid spread of the disease is elimination of infected animals. However, as the chronic and subclinical nature of the infection of CLA alternative methods are required for detection and screening. In this study, we described the performance of indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of CLA in asymptomatics sheep. Also, test culture and biochemical identification were achieved to confirm CLA infection. The serological diagnostic was performed in sheep symptomatics (n=50) and asymptomatics (n=374) from nine flocks. Analysis reported high positivity of 71% for ELISA in 85% of asymptomatic animal for CLA with a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 31%. Results from ELISA test in asymptomatic animals against culture for caseous lymphadenitis were more specific (97%) and permitted to exclude healthy animals without symptoms. This study concluded that C. pseudotuberculosis infection could be widely disseminated in sheep flocks in Northwestern region of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil and only one screening test is not enough. The association with indirect ELISA test and culture could better indicate the real problem of CLA in sheep flocks.

Screening of Maternal Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy: Laboratory Diagnostics from the Perspective of Public Health Requirements

Abstract: Serological screening for maternal Toxoplasma infections in pregnancy has been questioned recently. We analyze some diagnostic difficulties for routine laboratories, poor public health guidance of existing screening programs, and their mutual worsening impact on the efficacy of the programs and on toxoplasmosis research. False positive screening tests may be more likely than true maternal Toxoplasma infections and diagnosis often depends on confirmatory testing in experienced reference laboratories. Apart from clear seroconversions, any marker to assign the time point of infection to the ongoing pregnancy (IgM, IgG avidity, etc.) suffers from important limitations. With poor screening compliance, many screening alerts come from first serum samples in pregnancy that are cumbersome to test, while seroconversions are seldom observed due to missing follow-up samples in late pregnancy. From a public health perspective, inadequate epidemiological assessment and research, insufficient quality control for compliance and little consideration of diagnostic peculiarities for the design of more effective preventive programs has resulted in poor performance. These shortcomings have contributed to the present doubts about preventive Toxoplasma screening in pregnancy. We recommend that a team of public health decision makers, epidemiologists and experts from toxoplasmosis reference laboratories reevaluates the existing activities in a given country to build up a well-designed preventive program that avoids these drawbacks.

Antibiogram of Bacterial Isolates from the Anterior Nares and Hands of Health Care Workers in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) Uyo, AkwaIbom State, Nigeria

Abstract: Hands and anterior nares of Health Care Workers may serve as sources for transmission of pathogens causing nosocomial infection. The importance of hands in the transmission of nosocomial infection is known worldwide. However, it is difficult to induce hand washing behavior in health-care workers. This work is designed to ascertain the frequency of bacterial colonization and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates from the anterior nares and hands of healthcare workers in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). Sterile cotton wool swabs, which were pre-moistened in sterile normal saline, were used to swab the anterior nares, and another used to swab the interdigital spaces of both hands of the participants. The samples were cultured on Mannitol salt agar, Blood agar and MacConkey agar. The plates were incubated at 35°C for 24-48 hrs. The bacterial isolates were identified and antibiotic susceptibility testing carried out on them using CLSI standard. Out of the 60 samples analysed (30 nasal and hand swabs), 48 (80%) yielded bacterial growth and 12 (20%) showed no bacterial growth. Of the 48 isolates, 46 (95.8%) were identified as Staphylococcus spp and 2 (4.2%) were identified as Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis). Out of the 46 Staphylococcal isolates, 30 (65.2%) were coagulase positive and 16 (34.8%) were coagulase negative. Out of the 30 coagulase positive Staphylococcus spp, 12 (40%) were found to be Methicillin resistant, and one of the Gram negative bacteria isolated (Proteus mirabilis) was extended spectrum beta lactamase producing. Also, of the 48 Staphylococcal isolates, 5 (10.4%) were inducible Clindamycin resistant. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be sensitive to Clindamycin (80%), followed by Ciprofloxacin (77%), Amoxicillin clavulanic acid (73.3%), Oxacillin (60%), Erythromycin (43%), Ceftriaxone (40%) and Trimethoprim Sulphamethoxazole (23.3%). On the other hand, Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (81%), Clindamycin (70%), Amoxicillin Clavulanic Acid (68.8%), Erythromycin (56.2%), Ceftriaxone (19%) and Trimethoprim Sulphamethoxazole (2.5%). E. coli was 100% sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Ceftazidime and Cefotaxime, and Proteus mirabilis showed 100% sensitivity to Ceftriaxone, Amoxicillin clavulanic acid, Gentamycin and Cefotaxime. Since hands and anterior nares of health care worker attending to patients could be a source of transmission of nosocomial infection with its attendant consequences in patients care, it will be helpful to screen them regularly as a measure towards the prevention and control of hospital acquired infection.

Co-Endemicity of Plasmodium falciparum and HIV-Infections in Treated Patients is Uncorrelated in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract: The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria are two of the world’s most formidable pathogens. Coinfection has been shown to amplify the effects of both diseases with HIV infection enhancing the severity of malaria. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that individuals infected with malaria and HIV who are taking anti-retrovirals have the Plasmodium parasite in their bloodstream suggesting that the lack of anti-malarials in their drug regimen resulted in Plasmodium infection. In this study, we set out to determine the status of Plasmodium infection in a cohort of patients taking both anti-malarial and anti-retroviral drugs. Blood samples were collected from patients of the Edo district of Nigeria in Benin City co-infected with Plasmodium and HIV. We have found that 31 out of the 317 (9.78%) HIV patients on HAART and ACT had Plasmodium in their blood based on microscopic counts. Surprisingly, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the prevalence was at 25.6% for Plasmodium. In addition, we have identified by PCR that Plasmodium falciparum is the only species infecting these patients. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found to exist between CD4+ T-cell counts and malarial infections (CD4 count<200 cells/µL (7.20%)) nor was the malaria parasite density significantly associated with CD4 count<200 cells/µL (P=0.595) in this study population in Benin City, Nigeria. These results suggest that other factors are involved in this complex interaction.

Screening of Xylanases from Indigenously Isolated White Rot Fungal Strains for Possible Application in Pulp Biobleaching

Abstract: There has been an unprecedented expansion in our knowledge of the use of microorganisms, their metabolic products, and enzymes in a broad area of basic research, and their potential industrial applications. Xylanolytic enzymes have attracted a great deal of attention, and are applied in manufacturing of bread, food and drinks, improvement of nutritional properties of agricultural silage and grain feed, textile industry to process plant fibres, pharmaceutical and chemical applications, and cellulose pulp and paper [1,2]. Recently, the interest in xylanases has focused on bleaching processes [3-5], wherein, enzymes began to be used during the last two decades, ever since peroxidases were applied to the degradation of lignin [6,7]. Enzyme application improves pulp fibrillation and water retention, reduces beating time in virgin pulps, restores bonding and increased freeness in recycled fibres, and selectively removes xylans from dissolving pulps. The application of xylanases in prebleaching of pulps is gaining importance as alternatives to toxic chlorine-containing chemicals [8-10], where xylanases offer an attractive and commercially viable option to eliminate chlorine in bleaching, and reduce chlorinated organic compounds in bleach plant effluents, reduce the kappa number (residual lignin content in the pulp), and increase the brightness of the pulp [11,12]. Xylanases are being tested as bleaching agents for a variety of wood and non-wood raw materials [13]. The presence of cellulases in such preparations has been considered detrimental to yield and strength properties in pulp treatments, as they can cause a rapid depolymerization of cellulose [14]. However significant differences in the action of individual cellulases in enzyme prebleaching have been observed.

Influence of Growth Temperature on Cyclolipopeptides Production and on Adhesion Behaviour in Environmental Strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract: Summary The present study deals with the influence of growth temperature on biosurfactant production and the adhesion process in the psychrotrophic species Pseudomonas fluorescens . We studied a strain panel composed of nine wild cyclolipopeptide (CLPs) producers and by two biosurfactant mutants. Where cyclolipopeptide production was characterized at either 8°C or 17°C, cyclolipopeptide production was highlighted by hemolytic and tensiometric methods. Their ionic charge was evaluated by a double diffusion test and their identification was made as amphisin- or viscosin- or viscosinamide-like biosurfactants by Reverse Phase- High Performance Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy. This categorization was corroborated by the 16S rRNA phylogenetic study. In Pseudomonas fluorescens , the number and relative quantity of cyclolipopeptide produced and bacterial adhesion differed with the growth temperature. Seven new cyclolipopeptides were characterized, of which three belong to the viscosinamide family. Biosurfactant secretion is intensive at 17°C and the highest adhesion is obtained at a lower temperature (8°C). Cyclolipopeptides appeared to antagonize the adhesion process. Strain hydrophobicity was wholly independent of growth temperature and could not be correlated with the initial attachment of bacteria, which was thermoregulated. Our study demonstrates that bacterial adhesion is controlled by the growth temperature but not by cyclolipopeptides or cell hydrophobicity.

To Study the Incidence of Asthma among Children in a Rural Block of Haryana (India)

Abstract: In children, bronchial asthma is a common disease and an important cause of morbidity and this disease is on increasing trend in developing countries like India. Smoke produced whether from tobacco or by fuels has got important effects on asthma. Children represent the largest subgroup of the population susceptible to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Air pollution causes irritation or inflammation that’s more likely to obstruct narrower airways. Further more exposure to a pollutant, trigger’s an asthma attack due to the sensitivity of a child's developing respiratory system. In India, pediatricians face a common problem of bronchial asthma among children. Globally, many studies have been conducted but no epidemiological study defined the magnitude of the problem of asthma among children. The present study on rural children of district Jhajjar was conducted to determine the incidence, age distribution and epidemiological factors associated with asthma in children aged 0-5 years.

In vitro Tumorigenicity and Stemness Characterization of the U87MG Glioblastoma Cell Line based on the CD133 Cancer Stem Cell Marker

Abstract: Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 2013

Microbial Contamination of Commercially Important Crabs, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus) and P. sanguinolentus (Herbst)

Abstract: Seafood related disease outbreaks have been reported almost throughout the world including countries like Japan, U.S, India and U.K. International Committee for Microbiological Food Safety (ICMFS) has devised permissible counts for various pathogens in different food products. Presence of these pathogens above the acceptable level is usually rejected by the importing country as unfit for human consumption, so to assess the microbiological quality of seafood in any part of the world has become significant to avoid health hazards and also economical losses. Some of the bacteria isolated from the gastrointestinal tract have been related to crab disease. Nevertheless, the association between gastrointestinal bacteria and crab disease remains unclear. So far no such work is hitherto attempted to study the microflora in commercially important portunid crabs, P. pelagicus and P. sanguinolentus because these two crabs are available throughout the year along Cuddalore and Parangipettai coast [1]. Since they are available round the year consumers prefer these crabs without knowing the bacterial contamination. So study on bacterial contamination in crabs is essential and also need of the hour. There is so far no much information on the seasonal microbiological contamination of crab intestine. Therefore, studies on crab gut microbiology are needed for the management both in aquaculture and public health perspective.

Momordica charantia Protects the Liver from Hyperglycemia Induced Toxicity during Diabetes in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract: Volume 2 • Issue 1 • 2013

Developments in Cellulase Activity Improvements Intended Towards Biofuel Production

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass represents a huge potential for energy production worldwide. However, it has not been harnessed for biofuel and biogas production at industrial scale due to the problems in digestibility of the lignocellulosic materials and the inaccessibility of the polymers to the enzymes for degradation. There are various methods of pretreatment which can be classified into physical, physicochemical, chemical, and biological pretreatments. For physical pretreatment, available methods are microwave irradiation, ultrasound irradiation, and pulsed electric fields are reviewed. For physicochemical pretreatment, ammonia fiber explosion, supercritical carbon dioxide explosion, and steam explosion are discussed. For chemical pretreatment, ammonia recycled percolation, organosolv process, and oxidative processes such as ozonolysis and wet oxidation methods are available. Thus cellulases (EC 3.2.1.4) has been classified into three major categories according to action over cellulose, Endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), Exoglucanases, (sometime known as cellodextrinases) (EC 3.2.1.74) and 1,4-ß-Dglucancellobiohydrolases (cellobio-hydrolases) (EC 3.2.1.91), and ß-Glucosidases or ß-glucosideglucohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.21). Many microbes are reported to have either more than one endoglucanase system or more of exoglucanase over endoglucanase or only one out of both. Sometime, different microbes are mixed to get the unique combinations so that to get better hydrolysis results. The efficient catalysis of cellulase is possible because of presence of a unique cellulose binding module called as Carbohydrate Binding Modules (CBMs) which is a more often a common feature of fungal cellulases and while bacterial cellulase have similar dominant counterpart named as cellulosome, which bestows additional carbohydrate binding properties to the enzyme by bringing the catalytic domaincloser to the substrate,thus increasing more chances of successful conversion of carbohydrate cellulose. Cellulosome itself reported to have different type of glycosyl hydrolase including cellulase, hemicellulose, all of which are bound to scaffoldin protein (CipA cellulosome integrating protein), which is multidomain protein and one of them is CBD, (cellulose binding domain). Beside this there are 9 repeating domain called as cohesin which interacts with cellulosome enzyme. This is the feature reported in C. thermocellum. Thus many CBM has been identified (around 39) based on amino acid composition (see http:// afmb.cnrs-mrs.fr/CAZY/index.html). There are around 20 CBM studied in detail [1] CBMs can recognize varieties of substrate such as crystalline cellulose, or even non-crystalline cellulose, chitin, β-1,3glucans and β-1,3-1,4-mixed linkage glucans, xylan, mannan, galactan and starch. In general, CBM in case of other carbohydrate appended to glycoside hydrolases that degrade insoluble polysaccharides.

Multiplex Bead Based Immunoassays For The Serodiagnosis of Lyme Borreliosis

Abstract: Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is based on the detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies against relevant antigens of Borrelia burgdorferi. Serological diagnosis usually is performed by a two-step procedure. Where immunoassays for antibody screening exhibit high sensitivity, second-line tests, e.g. Western-blot or line-blot assays,show high specificity, and are used for confirmation of positive screening results. In addition to serology, in certain cases Borrelia spp. can be detected directly, for instance in synovial fluid from patients with Lyme arthritis by PCR or bacterial culture. With the development of multiplex technology, e.g. bead-based immunoassays, multiple antibodies to distinct bacterial antigens can be detected in a single run. Detection systems used in this context, e.g. analysers based on flow cytometry, can be highly standardised and automated. Furthermore, these analysers can be connected bidirectionally to an order-entry based laboratory information system, with random access for high throughput analysis. Thus, multiplex bead assays may have the power to replace the current two-step procedure.

A New Paradigm for Genus Mycobacterium Population Structure

Abstract: The genus Mycobacterium contains the pathogenic species tuberculosis and leprae, and additionally at least 148 sometimes opportunistic pathogenic species that occupy environmental niches. The genus Mycobacterium is in the order Actinomycetes along with other acid-fast genera with mycolic acids in their cell walls, such as Corynebacterium, Nocardia, and Rhodococcus. The DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit b gene rpoB, is relatively conserved among these bacteria. Sequence polymorphism in a 342bp fragment of rpoB is sufficient to differentiate among most species of Mycobacterium. However, construction of a robust and testable phylogeny or population structure based on this polymorphism, or polymorphism in other genomic regions, has remained elusive. This study presents a new paradigm for the resolution of genus Mycobacterium population structure. A minimum spanning tree (MST) was constructed on restriction enzyme site polymorphisms detected in silico for 5 enzymes, on the 342bp rpoB fragment obtained from GenBank data for 47 Mycobacterium species, and one species each from Corynebacterium, Nocardia and Rhodococcus. The MST was empirically divided into 3 regions. All the rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), with a halo of slowly growing mycobacteria (SGM), were found in MST-region 1. The correctness of the MST-regions model of genus Mycobacterium population structure was validated by statistically confirmed linkage disequilibrium of certain restriction site alleles. For certain alleles, SGM in MST-region 1 resembled the RGM of MST-region 1 more than the SGM of MST-region 3. The model provided a framework consistent with published genotypic and phenotypic observations, including expectations from comparative genomics and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene properties’ distribution among species, and reported cladistic groupings of species. Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Nocardia nova and Rhodococcus equi belonged to MSTregions 2, 3, and 1 respectively. In conclusion, the MST-regions model of genus Mycobacterium population structure was robust, unambiguous, transparent for alleles, consistent with genotypes and phenotypes, and statistically testable.