Gummatous mitral valve endocarditis from tertiary syphilis
A 50-year old Romanian gentleman presented with fever myalgia and 30kg weight loss. He was treated for syphilis previously after acquiring it from his ex-wife 16 years ago. On examination there was a pansystolic murmur in the axilla and the patient had an ataxic gait. Blood tests showed raised inflammatory markers. However standard investigations for infective endocarditis including multiple blood cultures serological titres for fastidious organisms and antibody tests were negative.
CT of the chest abdomen and pelvis demonstrated hepatosplenomegaly with multiple splenic infarcts. MRI of the head with contrast showed multiple punctate enhancement in the bilateral hemispheres with leptomeningeal enhancement. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated large vegetation leading to severe mitral regurgitation. Serum treponemal antibodies were positive; TPPA was positive at 1:1280 and RPR: 1:4 Treponemal IgM was negative; lumbar puncture syphilis serology was negative. The patient was treated with an extensive period of intravenous antibiotics in addition to a prosthetic metallic valve replacement where unusual ragged calcified valvular tissue was observed.
Tertiary syphilis is a difficult diagnosis to confirm since it can often be indolent and occur in areas of the body where they may go unnoticed. In our case a diagnosis of syphilitic endocarditis was made from a combination of the history an initial increase in size of the lesion following antibiotic therapy and observation of likely gumma on the mitral valve during surgery. In such cases surgery in addition to optimal antimicrobial therapy is necessary for effective treatment.
Antimicrobial activity of CO2 and Er:YAG lasers against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
The antimicrobial effect of CO2 and Erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) lasers against Escherichia coli Staphylococcus aureus and a mixed culture of both organisms was assessed. Bacterial isolates were exposed to lasers utilising a range of parameters. Both lasers demonstrated a reduction in bacterial viability with increased number of passes and increased power. Against the individual bacterial cultures the CO2 laser demonstrated greater a reduction in bacterial numbers with higher density and pulse durations. At a lower power and pulse duration the CO2 laser demonstrated a complete reduction against combined bacterial species with increased passes. Use of the Er:YAG laser against the individual bacterial species demonstrated that the reduction in bacterial viability was increased with an increased overlap. The Er:YAG laser was the most effective at reducing the bacterial co-cultures and was influenced by the power overlap and number of passes. Throughout this study S. aureus was more difficult to eradicate than E. coli. The findings from this work showed promising antimicrobial effects of both the CO2 and Er:YAG lasers and demonstrates that the use of such instruments is one potential avenue to be explored to develop effective novel therapies to reduce bacterial viability in infections.
Phenotypic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Presumptive Tuberculosis Patient across One Health Interface
Introduction: Globally Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries highly burdened with tuberculosis (TB) TB/Human immunodeficiency virus and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Objective: This study aimed to characterize carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in presumptive tuberculosis patients across one health interface. Methods: Sixty-six sputum samples from presumptive tuberculosis patients fecal samples of animals loitering the hospital and environmental soil samples were collected and characterized. Isolated Enterobacteriaceae were screened for multidrug resistance and characterized for carbapenemase production. Result: Fifty-seven enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 66 samples of sputum fecal and soil samples. The frequency of occurrence of Klebsiella pneumoniae was 66.7% and 100% in sputum and fecal samples respectively while 60% of the soil sample was Proteus mirabilis. Multidrug resistance was exhibited with ceftizidime showing the highest resistance of 100% augumentin (95.7%) and nitrofurantoin (59.6%) in sputum samples. Animal and fecal samples showed similar resistance patterns to antibiotics with gentamicin cefixime augementin and nitrofurantin. Majority (70.2%) were carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae while only 34% were producing metallo-beta lactamase from sputum samples. Conclusions: The interconnectivity and frequency of CRE occurrence was found to be high in this study across the three pillars of One Health.
Bacteriological profile of community peritonitis operated in a Moroccan Hospital
Introduction. Peritonitis is characterized by acute inflammation of the peritoneum often resulting from digestive organ perforation or intra-abdominal septic focus. It may be either of infectious or noninfectious origin. The germs involved are those of the digestive flora (Enterobacteriaceae and Anaerobic) while gram-positive cocci and yeasts can be isolated in nosocomial infections. Our study aims to isolate and identify the germs involved in community-acquired peritonitis in order to assess their susceptibility to the antibiotics available in our Country.
Methods. This is a retrospective study of bacteriological profile of community peritonitis in Rabat Morocco. A total of 150 adult patients with peritonitis were admitted and samples were collected intraoperatively for bacteriological examination between July 1 2022 and April 30 2023.
Results. Among the 150 patients 101 (67.8%) were males and 48 (32.2%) were females with sex/ratio of 2.1. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 years +/- 20.12. The distribution of germs was dominated by Escherichia coli (44%). Overall 70% of Escherichia coli isolated had a resistance to Ampicillin but no resistance to Ampicillin has been reported by Enterococcus.
Discussion. In the present study we were interested in the bacteriological profile of community peritonitis in order to adapt the antibiotic therapy to our bacterial ecology. Our findings indicate a concerning trend of increasing resistance among Escherichia coli to the commonly used Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid combination in our clinical setting.
Conclusion. Consequently there is a need to reassess the empiric antibiotic prescribed for the management of community-acquired peritonitis.
Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates: Introduction of a Combined Education and Skin Antisepsis Intervention
Background Blood culture contamination (BCC) is an important quality concern in clinical microbiology as it can lead to unnecessary antimicrobial therapy in patients and increased workload for laboratory scientists. The Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute recommend BCC rates to be <3% and recently updated guidelines have set a new goal of 1%. The aim of this project was to design and implement interventions to reduce BCC rates at our institution. Methods We introduced a combined education and skin antisepsis intervention in a large Model 4 academic teaching hospital in the South of Ireland. BD ChloraPrep™ skin antisepsis applicators (2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol) licensed for use for blood culture collection were introduced replacing Clinell® (2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol) wipes. In addition a multimodal education programme was designed and delivered. This consisted of a video demonstrating the recommended blood culture collection technique using the new applicators as well as simulation training for all interns. The video was uploaded to the intranet as an educational resource available to all staff. Results The interventions were implemented in July 2022 and BCC rates pre- and post-intervention were calculated. The average BCC rate for the 12 months preceding the intervention (July 2021-July 2022) was 2.56% with highest rates in the emergency department. This compared to an average rate of 2.2% in the 12 months post-intervention (July 2022-July 2023). In comparing the two rates the reduction in BCC rates between the two periods was not statistically significant (p=0.30). Conclusion Overall BCC rates reduced but the difference between the two periods did not reach statistical significance. The resource intensive nature of providing regular and timely feedback of contamination rates and the larger impact of in–person education and training over virtual modalities may explain the modest reduction. Further investments in these areas particularly in the emergency department will be necessary to further reduce rates in line with new recommendations.
Microbiota of healthy dogs demonstrate a significant decrease in richness and changes in specific bacterial groups in response to supplementation with resistant starch, but not psyllium or methylcellulose, in a randomized cross-over trial.
Even though dietary fibers are often used as prebiotic supplements in dogs the effect of individual types of fibers on canine microbiota composition is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess changes in fecal microbiota richness diversity and taxonomic abundance with 3 different fiber supplements in dogs. These were psyllium husk resistant starch from banana flour and methylcellulose. They were administered to 17 healthy dogs in a cross-over trial after transition to the same complete feed. Fecal scores and clinical activity indices were recorded and fecal samples collected before and at the end of supplementation as well as 2 weeks after each supplement (washout). Illumina NovaSeq paired-end 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on all samples. After quality control and chimera removal alpha diversity indices were calculated with QIIME. Differences in specific taxa between groups were identified using Metastats. Methylcellulose significantly increased fecal scores but had no effect on microbiota. Psyllium resulted in minor changes of specific taxa abundance but with questionable biological significance. Resistant starch reduced microbiota richness and resulted in the most abundant changes in taxa mostly a reduction in short-chain fatty acid producing genera of the Bacillota phylum with an increase in genera within the Bacteroidota Pseudomonadota Actinomycetota and Saccharibacteria. In conclusion while psyllium and methylcellulose led to few changes in the microbiota composition the taxonomic changes seen with resistant starch may indicate a less favorable composition. Based on this the type of resistant starch used here cannot be recommended as a prebiotic in dogs.
Investigating the impact of temperature on growth rate of the root rot fungus, Gymnopus fusipes
Gymnopus fusipes is an understudied root rot pathogen associated with multiple tree species and is linked to episodes of oak decline across the United Kingdom and Europe. Although the reported distribution of G. fusipes is broad many observations rely solely on visual identification of fruiting bodies which can be unreliable and lack confirmation by molecular and/or isolation data to verify this broad ecological range. Given the paucity of information regarding the true ecological distribution of G. fusipes it is difficult to predict and model the potential distribution of the species under both current and future climate scenarios. In this study to determine the growth capabilities of G. fusipes across a range of ecologically relevant temperatures five geographically diverse isolates of G. fusipes were grown at five different temperatures ranging from 4˚C to 37˚C to determine the optimal temperature for G. fusipes growth and to establish whether geographically diverse isolates exhibit local adaptation to temperature tolerance. Incubation temperature had a significant effect on G. fusipes growth rate with 25˚C representing the optimum (p < 0.001). Isolates had differing growth rates at each of the temperatures with an isolate from the UK having the highest overall growth rate across all five temperatures tested (p < 0.001) and at the optimum increased by a mean value of over 4915 mm2. Local adaptation to temperature tolerance was not found in the isolates tested. These data demonstrate the optimal incubation temperature for future laboratory studies on G. fusipes and provide the first data on the growth rate of this pathogen across ecologically relevant climate ranges that may inform land managers modellers and policy makers in predicting the current and potentially future geographical limits of this widespread root rot pathogen.
Fannyhessea vaginae causing bacteraemia and vertebral osteomyelitis: first report of invasive disease in a male
Introduction. Fannyhessea vaginae (formerly Atopobium vaginae) is an anaerobic organism commonly associated with female genital flora with rare cases of invasive disease reported in females.
Case report. We discuss the case of an 81-year-old male who presented with an acute history of back pain and signs of urinary tract infection in the context of intermittent self-urinary catheterisation. Multiple blood cultures grew Fannyhessea vaginae with a later finding of lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis as the cause of back pain. Treatment was commenced with ampicillin later switched to ceftriaxone with improvement of acute signs of infection.
Conclusion. Gram positive anaerobic organisms including Fannyhessea vaginae are possibly under-recognised causes of urinary tract particularly in older males. These bacteria may prove challenging to grow in standard protocols for urine culture; anaerobic or extended incubation could be considered particularly in complicated cases of urinary tract infection without an identifiable pathogen.
Disseminated hydatidosis an unusual presentation: A case report
Hydatidosis also known as cystic Echinococcosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. It presents a significant public health concern particularly in endemic areas. The occurrence of disseminated hydatid disease is uncommon even in regions where it is endemic with an incidence ranging from 1 to 8%. The definitive diagnosis relies on parasitological method. In this work we present an unusual case of disseminated hydatid disease that was diagnosed in the central parasitology-mycology laboratory of “The Ibn Sina University Hospital”. This is a 21-year-old patient residing in a rural area who presented with heaviness-type pain in the right hypochondrium accompanied with nausea and vomiting. During the examination the patient mentioned the contact with dogs. Abdominal radiography (Ultrasound and CT) revealed findings suggestive of multiple hydatid cysts located in the liver and peritoneum. This suspicion was confirmed by positive hydatid serology. After 9 months of treatment with albendazole the patient underwent surgery for excision of the cysts shown on the x-ray as well as other cysts incidentally discovered intraoperatively at the pelvic and rectal levels. All of the extracted specimens were sent to the parasitology laboratory. The direct examination along with the viability test revealed the presence of hooks and scolex of non-viable Echinococcus granulosus. Disseminated hydatidosis is a rare but serious presentation and the positive diagnosis relies on several epidemiological clinical radiological and parasitological arguments. Medical and surgical treatments play a crucial role in determining the patient's prognosis.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Enteric Fever in Adult Patients with Cancer; A Perspective from Pakistan
Introduction:
Enteric fever is a significant health concern in endemic countries. While extensive research has been conducted to understand its presentation and outcomes in non-cancer patients limited data exist on its impact on cancer patients. This descriptive study aims to investigate the clinical presentation and outcome in cancer patients.
Methodology:
This retrospective observational study analysed 90 adult cancer patients from a single centre in Pakistan from January 2017 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria involved documented blood culture infections with Salmonella typhi or paratyphi A B or C. We examined clinical presentation laboratory parameters antimicrobial resistance complications and outcomes. Additionally we explored the effects of chemotherapy comorbidities type of malignancy and patient age on complications and mortality.
Results:
Salmonella typhi was the most prevalent organism (72.2%) followed by Salmonella paratyphi A (22.2%) and B (5.5%). Non-resistant isolates constituted 51.5% multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates accounted for 20% extensively drug resistant (XDR) for 14.4% and ESBL-producing for 15.5% of all enteric fever infections.. Enteric fever-associated complications were observed in 21.1% of cases. Chemotherapy in the preceding month did not affect mortality nor did age gender or malignancy type. However comorbidities were statistically significant for mortality (p-value 0.03). A total of 8.8% of patients required ICU care and the all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 13.3%
Conclusion:
Enteric fever remains prevalent in our geographical region. Unlike Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) enteric fever does not behave differently in an immunocompromised population including cancer patients.
The role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of neglected tropical diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: According to the WHO neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over 2 billion people worldwide. While the links between nutrition and many diseases have become clear over recent decade NTDs have lagged behind and the linkage with nutrition is largely unknown. We conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the current status of research on the role of diet in the pathogenesis of NTDs.
Methodology: PubMed Embase Scopus and African Journal online databases were searched using predefined search terms. We included all original articles with a case-control design and at least one NTD. The studies had to compare the nutritional parameters between the infected and uninfected. Articles that did not report original data were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled estimates were conducted using the random-effects model. The publication bias of studies was determined by funnel plots. Q and I2 statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies.
Results: After screening 1294 articles only 16 qualified for the systematic review and 12 for meta-analysis. These predominately had a focus on soil-transmitted helminthiasis (ascariasis hookworm diseases trichuriasis) and schistosomiasis with a minority concerning leishmaniasis and leprosy. Pooled estimates showed an association between intestinal parasites and stunting in children (OR= 1.38 95%CI: 1.14-1.66 I2 = 0%). We also identified a moderate association established between blood iron deficiency (OR=4.67 95%CI: 1.91-11.44) and intestinal parasites.
Conclusions/Significance: Of the 20 NTDs the links between diet and disease have been explored only for a very few. There is a paucity of data from low and middle-income countries and least developed countries where the NTD burden is high. Therefore more research into the role of nutrition in NTD infection is recommended.
The Microbiome of C. elegans Enhances Growth of S. aureus During Infection
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen associated with a wide range of infections. The microbiome consisting of diverse microbial communities has been recognized as a critical factor in modulating host-pathogen interactions. This study aimed to investigate the role of the Caenorhabditis elegans microbiome in Staphylococcus aureus infection by transferring worms from the standard laboratory food source (OP50) or a microbiome sample to S. aureus cultures. Our findings revealed that the C. elegans microbiome paradoxically enhanced Staphylococcus aureus colonization resulting in increased pathogen burden compared to worms transferred from E.coli OP50. These results underscore the importance of the microbiome in modulating host susceptibility.
Genomic analysis of Oceanotoga teriensis strain UFV_LIMV02, a multidrug-resistant thermophilic bacterium isolated from an offshore oil reservoir
Bacteria of the species Oceanotoga teriensis belong to the Family Petrotogaceae are moderately thermophilic and are included in the group of thiosulfate-reducing bactéria (TRB) being able to accelerate corrosion in metallic structures significantly. The O. teriensis strain UFV_LIMV02 was isolated from water samples from the separator of an offshore oil extraction platform in the Campos basin in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). In this work we describe the man phenotypic and genotypic characteristics mainly related to hydrogen sulfide production and antimicrobial resistance to different classes of antibiotics. We also systematically investigate the presence of CRISPR-Cas loci and prophages. Through H2S titration it was possible to verify thexistence of 150 ppm of hydrogen sulfide in the solution. It presented a genome with 2812778 bp in size with 26% of GC content organized into 34 contigs 2629 genes encoding candidate proteins and identified 51 genes of different RNAs. The search for CRISPRs systems in the genome of the isolate allowed us to identify the presence of four CRISPRs arrays classified as type I-B and III-B with the presence of 272 different spacers which could provide the strain with immunity to other mobile genetic elements and infection by bacteriophages. Genomic analysis using RAST revealed the presence of resistance genes for the class of beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones; however when evaluating the antimicrobial resistance of the isolate using the disk diffusion technique it was possible to confirm not only the resistance to B-lactams and fluoroquinolones but also to four other classes of antibiotics: aminoglycoside sulfonamide lincosamide and rifamycin a total of 14 antibiotics probably due to the presence of mechanisms capable of expelling the antibiotic from the cells such as efflux pumps allowing them to grow in the presence of these antimicrobials. The results found in this study provide indications that residues from offshore oil exploration may represent a risk for the dissemination of ARGs due to the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. More comprehensive studies are needed on the microbial community present in oil tailings to assess the risks to public health.
Science in Schools: combining language and microbiology engagement during a pandemic
This paper presents an public engagement pedagogy designed to engage Key Stage-one and -two students. The activities were developed for a British Council Science-in-Schools visit allowing UK-based researchers to visit French territory schools delivering activities in English. Focusing on infection transmission our event aimed to enhance understanding of infection transmission concepts (coughing sneezing handwashing and surface contamination). Additionally we hosted a "masterclass" session for teachers demonstrating the activities and discussing their integration into classroom settings. Here we present lesson plans for both student- and teacher-focused sessions and detailed protocol and demonstration video for each activity. We also include vocabulary lists and flashcards which were used within the sessions to aid student comprehension of the activities and support further discussion around key concepts and findings. Finally we present a brief reflective evaluation of the visit and offer considerations for others wishing to use the materials as part of their pedagogy practice. There was a positive reception to the activities among both students and teachers. Here the activities were used with French-speaking students developing English language skills but we believe that these activities could be used with a wide range of ages scientific literacy and event types. In conclusion this paper underscores the significance of public engagement pedagogy in fostering health literacy and empowering young learners to make informed decisions regarding personal and community well-being. By combining interactive methodologies with targeted public health interventions we aim to inspire a generation of proactive global citizens equipped to address contemporary health challenges.
A comparative in silico analysis of the vlhA gene regions of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Myc. synoviae isolates from commercial hen farms in Mexico.
Avian mycoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma synoviae and Myc. gallisepticum poses significant economic challenges due to respiratory issues reduced production and soft eggshells. The hemagglutinin (vlhA) protein crucial for pathogenicity comprises conserved (MSPB) and variable (MSPA) regions. In this study we examined vlhA sequences from field strains in Mexico's central region (Jalisco and Mexico City) revealing a close cluster relationship distinct from sequences in GeneBank. We analyzed 124 deformed eggs and 10 laying hens from nine farms with Hy-line and Bovans breeds. Using PCR targeting mgc2 and 16S RNAr genes we characterized 24 field strains Mycoplasma synoviae (4) and Myc. gallisepticum (20). The vlhA regions based on AF035624.1 sequences were analyzed with ATTC strains as positive controls. Additionally 20 negative samples at Mycoplasma isolation validated the sensitivity of PCR testing without the need of cultivation. Two amplification regions were identified: the 1st MSPB and 2nd MSPA. Bioanalysis revealed relationships with relatives avian Mycoplasma sequences in GenBank alongside similarities with Acholeplasma laidlawii PG8 and Escherichia coli. Given vlhA's significance in pathogenicity and immune evasion the identified conserved sequences hold potential as therapeutic targets and for phylogenetic studies.
Emerging challenge of Linezolid and Vancomycin resistant Enterococci faecium:First case report from Northern Pakistan
Enterococcus faecium are among the most versatile pathogens found to infect hospitalized patients. Resistance against anti-enterococcal antibiotics is gaining access day to day and among them linezolid resistant vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium is a nightmare for the clinicians especially in a resource limited country like Pakistan.
A 72 year old patient presented with collection of pus and necrosis around the head of pancreases. These pockets of pus resulted as acute postsurgical complication along with surgical site infection. Pus was processed according to clinical guidelines. Enterococcus faecium was identified and confirmed by VITEK. Isolate was resistant to vancomycin and linezolid. Tigecyclin was the only option for this patient due to unavailability of quinupristin/dalfopristin as a treatment option. A regular follow up was done and patient was discharged after recovery.
Linezolid and Vancomycin resistant Enterococci (LRVRE) is the result of non-implementation of antimicrobial stewardship and it can be followed with further resistance in Enterococcus which can be havoc. Clinicians infection control team and microbiologist should work together to overcome antimicrobial resistance crises.
Meropenem resistant Burkholderia pseudomallei - A concerning single case in Australia with no prior meropenem exposure
We report a case of cutaneous melioidosis in a 54-year-old male with a meropenem resistant sub-population. He was empirically treated with episodic doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole however the abscess re-accumulated. The patient had no prior exposure to meropenem. A sub-population of the isolate was meropenem resistant with an MIC>32 µg/ml and the identification was re-confirmed as B. pseudomallei. Whole genome sequencing with ARDaP analysis only revealed a resistance determinant to doxycycline and it didn’t reveal a resistance determinant to meropenem. Furthermore no carbapenemases were detected through multiple bioinformatics tools. To date this is the first reported case in Australia of a B. pseudomallei isolate resistant to meropenem without previous carbapenem exposure.
Characteristics of soil origin Pseudomonas batumici Koz11 isolated from a remote island in Japan
Soil samples from a remote Japanese island (Kozushima) were processed and investigated for organisms exhibiting antimicrobial activity against pathogenic strains. A Pseudomonas strain demonstrating antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was observed leading to further investigation. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify species and phylogenetic analysis followed by in silico molecular analysis. Chemotaxonomic and biochemical analyses were conducted to characterize the strain further. Genomic analysis identified a strain of interest Pseudomonas batumici (P. batumici) a strain initially isolated from soil of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in 1980. P. batumici Koz11 is the second P. batumici strain isolated and identified outside the area where it was first found. Similar to the type strain P. batumici Koz11 showed antimicrobial activity against various S. aureus strains including vancomycin-resistant S. aureus. However the previously reported gene cluster known as the "batumin gene cluster" which synthesizes antimicrobial compounds was absent from P. batumici Koz11. This study provides insights on P. batumici that were not previously known. Since the type of strain of P. batumici is exclusively deposited in the Ukrainian Collection of Microorganisms the Koz11 strain may be a surrogate to facilitate continued study of P. batumici.
Development of selective isolation media for detecting Actinomyces and Schaalia genera from oral specimens containing indigenous bacteria
To isolate specific bacteria from samples constituting the microbiota it is essential to employ selective media that suppress the growth of resident bacteria other than specific target bacteria. Selective media for clinically important Actinomyces (including Schaalia which was previously taxonomically classified as part of the Actinomyces genus) have been limited because they have been designed for a limited range of species within the genus and require ingredients which are difficult to prepare and handle. This study aimed to develop a selective medium (referred to as Actinomyces and Schaalia Selective Medium (ASSM)) for the isolation of a broad range of Actinomyces and Schaalia species from samples mixed with resident bacteria. The composition of ASSM includes yeast extract agar brain heart infusion (BHI) levofloxacin (LVFX) fosfomycin (FOM) colistin (CL) and metronidazole (MNZ). Evaluation of the medium using 24 swab samples serially collected from the roots of the teeth of a healthy individual for whom metagenome sequencing data of a saliva sample are publicly available revealed that ASSM adjusted to concentrations of LVFX 0.5 mg/L FOM 5 mg/L CL 1 mg/L and MNZ 2 mg/L and cultured anaerobically at 35°C for 7 days enabled the isolation of Actinomyces species from 37.5% of the samples. The inclusion of CL and MNZ in ASSM can also be useful for samples suspected of harbouring other bacterial species. The selective isolation medium is expected to contribute to studies investigating the relationship between these bacteria and their pathogenesis or disease.
Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus viral FLICE inhibitory protein modulates A20 deubiquitinase activity
KSHV viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) is a potent activator of NF-κB signaling and an inhibitor of apoptosis and autophagy. Inhibition of vFLIP function and NF-κB signaling promotes lytic reactivation. Here we provide evidence for a novel function of vFLIP through inhibition of the deubiquitinating (DUB) activity of the negative regulator A20. We demonstrate direct interaction of vFLIP with Itch and A20 and provide evidence for subsequent loss of A20 DUB activity. Our results provide further insight into the function of vFLIP in the regulation of NF-κB signaling.