Notification of Bacterial Strains Made Available by the United Kingdom National Collection of Type Cultures in 2022
Here we report on the one hundred and twenty-five bacterial strains made available by the National Collection of Type Cultures in 2022 alongside a commentary on the strains their provenance and significance.
Bacterial profile of wound site infections and evaluation of risk factors for sepsis among road traffic accident (RTA) patients from Apex trauma centre, Northern India
Background: There is limited data about the bacterial contamination of Road traffic accident (RTA) wounds and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in Northern India from January 2023 to January 2024. Wound deep swabs and aspirates were collected from RTA patients presenting to Apex Trauma centre. Gram stain and culture were performed and the isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. Organism identification was done using MALDI-TOF MS. Blood samples were also collected to rule out blood stream infections during follow up if patient became febrile or shown symptoms of systemic infection.
Results: A total of 189 wound samples were collected in which 97 (51.32%) samples showed the growth of microorganisms. The isolates included 69 (71.13%) Gram-negative bacilli in which majority were Klebsiella pneumoniae and 28 (28.86%) Gram-positive cocci in which majority were Staphylococcus aureus. 22 (11.64%) patients died during the hospital course. Sepsis developed in 50 (26.45%) patients in which Gram-negative bacilli were the predominant microorganism. Risk factors evaluated as significant for sepsis were raised procalcitonin level low Glasgow coma scale score (GCS) higher injury severity score (ISS) need for mechanical ventilation raised qSOFA (quick sequential organ failure assessment) score. Among the Gram negative isolates 100% susceptibility was seen for colistin. Among the Staphylococcus aureus 100% susceptibility was seen for vancomycin teicoplanin and levonadifloxacin.
Conclusion: It is essential to ascertain the profile of microorganism isolated from RTA wounds in order to reduce antimicrobial resistance and to deliver efficient treatment.
Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes in a Group of Hepatitis B Virus Infected Patients in Central and Northern Sri Lanka
Introduction
Hepatitis B infection causes a spectrum of clinical diseases varying from asymptomatic infection to severe or fulminant acute hepatitis chronic liver disease cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B virus genotypes appear to influence transmission dynamics clinical outcomes and responses to antiviral therapy. However hepatitis B genotyping is a poorly investigated topic in Sri Lanka. This study intended to determine hepatitis B genotypes in a group of HBV-infected persons in central and northern Sri Lanka.
Methodology
The study was a laboratory-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Initial detection of HBV DNA in EDTA blood samples was done by a commercially validated quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction kit (qPCR). Hepatitis B genotyping was performed by in-house conventional semi-nested multiplex PCR using genotype-specific primers (for genotypes A B C D E F). The serological profile was determined using a commercially validated ELISA/ CLIA assay. The results were evaluated for the genotype prevalence viral load association and HBeAg expression in the study population.
Results and Conclusion
The study detected that genotype C is most prevalent and infections with multiple genotypes (52%) were commoner than mono-genotype (23%) infections. In 25% of patients had no detectable genotype among genotype A-F. The mean viral load in asymptomatic patients with a single genotype was 3.28 log 10 copies/mL and in multiple genotypes was 4.18 log 10 copies/mL before treatment. Statistical significance was not detected in mean viral loads and HBeAg expression in these two groups. In the future chronic HBV infection may be effectively treated and managed according to the infected genotype.
Whole-Genome Sequencing assisted outbreak investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis, at a hospital in South Africa, September 2022
Introduction Health authorities were notified of a suspected outbreak of foodborne disease in a hospital in South Africa. Staff and patients reported acute onset of abdominal cramps diarrhoea fever and rigors after eating a chicken pasta meal.
Aim To report on the use whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of bacterial isolates to support an epidemiological investigation.
Methodology Epidemiological investigation of the outbreak was led by the Infection Control Manager of the hospital and supported by an outbreak response team. Standard microbiological procedures were used to process stool samples and culture/identify diarrhoeal pathogens. Bacterial cultures were investigated using WGS performed using Illumina NextSeq technology. WGS data were analyzed using multiple bioinformatics tools including those available at the Center for Genomic Epidemiology and EnteroBase. Core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) was used to investigate the phylogeny of isolates.
Results Forty-nine cases were identified. Stool samples were collected from 21 cases and nontyphoidal Salmonella was isolated from 19/21 (90%) of the samples. All isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. All isolates differed from each other by allele differences on cgMLST indicating that isolates are highly genetically related. Delays in testing of food retention samples rendered the negative test results of limited value. A case control study was conducted; eating chicken pasta was strongly associated with developing gastroenteritis (Haldane-Anscombe Adjusted Odds Ratio 15.398)
Conclusion The epidemiological evidence suggests that the chicken pasta was the likely vehicle of transmission in this outbreak. The source of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis remains unknown.
A hydrocele revealing epididymal tuberculosis
Abstract: Genitourinary tuberculosis is a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The most commonly affected organs are the epididymis and testicles. Clinical manifestations may include epididymitis orchid-epididymitis hydrocele associated with significant hematuria and leukocyturia in sterile urine. We report the case of a patient with a hydrocele that revealed epididymal tuberculosis. With the help of molecular biology the diagnosis of epididymal tuberculosis was made. The patient was treated conservatively with tuberculosis medication for six months.
Investigating the effectiveness of commercially available mouthwash on SARS-CoV-2 in-vivo using viable virus titre as the primary outcome. A randomised controlled trial.
This multi-arm parallel group single-blinded randomised controlled trial aimed to assess three commercially available mouthwashes effectiveness against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The manuscript has been written in accordance with the CONSORT statement. Methods Eligible participants were SARS-CoV-2 positive with a positive test in the last 72 hours. All participants had mild to moderate symptoms and could provide 5 saliva samples over a 60-minute period. Participants delivered a baseline saliva sample and then used a mouthwash as per manufacturer’s instructions. They provided further saliva samples at minute 1 10 30 and 60. Participants were randomised to one of four groups; OraWise+ Total Care Listerine Cool Mint Listerine and water (control). The lab-based research team were blind to the intervention. The research question was: Can SARS-CoV-2 be rendered inactive in saliva by using a mouthwash and how long does this effect last? The primary outcome was the amount of viable infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus in the sample compared to the baseline sample. The secondary outcome measure was the amount of genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the sample measured via PCR testing. Results In total 100 participants were recruited (25 per group). Eight participants did not receive the allocated intervention and did not have saliva samples collected. There were no adverse events. In total 42 of the 92 participants had viable virus which could be cultured at baseline. Statistical analysis of the primary outcome was not advised due to the reduced level of viable virus at baseline and the positive skewness present in the distribution of log10(titre) data. Observational data of the primary outcome measure is presented. Analysis of the secondary outcome PCR measure showed that there was strong evidence for a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels compared to water for all mouthwashes after 1 minute OraWise+ -0.49 (-0.92 -0.05) p-value 0.029 Cool Mint Listerine -0.81 (-1.25 -0.38) p-value <0.001 Total Care Listerine -1.05 (-1.48 -0.62) p-value <0.001. For the remaining timepoints there was generally no evidence of virus level reduction compared to water although there is weak evidence for a decrease at ten minutes using Total Care Listerine -0.44 (-0.88 0.01) p-value 0.053. Conclusion The three mouthwashes included in this trial observationally demonstrated a reduction in virus titre level 1 minute after use with virus levels normalising up to 60 minutes compared to the control. Although an interesting observation this result could not be statistically analysed. Using the secondary outcome PCR measure all three included mouthwashes reduced virus levels compared to water at 1 minute and these results were statistically significant. Clinically this result does not support the use of the included mouthwashes to reduce SARS-CoV-2 levels in saliva.
Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance: KAP survey of medical students to evaluate undergraduate training curriculum
Introduction: A better understanding of knowledge attitude and practices of undergraduate medical students towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is necessary to identify gaps in current training curriculum.
Methods: A 20-point Likert scale-based questionnaire divided three parts on knowledge attitude and practices relating to antibiotic use and resistance was devised. Students attending each year of undergraduate medical program were approached to participate in the study over a one-week-period. KAP scores of each year were compared through logistic ordinal regression and Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test.
Results: Two hundred and eight students participated in the study. Overall knowledge of about intended use of antibiotics fixed drug combinations and awareness about AMR was good (average score of 73.75%). Steady improvement in knowledge scores was observed from first year (-0.441) to final year (0.00). The medical students had favorable attitude towards rational antimicrobial use (Likert score ³4) including the need to spread awareness about AMR amongst students and public and following doctor’s prescription. Self-medication was reported by 28.4% of students and hoarding of leftover doses by 49.1%. Attitude score had a direct correlation with the knowledge score on KW test (χ2 =29.6 p≤0.5) but had no significant correlation with antimicrobial practices (χ2 =3.9 p≥0.5). The gaps identified in students’ practices included self-medication skipping of dosing hoarding of leftover medication.
Conclusion: As improvement in knowledge did not correlate with better personal behaviours regarding antibiotics current curriculum needs to include AMR as a focus area to ensure good antibiotic prescribing practices in future practitioners.
Hollow-fibre infection model: adaptations for the culture and assessment of fastidious organisms
The Hollow-fibre Infection Model (HFIM) is a valuable in vitro platform for emulating antimicrobial drug (AMD) pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. Despite its potential standardized protocols for HFIM operation especially concerning fastidious organisms are lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining challenges in culturing Pasteurella multocida and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae two fastidious organisms in the HFIM.
Our findings reveal effective strategies to prevent system clogging involving multiple freeze-thaw cycles of horse blood centrifugation and cell straining to enhance the clarity of the Mueller-Hinton fastidious (MH-F) medium defined by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Additionally we propose that the provision of a CO2 atmosphere along with the utilization of gas-permeable tubing and gas vent filters significantly facilitates the growth of fastidious organisms. Remarkably both P. multocida and A. pleuropneumoniae were sustained for a period of up to 10 days under these optimized conditions.
This study provides crucial insights into the modifications necessary to successfully culture fastidious organisms in the HFIM paving the way for more accurate and representative in vitro models for antimicrobial drug testing. These advancements hold promise for advancing research in the field of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and efficacy against challenging pathogens.
In silico analysis of Ffp1, an ancestral Porphyromonas spp. fimbrillin, shows differences with Fim and Mfa
Background: Scant information is available regarding fimbrillins within the genus Porphyromonas with the notable exception of those belonging to Porphyromonas gingivalis which have been extensively researched for several years. Besides fim and mfa a third P. gingivalis adhesin called filament-forming protein 1 (Ffp1) has recently been described and seems to be capital for outer membrane vesicle (OMV) production. Objective: We aimed to investigate the distribution and diversity of type V fimbrillin particularly Ffp1 in the Porphyromonas genus. Methods: A bioinformatic phylogenomic analysis was conducted using all accessible Porphyromonas genomes to generate a domain search for fimbriae using hidden Markov model (HMM) profiles. Results: Ffp1 was identified as the sole fimbrillin present in all analyzed genomes. After manual verification (i.e. biocuration) of both structural and functional annotations and 3D modeling this protein was determined to be a type V fimbrillin with a closer structural resemblance to a Bacteroides ovatus fimbrillin than to FimA or Mfa1 from P. gingivalis. Conclusion: It appears that Ffp1 is an ancestral fimbria transmitted through vertical inheritance and present across all Porphyromonas species. Additional investigations are necessary to elucidate the biogenesis of Ffp1 fimbriae and his potential role in OMV production and niche adaptation.
The Relationship between microbial population adenosine triphosphate and quantitative polymerase chain reaction bioburdens in diesel fuel microcosms
Historically fuel microbiology studies have relied on culture data. Potentially relevant but unculturable were not detected. Although adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can quantify total microbial bioburdens in fuels it cannot differentiate among the taxa present. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing promises to fill this gap by quantifying targeted amplicon sequences and thereby detecting both culturable and non-culturable taxa and quantifying specifically targeted taxa. In this study fluid samples drawn from the fuel interface and water phases of fuel over water microcosms were tested for cellular ATP concentration ([cATP]) and qPCR bioburdens. Additionally surface swab samples from steel corrosion coupon surfaces exposed to each of these three phases were collected and tested for total ATP concentration ([tATP]) and qPCR bioburdens. Statistical relationships between ATP and qPCR bioburdens were examined. Correlation coefficients between the two variables were matrix dependent and ranged from negligible (|r| = 0.2) to strong (|r| = 0.7). When results were categorized into negligible moderate and heavy bioburdens parameter agreement was again matrix dependent. Percent agreement between [ATP] and qPCR gene copies ranged from 11 % to 89 % – with qPCR-bioburden ratings typically being greater than ATP-bioburden ratings.
Mycotic Aneurysms: Uncommon Pathogens and Treatment Conundrums
Introduction: Mycotic aneurysms characterized by vessel wall dilation resulting from infections including bacteria fungi and viruses are a rare yet severe consequence of systemic infections.These aneurysms accounting for 0.6% of Western countries' aneurysms carry a higher risk of rupture compared to uninfected conditions. While the femoral artery aorta and intracranial visceral arteries are commonly affected pathogens causing mycotic aneurysms vary across regions. Diagnostic challenges arise from nonspecific symptoms such as fever and discomfort. To prevent the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with mycotic aneurysms timely identification and treatment are paramount. We present a case series highlighting mycotic aneurysms caused by some rare pathogens - Salmonella Paratyphi A Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Materials & Methods: The case series involves three patients diagnosed with mycotic aneurysms due to unusual pathogens. We describe each patient's clinical presentation medical history physical examination findings laboratory results imaging studies and the diagnostic process leading to the identification of the causative pathogens.
Results: The first case depicts a 70-year-old male with a ruptured infra-renal abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A. The second case involves a 66-year-old male with a Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm. The third case pertains to a 70-year-old male with a ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm into the esophagus due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Each case highlights unique clinical features laboratory findings imaging results and the management approaches undertaken.
Conclusion: Mycotic aneurysms stemming from infections involving diverse pathogens pose diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific symptoms. Early identification and intervention are essential to mitigate the severe complications associated with these aneurysms. The presented cases underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management ensuring optimal outcomes for patients affected by mycotic aneurysms.
Phenotypic antibiotics susceptibility profile of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Kaduna State, North-west Nigeria
Background: The increasing resistance of clinical Enterobacteriaceae infection to commonly prescribed antibiotics have been reported around the world. Data is generally lacking on the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Kaduna northwest Nigeria. This study thus aimed to determine the diversity of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from clinical specimens of patients admitted into two selected healthcare institutions in Kaduna Nigeria.
Methods: Non-duplicate clinical bacteria isolates recovered from various specimens were collected and identified using rapid biochemical identification kits. The susceptibility of identified Enterobacteriaceae to various antibiotics and phenotypic detection of carbapenemase enzymes were thereafter determined.
Results: Of the 500 collected bacterial isolates 108 (21.6 %) were identified as Enterobacteriaceae with Pantoea agglomerans (52 48.1%) Klebsiella oxytoca (19 17.6%) as the most prevalent. The isolates exhibited high resistance to azithromycin (69%) and ceftazidime (42%) while exhibiting low resistance to amikacin (7%) and imipenem (10%). Among the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates a significant proportion (66.6 %) tested positive for carbapenemase activity.
Conclusion: This study reports a high prevalence of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Kaduna northwest Nigeria. The emergence of pathogenic P. agglomerans and an alarmingly high prevalence of carbapenemase-producing CRE are also observed. The presence of carbapenemase producers in an area with low carbapenem usage and resistance rates raises significant concerns. Continuous surveillance and robust antibiotic stewardship policies are imperative to preserve the efficacy of carbapenems in this region.
Staphylococcus aureus associated with post-operative wound infections in Western Kenya reveals genomic hotspots for pathogen evolution
Objectives. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens attributed to hospital infections. Although S. aureus infections have been well studied in developed countries far less is known about the biology of the pathogen in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods. Here we report on the isolation antibiotic resistance profiling whole genome sequencing and genome comparison of six multi-drug resistant isolates of S. aureus obtained from a referral hospital in Kakamega Western Kenya.
Results. Five of the six isolates contained a 20.7-kb circular plasmid carrying blaZ (associated with resistance to b-lactam antibiotics). These five strains all belonged to the same sequence type ST152. Despite the similarity of the plasmid these isolates whole genome sequencing revealed that the strains differed depending on whether they were associated with hospital-acquired or community-acquired infections.
Conclusion. The intriguing finding is that the hospital acquired and the community acquired isolates of S. aureus belonging to the same genotype ST152 formed two separate sub-clusters in the phylogenetic tree and differed by the repertoire of accessory virulence genes suggesting an ongoing adaptive evolution and significant genomic plasticity.
Evaluation of optimal agar medium for detecting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae using string test
1. Abstract The string test is a screening method for detecting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp). Agar media are typically used for string test; however the effect of media type on the test results remains unclear. We aimed to determine the optimal agar medium and cutoff value for the string test. We tested the string test for 99 Klebsiella strains using different agar media: sheep blood chocolate Drigalski's and MacConkey. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated in concordance with the rmpA rmpA2 or iuc gene levels. The diagnostic accuracy rates for sheep blood chocolate Drigalski's and MacConkey agar were 0.79 0.75 0.73 and 0.64 respectively. When the cutoff was changed from 5 mm to 10 mm the diagnostic accuracy rate for sheep blood agar decreased from 0.79 to 0.65. Our findings suggest that agar medium type affect the string test results and sheep blood agar with a cutoff of 5 mm is the optimal condition for detecting hvKp.
Trend of Vancomycin resistance among Enterococcal meningitis patients in North India – an observational analysis
Introduction: Among bacterial meningitis enterococcal meningitis is extremely uncommon and typically nosocomial in origin.
Aim: This study was done to estimate the prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcal meningitis and to assess the risk factors amongst these patients. Also resistance pattern of these Vancomycin resistant Enterococcal isolates towards other antibiotics were also assessed.
Materials and methods: This observational analysis was done in the Microbiology department of a tertiary care referral center from January 2021 to July 2023. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of all cases of suspected meningitis were included in the study and sent to Microbiology lab for culture and sensitivity. Culture was done on chocolate agar 5% blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated aerobically for 72 hours. After incubation the isolate was identified by MALDI-ToF MS. Sensitivity was done using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted using CLSI 2023 M-100 clinical breakpoints. The patients’ demographic details associated risk factors type of surgery done and the clinical outcome of the patients were analyzed.
Statistical analysis: Clinical data and values were entered in Excel sheet. Univariate analysis of the risk factors was done and p-values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: A total of 2352 CSF samples were cultured of which 292 (12.4%) samples showed growth on culture. Enterococcus species were isolated in 30 (10.3%) samples. The predominant species was Enterococcus faecalis (n=17; 56.7%). Majority of the patients presented with fever (50%) and headache (33.3%). The risk factors in these patients were hypertension (40%) and diabetes mellitus (33.3%). All the patients had an extra-ventricular drain (EVD) present in them. Intracranial surgery was done in 15 patients. Only 1 (3.3%) patient died due to enterococcal meningitis. Of these 6 (20%) isolates were Vancomycin resistant. Statistically significant risk factors in these patients were hypertension prolonged hospital stay of >21 days. Majority of the isolates were resistant to Levofloxacin high level gentamicin doxycycline and ampicillin. Removal of the EVD helped in better prognosis of the patients
Conclusion: Early detection is crucial for a positive clinical result since vancomycin resistant enterococcal meningitis is associated with a high morbidity rate.
Group A Streptococcus isolated in Guyana with reduced susceptibility toβ-lactam antibiotics
Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci [GAS]) is the causative agent of pharyngitis and various other syndromes involving cellulitis streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and necrotising fasciitis. Although the prevalence of GAS infections globally remains high necessitating the widespread use of b-lactam antibiotics GAS has remained largely susceptible to these agents. However there have been several reports of GAS with reduced susceptibility harbouring mutations in genes for penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). The objectives of this study were to examine the in vitro b-lactam susceptibility patterns of Group A streptococci determine the prevalence of drug resistance and ascertain whether such resistance could be attributed to mutations in specific PBP genes.
Methods: In this study we sought to use Sanger sequencing to identify mutations in PBP genes of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from patients that required inpatient and outpatient care that could confer reduced PBP affinity for penicillin and/or cephalosporin antibiotics. All isolates were screened for susceptibility to penicillin amoxicillin and cefazolin using E-test strips.
Results: While there were no documented cases of reduced susceptibility to penicillin or amoxicillin. Thirteen isolates had reduced susceptibility against cefazolin. Examination of pbp1a by Sanger sequencing revealed several isolates with single amino acid substitutions which could potentially reduce the affinity of PBP 1A for cefazolin and possibly other first-generation cephalosporins.
Conclusion: Penicillin and penicillin-derived antibiotics remain effective treatment options for GAS infections but active surveillance is needed to monitor for changes to susceptibility patterns against these and other antibiotics and understand the genetic mechanisms contributing to them.
Interaction with refuse piles drives co-occurrence of core gut microbiota in workers of the ant Aphaenogaster picea
Comparing the diversity of gut microbiota between and within social insect colonies can illustrate interactions between bacterial community composition and host behavior. In many eusocial insect species different workers exhibit different task behaviors. Thus these workers may benefit from symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria that augment the metabolic processes underlying their specific behaviors. Evidence of compositional differences between core microbiota in different worker types could suggest a microbial association with division of labor among workers. Here we present the core microbiota of Aphaenogaster picea ant workers with different task behaviors. The genus Aphaenogaster is abundant worldwide yet the associated microbiota of this group is unstudied. Bacterial communities from A. picea gut samples in this study consist of 19 phyla dominated by Proteobacteria Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences reveals distinct similarity clustering of A. picea gut bacterial communities in workers that have more interactions with the refuse piles. Though gut bacterial communities of nurse and foraging ants are similar in overall composition and structure the worker groups differ in relative abundances of dominant taxa. Interaction with fecal matter via refuse piles seems to have the greatest impact on taxa distribution and this effect appears to be independent of worker type. This is the first report surveying the gut microbiome community composition of Aphaenogaster ants.
An atypical case of esophageal actinobacillosis in a cow
Present case report describes an unusual instance of esophageal actinobacillosis in an adult cow presented to the university hospital with a history of inability to drink and swallow. Clinical evaluation revealed a noticeable five-inch swelling in the Juglar groove while radiographic imaging indicated the presence of a small round and mildly radio-opaque lesion. In response an exploratory surgical excision was performed as a palliative measure and the excised tissue was subsequently preserved in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological examination. Histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation characterized by radiating eosinophilic club shaped bodies surrounding small colonies of coccobacilli. Grams and Zeil Neelson stains confirmed the presence of gram negative and non-acid fast coccobacilli. Additionally following a thorough review of relevant literature on atypical actinobacillosis the authors assert the rarity of esophageal involvement with this case representing only the second documented instance globally.
Comparative analysis of virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli from clinical and non-clinical sources in Rivers State, Nigeria
Traditionally the presence of virulence features have been thought to be a key factor in differentiating pathogenic from commensal strains. An understanding of virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolates from various sources is essential to help shed light on potential contamination/transmission rates between the various sources. This study was therefore aimed at exploring the occurrence of specific virulence genes and gene profiles associated with Escherichia coli from clinical and non-clinical sources in Rivers State Nigeria.
Two hundred samples from clinical (urine and feces) and non-clinical (soil and poultry droppings) sources (50 each) were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. DNA was extracted from isolates presumptively identified as Escherichia coli using PrestoTM Mini gDNA Bacteria-Kit Quick protocol following the manufacturer’s instructions. Isolate identities were confirmed using E. coli specific 16S rRNA primers and confirmed isolates screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Afimbriae binding adhesin (afa) type 1 fimbriae (fimH) P-fimbrial Usher Protein (papC)) iron acquisition systems: aerobactin (aer) Cytotoxic necrotizing factor I (cnf1) and alpha hemolysin (hly).
Results showed that all isolates haboured at least one of the tested virulence genes with fimH (97%) as the most prevalent virulence gene and papC the least commonly occurring (35%). A higher occurrence of virulence genes was noted in non-clinical isolates though hly and cnf were not detected at all in any of the isolates studied (0%). Ten different profiles were observed with the afaCc-aer-fimH profile the most commonly occurring virulence gene profile in general (33.3%). For non-clinical isolates however the aer-afaCc-fimH-papC was the most commonly occurring profile (42.9%).
This study shows that the test Escherichia coli from clinical and non-clinical sources do not carry distinct virulence gene profiles. Studies on a larger subset of isolates would however be necessary to determine if indeed the virulence genes tested for in this study really cannot be used to tell whether an isolate is from a clinical source or not in the South-South of Nigeria.
Variability of pMGA/vlhA sequences among Mycoplasma gallisepticum field strains isolated from laying hens and their deformed eggs.
Mycoplasmosis attributed to Mycoplasma gallisepticum poses a significant challenge to poultry farming leading to substantial economic losses and persistent infections within flocks. This bacterium harbors various surface proteins that are crucial for the adhesion transporter activity and evasion of the host immune response facilitating its pathogenicity. One such key surface lipoprotein referred to as pMGA or vlhA hemagglutinin plays a pivotal role in adhesion processes. In this study the clonal regions pMGA1.2 and pMGA1.3 as reported by Markham (M83178.1) were investigated to elucidate differences or similarities in the whole DNA sequences of Myc. gallisepticum field strains. The aim was to analyze sequence diversity within this region. Six internal primers were designed to amplify the target sequence and isolates were obtained from both eggs and chickens sourced from laying hen flocks. Identification revealed 17 strains of Myc. gallisepticum and four strains of Myc. synoviae which were confirmed through the mgc2 and 16S rRNA genes respectively. Positive and negative controls were established using the MGS6 and MSWUV1853 strains. Amplification results indicated a higher frequency of amplification proximal to the C-terminal region with segments 4 (33.3%) and 6 (27.8%) being the most prevalent. Notably none of the field strains exhibited the same amplification pattern as MGS6 and none of the strains characterized as Myc. synoviae amplified any primer set.
Upon translation the amino acid sequences from segments 4 and 6 were found to be compatible with conserved sequences within the Myco_haema protein domains of the genus Mycoplasma specifically corresponding to Q7NAP3_MYCGA VlhA.3.04. The observed homology suggests a potential genetic transfer while the variability identified in the pMGA or vlhA gene region of the field strains may have significant implications for protection against Myc. gallisepticum infection in chickens.