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This is the first study using molecular and culture-based methods aimed at investigating the composition of the intestinal yeast microbiota of wild and reared carnivorous salmonids, croaker and yellowtail, to characterize their cores and to evaluate the enzymatic activities of the cultivated yeast. Among 103 samples from salmonids, croaker and yellowtail, yeast were detected in 85.4%, with 43 species identified. The core of reared fish was composed of eight species, in contrast to the wild fish core, which consisted of two species: Debaryomyces hansenii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Despite the smaller diversity of the wild fish core, similar enzymatic profiles were detected for the species from the wild and reared cores. For principal component analysis, samples grouped together independently of host species, domestication status and location. A high proportion of yeast produced aminopeptidases and lipases, which may be explained by the high proportion of protein and lipids in the carnivorous diet. This study reveals the presence of a yeast community in the fish gut that appears to be strongly shaped by a carnivorous diet. Yeast in the gut increases the repertoire of microorganisms interacting with the host intestine, which could influence health and disease.

Indexación: Web of Science We investigated mechanisms involved in the protection of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae by two probiotic candidate yeasts, Debaryornyces hansenii 97 (Dh97) and Yarrowia Iypolitica 242 (YI242), against a Vibrio anguillarum challenge. We determined the effect of different yeast concentrations (10(4)-10(7) CFU/mL) to: (i) protect larvae from the challenge, (ii) reduce the in vivo pathogen concentration and (iii) modulate the innate immune response of the host. To evaluate the role of zebrafish microbiota in protection, the experiments were performed in conventionally raised and germ free larvae. In vitro co-aggregation assays were performed to determine a direct yeast-pathogen interaction. Results showed that both yeasts significantly increased the survival rate of conventionally raised larvae challenged with V. anguillarum. The concentration of yeasts in larvae tended to increase with yeast inoculum, which was more pronounced for Dh97. Better protection was observed with Dh97 at a concentration of 106 CFU/mL compared to 104 CFU/mL. In germ-free conditions V anguillarum reached higher concentrations in larvae and provoked significantly more mortality than in conventional conditions, revealing the protective role of the host microbiota. Interestingly, yeasts were equally (Dh97) or more effective (YI242) in protecting germ-free than conventionally-raised larvae, showing that protection can be exerted only by yeasts and is not necessarily related to modulation of the host microbiota. Although none of the yeasts co aggregated with V anguillarum, they were able to reduce its proliferation in conventionally raised larvae, reduce initial pathogen concentration in germ-free larvae and prevent the upregulation of key components of the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory response (il1b, tnfa, c3, mpx, and il10, respectively). These results show that protection by yeasts of zebrafish larvae challenged with V anguillarum relates to an in vivo anti-pathogen effect, the modulation of the innate immune system, and suggests that yeasts avoid the host-pathogen interaction through mechanisms independent of co-aggregation. This study shows, for the first time, the protective role of zebrafish microbiota against V. anguillarum infection, and reveals mechanisms involved in protection by two non-Saccharomyces yeasts against this pathogen. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fcimb.2016.00127/full

WOS:000375969100012; International audience; The protective effect of proanthocyanidin-containing polyphenol extracts from apples, avocados, cranberries, grapes, or proanthocyanidin microbial metabolites was evaluated in colonic epithelial cells exposed to p-cresol, a deleterious compound produced by the colonic microbiota from L-tyrosine. In HT29 Glc(-/+) cells, p-cresol significantly increased LDH leakage and decreased ATP contents, whereas in Caco-2 cell monolayers, it significantly decreased the transepithelial electrical resistance and increased the paracellular transport of FITC-dextran. The alterations induced by p-cresol in HT29 Glc(-/+) cells were prevented by the extracts from cranberries and avocados, whereas they became worse by extracts from apples and grapes. The proanthocyanidin bacterial metabolites decreased LDH leakage, ameliorating cell viability without improving intracellular ATP. All of the polyphenol extracts and proanthocyanidin bacterial metabolites prevented the p-cresol-induced alterations of barrier function. These results suggest that proanthocyanidin-containing polyphenol extracts and proanthocyanidin metabolites likely contribute to the protection of the colonic mucosa against the deleterious effects of p-cresol.

P.N. was supported by a scholarship from the Dr Stekel fellowship from INTA-Nestl´e. P.M. received a scholarship from CONICYT-Chile. This investigation was supported by a grant (FONDECYT no. 1080480) from CONICYT-Chile and ECOS-CONICYT C07B04.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência e evolução de gravidez entre adolescentes portadoras de febre reumática (FR) do nosso serviço. MÉTODOS: Avaliação retrospectiva de 510 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de FR, no período de 1983 a 2001. RESULTADOS: Dos 510 pacientes analisados, 123 (46%) eram adolescentes femininas. Dezesseis (13%) engravidaram neste período, com um total de 19 gestações (uma apresentou duas gestações e outra três); 14 realizaram pré-natal adequadamente. A idade da primeira gestação variou de 14 a 19 anos (média 16,7); e a idade do início da atividade sexual, de 13 a 18 anos (média 15,2). Insuficiência mitral ocorreu em 15 casos, estando associada com insuficiência aórtica em cinco. Intercorrências durante o pré-natal foram observadas em duas pacientes: em uma houve recidiva da FR com Coréia e em outra infecção pelo HIV. O parto vaginal ocorreu em sete adolescentes, parto fórcipe em três e cesareana em quatro: uma com HIV, uma com gestação gemelar e duas com distocia funcional. Treze recém-nascidos foram adequados para idade gestacional e apenas os gêmeos foram prematuros. No pós-parto, uma paciente apresentou infecção na incisão cirúrgica e outra abscesso mamário. Nenhuma paciente reativou a FR no parto e pós-parto. CONCLUSÕES: As gestações não apresentaram descompensação cardíaca, com predomínio de valvulites de leve intensidade. Atividade sexual precoce e aumento da gravidez em adolescentes são realidades nos ambulatórios de reumatologia pediátrica, justificando a necessidade de uma melhor orientação em relação à sexualidade e uso de métodos anticoncepcionais na rotina do atendimento.BACKGROUND: To evaluate the incidence and follow-up of pregnancy among adolescents with rheumatic fever (RF) attended at the authors' service. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 510 patients with a diagnosis of RF according to records from 1983 to 2001. RESULTS: We evaluated 510 patients, 123 (43%) were female adolescents. Sixteen (13%) patients became pregnant during this period, with a total of 19 gestations (one presented two gestations and another three); 14 realized the prenatal care appropriately. Age of the first gestation ranged from 14 to 19 years (mean 16.7); and age at the beginning of sexual activity ranged from 13 to 18 years (mean 15.2). Mitral insufficiency occurred in 15 cases associated with aortic insufficiency in 5. Intercurrent disease during prenatal care was observed in two patients: in one there was recurrence of RF with chorea and in the other HIV infection. Vaginal delivery occurred in seven adolescents, forceps delivery in three and cesarean in four: one with HIV, one with twin pregnancy and two with functional dystocia. Thirteen newborn were adequate for gestational age and only the twins were premature. In the postpartum, one patient presented infection in the surgical incision and another had mammary abscess. No patient reactivated RF in childbirth or postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies did not present cardiac decompensation, there was however predominance of mild valvulitis. Precocious sexual activity and greater incidence of pregnancy among adolescents are realities in the pediatric rheumatology clinics; consequently there is a need for improved orientation in relation to sexuality and use of birth-control methods in the routine of such services.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the intestinal microbiota in soybean meal enteritis. Three groups of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fed for 35 days with different diets: a control diet (CD) containing 510 g kg �1 fishmeal, diet 1 (D1) containing 378 g kg �1 of soybean meal and diet 2 (D2) containing D1 supplemented with two viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB). As expected, the fish fed with D1 showed clear signs of distal intestinal inflammation during the study compared with the fish fed CD. For the fish fed with D2, the addition of LAB diminished the inflammation at day 28, but did not abolish it. Microbiological analysis demonstrated that specific bacterial groups were not correlated with the development of enteritis, but were correlated with the three diets. Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, Lactococcus lactis sp. cremoris and Aeromonas VIa were correlated with the CD, Aeromonas VIb and Sporosarcina aquimarina were correlated with D1, and Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, L. lactis sp. lactis and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum were correlated with D2. Shewanella was not affected by the diet and was present in all fish intestines. Our study suggests that LAB may modulate intestinal inflammation; however, the role of the microbiota in the aetiology of enteritis in fish still requires further study.

OBJECTIVES: High-fat diets alter gut microbiota and barrier function, inducing metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation. Whether these effects are due to the high dietary lipid content or to the concomitant decrease of carbohydrate intake is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether higher amounts of dietary fat reaching the colon (through orlistat administration) affect the colonic ecosystem in healthy volunteers and the effect of the prebiotic oligofructose (OF) in this model. METHODS: Forty-one healthy young subjects were distributed among four groups: Control (C), Prebiotic (P), Orlistat (O), and Orlistat/Prebiotic (OP). They consumed a fat-standardized diet (60 g/day) during Week-1 (baseline) and after 1 week of washout, Week-3. During Week-3, they also received their respective treatment (Orlistat: 2 × 120 mg/day, OF: 16 g/day, and maltodextrin as placebo). A 72-h stool collection was carried out at the end of Week-1 (T0) and Week-3 (T1). Fecal fat, calprotectin, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as the antioxidant activity of fecal waters (ferric-reducing antioxidant power), fecal microbiota composition (by deep sequencing), and gut permeability (Sucralose/Lactulose/Mannitol test) were determined at these times. RESULTS: Fecal fat excretion was higher in the O (P=0.0050) and OP (P=0.0069) groups. This event was accompanied, in the O group, by an increased calprotectin content (P=0.047) and a decreased fecal antioxidant activity (P=0.047). However, these alterations did not alter gut barrier function and the changes observed in the composition of the fecal microbiota only affected bacterial populations with low relative abundance (

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, aquaculture is growing more rapidly than all other animal food-production sectors (www.fao.org). Its contribution to global supplies of several species of fish, crustaceans and mollusks increased from 3.9% of total production by weight in 1970 to 33% in 2005. It has been estimated that fisheries and aquaculture supplied the world with about 110 million metric tons of food fish per year (FAO, State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2010.), providing a per capita supply of 16.7 kg (live weight equivalent). Of this supply, 47% is derived from aquaculture production. However, this production is hampered by unpredictable mortalities that may be due to negative interactions between fish and pathogenic bacteria. To solve this problem, farmers frequently use antibiotic compounds to treat bacterial diseases (Cabello 2006).

Soybean meal (SBM) is an important protein source in animal feed. However, the levels of SBM inclusion are restricted in some animal species by the presence of antinutritional factors (ANFs), including non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and α-galactosides (GOSs). The aim of this study was to reduce the soybean meal NSPs and GOSs by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using a combination of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from different environments (termites, earthworms, corn silage and bovine ruminal content). To analyse the key enzymatic activities, the isolates were grown in minimal media containing NSPs extracted from SBM. The selected bacterial strains belonged to the genera Streptomyces, Cohnella and Cellulosimicrobium. SSF resulted in a reduction of nearly 24% in the total NSPs, 83% of stachyose and 69% of raffinose and an increase in the protein content. These results suggest that cellulolytic bacteria-based SSF processing facilitates SBM nutritional improvement. In addition, the use of fermented SBM in animal diets can be recommended.

The application of natural and innocuous compounds has potential in aquaculture as an alternative to antibiotics. We evaluated the eiect of diet supplementation with Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TVEO) on the allochthonous microbial composition of rainbow trout. DNA was extracted directly from the intestinal contents, and the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA genes were ampli¢ed by PCR. The bacterial composition was analysed using temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis (TTGE). No signi¢cant changes (P40.05) were detected in the TTGE pro¢les of TVEO-treated trout compared with the controls. The Dice similarity index revealed a high stability (Cs 470%) of the intestinal microbiota in both groups during the 5-week period. Sequence analyses of the TTGE bands revealed the same bacterial composition in both groups, with most bacteria belonging to the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla. The in vitro antibacterial activity of TVEO was assessed using a range of normal intestinal isolates and ¢sh pathogens. The inhibitory concentrations for all the tested bacteria were higher than theTVEO levels used in trout, which may explain the in vivo results.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different molecular tools based on the 16S rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer, and the rpoB gene to examine the bacterial populations present in juvenile rainbow trout intestines. DNA was extracted from both pooled intestinal samples and bacterial strains. Genes were PCR-amplified and analysed using both temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE) and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Because of the high cultivability of the samples, representative bacterial strains were retrieved and we compared the profiles obtained from isolated bacteria with the profile of total bacteria from intestinal contents. Direct analysis based on rpoB-TTGE revealed a simple bacterial composition with two to four bands per sample, while the 16S rRNA gene-TTGE showed multiple bands and comigration for a few species. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene- and rpoB-TTGE bands revealed that the intestinal microbiota was dominated by Lactococcus lactis, Citrobacter gillenii, Kluyvera intermedia, Obesumbacterium proteus, and Shewanella marinus. In contrast to 16S rRNA gene-TTGE, rpoB-TTGE profiles derived from bacterial strains produced one band per species. Because the single-copy state of rpoB leads to a single band in TTGE, the rpoB gene is a promising molecular marker for investigating the bacterial community of the rainbow trout intestinal microbiota.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in 242 women attending family planning clinics in Concepcion, Chile was studied using the Nugent criteria. The syndrome was present in 33.1% of women. No statistical difference was found between the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis and the of oral contraceptives (31.9%) or intrauterine devices (33.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of the Nugent criteria compared with the Amsel criteria were 86.7% and 91.0%, respectively. Vaginal fluid pH and appearance had low specificity in this population. Microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis were Gardnerella vaginalis (96.3%), Prevotella/Porphyromonas (70%),Mobiluncus spp. (48.8%), Mycoplasma hominis (21.3%) and Ureaplasma urelyticum 21.3). These results suggest that preventive actions and management of clinical infection to prevent complications are needed.

Dominant bacterial microbiota of the gut of juvenile farmed Atlantic salmon was investigated using a combination of molecular approaches. Bacterial community composition from the stomach, the pyloric caeca, and the intestine was assessed by extracting DNA directly from each gut compartment. Temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE) analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) amplicons showed very similar bacterial compositions throughout the digestive tract. Band sequencing revealed a narrow diversity of species with a dominance of Pseudomonas in the three compartments. However, cloning revealed more diversity among the Pseudomonas sequences. To confirm these results, we analyzed the bacterial community by amplifying the variable 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region (ITS). Similar ITS profiles were observed among gastrointestinal compartments of salmon, confirming the TTGE results. Moreover, the dominant ITS band at 650 bp, identified as Pseudomonas, was observed in the ITS profile from fish collected in two seasons (July 2003 and 2004). In contrast, aerobic culture analysis revealed Shewanella spp. as the most prevalent isolate. This discrepancy was resolved by evaluating 16S rDNA and ITS polymerase chain reaction amplification efficiency from both Shewanella and Pseudomonas isolates. Very similar efficiencies were observed in the two bacteria. Hence, this discrepancy may be explained by preferential cultivation of Shewanella spp. under the experimental conditions. Also, we included analyses of pelleted feed and the water influent to explore environmental influences on the bacterial composition of the gut microbiota. Overall, these results indicate a homogeneous composition of the bacterial community composition along the gastrointestinal tract of reared juvenile salmon. This community is mainly composed of Pseudomonas spp., which could be derived from water influent and may be selectively associated with salmon in this hatchery.

The effect of oxytetracycline (OTC) treatment on intestinal bacterial populations in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar was evaluated. Oxytetracycline was administered by way of medicated feed to fish held in experimental tanks. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of 16S rDNA from isolates were used to analyze the intestinal microbiota before, during, and after OTC administration. The microbiota from untreated fish was more diverse, consisting mainly of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Psycrobacter, and Brevundimonas spp. In contrast, the microbiota of the OTC-treated group was characterized by lower diversity and consisted only of Aeromonas, clustering with A. sobria and A. salmonicida. Antibiotic-resistant isolates were identified as Aeromonas spp.; sequencing the resistance determinant showed it to be the tetE gene. Overall, OTC treatment changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon, as evidenced by a reduction in bacterial diversity. These results support the current concern that antibiotic treatment can facilitate the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria by eradicating competing microorganisms.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are considered fastidious microorganisms because they are difficult to isolate and cultivate. Different molecular approaches were taken to detect AAB diversity, independently of their capacity to grow in culture media. Those methods were tested in samples that originated during traditional vinegar production. Bacterial diversity was assessed by analysis of 16S rRNA gene, obtained by PCR amplifications of DNA extracted directly from the acetification container. Bacterial composition was analyzed by RFLP-PCR of 16S rRNA gene, Temporal Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (TTGE) separation of amplicons containing region V3-V5 of 16S rRNA gene and cloning of those amplicons. TTGE bands and clones were grouped based on their electrophoretic pattern similarity and sequenced to be compared with reference strains. The main microorganism identified in vinegar was Acetobacter pasteurianus, which at the end of the acetification process was considered to be the only microorganism present. The diversity was the highest at 2% acetic acid, where indefinite species of Gluconacetobacter xylinus/europaeus/intermedius were also present.

To evaluate the incidence and follow-up of pregnancy among adolescents with rheumatic fever (RF) attended at the authors' service.A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 510 patients with a diagnosis of RF according to records from 1983 to 2001.We evaluated 510 patients, 123 (43%) were female adolescents. Sixteen (13%) patients became pregnant during this period, with a total of 19 gestations (one presented two gestations and another three); 14 realized the prenatal care appropriately. Age of the first gestation ranged from 14 to 19 years (mean 16.7); and age at the beginning of sexual activity ranged from 13 to 18 years (mean 15.2). Mitral insufficiency occurred in 15 cases associated with aortic insufficiency in 5. Intercurrent disease during prenatal care was observed in two patients: in one there was recurrence of RF with chorea and in the other HIV infection. Vaginal delivery occurred in seven adolescents, forceps delivery in three and cesarean in four: one with HIV, one with twin pregnancy and two with functional dystocia. Thirteen newborn were adequate for gestational age and only the twins were premature. In the postpartum, one patient presented infection in the surgical incision and another had mammary abscess. No patient reactivated RF in childbirth or postpartum.Pregnancies did not present cardiac decompensation, there was however predominance of mild valvulitis. Precocious sexual activity and greater incidence of pregnancy among adolescents are realities in the pediatric rheumatology clinics; consequently there is a need for improved orientation in relation to sexuality and use of birth-control methods in the routine of such services.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência e evolução de gravidez entre adolescentes portadoras de febre reumática (FR) do nosso serviço. MÉTODOS: Avaliação retrospectiva de 510 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de FR, no período de 1983 a 2001. RESULTADOS: Dos 510 pacientes analisados, 123 (46%) eram adolescentes femininas. Dezesseis (13%) engravidaram neste período, com um total de 19 gestações (uma apresentou duas gestações e outra três); 14 realizaram pré-natal adequadamente. A idade da primeira gestação variou de 14 a 19 anos (média 16,7); e a idade do início da atividade sexual, de 13 a 18 anos (média 15,2). Insuficiência mitral ocorreu em 15 casos, estando associada com insuficiência aórtica em cinco. Intercorrências durante o pré-natal foram observadas em duas pacientes: em uma houve recidiva da FR com Coréia e em outra infecção pelo HIV. O parto vaginal ocorreu em sete adolescentes, parto fórcipe em três e cesareana em quatro: uma com HIV, uma com gestação gemelar e duas com distocia funcional. Treze recém-nascidos foram adequados para idade gestacional e apenas os gêmeos foram prematuros. No pós-parto, uma paciente apresentou infecção na incisão cirúrgica e outra abscesso mamário. Nenhuma paciente reativou a FR no parto e pós-parto. CONCLUSÕES: As gestações não apresentaram descompensação cardíaca, com predomínio de valvulites de leve intensidade. Atividade sexual precoce e aumento da gravidez em adolescentes são realidades nos ambulatórios de reumatologia pediátrica, justificando a necessidade de uma melhor orientação em relação à sexualidade e uso de métodos anticoncepcionais na rotina do atendimento. BACKGROUND: To evaluate the incidence and follow-up of pregnancy among adolescents with rheumatic fever (RF) attended at the authors' service. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 510 patients with a diagnosis of RF according to records from 1983 to 2001. RESULTS: We evaluated 510 patients, 123 (43%) were female adolescents. Sixteen (13%) patients became pregnant during this period, with a total of 19 gestations (one presented two gestations and another three); 14 realized the prenatal care appropriately. Age of the first gestation ranged from 14 to 19 years (mean 16.7); and age at the beginning of sexual activity ranged from 13 to 18 years (mean 15.2). Mitral insufficiency occurred in 15 cases associated with aortic insufficiency in 5. Intercurrent disease during prenatal care was observed in two patients: in one there was recurrence of RF with chorea and in the other HIV infection. Vaginal delivery occurred in seven adolescents, forceps delivery in three and cesarean in four: one with HIV, one with twin pregnancy and two with functional dystocia. Thirteen newborn were adequate for gestational age and only the twins were premature. In the postpartum, one patient presented infection in the surgical incision and another had mammary abscess. No patient reactivated RF in childbirth or postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies did not present cardiac decompensation, there was however predominance of mild valvulitis. Precocious sexual activity and greater incidence of pregnancy among adolescents are realities in the pediatric rheumatology clinics; consequently there is a need for improved orientation in relation to sexuality and use of birth-control methods in the routine of such services.

One of the most common pathogens causing alimentary toxi-infections is Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus). The presence of S aureus in food, indicates flaws during food manipulations. For this reason most sanitary norms require the detection of S aureus carriers.To determine the carriage rate of enterotoxin producing S aureus strains in food handlers, and to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility to six antimicrobial agents.A total of 102 food handlers from 19 restaurants in Santiago, were analyzed. Samples for microbiological analysis were obtained with a swab from the retropharynx.S aureus grew in 35 out of the 102 samples obtained (34%). Further analysis revealed that 19/35 (54%) strains were able to produce enterotoxins. Therefore the corrected carriage rate was 19% (19/102). The most frequently detected enterotoxin was the type A (12/19). All S aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin and susceptible to oxacillin, clindamycin, kanamycin, vancomycin and linezolid.The carriage rate of S aureus in food handlers in similar to the rate reported in the general population in our country. These results confirm the need for education and training programs in food safety, directed to food handlers.

An increasing number of studies support a potential role for coccoid forms in Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence for this was obtained through scanning microscopy, genetic analysis for virulence traits, examination of the presence and activity of key enzymes, and other methods. We studied the serum immunoglobulin G responses to coccoid H. pylori forms by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting and compared them with those of bacillary cells. Sera from a total of 295 infected individuals were studied; these included sera from 100 patients with duodenal ulcers, 98 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia, 11 patients with gastroduodenal cancer, and 86 asymptomatic individuals. Initially, we characterized and selected coccoid and bacillary antigenic preparations by one-dimensional (1-D) and 2-D gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Data showed that coccoid and bacillary preparations with comparable protein contents have similar patterns in 1-D and 2-D electrophoresis gels and antigenic recognition at blotting. These results revealed that coccoid and spiral antigens in ELISA can equally recognize specific antibodies to H. pylori in sera from infected individuals. The analysis of the spiral and coccoid preparations by Western blotting showed no major differences in antigen recognition. No specific bands or profiles associated with a single gastric condition were identified.

Background: One of the most common pathogens causing alimentary toxi-infections is Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus). The presence of S aureus in food, indicates flaws during food manipulations. For this reason most sanitary norms require the detection of S aureus carriers. Aim: To determine the carriage rate of enterotoxin producing S aureus strains in food handlers, and to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility to six antimicrobial agents. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 food handlers from 19 restaurants in Santiago, were analyzed. Samples for microbiological analysis were obtained with a swab from the retropharynx. Results: S aureus grew in 35 out of the 102 samples obtained (34%). Further analysis revealed that 19/35 (54%) strains were able to produce enterotoxins. Therefore the corrected carriage rate was 19% (19/102). The most frequently detected enterotoxin was the type A (12/19). All S aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin and susceptible to oxacillin, clindamycin, kanamycin, vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions: The carriage rate of S aureus in food handlers is similar to the rate reported in the general population in our country. These results confirm the need for education and training programs in food safety, directed to food handlers (Rev Med Chile 2002; 130: 859-64)

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common disease in reproductive-age women and is associated to important gynecologic and obstetric complications. Aim: To study the occurrence of BV in apparently healthy women attending family planning clinics, using Amsel and Nugent diagnostic criteria. Material and methods: Two hundred thirty nine women consulting for symptoms associated to cervicovaginitis, were studied. A sample from the lateral walls of the vagina was obtained with a sterile swab for microscopic analysis, Gram stain and amine test. Results: According to Amsel and Nugent criteria a 31.1% and 31.8% BV prevalence was observed. The sensitivity and specificity of Nugent criteria, compared with Amsel criteria were 83.3% and 92.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The high prevalence of BV found in this study suggests that this vaginal infection should be diagnosed with standardized methods. Nugent criteria are economic easy to perform and sensitive and we propose that they should be used in local health centers. (Rev Med Chile 2000; 128: 767-71).

This study assessed the relative contributions of host genetics and diet in shaping the gut microbiota of rainbow trout. Full sibling fish from four unrelated families, each consisting of individuals derived from the mating of one male and one female belonging to a breeding program, were fed diets containing either vegetable proteins or vegetable oils for two months in comparison to a control diet consisting of only fish protein and fish oil. Two parallel approaches were applied on the same samples: transcriptionally active bacterial populations were examined based on RNA analysis and were compared with bacterial populations obtained from DNA analysis. Comparison of temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE) profiles from DNA and RNA showed important differences, indicating that active bacterial populations were better described by RNA analysis. Results showed that some bacterial groups were significantly (P

Background Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni are amongst the more prevalent bacterial pathogens that cause foodborne diseases. These microorganisms are common contaminants of poultry and poultry products. This study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of metallic copper surfaces on these important enteropathogens, and to determine the potential acquisition of copper by food exposed to this metal.

The biodiversity of Lactobacillus spp. in colostrum samples from 116 Chilean mothers was analyzed by PCR and 16S rDNA sequencing. Lactobacilli were isolated in 55.3% of the samples, with concentrations of 3.33 ± 0.55 (log CFU/ml). The predominant species were L. plantarum (64%), L. fermentum (16%) and L. pentosus (9%). 28% of the isolated strains were resistant to gastric pH and bile salts, suggesting that they could be used as probiotics. Se analizó la biodiversidad de especies de Lactobacillus en muestras de calostro de 116 madres chilenas mediante PCR y secuenciación del rDNA 16S. Se aislaron lactobacilos en 55,3% de las muestras, con concentraciones de 3,33 ± 0,55 (log UFC / ml). Las especies predominantes fueron L. plantarum (64%), L. fermentum (16%) y L. pentosus (9%). 28% de las cepas aisladas fueron resistentes a pH gástrico y a las sales biliares, lo que sugiere que podrían ser utilizados como probióticos.

La candidatura de adhesión de Turquía a la Unión Europea (en adelante UE) ha ido convirtiéndose, con los años, en uno de los temas más polémicos de la construcción europea. La Comisión Europea, el 3 de octubre de 2005 inició las negociaciones para la adhesión de Turquía,1 y, aunque seguramente no concluirán antes de una década, su objetivo último es la adhesión completa de este país a la Unión. La futura adhesión de Turquía a la UE presenta retos para ambas partes, pero sobre todo para la Unión. Retos que son muy diferentes a los de las adhesiones precedentes. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los retos que debe enfrentar la Unión Europea ante la eventual adhesión de Turquía a la Europa comunitaria. Para ello se ha dividido el trabajo en tres apartados. En el primero de ellos, intitulado “Breve historia de una compleja negociación”, se hace una breve descripción de la negociación. En el segundo, “Aspectos a tener en cuenta para la adhesión de Turquía en la Unión Europea”, se analizan los aspectos (geopolíticos, económicos y financieros, demográficos, culturales y religiosos) para considerar en la adhesión de Turquía a la Unión Europea; aspectos que impactarán en el desarrollo y actuación de la Europa Comunitaria una vez que se haya producido la adhesión de Turquía y, acto seguido, en el tercer apartado, “Retos de la incorporación de Turquía a la Unión Europea“, se abordan los retos a que debería hacer frente la UE ante la eventual adhesión de Turquía sobre el funcionamiento la UE en lo relativo a cuatro dimensiones: la capacidad institucional, la política regional y de cohesión, la política exterior y de seguridad común de la UE.