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Antibacterial activities of cell free fermentation supernatant (CFFS) of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa Sims.) fermented in de Man-Rogosaand Sharpe (MRS) broth media against Staphylococcus spp., Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Extended Strain Methicillin-Resistant (ESBL) Escherichia coli have been investigated. The fermentation broth was derived from 24 and 48 hours cultures collection after rotary shaking incubation at 37°C. A bioassay was performed using well diffusion agar method on nutrient agar media, incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Minimum inhibitory concentration and potency of the CFFS were determined using kanamycin, streptomycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, and amoxicillin as standards. It was found that the fermentation broth containing 32 x 104 CFU/g exhibited inhibitory activity against S. Aureus ATCC 25923 and S. epidermidis FN-6 after 24 hours similar to 48 hours fermentation. The anti-bacterial activities of 24 hours fermentation supernatant against all the test bacteria were almost similar. The characteristic of the CFFS indicated the acid property with pH of 3+ 0.1. Lactic acid bacteria were detected by biochemical identification based on catalase, Gram staining, motility, H2S, indol, Simon citrate, and Voges Proscower tests. Thin layer chromatography-contact bioautography was developed by KH2PO4 solution as eluent and E.coli as a test bacterium showed two spots by which two clear inhibition zones were obtained. The prospective of CFFS passion fruit as a potential antibacterial substance source is recommended for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topic of this investigation was to evaluate the microbial contamination of household sponges, biosynthesize of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by Gliocladium deliquescens cell-free supernatant, and estimate the efficiency of Ag NPs as an acceptable disinfectant. The 23 factorial design was applied for the optimization of Ag NPs synthesis. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration was the main positive impact on Ag NP biosynthesis. Various gamma irradiation doses were used in Ag NP production where the highest yield production was at 25.0 kGy. Ag NPs were characterized by UV–Vis. spectroscopy, The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Ag NPs were monodispersed spherical-shaped with 9.68 nm mean size. Two hundred sponge samples that were collected from different Egyptian household furniture and kitchens were highly contaminated by various contaminants including Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., coliform bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Ag NPs showed functional antimicrobial activity against all the microbial contaminants; Salmonella spp. was completely inhibited by Ag NP (50.0 μg/mL) treatment. The Ag NPs have the maximum inhibition zone against Salmonella spp. (14 mm) compared with the Staphylococcus spp. (12.3 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ag NPs against Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were 6.25 μg/ mL and 12.5 μg/ mL, respectively. The antibiofilm activity of Ag NPs was the highest at the concentration of 50.0 μg/mL recording 63.3 % for Salmonella spp. and 54.5 % for Staphylococcus spp. Ag NPs may find potent disinfectant applications for household purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Sugar-rich foods are of the main components of daily human meals. These foods with high sugar and low water content kill bacteria. However, osmotolerant yeasts survive and multiply. The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of intracellular Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Staphylococcus spp. in yeast isolates from sugar-rich foods. METHODS Thirty-two yeast isolates from fresh fruits, dried fruits, commercial foods, and miscellaneous foods were identified by the sequencing of amplified products of 26S rDNA. Fluorescence microscopy and LIVE/DEAD bacterial viability kit were used to examine the occurrence of live bacteria inside the yeast's vacuole. Immunofluorescence assay was used to confirm the identity of intracellular bacteria as H. pylori and Staphylococcus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of 16S rDNA of H. pylori and Staphylococcus in the total DNA of yeasts. RESULTS Yeasts were identified as members of seven genera; Candida, Saccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Pichia, Meyerozyma, Metschnikowia, and Wickerhamomyces. Intravacuolar bacteria were stained green with a bacterial viability kit, revealing that they were alive. Immunofluorescence assay confirmed the identity of intracellular H. pylori and Staphylococcus spp. PCR results revealed that among the 32 isolated yeasts, 53% were H. pylori-positive, 6% were Staphylococcus-positive, 18.7% were positive for both, and 21.8% were negative for both. CONCLUSION Detection of H. pylori- and Staphylococcus-16S rDNA in yeast isolates from dried fruits, and commercial foods showed the occurrence of more than one kind of endosymbiotic bacterium in yeasts' vacuoles. While the establishment of H. pylori and Staphylococcus in yeast is a sophisticated survival strategy, yeast serves as a potent bacterial reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Staphylococci are the most important agents associated with bovine mastitis. This study aimed at characterizing resistance factors to antimicrobials in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Methodology: In vitro resistance of 243 Staphylococcus spp. isolates to antimicrobials commonly used in clinical practice was evaluated. The detection and expression of genes encoding resistance mecA (gene encoding penicillin binding protein 2a) mecALGA251 (mecA homologue), blaZ (gene encoding penicillin resistance), femA and femB (genes encoding essential factors - A and B - for the expression of methicillin resistance) and aacA-aphD (gene encoding for a bifunctional enzyme that confers resistance to gentamicin) using PCR and RT-PCR was investigated. Results: One or more genes encoding resistance to different antimicrobials were detected in 184 Staphylococcus spp. samples. The femA and femB genes were the most frequent. Regarding the variables' detection (N = number of strains) and expression (% of strains), the following results were obtained: blaZ (N = 40 - 82.5%), femA (N = 147 - 47.6%), aacAaphD (N = 30 - 43.3%), femB (N = 138 - 29.7%), mecA (N = 33 - 27.3%), mecALGA251 (N = 01 - 0.0%). There was a higher occurrence of phenotypic resistant strains for amoxicillin, ampicillin and penicillin in isolates positive for detection and/or expression of blaZ gene when compared with the other genes. Conclusions: The present study provides new information on genotypic traits of Staphylococcus isolates from bovine subclinical mastitis especially regarding the evaluation of expression of genes associated with antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp. using molecular tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culture-based microbiological assessment of raw milk from a vending machine and of traditional Slovakian pasta filata cheeses made from raw milk was performed in this study. Unsatisfactory hygienic conditions of raw milk were indicated by the average counts of coliform bacteria and E. coli at a level of 3.00 ± 0.26 log CFU·ml-1 and 1.94 ± 0.56 log CFU·ml-1, respectively. Similarly, higher counts of coliforms at a level of 3.74 ± 1.20 log CFU·g-1 on average were determined in pasta filata cheeses. The presumptive numbers of coagulase-positive staphylococci in raw milk were under the limit that is crucial for enterotoxins production. However, in pasta filata cheeses, the EU limit of 4 log CFU·g-1 for coagulase-positive staphylococci was exceeded in 53.8% of samples. Counts of microscopic fungi in raw milk ranged from 2 log CFU·ml-1 to 4 log CFU·ml-1 and Geotrichum candidum was detected in 86.7% of raw milk samples. The average counts of microscopic fungi in pasta filata cheeses were 3.85 ± 1.39 log CFU·g-1. Despite the pasta filata cheese manufacture includes heat treatment (60-80 °C), the results of this study point to the need to pasteurize raw milk not only before consumption but also prior to production of Slovakian artisanal pasta filata cheeses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review of antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria in Africa from a One Health perspective is lacking. Here, we report result from a search for English‐language articles on the resistance mechanisms and clonality of Gram‐positive bacteria in Africa between 2007 and 2019 reported in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and African Journals OnLine; 172 studies from 22 different African countries were identified. Resistance genes, such as mecA, erm(B), erm(C), tet(M), tet(K), tet(L), vanB, vanA, vanC, and tet(O), were found to be common. Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. were the main species reported by the studies, with clones such as Staphylococcus aureus ST5 (n = 218 isolates), ST8 (n = 127 isolates), ST80 (n = 133 isolates), and ST88 (n = 117 isolates), and mobile genetic elements such as IS16 (n = 28 isolates), IS256 (n = 96), Tn916 (n = 107 isolates), and SCCmec (n = 4437 isolates) identified. SCCmec IV (n = 747 isolates) was predominant, followed by SCCmec III (n = 305 isolates), SCCmec II (n = 163 isolates), SCCmec V (n = 135 isolates), and SCCmec I (n = 79 isolates). Resistance to penicillin (n = 5926 isolates), tetracycline (n = 5300 isolates), erythromycin (n = 5151 isolates), rifampicin (n = 3823 isolates), gentamycin (n = 3494 isolates), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (n = 3089 isolates), and ciprofloxacin (n = 2746 isolates) was common in most reports from 22 countries. Clonal dissemination of resistance across countries and between humans, animals, and the environment was observed. Resistance rates ranged from 1.4% to 100% for 15 of the studies; 10 were One Health–related studies. Strict infection control measures, antimicrobial stewardship, and periodic One Health epidemiological surveillance studies are needed to monitor and contain the threat of increasing antibiotic resistance in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A relatively large part of the Slovak territory consists of the “marginal regions”, which in terms of the economy of ruminants keeping can efficiently produce animal commodities only occasionally. The geographic, social and economic stability of these regions is strongly influenced by the rearing of ruminants and the associated market milk production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and aetiological agents of mastitis in two herds of dairy cows situated in the marginal parts of Slovakia. In total, 530 of the Slovak spotted breed and Holstein cows were involved in the study. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of the clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of the milk, determination of somatic cell count (SCC), and the bacteriological examination of the milk. The prevalence of mastitis in the two herds of dairy cows ranged from 34.7 % to 18.8 %, respectively. From the total of 2120 quarter milk samples, 36.3 % were positive to the California mastitis test (CMT). Also, pathogenic microorganisms causing intramammary infection (IMI) were isolated from 25.6 % of the samples, which accounted for most subclinical mastitis forms (23.3 %), with the SCC under 400 000, mainly caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and coliform bacteria E. coli and Enterobacter aerogenes. The clinical forms of mastitis accounted for 13.0 % of all infected cows and were caused mainly by the bacteria: Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulasenegative staphylococci.

Background: The sinonasal microbiota has been implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pathogenesis, particularly related to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus epidermidis is also prevalent within the sinonasal microbiota and may inhibit S. aureus colonization. We investigated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs for measuring absolute abundances of S. aureus and S. epidermidis, then compared bacterial community composition and absolute abundances of these species between CRS patients and controls. Methods: Six candidate Staphylococcus species‐specific primer pairs were tested in silico and in vitro against pure bacterial isolates. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for absolute quantification of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and overall bacterial load were assessed in 40 CRS (CRS without nasal polyposis [CRSsNP] = 22, CRS with nasal polyposis [CRSwNP] = 18) patients and 14 controls. Amplicon sequencing of the V3‐V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) bacterial gene were conducted to investigate community composition. Results: Primer pairs targeting the gmk gene of S. aureus and nrd gene from S. epidermidis were the most specific and sensitive primers. S. aureus (CRSsNP = 81.8% occurrence, CRSwNP = 83%, control = 92.9%) and S. epidermidis (CRSsNP = 95.5%, CRSwNP = 100%, control = 92.9%) were very prevalent, as indicated by qPCR results. Both CRSsNP and CRSwNP had significantly (p < 0.05) higher bacterial load when compared with controls (p < 0.05 for both). No significant correlation was observed between S. aureus and S. epidermidis abundances (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Bacterial community sequencing detected Staphylococcus‐assigned sequences in nearly all patients; however, it could not differentiate between S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Here, we present primer pairs that can distinguish between these species. We report a very high prevalence of S. aureus in both CRS patients and controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some unusual microorganisms have been isolated from samples of patients with oral cavity periodontal disease. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of Staphylococcus spp. in periodontal pockets based on the epidemiological characteristics of patients attending a dental center in the municipality of San Diego, Carabobo state. Samples from periodontal pockets of 50 patients attending the dental center were studied. The isolated strains were identified by biochemical tests and finally the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility was determined. It was found that the frequency of patients with Staphylococcus spp. was 32%, 16 patients. Staphylococcus Coagulase Negative (SCN) was isolated in 10 patients, followed by S. aureus in 6. Regarding to antimicrobial susceptibility profile, it was determined that of the 6 isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 2 proved to be Methicillin-resistant. The presence of Staphylococcus spp. in periodontal pockets is low frequency; however in this study, the presence of said microorganism was determined in 32% of the patients studied, which means that these patients are more colonized than what is believed.

Abstract: Some unusual microorganisms have been isolated from samples of patients with oral cavity periodontal disease. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of Staphylococcus spp. in periodontal pockets based on the epidemiological characteristics of patients attending a dental center in the municipality of San Diego, Carabobo state. Samples from periodontal pockets of 50 patients attending the dental center were studied. The isolated strains were identified by biochemical tests and finally the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility was determined. It was found that the frequency of patients with Staphylococcus spp. was 32%, 16 patients. Staphylococcus Coagulase Negative (SCN) was isolated in 10 patients, followed by S. aureus in 6. Regarding to antimicrobial susceptibility profile, it was determined that of the 6 isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 2 proved to be Methicillin-resistant. The presence of Staphylococcus spp. in periodontal pockets is low frequency; however in this study, the presence of said microorganism was determined in 32% of the patients studied, which means that these patients are more colonized than what is believed. Resumen: Algunos microorganismos inusuales han sido aislados en muestras de cavidad bucal de pacientes con enfermedad periodontal. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de Staphylococcus spp. en bolsas periodontales basado en las características epidemiológicas de pacientes que acuden a un centro odontológico en el Municipio San Diego, Edo Carabobo. Se estudiaron muestras provenientes de bolsas periodontales de 50 pacientes que asistieron al centro odontológico. Las cepas aisladas se identificaron mediante pruebas bioquímicas, y finalmente se determinó el perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Se obtuvo que la frecuencia de pacientes portadores de Staphylococcus spp. fue de 32%, 16 pacientes. Se aisló con mayor frecuencia Staphylococcus Coagulasa Negativa (SCN) en 10 pacientes, seguido de S. aureus en 6. Con respecto al perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana se determinó que de las 6 cepas aisladas de Staphylococcus aureus, 2 resultaron ser Meticilino-resistentes. La presencia de Staphylococcus spp en bolsas periodontales es de baja frecuencia; sin embargo en este estudio, se demostró la presencia de dichos microorganismos en 32% del total de los pacientes estudiados, lo que significa que estos pacientes están más colonizados de lo que se cree.

Introduction: The use of chitosan in pharmaceutical formulations is an advantageous approach due to this compound intrinsic biodegradability and biocompatibility, as well as ready availability and low polymer cost. Methods: Herein, the naphthoquinones 3- chloromethylene-menadione (NQ1) and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ2) were nanoencapsulated into chitosan (CNP) by the ionotropic gelatinization technique and characterized by DLS, FTIR, SEM, TGA and DSC, and their release profiles evaluated. The antimicrobial and wound healing activities were investigated. Results and Discussion: Homogeneous chitosan nanocapsulses of about 193 nm and Z potential ranging from +30.6 to +33.1 mV loaded with NQ1 (CNP-NQ1) or NQ2 (CNPQNQ2). With nanoencapsulation efficiencies of ≥ 96%, the solubility of naphthoquinones in aqueous environments was improved, making them suitable for biological system applications. The encapsulated naphthoquinones displayed a controlled release of approximately 80% for CNP-NQ1 and 90% for CNP-NQ2 over an 8 h period at 36°C. Both CNP-NQ1 and CNP-NQ2 retained the already established free naphthoquinone antimicrobial activity against two Staphylococcus aureus strains, Staphylococcus epidermidis , Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Although presenting low toxicity to healthy human cells, only CNP-NQ1 displayed therapeutic indices above 100 for S. aureus and S. epidermidis and above 27 for S. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa , allowing for safe use in human tissues. Furthermore, CNP-NQ1 did not impair the migration of human fibroblast cells in scratch assays, adding promising wound healing properties to this formulation. These findings emphasize that CNP-NQ1 may be useful in protecting injured skin tissue from bacterial contamination, avoiding skin infections not only by reducing bacterial loads but also by accelerating the healing process until complete dermal tissue recovery., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Freitas, Pereira, Cardoso, Pauli, Ribeiro, Da Silva, Ferreira and Paschoalin.)

Staphylococci are pathogenic microorganisms that have various virulence factors. One of the most important of these virulence factors is biofilm production. Biofilm is a community formed by microorganisms living in a polymeric structured gelatinous layer that they produce by attaching to a surface. Some staphylococci become resistant to antibiotics by producing biofilms and treatment of infections becomes more difficult. The aim of this study is to investigate the biofilm formation capacity of staphylococci isolates which were previously isolated from mastitis cow's milk and to determine the effects of various antibiotics (tetracycline, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid, gentamicin, ampicillin) on these isolates. Biofilm formation of staphylococci is determined by congo red agar and microtitration plate method. As a result of investigated that 70,3% staphylococci were found biofilm formation positive. MIC, BMIC and BMEC values of different antibiotics for staphylococci isolates were compared. The highest MIC value was determined as 64 μg\ml for amoxicillin+clavulanic acid and the lowest MIC was determined 1 μg\ml for tetracycline. Staphylococci were found to be resistant to antibiotics by biofilm formation BMIC and MBEC values were found to be 40-80 times and 80-160 times higher than MIC values, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food-producing animals (lamb, veal and goat) are analysed for staphylococci nasal carriage. • S. aureus is detected in 29.7% of lamb, 12.5% of goat and 2.7% of veal animals tested. • MRSA of USA300 clone (ST8-PVL-positive) was detected in lamb and goat. • MSSA of lineages ST133 and ST522 carrying the virulence gene tst was found in lamb. • CoNS with relevant antibiotic resistance genes were detected in 28% of tested animals. This work aimed to determine the prevalence, diversity, antibiotic-resistance phenotype/genotype and virulence factors in staphylococci of farm-animals. Nasal samples of 117 farm-animals (calve: 72; lamb: 37; goat: 8) were collected from one slaughterhouse in La Rioja/Spain and cultured for staphylococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) recovery. Identification was performed by MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype was determined by susceptibility testing and specific PCRs. Molecular typing (spa -typing, multilocus-sequence-typing, agr -typing, SCC mec), and detection of 12 virulence genes and human Immune-evasive-cluster (IEC) genes were performed by PCR/sequencing in S. aureus. Two marker genes of arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) were determined by PCR (USA300-MRSA detection). Staphylococci were identified in 50%, 54% and 21% of goat, lamb and calve samples, respectively. Among the 13 S. aureus isolates recovered, 11 were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, and two were multidrug-resistant-MRSA [beta-lactams (blaZ , mecA), macrolides [(msr (A)/ msr (B)] and fluoroquinolones]. The MSSA harboured either tst or enterotoxin genes, while the MRSA harboured the lukF/lukS-PV genes. Five sequence-types were detected. The two MRSA strains (from lamb and goat) were typed as t5173/ST8/ agr -I/SCC mec -IVa/ACME-positive, corresponding to USA300 clone, and were IEC-B-positive. Among the 47 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), six species were identified, predominating S. simulans (n = 25) and S. sciuri (n = 11). Fifty-three percent of CoNS showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent (six multidrug-resistant strains), and the following resistance phenotypes/genotypes were detected: streptomycin [27.6%; ant(6)-Ia, str ], tetracycline [23.4%; tet (M), tet (L), tet (K)], clindamycin [19.1%; lnu (A), vgaA ], erythromycin [10.6%; erm (C), msr (A)/ msr (B)], chloramphenicol (8.5%; fexA), tobramycin (6.4%), penicillin-cefoxitin (4.3%; blaZ , mecA), and SXT (2.1%). The detection of the MRSA-USA300 lineage in food animals is worrisome and should be further monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium chloride reduction in foods is a significant focus of the dairy industry; however, it can interfere with dairy product quality. Thus, researchers have carried out studies on alternatives to maintain dairy product safety when presenting reduced NaCl content, such as natural antimicrobial addition. Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) is a fruit with high phenolic compound concentrations in the pulp and peel and known antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to define the optimum stage for pequi waste extract addition during cheese manufacturing in order to maintain and prolong the shelf life of reduced-sodium goat Minas Frescal cheese. Four different goat Minas Frescal cheese treatments were carried out: control cheese (without extract; CC), pequi extract addition to milk (CM), pequi extract addition to mass (CS), and cheese immersion in pequi extract (CIE). The treatments were subjected to microbiological (Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms and fecal coliforms, Lactococcus spp., and lactic acid bacteria counts), textural (hardness and consistency), and instrumental color (luminosity, yellow intensity, red intensity, chroma, hue angle, and total color change) analyses. No Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, or coliforms and fecal coliforms were detected during storage for any of the assessed samples, including CC. Regarding texture, all samples presented a trend for decreasing rigidity during storage. In addition, lower luminosity values were also observed in cheeses produced with added pequi extract (CM, CS, and CIE) when compared with CC. All cheeses produced with added pequi were stable regarding all evaluated parameters; however, pequi extract addition to milk (CM) was shown to be more efficient, leading to higher textural parameters and better microbiological quality during storage. Thus, the CM treatment is the most recommended for pequi waste extract addition during Minas Frescal cheese manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In humans, the occurrence of bacterial communities in the form of biofilm is considered as a major intrinsic factor accountable for a variety of stubborn infections. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis have gained considerable attention in clinical settings owing to the formation of intractable and long-lasting biofilms in medical device. The current study has been designed to explain the biofilm inhibitory efficacy of geraniol and cefotaxime combination (GCC) against S. epidermidis and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Biofilm biomass quantification assay was performed to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of GCC against S. epidermidis and MRSA. The minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration of GCC was found to be 100 μg/ml of geraniol and 2 μg/ml of cefotaxime. Further, microscopic analyses ascertained the devastating potential of GCC on the test pathogens' biofilm formation. Besides biofilm inhibition, GCC also suppressed the production of extracellular polymeric substance, slime and staphyloxanthin. More, GCC significantly increased the susceptibility of the test pathogens towards human blood. Further, the results of real time PCR analysis and in vivo assay using Caenorhabditis elegans unveiled the anti-biofilm potentials of GCC. Thus, the present study demonstrates the significant use of polytherapy treatment approaches to overcome the biofilm associated infections of Staphylococcus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial effects of Nigella sativa have been studied in vitro and in vivo, against various microorganisms such as Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella etc. Recent studies proved antimicrobial effects of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSSO) against various contaminant bacteria in cheese. Due to promising results concerning NSSO effect against bacteria in brined cheese, this study tested NSSO effect against naturally occurring Staphylococcus spp. which contaminates kneaded, sheep's milk Romanian cheese. Three batches of traditionally manufactured raw milk kneaded cheese were considered: control cheese without NSSO and cheese samples enriched with 0.1 and 0.2 w/w NSSO. Staphylococcus spp. enumeration revealed a descending trend in CFU/g throughout the ripening period, for all batches of cheese. The counts were lower for the 0.1% w/w NSSO cheeses than for the control batch, but no statistical significance could be attributed to this difference (p-value - 0.57). However, for the 0.2% w/w NSSO batch of cheeses, Staphylococcus count registered noticeable decrease, and the results were statistically significant (p-value - 0.048), and no colonies were obtained by the end of the ripening period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal plants can be an alternative method for the control of microorganisms responsible for human infections. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Salvia officinalis Linnaeus (sage) extract on clinical samples isolated from the oral cavity and reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata. In addition, testing assessed the cytotoxic effect of S officinalis on murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and minimum fungicidal concentrations of S officinalis extract were determined by broth microdilution method in 60 microbial samples. The cytotoxicity was checked by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The quantities of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 13 (IL-13) and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) produced by RAW 264.7 were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An S officinalis concentration of 50.0 mg/mL was effective against all microorganisms. Regarding cytotoxicity, the groups treated with 50.0-, 25.0-, and 12.5-mg/mL concentrations of S officinalis presented cell viability statistically similar to that of the control group, which was 100% viable. The production of IL-13 and TNF-α was inhibited at a 50.0-mg/mL concentration of S officinalis. Thus, S officinalis extract presented antimicrobial activity on all isolates of Staphylococcus spp, S mutans, and Candida spp. No cytotoxic effect was observed, as demonstrated by the survival of RAW 264.7 and inhibition of IL-13 and of TNF-α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The study evaluated the microbiological profile of milk samples collected before and after mastitis treatment with gentamicin and investigated biofilms production and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. isolated. The presence of gentamicin residues in milk after the recommended withdrawal period was also evaluated. Antimicrobial residues were analyzed by Delvotest® SP NT over a period of 12 days beginning after 24 hours the last gentamicin application. Some of Staphylococcus spp. isolates were biofilm producers (19.05%). Staphylococcus spp. showed high levels of resistance to neomycin (16.95%), penicillin G (10.17%), and ampicillin (10.17%). Multidrug resistance to all antibiotics tested was observed in 1.69% of the Staphylococcus spp. isolates. Among 1440 mammary quarter milk samples 24.95% presented gentamicin residues after the withdrawal period. Gentamicin residues were also detected in 3.8% of samples from calibrated glass recorder jar (n=383) 4.1 days after treatment. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics may lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains as well as increasing the risk of presence of residues of these drugs in milk. These problems affect the milk quality and may become a public health problem.

Background: Microbiological contamination of the air and the acquisition of the antibiotic resistance by pathogenic bacteria is a growing phenomenon that has a substantial impact on the quality of our health. This problem applies mainly to public areas where we spend a large part of our lives. This study was focused on the microbiological analysis of the air in some kindergartens and antibiotic resistance of bacteria of the Stephylococcus spp. genus. The identification of the isolated mould fungi has been also made. Material and Methods: Air samples were collected from classrooms in the seasonal cycle in the mornings and afternoons using 2 methods, sedimentation and impact. Air samples collected outside the kindergartens served as controls. Air quality assessments were based on the groups of indicator microorganisms, according to Polish standards. The susceptibility of isolated staphylococci was assessed with the disc-diffusion method, using 8 different classes of antibiotics, in line with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Results: The analyses show that, regardless of the method, the total number of heterothropic bacteria and staphylococci in the air of the analyzed kindergartens exceeded the allowable limits. There was no air pollution with the fungal infection. Based on the antibiogram, it was found that Staphylococcus spp. strains showed the highest sensitivity to chloramphenicol and the lowest to penicillin and gentamicin. Among the fungi moulds of the genus Cladosporium predominated. Conclusions: The results of the analyses highlight the need for regular health checks and further research to help identify biological factors that may significantly affect the quality of health of people living in public spaces. Med Pr 2015;66(1):49–56

Introduction: Accumulated data obtained over the last 20 years on the microbial status and survival of pathogens on currency notes indicate that this could represent a potential cause of sporadic cases of food borne illness. Objectives: To identify the micro-organisms present on the Indian currency notes and the oral health risks due to microbial contamination of Indian currency notes circulating in Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted and the Indian currency notes of various denominations (Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500, and Rs. 1000) were collected from fruit vendors, hawkers, vegetable vendors, bus conductors, railway ticket counters, hotel counters, and butchers. Sample size was determined to be 70 Indian currency notes. Convenience sampling technique was used. Microbiological analysis of the collected currency notes was done. Results: The contamination rate of collected currency notes from the butchers and hawkers were 80% and 60% respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was present on 15 currency notes (21.42%) and was found to be higher in Rs. 10 than in other currency denominations. Streptococcus pyogenes was present on four currency notes (5.714%) of Rs. 10. Conclusion: The Indian currency notes circulating in Bengaluru city were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. The oral health risks due to microbial contamination of Indian currency notes are acute pharyngitis, peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscess, mastoiditis, sinusitis, otitis media, mild cellulitis, angular cheilitis, some endodontic infections, osteomyelitis of the jaw, parotitis, and oral mucositis.

Bovine mastitis is a disease of high economic impact for the dairy industry and some of the etiological agents that cause it are also of interest in the field of public health. The purpose of study was to identify the bacterial causes of bovine mastitis from seven dairy farms located in the Baja California Peninsula. A total of 316 milk samples were collected from the same number of quarters belonging to 186 cows in production that tested positive for California Mastitis test. It was obtained 182 bacterial isolates from 163 quarters belonging to 106 cows and were identified by PCR, giving a total of 20 different species. Isolates were identified using specific oligonucleotides for the major mastitis pathogens and with universal oligonucleotides for the 16S ribosomal DNA gene with subsequent sequencing for those that did not amplify with the specific oligonucleotides and relative frequencies were obtained. The most frequent causal agents were: Staphylococcus aureus (58.8 %), Streptococcus agalactiae (13.2 %), Staphylococcus chromogenes (8.8 %), Escherichia coli (2.2 %) and Streptococcus uberis (2.2 %). A mixed infection was found in 6.13 % (10/163) of the quarters, being the most frequent combination S. aureus plus S. agalactiae 30 % (3/10). These results indicate a high frequency and diversity of contagious and environmental pathogens causing mastitis in dairy cattle in the region of study, being some of importance for public health. The results show that the causes of mastitis are diverse, so it is essential to improve control and prevention measures, but also to establish a routine diagnosis to control mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and enterotoxin-encoding genes (EEGs) in Staphylococcus spp. recovered from equipment used to prepare hospital meals, in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sixty samples were collected from semi-industrial equipment (one blender and one mixer) in the hospital's kitchen. Resistance genes and SCCmec types were detected by PCR. From the 40 isolates of Staphylococcus spp. identified, 8 were Staphylococcus aureus. Thirty-two (80%) Staphylococcus spp. isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Resistance genetic determinants were detected: erm gene (Staphylococcus epidermidis [n = 2]; Staphylococcus hominis [n = 1]), mecA gene (S. epidermidis [n = 2]), and aa(6′)-aph(2′′) gene (Staphylococcus caprae [n = 1], S. epidermidis [n = 2], S. hominis [n = 1], Staphylococcus pausteri [n = 1], Staphylococcus simulans [n = 1], and Staphylococcus warneri [n = 1]). The presence of at least one EEG in 83% (n = 33) of the isolates was identified. Two strains of S. epidermidis were methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) and harboring SCCmec type IV. Staphylococcus spp. contaminated some hospital kitchen's equipment, indicating that hygiene procedures should be improved. Results also indicate that meals can be a vehicle to disseminate multiresistant Staphylococcus spp., including MRSE, and Staphylococcus with EEGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial flora in the conjunctival fornix of clinically normal Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus). Forty healthy Persian squirrels of equal gender distribution with similar ages (approximately 2 yr) were used for this study. A total of 80 conjunctival swabs were taken from both the right and left eyes of each squirrel for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial identification. A slit-lamp examination was conducted and no external ocular disease was identified. From 80 normal eyes, Staphylococcus spp. comprised the most frequently isolated organism (83%), while Corynebacterium spp. were the second most frequently isolated bacteria (56%), followed by Streptococcus spp. (53%), Chlamydia spp. (33%). Mycoplasma spp. (30%), Pseudomonas spp. (23%), Escherichia coli spp. (12.5%), Enterococcus spp. (7%), and Micrococcus spp. (4%) were also isolated. The most frequently isolated bacteria from the conjunctival fornix of healthy Persian squirrels were Staphylococcus spp. followed by Corynebacterium spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum atomarium Boiss. is a perennial herb in the Hypericum genus. In this study antibacterial effect of methanol (MeOH), chloroform (CHCl3) and water (H2O) extract of H. atomarium has been investigated against 19 clinical Staphylococcus spp. (S. aureus, S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, S. epidermidis). The antibacterial activity of plant extracts was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. According to the results of this study H. atomarium extracts displayed strong antibacterial activity against all tested strain and the most antibacterial effect was determined by chloroform extract with 20,7 mm zone diameter. The evaluation of all isolates ranged from 20,7-16 mm by chloroform extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bacteriological examination of 50 she camel's udder tissue samples collected from different slaughter houses revealed that Staphylococcus spp. were the most common isolated bacteria (90%) as single and mixed infection followed by environmental Streptococcus spp. (40%) then E.coli (26%) in the form of mixed infection. Most of the isolated S.aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were resistant to 14 commercially available antibiotic discs. By using 4 antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to antibiotics; included lysozyme (Lz), lactoferrin (Lf), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) the results revealed only Lz and Lf have antibacterial activities for both S.aureus and CNS isolated from the udder tissues while SAA and Hp did not show antibacterial effects for the tested strains. By using combinations of the different antibiotics and the four AMPs we noticed significant synergistic effect for all of them on the tested strains. Analysis of protein profile of the infected udder tissue samples with both S.aureus and CNS using SDS-PAGE used to evaluate the immunological status of the naturally infected she camel mammary tissue samples with S.aureus or CNS in comparison to bacteriologically negative mammary tissue samples and the results cleared that the concentrations of Lz, Lf, Hp and mSAA were significantly higher in tissue samples infected with both S.aureus and CNS when compared with the non-infected tissue samples. While the concentration of Lf showed a significant rise in tissue samples infected with CNS when compared with tissue samples infected with S. aureus. UPGMA clustering dendrogram analysis was applied to compare the protein fingerprints of the isolated Staphylococcus spp. and illustrated that there were no or weak similarities in the protein fingerprints of the different isolated S.aureus and CNS strains ranging from (0 - 0.36). In the present study, histopathological changes in singly isolated S.aureus mastitic tissue sections revealed grossly, varied degrees of congestion with oedema in 19 (38%) of the mammary tissue samples which represented 7 tissue samples of acute diffuse mastitis (14%) only 2 of them showed suppuration and 12 cases (24%) subacute interstitial mastitis and the majority of tissue samples 26 (52%) showed fibrosis and paleness. On the other hand, microscopically exhibited severe histological changes which varied from epithelial degeneration, alveolar atrophy and necrosis, in the acute and sub-acute suppurative inflammatory response marked by neutrophil infiltration, congestion, to increased stromal tissue (fibrosis) and presence of non-suppurative inflammation marked by lymphocytic infiltration in alveoli with disappearance of the alveolar lumen, through fibrosis to the complete destruction of the parenchyma in chronic mastitis which was the most majority noticed type of mastitis was chronic non suppurative mastitis. Histochemicallly, interstitial, perialveolar, intra and inter acinar fibrosis were confirmed with Masson's Trichrome stain as greenish blue fibres. The activity of alkaline phosphatase in tissue sections of non mastitic animals showed high secretory activity on the outer boundary of alveolar secretary cells. While, tissue sections taken from S. aureus singly infected mastitic animals showed weak alkaline phosphatase activity (AP), on the outer membrane and weak protein expression by protein loci (mercury-bromophenol blue) comparing to the non-mastitic once. On the other hand histomorphometrically, tissue sections from singly infected S. aureus showed (P<0.05) significant decrease in alveolar diameter, number of alveoli and alveolar cell population whereas the interstitial connective tissues showed (P<0.05) significant increase compared to the non mastitic tissue. We concluded that, Staphylococci were the major bacteria causing mastitis in she camels and showed great differences in their protein profiles, consequently caused significant increase in the inflammatory responses of the udder tissues represented by the increase of Lz, Lf, SAA and Hp concentrations in the tissues. Staphylococci as single infection enough for inducing sever degenerative changes and damage that reflecting impaired activity as well as printed on the different histopathological, histochemical and morphometric changes in she camel's mammary parenchyma. Furthermore, this study offers opportunities for development of treatment strategies that may eliminate or even reduce mammary tissue damage caused by Staphylococcal mastitis with or without the use of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory molecules like Lz, Lf, SAA and Hp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Jornal of Biotechnology Research Center is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has now become a critical issue in both human and veterinary medicine, and in this way, the antibiotic treatment for the control of these infections has become ineffective. In the current investigation, we studied the antimicrobial effectiveness of five ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) from different regions of Colombia against six strains of Staphylococcus spp. methicillin-resistant. The analysis of major compounds of propolis showed the presence of diterpenicacids, prenylated benzophenones, and triterpenes in the propolis obtained from Cundinamarca Antioquia, and Huila regions respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) technique was implemented to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the propolis extracts. Was found that all propolis extracts showed inhibitory action against the Staphylococcus strains evaluated MIC[sub 90] = 60-30 mg/mL, and the average MICs (mg/mL) for each EEP were: EEP1 = 11.88+4.98; EEP2 = 31.25+16.71; EEP3 = 51.25+21.43; EEP4 = 22.81+11.88; EEP5 = 17.50+10.25. EEP displayed varying effectiveness against six Staphylococcus spp isolates strains, with minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) within the range from 1.87 to 30 mg/mL. In conclusion, the extract's antimicrobial effectiveness depends on the origin of propolis and the evaluated Staphylococcus spp isolates. Also, these findings suggest that the propolis extracts could be an alternative method to control multidrug-resistant infections caused by Staphylococcus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by chemical reduction method assessment with regard to airborne strains ofStaphylococcusspp. The first step of the experiment was the preparation of silver nanoparticle suspension. The suspension was obtained by a fast and simple chemical method involving the reduction of silver ions through a reducing factor in the presence of the suitable stabilizer required to prevent the aggregation. In the second stage, varied instrumental techniques were used for the analysis and characterization of the obtained nanostructures. Third, the bacteria of theStaphylococcusgenus were isolated from the air under stable conditions with 47 sports and recreational horses, relatively. Next, isolated strains were identified using biochemical and spectrophotometric methods. The final step was the evaluation of theStaphylococcusgenus sensitivity to nanosilver using the disk diffusion test. It has been proven that prepared silver nanoparticles exhibit strong antibacterial properties. The minimum inhibitory concentration for tested isolates was 30 μg/mL. It has been found that the sensitivity ofStaphylococcusspp. isolated from six identified species differs considerably. The size distribution of bacterial growth inhibition zones indicates that resistance to various nanosilver concentrations is an individual strain feature, and has no connection with belonging to a specific species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

O queijo muçarela é um produto de levado consumo, porém muito suscetível à contaminação microbiológica. A comercialização do produto em desacordo com os padrões de qualidade microbiológica vigentes pode refletir na ocorrência de casos e surtos de doenças transmitidas por alimentos – DTA, o que aumenta a preocupação com as suas características higiênico-sanitárias. A contaminação do queijo pode estar associada a alguns fatores relacionados às etapas utilizadas em sua fabricação, tais como: a pasteurização do leite, coagulação, corte do coágulo, dessoragem, filagem, enformagem, salga, maturação e embalagem. A grande manipulação do produto, que entra em contato com diferentes equipamentos e superfícies, aumenta o risco de contaminação microbiológica. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e físico-química do queijo muçarela à granel. Foram coletadas em 10 supermercados da Região de Jataí-GO, 10 amostras de queijo muçarela de diferentes marcas, essas amostras foram cortadas e pesadas no estabelecimento e embaladas em papel filme e etiquetadas com peso do produto e a data de validade. As amostras foram coletadas no período de agosto a novembro de 2016. Para análises físico-químicas, observou-se a temperatura de comercialização, pH e a gordura. Já, para análises microbiológicas, foi verificado o NMP (número mais provável) de Coliformes fecais, presença de Salmonella spp e contagem de UFC (unidade de formadora de colônia) de Staphylococcus spp. Com base nos resultados obtidos nas amostras de queijo muçarela a granel, verificou-se que 20% das amostras apresentaram resultados positivos para Salmonella spp, 40% para a bactéria Staphylococcus aureus e 20% para Coliformes fecais.

In this work, the production of antimicrobial substances by strains of Pseudomonas sp. isolated from pasteurized milk and their potential action against food-related bacteria were investigated. Samples of pasteurized milk were purchased from arbitrarily chosen commercial establishments in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of the four samples analyzed, three presented several typical colonies of Pseudomonas. About 100 colonies were chosen and subjected to biochemical tests for confirmation of their identity. Eighteen strains of the Pseudomonas genus were identified and submitted to tests for the production of antimicrobial substances. Twelve strains (66.7%) were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens, four (22.2%) as P. aeruginosa, one (5.5%) as P. mendocina and one (5.5%) as P. pseudoalcaligenes. Only two P. fluorescens strains were unable to produce any antimicrobial substance against any of the indicator strains tested. Most of the strains presented a broad spectrum of action, inhibiting reference and food-related strains such as Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Hafnia alvei, Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Five antimicrobial substance-producing strains, which presented the broadest spectrum of action, were also tested against Staphylococcus aureus reference strains and 26 Staphylococcus sp. strains isolated from foods, some of which were resistant to antibiotics. The producer strains 8.1 and 8.3, both P. aeruginosa, were able to inhibit all the staphylococcal strains tested. The antimicrobial substances produced by strains 8.1 and 8.3 did not seem to be typical bacteriocins, since they were resistant to the three proteolytic enzymes tested. Experiments involving the characterization of these substances are being carried out in order to evaluate their biotechnological application.