MedWorm: Dysentery

IcsA autotransporter passenger promotes increased fusion protein expression on the cell surface

Microbial Cell Factories — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:08:30 +0100

Conclusions: The export mechanism of autotransporters is not well understood but accumulating evidence suggest a critical role for the native effector or alpha domain in facilitating its own export via interactions with the translocation or beta domain. This is the first report directly comparing expression of heterologous proteins fused to the full length IcsA autotransporter and fusion to the beta domain alone. Protein expression and surface presentation of the fusion proteins were dramatically improved when fused to IcsA rather than IcsAbeta. Future studies involved in designing autotransporters as cell surface display vehicles would benefit from including the native alpha domain. This work also provides further evidence for a key interaction between the autotransporter alpha and beta d...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

The “Black Widow”: Arsenic and Britain’s First Serial Killer

The Poison Review — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:35:21 +0100

The Daily Mail (U.K.) has a fascinating story today about Mary Ann Cotton (1832 – 1873), Britain’s first serial killer. According to the author, Professor of Criminology David Wilson, a serial killer is someone who kills more than three people over a time period of more than thirty days. Cotton more than met this definition: Few have heard of the so-called “Black Widow” killer who posed as a wife, widow, mother, friend and nurse to murder perhaps as many as 21 victims [over a period of almost 20 years], living off her husbands before eventually claiming their estates. Two decades before Jack the Ripper would terrorist the streets of Whitechapel in London, Mary Ann Cotton had already become a killing machine, perhaps murdering as many as eight of her own children, se...

A modulator against mercury chloride-induced genotoxic damage: Dermatocarpon intestiniforme (L.)

Toxicology and Industrial Health current issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed for the first time that the lichen D. intestiniforme provided increased resistance of DNA against HgCl2-induced genetic damage on human lymphocytes. (Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health current issue)

Assessment of Microbial Quality of Commercial and Home‐Made Tiger‐Nut Beverages

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results reflected that there exists a rather high contamination level in home‐made tiger‐nut beverages indicating the need to apply correct and strict HACCP system(s) during manufacturing and storage of these food products.Significance and Impact of Study: This study demonstrates the great need to carry out microbiological tests frequently in these products and even more the need to apply correct HACCP system (s). Tiger‐nut beverages are especially well‐known products in Spain, hence it is extremely important to ensure an adequate microbiological quality to guarantee consumers health.© 2012 The Authors Letters in Applied Microbiology © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

Cell biology: Manganese fights deadly toxin

Nature — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 481, 7382 (2012). doi:10.1038/481413b A toxin produced by certain deadly strains of pathogenic bacteria can be stopped in its tracks by the element manganese.Shiga toxin — generated by Shigella bacteria and some strains of Escherichia coli — is shuttled through several organelles in the infected cell (Source: Nature)

Milk Microbiome Signatures of Subclinical Mastitis‐Affected Cattle Analyzed by Shotgun Sequencing

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The analysis identified potential infectious organisms in mastitis, resistance of organisms to antibiotics and chemical compounds, and the natural resistance potential of dairy cows.Significance and Impact of Study: The findings of present study may help in formulating strategies for prevention and treatment of mastitis in dairy animals and consequently in reducing economic losses incurred due to it.© 2012The Authors Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Study Reveals Potential Of Manganese In Neutralizing Deadly Shiga Toxin

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Carnegie Mellon University researchers have discovered that an element commonly found in nature might provide a way to neutralize the potentially lethal effects of a compound known as Shiga toxin. New results published in Science by Carnegie Mellon biologists Adam Linstedt and Somshuvra Mukhopadhyay show that manganese completely protects against Shiga toxicosis in animal models. Produced by certain bacteria, including Shigella and some strains of /iE. coli, Shiga toxin can cause symptoms ranging from mild intestinal disease to kidney failure... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Development and Evaluation of a Multiplex PCR for Simultaneous Detection of Five Foodborne Pathogens

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractA rapid multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of five major foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Shigella flexneri, respectively) was developed. Amplification by PCR was optimized to obtain high efficiency. Sensitivity and specificity assays were investigated by testing different strains. With a multipathogen enrichment, multiplex PCR assay was able to simultaneously detect all of the five organisms in artificially contaminated pork samples. The developed method was further applied to retail meat samples, of which 80% were found to be positive for one or more of these five organisms. All the samples were confirmed by traditional culture methods for each individual species. The result show...

Epidemiological, clinical features and susceptibility pattern of shigellosis in the Buea Health District, Cameroon

BMC Research Notes — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Shigellosis is more prevalent in children below 15 years in the Buea District. There is a high level of resistance to most of the antibiotics used for the treatment of shigellosis including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) as well as evidence of resistance to quinolones. Azithromycin was found to be the drug of choice for shigellosis in this setting. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

The use of ELISAs for monitoring exposure of pig herds to Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IgG ELISAs using either WC or Bhlp29.7 as plate-coating antigens were shown to be useful for monitoring the dynamics of B. hyodysenteriae infection in grower pigs. Of the two antigens, the WC preparation tended to give better discrimination between pigs from infected and non-infected farms. Testing of meat juice was shown to have potential for identifying infected herds. (Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles)

Galectin 8 targets damaged vesicles for autophagy to defend cells against bacterial invasion

Nature AOP — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Teresa L. M. Thurston, Michal P. Wandel, Natalia von Muhlinen, Ágnes Foeglein & Felix Randow Autophagy defends the mammalian cytosol against bacterial infection. Efficient pathogen engulfment is mediated by cargo-selecting autophagy adaptors that rely on unidentified pattern-recognition or danger receptors to label invading pathogens as autophagy cargo, typically by polyubiquitin coating. Here we show in human cells that galectin 8 (also known as LGALS8), a cytosolic lectin, is a danger receptor that restricts Salmonella proliferation. Galectin 8 monitors endosomal and lysosomal integrity and detects bacterial invasion by binding host glycans exposed on damaged Salmonella-containing vacuoles. By recruiting NDP52 (also known as CALCOCO2), galectin 8 activates antibacterial...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

The evolution of the Escherichia coli phylogeny.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chaudhuri RR, Henderson IR Abstract Escherichia coli are familiar to biologists as a classical model system, ubiquitous in molecular biology laboratories around the world. Outside of the laboratory, E. coli strains exist as an almost universal component of the lower-gut flora of humans and animals. Although usually a commensal, E. coli has an alter ego as a pathogen, and is associated with diarrhoeal disease and extra-intestinal infections. The study of E. coli diversity predates the availability of molecular data, with strains initially distinguished by serotyping and metabolic profiling, and genomic diversity illustrated by DNA hybridisation. The quantitative study of E. coli diversity began with the application of multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), and has progr...

Emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in Shigella flexneri serotype 1c isolates from China

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We reported the first identification of Shigella flexneri serotype 1c in China and also the emergence of resistance to ciprofloxacin and third‐generation cephalosporins in serotype 1c the first time. Seven isolates circulating in China were divided into three new MLST sequence types and seven PFGE banding patterns, demonstrating the high genetic diversity. The seven isolates showed reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, among which one had ciprofloxacin‐resistance and an additional one developed resistance to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

Discovery of 2-(4-cyano-3-trifluoromethylphenyl amino)-4-(4-quinazolinyloxy)-6-piperazinyl(piperidinyl)-s-triazines as potential antibacterial agents

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:54:37 +0100

Abstract A series of 2-(4-cyano-3-trifluoromethylphenyl amino)-4-(4-quinazolinyloxy)-6-piperazinyl(piperidinyl)-s-triazines have been synthesized in this study by a simple and efficient synthetic protocol. The synthetic route to final piperazinyl s-triazines involved two nucleophilic substitution reactions of 4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl-benzonitrile and 4-hydroxyquinazoline with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine resulting in 2,4-disubstituted-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazine derivative to introduce the piperazinyl or piperidinyl functionality. The structures of the compounds were elucidated with the aid of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was tested against eight bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96, Bacillus...

Long-term trends in the epidemiology and resistance of childhood bacterial enteropathogens in Crete

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:51:16 +0100

In this study, we investigated the long-term trends in the epidemiology and susceptibility of bacterial enteropathogens among children in a well-defined area of adequate health standards. The study included all children younger than 14 years of age treated for enteritis at Heraklion University General Hospital on the island of Crete during the 18-year period from January 1993 to December 2010. Stool specimens were tested for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Yersinia, and Aeromonas species. Of the 33,032 stool samples from patients of any age, 2,912 (8.82%) were positive for bacterial enteropathogens. The 1,597 isolates from children were identified as S. enterica (42.3%), Campylobacter spp. (33.6%), EPEC (17.4%), Y. enterocolitica (5.82%), ...

Genesis of a novel Shigella flexneri serotype by sequential infection of serotype-converting bacteriophages SfX and SfI

BMC Microbiology - Latest articles — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings suggest a new S. flexneri serotype could be created in nature. Such a conversion may be constrained by susceptibility of a strain to infection by a given serotype-converting bacteriophage. This finding has significant implications in the emergence of new S. flexneri serotypes in nature. (Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Zimbabwe: Health Round Up

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:08:53 +0100

Diarrhoeal cases continued to threaten the country's public health system over the year with several outbreaks of typhoid, dysentery, cholera and diarrhoea recorded in many parts of the country. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of smilax china root

Journal of Food Biochemistry — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTIn the present study, various solvent fractions were prepared from the root of Smilax china (Liliaceae), which was collected during the autumn, and their radical‐scavenging activity and several antioxidant activities were evaluated. The ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant activities in all assays. In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction had the highest amount of total phenolics (401.62 mg/g). High‐performance liquid chromatography analyses showed that catechin and epicatechin were the predominant phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction. Consequently, our research presented that the ethyl acetate fraction has the strongest antioxidant activities, which are correlated with its high level of phenolics, particularly catechin and epicatechin. Therefo...

Emergence of Ceftriaxone Resistant Shigella

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:46:44 +0100

Abstract Shigellosis is endemic in many resource-poor countries due to feco-oral transmission, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. There is rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Shigella spp. resulting in poor reliability of first line antibiotics like quinolones, co-trimoxazole and ampicillin. Ceftriaxone has been used as a reserved antibiotic for treatment of MDR Shigella spp. The authors report a case of ceftriaxone resistant Shigella flexneri successfully managed with meropenem. As occurrence of ceftriaxone resistant Shigella is still rare, the objective of reporting this case is to highlight the possible failure of ceftriaxone in treating shigellosis which if not detected timely can result in mortality. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Cl...

Melastoma malabathricum (L.) Smith Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Properties: A Review

Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:22:12 +0100

Melastoma malabathricum L. (Melastomataceae) is one of the 22 species found in the Southeast Asian region, including Malaysia. Considered as native to tropical and temperate Asia and the Pacific Islands, this commonly found small shrub has gained herbal status in the Malay folklore belief as well as the Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian folk medicines. Ethnopharmacologically, the leaves, shoots, barks, seeds, and roots of M. malabathricum have been used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, cuts and wounds, toothache, and stomachache. Scientific findings also revealed the wide pharmacological actions of various parts of M. malabthricum, such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidiarrheal, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities. Various types of phytochemical constit...

Hepcidin is localised in gastric parietal cells, regulates acid secretion and is induced by Helicobacter pylori infection

Gut — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Hepcidin is a product of parietal cells regulating gastric acid production and may contribute to development of gastric ulcers under stress conditions. (Source: Gut)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Topological characterisation and identification of critical domains within glucosyltransferase IV (GtrIV) of Shigella flexneri

BMC Biochemistry — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The current study provides the basis for elucidating the structure and mechanism of action of this important O-antigen modifying glucosyltransferase. (Source: BMC Biochemistry)

Evolutionary Silence of the Acid Chaperone Protein HdeB in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Carter MQ, Louie JW, Fagerquist CK, Sultan O, Miller WG, Mandrell RE Abstract The periplasmic chaperones HdeA and HdeB are known to be important for cell survival at low pH (pH<3) in Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. Here we investigated the roles of HdeA and HdeB in the survival of various enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) following exposure to pH 2.0. Similar to K-12 strains, the acid protections conferred by HdeA and HdeB in EHEC O145 were significant: loss of HdeA and HdeB led to over 100- to 1000-fold reductions in acid survival, depending on the growth condition of pre-challenge cells. However, this protection was much less in E. coli O157:H7 strains. Deletion of hdeB did not affect the acid survival of cells, and deletion of hdeA led to less than a 5-fold decreas...

Nicotinamide dependence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli UTI89 and application of nadB as a neutral insertion site.

Microbiology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Li Z, Bouckaert J, Deboeck F, De Greve H, Hernalsteens JP Abstract NAD and NADP function ubiquitously in the metabolism of Escherichia coli K-12. NAD auxotrophy can be rendered by mutation in any of the three genes, nadB, nadA, and nadC. The nadB and nadA genes were defined as anti-virulence loci in Shigella spp., as a mutation (mainly in nadB) disrupting the synthesis of quinolinate is required for virulence. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates, from acute cystitis patients, exhibiting nicotinamide auxotrophy were of serotype O18:K1:H7. E. coli UTI89, the model uropathogenic and O18:K1:H7 strain, requires nicotinamide or quinolinate for growth. A mutation in the nadB gene, encoding L-aspartate oxidase, was shown to be responsible for the nicotinamide-requirement of UTI8...

Polyclonal antibody against conserved sequences of mce1A protein blocks MTB infection in macrophages.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sivagnanam S, Namasivayam N, Chellam R Abstract The pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is largely due to its ability to enter and survive within human macrophages. It is suggested that a specific protein namely mammalian cell entry protein is involved in the pathogenesis and the specific gene for this protein mce1A has been identified in several pathogenic organisms such as Rickettsia, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter, Streptomyces, Klebsiella, Vibrio, Neisseria, Rhodococcus, Nocardioides, Saccharopolyspora erthyrae, and Pseudomonas. Analysis of mce1 operons in the above mentioned organisms through bioinformatics tools has revealed the presence of unique sequences (conserved regions) suggesting that these sequences may be involved in the process of infectio...

Characteristics of non-typhi Salmonella gastroenteritis associated with bacteremia in infants and young children

Infection — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:06:22 +0100

Conclusions Non-typhi Salmonella gastroenteritis poses a risk of bacteremia not only in infants younger than 3 months of age, but also in children younger than 36 months of age. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical and Epidemiological StudyPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s15010-011-0231-4Authors V. Shkalim, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, 14 Kaplan Street, Petah Tikva, 49202 IsraelA. Amir, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, IsraelZ. Samra, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, IsraelJ. Amir, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Journal InfectionOnline ISSN 1439-0973Print ISSN 0300-8126 (Source: Infection)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some thiazolidinones as antimicrobial agents.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Patel D, Kumari P, Patel N Abstract A novel series of thiazolidinone derivatives namely 4-(4-dimethylamino-6-{4-[5-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-ylmethyl)-4-oxo-2-phenylthiazolidin-3-yl]-phenylamino}-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yloxy)-1-methyl-1H-quinolin-2-one have been synthesized from the key intermediate 4-[4-(4-aminophenylamino)-6-dimethylamino-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yloxy]-1-methyl-1H-quinolin-2-one (7). Condensation reaction of compound 7 with different aldehyde derivatives were performed to obtain Schiff base derivatives, which after cyclization gave thiazolidinones and finally they were reacted with N-ethylpiperazine to get target compounds. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against eight bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus...

Molecular Techniques in Ecohealth Research Toolkit: Facilitating Estimation of Aggregate Gastroenteritis Burden in an Irrigated Periurban Landscape

EcoHealth — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:04:00 +0100

Abstract Assessment of microbial hazards associated with certain environmental matrices, livelihood strategies, and food handling practices are constrained by time-consuming conventional microbiological techniques that lead to health risk assessments of narrow geographic or time scope, often targeting very few pathogens. Health risk assessment based on one or few indicator organisms underestimates true disease burden due a number of coexisting causative pathogens. Here, we employed molecular techniques in a survey of Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio cholera, and Rotavirus A densities in canal water with respect to seasonality and spatial distribution of poin...

Invading Shigella Trapped By Protein Cages Built By Human Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

In research on the never-ending war between pathogen and host, scientists at the Pasteur Institute in Paris have discovered a novel defensive weapon, a cytoskeletal protein called septin, that humans cells deploy to cage the invading Shigella bacteria that cause potentially fatal human diarrhea, according to a presentation on Dec. 5, at the American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting in Denver. Pascale Cossart, Ph.D., and Serge Mostowy, Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Human cells build protein cages to trap invading Shigella

EurekAlert! - Biology — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Cell Biology) In research on the never-ending war between pathogen and host, scientists at the Pasteur Institute in Paris have discovered a novel defensive weapon, a cytoskeletal protein called septin, that humans cells deploy to cage the invading Shigella bacteria that cause potentially fatal human diarrhea. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Reactor performance and bacterial pathogen removal in response to sludge retention time in a mesophilic anaerobic digester treating sewage sludge.

Bioresource Technology — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study confirms that the control of appropriate SRT for sludge MAD should take both reactor performance and pathogen removal into account. PMID: 22197074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioresource Technology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Projected Years Lost due to Disabilities (YLDs) for bacillary dysentery related to increased temperature in temperate and subtropical cities of China

RSC - J. Environ. Monit. latest articles — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:35:49 +0100

J. Environ. Monit., 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C1EM10391A, PaperYing Zhang, Peng Bi, Yuwei Sun, Janet E. HillerThe temperature-related health burden of bacillary dysentery in China may greatly increase in the future if there is no effective intervention.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - J. Environ. Monit. latest articles)

In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of Rhus tripartitum used as antidiarrhoeal in Tunisian folk medicine.

Natural Product Research — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have demonstrated that R. tripartitum extracts exhibited a significant broad spectrum activity against one or more of the test microorganisms with a zone size ranging from 8 to 28 mm in diameter. These diameters are much higher than those obtained with standard antibiotics. The chloroformic extracts were found to be effective against bacterial and fungal strains tested, with MIC values ranging between 0.07 and 0.62 mg mL(-1) against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. However, ethyl-acetate/methanol fractions showed a selective activity only against bacterial microorganisms with low MIC values between 0.07 and 0.15 mg mL(-1). The overall results suggested that the traditional use of R. tripartitum for the treatment of diarrhoea tract infections was attri...

Atypical Shigella boydii 13 encodes virulence factors seen in attaching and effacing Escherichia coli

FEMS Microbiology Letters — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:57:49 +0100

This study also demonstrates that atypical Shigella B13 strains are more closely related to attaching and effacing E. coli and that their evolution recapitulates the progression from ancestral E. coli to EHEC. (Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters)

Culture independent real‐time PCR reveals extensive polymicrobial infections in hospitalized diarrhoea cases in Kolkata, India

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractCulture independent identification of diarrhoeal etiologic agents was performed using DNA harvested from diarrhoeal stool specimens with SYBR Green based real‐time PCR targeting Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp., and 3 different pathotypes of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli. Conventional culture dependent methods detected bacterial enteropathogens in 68 of 122 diarrhoeal stool specimens. Of 68 specimens, 59 (86.8%) had single pathogen while the remaining 9 (13.2%) had polymicrobial infections with multiple pathogens. Reanalysis of the 68 specimens by culture independent real‐time PCR methods showed 25 (36.8%) specimens contained single pathogen while 43 (63.2%) specimens contained mixed infections with multiple pathogens. The prevalence...

Culture‐independent real‐time PCR reveals extensive polymicrobial infections in hospitalized diarrhoea cases in Kolkata, India

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol InfectAbstractCulture‐independent identification of diarrhoeal aetiological agents was performed using DNA harvested from diarrhoeal stool specimens with SYBR‐Green‐based real‐time PCR targeting Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp. and three different pathotypes of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli. Conventional culture‐dependent methods detected bacterial enteropathogens in 68 of 122 diarrhoeal stool specimens. Of 68 specimens, 59 (86.8%) had a single pathogen and the remaining nine (13.2%) had polymicrobial infections with multiple pathogens. Re‐analysis of the 68 specimens by culture‐independent real‐time PCR methods showed that 25 (36.8%) specimens contained single pathogen and 43 (63.2%) specimens contained mixed infe...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Effect of a multi-faceted quality improvement intervention on inappropriate antibiotic use in children with non-bloody diarrhoea admitted to district hospitals in Kenya

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We found some evidence that the multi-faceted, sustained intervention described in this paper led to a reduction in the inappropriate use of antibiotics in treating children with non-bloody diarrhoea.Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN42996612 (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Starvation, Disease and Death: Explaining Famine Mortality in Madras 1876-1878

Social History of Medicine — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This paper attempts to evaluate competing theories forwarded by modern historians to explain the mortality caused by one of the most well-known famines in nineteenth-century India: the Madras famine of 1876–8. Some have suggested that the resumption of the monsoon rains after a period of prolonged drought created conditions favourable for the breeding and proliferation of malaria, deaths from which peaked after the worst period of starvation. Others have argued that the wave of mortality during the famine years can be traced to the dissemination of infectious diseases like cholera and dysentery by mobile, socially displaced populations. The paper finds that all of these explanations neglect a category of diseases which accounts for a third of all famine deaths. A re-assessment of the...

Isolation of Shewanella algae from rectal swabs of patients with bloody diarrhoea

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report here isolation of S. algae in pure culture and mixed with E. coli from two cases of acute gastroenteritis with bloody mucous containing diarrhea occurring at the same time. As this organism is not a normal flora of the gut, the possible source of infection may be fish contaminated with the organism. Whether this bacterium can be considered an enteric pathogen needs to be evaluated. The cases were clinically diagnosed as acute bacillary dysentery. The bacterium was identified by 16S r-RNA gene sequence analysis. (Source: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology)

Autophagy as an innate immunity paradigm: expanding the scope and repertoire of pattern recognition receptors.

Current Opinion in Immunology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Deretic V Abstract Autophagy is rapidly developing into a new immunological paradigm. The latest links now include overlaps between autophagy and innate immune signaling via TBK-1 and IKKα/β, and the role of autophagy in inflammation directed by the inflammasome. Autophagy's innate immunity connections include responses to pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns including alarmins such as HMGB1 and IL-1β, Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors including NLRC4, NLRP3 and NLRP4, and RIG-I-like receptors. Autophagic adaptors referred to as SLRs (sequestosome 1/p62-like receptors) are themselves a category of pattern recognition receptors. SLRs empower autophagy to eliminate intracellular microbes by direct capture and by facilitating generation and delivery of a...

Analysis of synonymous codon usage in Shigella flexneri 2a strain 301 and other Shigella and Escherichia coli strains

Canadian Journal of Microbiology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:29:38 +0100

Canadian Journal of Microbiology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 1016-1023, e-First articles. (Source: Canadian Journal of Microbiology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection in Norway linked to consumption of fresh basil, October 2011.

Euro Surveill — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:42:03 +0100

Authors: Guzman-Herrador B, Vold L, Comelli H, Macdonald E, Heier B, Wester A, Stavnes T, Jensvoll L, Lindegard Aanstad A, Severinsen G, Aasgaard Grini J, Werner Johansen O, Cudjoe K, Nygard K PMID: 22085618 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Dynamic aspects of antibody:oligosaccharide complexes characterized by molecular dynamics simulations and saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance

Glycobiology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Carbohydrates are likely to maintain significant conformational flexibility in antibody (Ab):carbohydrate complexes. As demonstrated herein for the protective monoclonal Ab (mAb) F22-4 recognizing the Shigella flexneri 2a O-antigen (O-Ag) and numerous synthetic oligosaccharide fragments thereof, the combination of molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance saturation transfer difference experiments, supported by physicochemical analysis, allows us to determine the binding epitope and its various contributions to affinity without using any modified oligosaccharides. Moreover, the methods used provide insights into ligand flexibility in the complex, thus enabling a better understanding of the Ab affinities observed for a representative set of synthetic O-Ag fragments. Addi...

Evolutionary and functional insights into Leishmania META1: evidence for lateral gene transfer and a role for META1 in secretion

BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, this work uses an evolutionary biology approach, 3D-modeling and site-directed mutagenesis to arrive at new insights into functions of Leishmania META1. (Source: BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles)

Diarrhea associated with Shigella in children and susceptibility of the bacterium to antimicrobials: a study in Teresina, Piauí, Northeast of Brazil.

Jornal de Pediatria — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: S. flexneri is common in Teresina. The resistance to ampicillin and sulphametoxazole-trimethoprim gives cause for concern, as these drugs are widely used in practice and sulphametoxazole-trimethoprim is also recommended for treating children suspected of having shigellosis. PMID: 22089139 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Jornal de Pediatria)

The natural plant product sophocarpine ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice by regulating cytokine balance

International Journal of Colorectal Disease — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:53:40 +0100

Conclusions In conclusion, sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based upon our results, we suggest that sophocarpine is an effective agent for treating colonic inflammation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00384-011-1352-zAuthors Xiao-juan Wang, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 ChinaHong-zhu Deng, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 ChinaBin Jiang, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 ChinaHui Yao, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 5...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Design, synthesis, characterization, and in vitro antimicrobial action of novel trisubstituted s-triazines

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:43:44 +0100

Abstract In this article, synthesis of a library of trisubstituted s-triazines, which, in addition to 4-amino-benzonitrile, contain 4-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one as well as substituted aliphatic amines condensed to C-6 position of s-triazinyl core is discussed. The newly synthesized analogues were then subjected to determine their efficacy against some bacterial and fungal strains as two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 and Bacillus cereus MTCC 619), six gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli MTCC 739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 741, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109, Salmonella typhi MTCC 733, Proteus vulgaris MTCC 1771, and Shigella flexneria MTCC 1457) and two fungal species (Aspergillus niger MTCC 282 and Candida albicans MTCC 183) with an intent...

Localisation to lipid rafts correlates with increased function of the Gal/GalNAc lectin in the human protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Welter BH, Goldston AM, Temesvari LA Abstract Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of dysentery and liver abscess and is prevalent in developing countries. Adhesion to the host is critical to infection and is mediated by amoebic surface receptors. One such receptor, the Gal/GalNAc lectin, binds to galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine residues on host components and consists of heavy (Hgl), light (Lgl) and intermediate subunits. The mechanism by which the lectin assembles into a functional complex is not known. The parasite also relies on cholesterol-rich domains (lipid rafts) for adhesion. Therefore, it is conceivable that rafts regulate the assembly or function of the lectin. To test this, amoebae were loaded with cholesterol and lipid rafts were purified and charac...

The MUC13 cell-surface mucin protects against intestinal inflammation by inhibiting epithelial cell apoptosis

Gut — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These novel findings indicate a protective role for Muc13 in the colonic epithelium by inhibiting toxin-induced apoptosis and have important implications for intestinal infections, inflammatory diseases and the development of intestinal cancer. (Source: Gut)

Pu-erh black tea extract supplementation attenuates the oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats with renal dysfunction induced by subchronic 3-methyl-2-quinoxalin benzenevinylketo-1,4-dioxide exposure.

Food and Chemical Toxicology — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, PBTE administration ameliorated QCT-induced nephrotoxicity by maintaining DNA's double-helix architecture and mitigating oxidative stress. PMID: 22079314 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Food and Chemical Toxicology)

Outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection in Norway linked to consumption of fresh basil, October 2011

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Foodborne-associated Shigella sonnei, India, 2009 and 2010.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nandy S, Dutta S, Ghosh S, Ganai A, Rajahamsan J, Theodore RB, Sheikh NK Abstract To the Editor: Infection with Shigella spp. is a major cause of foodborne diseases, which have increased considerably during the past decades, but only a small fraction of cases are reported (1). S. dysenteriae and S. flexneri are the predominant species in the tropics; clinically, S. dysenteriae serotype 1 is associated with severe disease, large outbreaks, or epidemics. S. sonnei occurs more frequently in industrialized than in developing countries and causes milder illness than S. dysenteriae and S. flexneri. However, occasional foodborne outbreaks by antimicrobial drug-resistant S. sonnei have been reported from the United States, Japan, and European countries, mostly among children (2-5)...

Intestinal Parasitosis and Shigellosis among Diarrheal Patients in Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BMC Research Notes — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Diarrheal diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing world. Understanding the etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics of patients would help to design better preventive measures. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria in diarrheic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 384 consecutive diarrheal patients who visited Gondar teaching hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia from October 2006 to March 2007 was conducted. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria following standard parasitological and microbiological procedures. Results: Intestinal parasites were diagnose...

Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Novel Bacteriophage SFP10 Simultaneously Inhibiting Both Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Park M, Lee JH, Shin H, Kim M, Choi J, Kang DH, Heu S, Ryu S Abstract Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are major foodborne pathogens causing serious illness. Phage SFP10 was isolated and characterized, which revealed effective infection of both S. enterica and E. coli O157:H7. SFP10 contains a 158-kb double-stranded DNA genome belonging to the Vi01-like Myoviridae family. In vitro adsorption assays showed that the adsorption constant rates to both S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 were 2.50 × 10(-8) ml/min and 1.91 × 10(-8) ml/min, respectively. One-step growth analysis revealed that SFP10 has a shorter latent period (15 min) and larger burst size (>200 PFU) than ordinary Myoviridae phages, suggesting effective host infection and lytic activity. Howev...

Ethnomedicinal and ecological status of plants in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The medicinal plants treated various ailments. These included diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis, menstrual disorders, gonorrhea, pulmonary affections, migraines, leprosy. The ecological studies showed that the tree density and total basal cover increased from the tropical region to sub-tropical and temperate regions. The species composition changed with climatic conditions. Among the localities used for data collection in each climatic region, many had very poor vegetation cover. The herbaceous layer decreased with increasing altitude, which might be an indication that communities at higher elevations were harvesting more herbaceous medicinal plants, due to the lack of basic health care facilities. Therefore, special attention needs to be given to the conservation of medicinal pl...

Exploration of in vitro time point quantitative evaluation of newly synthesized benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives as potential antibacterial agents.

Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bandyopadhyay P, Sathe M, Ponmariappan S, Sharma A, Sharma P, Srivastava AK, Kaushik MP Abstract Present communication deals with the in vitro time point quantitative antibacterial evaluation of newly synthesized 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles (3a-p) and 2-substituted benzothiazoles (5a-h) against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio cholerae, Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli. These compounds were synthesized under mild reaction conditions using Al(2)O(3)-Fe(2)O(3) nanocrystals as heterogeneous catalyst. Bio-evaluation studies revealed that, compounds 3a, 5a and 5d exhibited moderate to good antibacterial activity against all the tested bacterial stains. The compounds 3a, 3f and 5a have shown enhanced i...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Systematic review: the use of proton pump inhibitors and increased susceptibility to enteric infection

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Severe hypochlorhydria generated by PPI use leads to bacterial colonisation and increased susceptibility to enteric bacterial infection. The clinical implication of chronic PPI use among hospitalized patients placed on antibiotics and travellers departing for areas with high incidence of diarrhoea should be considered by their physicians. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

The Trouble with Armor

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

On August 13, 1415, the 27-year-old English king Henry V led his army into France. Within two months dysentery had killed perhaps a quarter of his men, while a French army four times its size blocked escape to Calais and across the English Channel. Winter approached; food grew scarce. Yet in one of the most remarkable upsets in military history, a force of fewer than 7,000 English soldiers--most of them lightly armed archers--repulsed 20,000 to 30,000 heavily armored French men-at-arms near the village of Agincourt, killing thousands. Shakespeare’s play Henry V attributed the victory to the power of Henry’s inspirational rhetoric; the renowned military historian John Keegan has credited the self-defeating crush of the French charge. But a study by exercise physiologists now sug...

Morning Glory Resin Glycosides as Modulators of Antibiotic Activity in Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

Planta Medica — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Planta MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280292AbstractTwenty-six microbiologically inactive (MIC > 512 µg/mL) convolvulaceous resin glycosides (1–26) were tested for resistance modulatory activity in vitro against Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami and two nosocomial pathogens, Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexneri. These compounds exerted a potentiation effect of the clinically useful antibiotics tetracycline, kanamycin, and chloramphenicol against the tested gram-negative bacteria by increasing antibiotic susceptibility up to 32-fold at concentrations of 25 µg/mL. Therefore, the oligosaccharides from the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) represent metabolites that reverse microbial resistance mechanisms, favoring an increase in the strength and effectiveness of current antibiotics th...

Acid-bile, antibiotic resistance and inhibitory properties of propionibacteria isolated from Turkish traditional home-made cheeses.

Anaerobe — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, a total of 29 Propionibacterium spp. were isolated from traditional home-made Turkish cheese samples. As a result of the identification, isolates were identified as Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii (15 strains), Propionibacterium jensenii (12), and Propionibacterium thoenii (2). All isolates and 5 reference strains were examined for their abilities to survive at pH 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and in the presence of 0.06, 0.15 and 0.30% bile salts, their influence on the growth of food-borne and spoilage bacteria, as well as their sensitivity against 11 selected antibiotics. Only seven propionibacteria strains survived in both the acidic and bile salt environments. Propionibacterium spp. strains strongly inhibited growth of the Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 and Shi...

Wide dissemination of multidrug-resistant Shigella isolates in China

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions ESBL-producing or fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella is no longer an unusual phenomenon in the local community. The monitoring programme in China should stay vigilant to the dissemination of these isolates and the health agencies must take appropriate measures to restrict the abuse of antimicrobials, especially in the community. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Social-economic factors and irrational antibiotic use as reasons for antibiotic resistance of bacteria causing common childhood infections in primary healthcare

European Journal of Pediatrics — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:06:39 +0100

In conclusion, bacterial resistance could be reduced by the implementation of systemic and long-term measures at a country level as well as at all levels of healthcare. In order to reduce bacterial resistance, antibiotic use needs to be precisely regulated, and regulations should be coherent with practice. The international community must have a more active role in solving this global problem. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewPages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00431-011-1592-5Authors Katarina Ilić, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, PO BOX 146, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Republic of SerbiaEmil Jakovljević, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, PO BOX 146, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Republic of ...

Clinical characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Shigella gastroenteritis in Ankara, Turkey between 2003 and 2009, and comparison with previous reports

International Journal of Infectious Diseases — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the epidemiological, clinical, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Shigella gastroenteritis cases occurring during the years 2003–2009 and to compare results with those of the years 1987–2002.Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted over a 22-year period. All 238 Shigella strains isolated between 2003 and 2009 were compared to 618 isolates from the period 1987–1994 and 218 Shigella strains isolated during 1995–2002 with regard to antimicrobial resistance patterns and patient clinical characteristics.Results: The predominant species during all periods was Shigella sonnei, with an increasing predominance across the periods (64.0%, 71.5%, and 87.8%, respectively; p (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases...

HPA Issues Warning About An Outbreak Of Shigella Flexneri Dysentery In Men Who Have Sex With Men

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:09:28 +0100

Sexual health experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have today issued an alert about an outbreak of an infection known as Shigella flexneri dysentery. It is thought that the infection is being transmitted between men during sex. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA issues warning about an outbreak of shigella flexneri dysentery

NeLM - News — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an alert about an outbreak of Shigella flexneri dysentery. It is thought that the infection is being transmitted between men during sex. Fourteen cases have been identified in the Greater Manchester area, predominantly among men who have sex with men aged between 30-50 years, since July 2011. In addition, since May 2011, 5 cases have been reported in the London area in men who have sex with men. As there is a likelihood of an increase in other areas across the UK, the HPA is stressing the need for men who have sex with men to consult their doctor if they have diarrhoea, especially if it is bloody (main symptom of Shigella flexneri), and for health professionals to be on the alert for possible c...

Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Traditional Chinese Herb Pairs, Angelica sinensis and Sophora flavescens

Inflammation — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:50:28 +0100

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of Angelica sinensis extract (AE), Sophora flavescens extract (SE), and herb pair A. sinensis and S. flavescens extract (HPE). Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) was induced in rats by a footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide. The anti-inflammatory potential of AE, SE, and HPE in the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), maleic dialdehyde (MDA), polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. HPE showed strong antibacterial activity at all tested concentrations (1.25, 2...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Randomized Intervention Study of Solar Disinfection of Drinking Water in the Prevention of Dysentery in Kenyan Children Aged under 5 Years

Environmental Science and Technology — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:33:41 +0100

Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es2018835 (Source: Environmental Science and Technology)

A multifactor regulatory circuit involving H-NS, VirF and an antisense RNA modulates transcription of the virulence gene icsA of Shigella flexneri

Nucleic Acids Research — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The icsA gene of Shigella encodes a structural protein involved in colonization of the intestinal mucosa by bacteria. This gene is expressed upon invasion of the host and is controlled by a complex regulatory circuit involving the nucleoid protein H-NS, the AraC-like transcriptional activator VirF, and a 450 nt antisense RNA (RnaG) acting as transcriptional attenuator. We investigated on the interplay of these factors at the molecular level. DNase I footprints reveal that both H-NS and VirF bind to a region including the icsA and RnaG promoters. H-NS is shown to repress icsA transcription at 30°C but not at 37°C, suggesting a significant involvement of this protein in the temperature-regulated expression of icsA. We also demonstrate that VirF directly stimulates icsA transcription ...

Genotyping of selected bacterial enteropathogens in Norway.

International Journal of Medical Microbiology — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lindstedt BA Abstract In Norway the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is the primary facility for nationwide surveillance of foodborne infections, and it is vital that we can perform rapid and high resolution identification of foodborne bacteria at the strain level. During the last decade a rapid introduction of DNA-based methods has been introduced, which show promise in enhancing the speed and discriminatory capability of the typing laboratory. The laboratory responsible for genotyping enteropathogens at NIPH is limited in staff, thus methods demanding reduced labour, high degree of automation and increased ease of interpretation is essential. We found that this could be achieved by focusing on MLVA for some of the most predominant enteropathogenic species. Bac...

Investigation of the Binding of a Carbohydrate-Mimetic Peptide to its Complementary Anticarbohydrate Antibody by STD-NMR Spectroscopy and Molecular-Dynamics Simulations.

Chemistry — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:37:35 +0100

Authors: Szczepina MG, Bleile DW, Pinto BM Abstract Saturation transfer difference (STD)-NMR spectroscopy was used to probe experimentally the bioactive solution conformation of the carbohydrate mimic MDWNMHAA 1 of the O-polysaccharide of Shigella flexneri Y when bound to its complementary antibody, mAb SYA/J6. Molecular dynamics simulations using the ZymeCAD™ Molecular Dynamics platform were also undertaken to give a more accurate picture of the conformational flexibility and the possibilities for bound ligand conformations. The ligand topology, or the dynamic epitope, was mapped with the CORCEMA-ST (COmplete Relaxation and Conformational Exchange Matrix Analysis of Saturation Transfer) program that calculates a total matrix analysis of relaxation and exchange effects to gen...

Global Distribution of Shigella sonnei Clones.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Filliol-Toutain I, Chiou CS, Mammina C, Gerner-Smidt P, Thong KL, Phung DC, Pichel M, Ranjbar R, Sow AG, Cooper K, Ribot E, Binsztein N, Liang SY Abstract To investigate global epidemiology of Shigella sonnei, we performed multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis of 1,672 isolates obtained since 1943 from 50 countries on 5 continents and the Pacific region. Three major clonal groups were identified; 2 were globally spread. Type 18 and its derivatives have circulated worldwide in recent decades. PMID: 22000369 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Synthesis of novel quinoxalinone derivatives by conventional and microwave methods and assessing their biological activity.

Archives of Pharmacal Research — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, twenty-one arylaminoquinoxalinone derivatives were synthesized and their antibacterial activities against Staphylococci aureus, Pseudomonas aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella pneumoniae were evaluated relative to known antibiotics; augmentin, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol. The insecticidal activities of the prepared compounds were also investigated against Tribolium castaneum using permethrin as a standard insecticide. The derivatives were synthesized using both conventional and microwave techniques. Their structures were confirmed using spectral techniques and elemental analysis. PMID: 22076760 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pharmacal Research)

Differential host immune responses to epidemic and endemic strains of Shigella dysenteriae type I.

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sayem MA, Ahmad SM, Rekha RS, Sarker P, Agerberth B, Talukder KA, Raqib R Abstract Shigella dysenteriae type 1 causes devastating epidemics in developing countries with high case-fatality rates in all age-groups. The aim of the study was to compare host immune responses to epidemic (T2218) and endemic strains of S. dysenteriae type 1. Shigellacidal activity of serum from rabbits immunized with epidemic or endemic strains, S. dysenteriae type 1-infected patients, and healthy adult controls from Shigella-endemic and non-endemic regions was measured. Immunogenic cross-reactivity of antibodies against Shigella antigens was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Oxidative burst and phagocytic responses of monocytes and neutrophils to selected S. dysenteriae type 1 strains were ass...

Vinculin{middle dot}sca4 Interactions [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Pathogenic Rickettsia species cause high morbidity and mortality, especially R. prowazekii, the causative agent of typhus. Like many intracellular pathogens, Rickettsia exploit the cytoskeleton to enter and spread within the host cell. Here we report that the cell surface antigen sca4 of Rickettsia co-localizes with vinculin in cells at sites of focal adhesions in sca4-transfected cells and that sca4 binds to and activates vinculin through two vinculin binding sites (VBSs) that are conserved across all Rickettsia. Remarkably, this occurs through molecular mimicry of the vinculin-talin interaction that is also seen with the IpaA invasin of the intracellular pathogen Shigella, where binding of these VBSs to the vinculin seven-helix bundle head domain (Vh1) displaces intramolecular interactio...

Detection and identification of bacterial pathogens associated with fishery products using a DNA microarray.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cao B, Li R, Xiong S, Yao F, Liu X, Wang M, Feng L, Wang L Abstract We have established a microarray for the simultaneous detection and identification of diverse putative pathogens often associated with fishery products by targeting specific genes of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Yersinia enterocolitica, and 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris. The microarray contained 26 specific probes and was tested against a total of 123 target bacterial strains that included 55 representative strains, 68 clinical isolates, and 45 strains of other bacterial species that belonged to eight genera and 3...

Live non‐invasive Shigella dysenteriae 1 strain induces homologous protective immunity in a guinea pig colitis model

Microbiology and Immunology — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:30:30 +0100

ABSTRACTA non‐invasive live transconjugant Shigella hybrid (LTSHΔstx) strain was constructed from a Shiga toxin gene deleted mutant of Shigella dysenteriae 1 by introducing a plasmid vector pPR1347 that carried a lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene (rfb and rfc) of Salmonella typhimurium. In guinea pigs, four successive oral administrations of LTSH Δstx showed complete protection against rectal challenge with wild type S. dysenteriae 1 strain. Exponential increase of the serum IgG and IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSH Δstx was observed during immunization, peaked on day 28 and remained at that level until day 35 after the initiation of the immunization. In intestinal lavage of the immunized animals, significant increase of IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSH Δstx...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Risk Factors for Predicting Diarrheal Duration and Morbidity in Children with Acute Diarrhea

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 05:42:20 +0100

Conclusions Few studies assess risk factors for diarrheal morbidity prospectively. The present study showed that children of acute diarrhea with above risk factors need stricter monitoring for complications to reduce diarrheal mortality. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s12098-011-0561-3Authors Archana B. Patel, Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, IndiaRonithung Ovung, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, IndiaNeetu B. Badhoniya, Lata Medical Research Foundation, Nagpur, IndiaMichael J. Dibley, The Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Journal Indian Journal of PediatricsOnline ISSN 0973-7693Print ISSN 0019-5456 (Source: Indian Journa...

[Case Report] Liver mass in a young adult

LANCET — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In March, 2009, a previously healthy 22-year-old woman presented with clinical features of acute bacterial gastroenteritis after returning from India. Shigella sonnei was isolated from a stool sample. Despite appropriate antibiotic treatment with ciprofloxacin, she continued to have diarrhoea and fluctuating fever. In September, 2009, she was seen by an infectious disease specialist, who did laboratory investigations that excluded infectious disease. 3 months later, she presented to our emergency department complaining of abdominal pain for 3 days. (Source: LANCET)

[Research Article] Shigella flexneri Infection Generates the Lipid PI5P to Alter Endocytosis and Prevent Termination of EGFR Signaling

Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 06:42:54 +0100

Shigella keeps infected cells alive by preventing the lysosomal trafficking and degradation of an activated growth factor receptor. (Source: Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment)

Shigella flexneri Infection Generates the Lipid PI5P to Alter Endocytosis and Prevent Termination of EGFR Signaling.

Science Signaling — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ramel D, Lagarrigue F, Pons V, Mounier J, Dupuis-Coronas S, Chicanne G, Sansonetti PJ, Gaits-Iacovoni F, Tronchère H, Payrastre B Abstract The phosphoinositide metabolic pathway, which regulates cellular processes implicated in survival, motility, and trafficking, is often subverted by bacterial pathogens. Shigella flexneri, a bacterium that causes dysentery, injects IpgD, a phosphoinositide phosphatase that generates the lipid phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PI5P), into host cells, thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt survival pathway. We show that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is required for PI5P-dependent activation of Akt in infected HeLa cells or cells ectopically expressing IpgD. Cells treated with PI5P had increased numbers of early end...

Rotavirus in adults requiring hospitalization

Journal of Infection — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Objectives: To determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of rotavirus among adults admitted to the hospital with diarrhea that have bacterial stool cultures sent.Methods: The prevalence of rotavirus was determined by Rotaclone EIA in samples submitted for bacterial stool culture from adults requiring hospitalization at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago from December 01, 2005–November 30, 2006.Results: Rotavirus was detected in 2.9% of eligible bacterial stool cultures. A bacterial pathogen (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter) was identified in 3.3%. Bacterial stool pathogens were more common from June–October while rotavirus was 2.4 times more common than all bacterial pathogens from February–May. Adults in whom rotavirus was detected were old...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Shigellosis with resultant septic shock and renal failure.

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:44:02 +0100

Discussion of disease pathogenesis and treatment are provided. PMID: 21905580 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

Mitogenic response and probiotic characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolated from indigenously pickled vegetables and fermented beverages

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:53:05 +0100

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria from indigenous pickled vegetables and fermented beverages (fermented rice and Madhuca longifolia flowers) were isolated and investigated for their functional characteristics in vitro as potential new probiotic strains. Four isolates (all Lactobacillus spp.) selected on the basis of high tolerance to bile (0.2%) were identified by standard and molecular methods (16S rDNA) as L. helveticus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii and L. bulgaricus from pickled vegetables and fermented beverages respectively. These selected strains had antibiotic resistance, tolerance to artificial gastric juice and phenol (0.4%), enzymatic profile, and antagonistic activity against enteric pathogens (Enterobacter sakazakii, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri 2a, Listeria ...

Mucosal immunization with Shigella flexneri outer membrane vesicles induced protection in mice.

Vaccine — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Camacho AI, de Souza J, Sánchez-Gómez S, Pardo-Ros M, Irache JM, Gamazo C Abstract Vaccination appears to be the only rational prophylactic approach to control shigellosis. Unfortunately, there is still no safe and efficacious vaccine available. We investigated the protection conferred by a new vaccine containing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Shigella flexneri with an adjuvant based on nanoparticles in an experimental model of shigellosis in mice. OMVs were encapsulated in poly(anhydride) nanoparticles prepared by a solvent displacement method with the copolymer PMV/MA. OMVs loaded into NPs (NP-OMVs) were homogeneous and spherical in shape, with a size of 197nm (PdI=0.06). BALB/c mice (females, 9-week-old, 20±1g) were immunized by intradermal, nasal, ocular (20μg...

Differentiation between Shigella, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and noninvasive Escherichia coli

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:05:24 +0100

Abstract Shigella causes bacillary dysentery and is classified into four species based on their antigen characteristics. This classification does not reflect genetic relatedness; in fact, Shigella species are so related to Escherichia coli , they should be classified as one distinctive species in the genus Escherichia. The differentiation of Shigella and E. coli is even more complicated with the description of enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC). EIEC are strains that possess some of the biochemical characteristics of E. coli and have the ability to cause dysentery using the same method of invasion as Shigella does. Sequencing of multiple housekeeping genes indicates that EIEC is more related to Shigella than to non-invasive E. coli. Shigella and EIEC evolved from the same ancestor...

Molecular characterization of extended-spectrum {beta}-lactamase-producing Shigella isolates from humans in South Africa, 2003-2009.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tau NP, Smith AM, Sooka A, Keddy KH, Germs-Sa FT Abstract No abstract. PMID: 21903820 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Characterization of a ViI-like Phage Specific to Escherichia coli O157:H7

Virology Journal — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Phage vB_EcoM_CBA120 (CBA120), isolated against Escherichia coli O157:H7 from a cattle feedlot, is morphologically very similar to the classic phage ViI of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Until recently, little was known genetically or physiologically about the ViI-like phages, and none targeting E. coli have been described in the literature. The genome of CBA120 has been fully sequenced and is highly similar to those of both ViI and the Shigella phage AG3. The core set of structural and replication-related proteins of CBA120 are homologous to those from T-even phages, but generally are more closely related to those from T4-like phages of Vibrio, Aeromonas and cyanobacteria than those of the Enterobacteriaceae. The baseplate and method of adhesion to the host are, however, very differen...

Lipopolysaccharide core structures and their correlation with genetic groupings of Shigella strains. A novel core variant in Shigella boydii type 16

Glycobiology — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Bacteria Shigella, the cause of shigellosis, evolved from the intestinal bacteria Escherichia coli. Based on structurally diverse O-specific polysaccharide chains of the lipopolysaccharides (LPSs; O-antigens), three from four Shigella species are subdivided into multiple serotypes. The central oligosaccharide of the LPS called core is usually conserved within genus but five core types called R1–R4 and K-12 have been recognized in E. coli. Structural data on the Shigella core are limited to S. sonnei, S. flexneri and one S. dysenteriae strain, which all share E. coli core types. In this work, we elucidated the core structure in 14 reference strains of S. dysenteriae and S. boydii. Core oligosaccharides were obtained by mild acid hydrolysis of the LPSs and studied using sugar analysis,...

A gyrB-targeted PCR for Rapid Identification of Salmonella.

Current Microbiology — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This article describes a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method developed for a rapid identification of Salmonella. A gyrB-targeted species-specific primer pair, S-P-for (5'-GGT GGT TTC CGT AAA AGT A-3') and S-P-rev (5'-GAA TCG CCT GGT TCT TGC-3'), was successfully designed. PCR with all the Salmonella strains produced a 366- bp DNA fragment that was absent from all the non-Salmonella strains tested. The detection limit of the PCR was 0.01 ng with genomic DNA or 3.2 cells per assay. Good specificity was also demonstrated by fecal samples, from which only the gyrB gene of Salmonella was amplified. Using the culture-PCR method, 27 isolates on Salmonella-Shigella (SS) medium were rapidly identified as Salmonella, which was confirmed by the sequencing of the gyrB gene. PMID: 218...

WaterLOGSY NMR Experiments in Conjunction with Molecular-Dynamics Simulations Identify Immobilized Water Molecules That Bridge Peptide Mimic MDWNMHAA to Anticarbohydrate Antibody SYA/J6.

Chemistry — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Szczepina MG, Bleile DW, Müllegger J, Lewis AR, Pinto BM Abstract X-ray crystallographic data of the carbohydrate mimic MDWNMHAA when bound to an anti-Shigella flexneri Y mAb SYA/J6 indicate the immobilization of water molecules, that is, the presence of "bound" waters, in the active site. Water Ligand Observed via Gradient Spectroscopy (WaterLOGSY) was used in conjunction with saturation transfer difference (STD)-NMR spectroscopy to probe the existence of immobilized water molecules in the complex of MDWNMHAA 1 bound to mAb SYA/J6. Molecular dynamics simulations using the ZymeCAD Molecular Dynamics platform were then used to specify the likely locations of these water molecules. Of note, those waters involved in providing complementarity between the peptide and mAb SYA/J...

Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Shigella sonnei among Men Who Have Sex with Men, Canada, 2010.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report on the emergence of this resistance type and a study of resistance mechanisms. The investigation suggested local transmission among men who have sex with men associated with sex venues. PMID: 21888811 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Antibacterial activity of three medicinal Thai plants against Campylobacter jejuni and other foodborne pathogens.

Natural Product Research — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of these plants against six species of foodborne pathogen. Methods and solvents employed to extract active constituents were optimised using the disc diffusion assay. Phytochemical analysis of the optimised extracts was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined by broth microdilution. A. pavonina contained flavonoids, terpines and tannins, and was the most active extract against Campylobacter jejuni, inhibiting growth at 62.5-125 µg mL(-1). The A. squamosa extract contained flavonoids, terpines, tannins and alkaloids, and had the broadest spectrum of antibacterial activity, inhibiting Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Sta...

The Genus Broussonetia: A Review of its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Phytotherapy Research — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the phytochemical and potential beneficial therapeutic effects of plants of this genus reported since 2000. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytotherapy Research)

Convergent synthesis of the tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Shigella boydii type 9

Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract A convenient synthesis of the tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Shigella boydii type 9 has been achieved in excellent yield using a [2 + 2] block glycosylation strategy. TEMPO-mediated selective oxidation of the primary alcohol of the tetrasaccharide derivative 8 to the carboxylic group followed by deprotection of the functional groups furnished target tetrasaccharide 1 as its 4-methoxyphenyl glycoside in high yield. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2011, 7, 1182–1188. doi:10.3762/bjoc.7.137 (Source: Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry)

Toxic megacolon

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractAbstract: Toxic megacolon represents a dreaded complication of mainly inflammatory or infectious conditions of the colon. It is most commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), i.e., ulcerative colitis or ileocolonic Crohn's disease. Lately, the epidemiology has shifted toward infectious causes, specifically due to an increase of Clostridium difficile‐associated colitis possibly due to the extensive (ab)use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Other important infectious etiologies include Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), rotavirus, Aspergillus, and Entameba. Less frequently, toxic megacolon has been attributed to ischemic colitis, collagenous colitis, or obstructive colorectal cancer. Toxic colonic dilatation may also occur in hemolytic‐ure...

Structure and Function of MxiG-N from Shigella T3SS [Microbiology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

MxiG is a single-pass membrane protein that oligomerizes within the inner membrane ring of the Shigella flexneri type III secretion system (T3SS). The MxiG N-terminal domain (MxiG-N) is the predominant cytoplasmic structure; however, its role in T3SS assembly and secretion is largely uncharacterized. We have determined the solution structure of MxiG-N residues 6–112 (MxiG-N(6–112)), representing the first published structure of this T3SS domain. The structure shows strong structural homology to forkhead-associated (FHA) domains. Canonically, these cell-signaling modules bind phosphothreonine (Thr(P)) via highly conserved residues. However, the putative phosphate-binding pocket of MxiG-N(6–112) does not align with other FHA domain structures or interact with Thr(P). Furthermore, mutag...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Sf6 Tail Needle Knob [Microbiology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Podoviridae are double-stranded DNA bacteriophages that use short, non-contractile tails to adsorb to the host cell surface. Within the tail apparatus of P22-like phages, a dedicated fiber known as the “tail needle” likely functions as a cell envelope-penetrating device to promote ejection of viral DNA inside the host. In Sf6, a P22-like phage that infects Shigella flexneri, the tail needle presents a C-terminal globular knob. This knob, absent in phage P22 but shared in other members of the P22-like genus, represents the outermost exposed tip of the virion that contacts the host cell surface. Here, we report a crystal structure of the Sf6 tail needle knob determined at 1.0 Å resolution. The structure reveals a trimeric globular domain of the TNF fold structurally superimposable with ...

Antimicrobial and toxicological activities of five medicinal plant species from Cameroon Traditional Medicine

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results showed that, all these plant's extracts can be used as antimicrobial phytomedicines which can be therapeutically used against infections caused by multiresistant agents.Key words: Phyllanthus muellerianus, Piptadeniastum africana, antimicrobial, acute toxicity,kidney and liver function tests, Cameroon Traditional Medicine (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Real-time multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia species in fecal samples.

International Journal of Medical Microbiology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wiemer D, Loderstaedt U, von Wulffen H, Priesnitz S, Fischer M, Tannich E, Hagen RM Abstract Diarrheal diseases due to notifiable bacterial infections require rapid diagnosis of the causative pathogens. To facilitate detection, a real-time multiplex PCR was developed that identifies common diarrhea-causing bacteria in fecal samples. On the basis of published sequence data, sets of primers and probes were designed that were specific for Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Shigella/enteroinvasive Escherichia coli EIEC, and Yersinia species, suitable for use in a one-tube PCR assay. The assay was assessed using a list of 137 well-defined intestinal bacterial strains or isolates. Furthermore, 393 routine clinical stool samples were analyzed, and the results of real-time multiple...

A School Outbreak of Shigella sonnei Infection in China: Clinical Features, Antibiotic Susceptibility and Molecular Epidemiology.

Indian Pediatrics — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain were the three most common clinical manifestations observed in patients infected with S. sonnei. High-level antibiotic resistance was observed among Shigella species. PMID: 21992857 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Indian Pediatrics)

Development of a Simple Fed-Batch Process for the High-Yield Production of Recombinant Shiga Toxin B-Chain Protein.

Protein and Peptide Letters — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sharma K, Gupta P, Singh AK, Gopalan N, Dhaked RK, Rao PV Shiga toxins are one of the very potent agents for causing dysentery, diarrhoea and haemolytic uremic syndrome with very low LD50. For better understanding of their biology, detection and neutralization, the components of toxins are needed to be expressed and purified in bulk amounts. However, following traditional expression procedures, this task is very tedious as the yield of the toxin is very low. In this manuscript, we have described the optimization of media for enhanced production of recombinant Shiga toxin B (rStx-B) chain protein in Escherichia coli. This protein is known to have neutralization ability against shiga toxins. Furthermore, fed-batch cultivation process in E. coli was also developed in the optimize...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Evaluation of the use of recombinant Bhlp29.7 in immunoblotting with pig serum as a means to identify herds infected with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Immunoblotting using recombinant antigen Bhlp29.7 in conjunction with culturing B. hyodysenteriae proved to be a valuable tool for detecting swine herds latently infected with B. hyodysenteriae. (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

Epidemiology of food-borne disease outbreaks in the French armed forces: A review of investigations conducted from 1999 to 2009

Journal of Infection — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The reporting rate was much higher among military deployed overseas, which can be the consequence of a lack of hygiene due to operational imperatives and the consumption of local food which does not meet safety standards. In operational settings, laboratory evidence may be difficult to obtain and a timely epidemiological investigation in some cases proves valuable to identify the likely vehicle of infection and to guide targeted intervention measures. (Source: Journal of Infection)

The inhibitory activity of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from breast milk on gastrointestinal pathogenic bacteria of nosocomial origin.

Anaerobe — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jara S, Sánchez M, Vera R, Cofré JV, Castro E Abstract Milk acts as a mean for transporting many essential substances from the mother to the child. In human beings, milk includes several predominant bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci, micrococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, lactococci and bifidobacteria. Besides, its intake favors the predominance of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the child's intestinal microbiota. The present work explores the isolation and selection of lactobacilli strains with probiotic potential, focusing in their degree of hydrophobicity and antagonism against important gastrointestinal nosocomial pathogens. 98 lactobacilli were isolated from 48 breast milk samples, with most strains belonging to the obligately homofermentative group (...

GIsul2, a genomic island carrying the sul2 sulphonamide resistance gene and the small mobile element CR2 found in the Enterobacter cloacae subspecies cloacae type strain ATCC 13047 from 1890, Shigella flexneri ATCC 700930 from 1954 and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978 from 1951

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Travelers' Diarrhea Management among Frontline Providers

Journal of Travel Medicine — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Results from this survey support the need for improving knowledge and management of TD among deploying providers. The information from this study should be considered to support the establishment and dissemination of military diarrhea‐management guidelines to assist in improving the health of military personnel. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

The role of Tecpr1 in selective autophagy as a cargo receptor.

Autophagy — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:19:36 +0100

Authors: Ogawa M, Sasakawa C Bacterial intrusion of host cells can be recognized by the innate immune system, including autophagy, via multiple cellular pathways. We have identified Tecpr1 as an Atg5-binding partner, and found that Tecpr1 interacts with the Atg12-Atg5-Atg16L1 complex via binding to Atg5. In Shigella infected cells, Tecpr1 colocalizes with Atg5 and LC3 at Shigella-containing phagophores. Tecpr1 activity is required for efficient autophagy to target bacteria, but a deficiency of Tecpr1 in host cells does not have a marked effect on canonical autophagy. Tecpr1 plays an important role in promoting selective autophagy via the WIPI-2-Tecpr1-Atg5 pathway in targeting bacteria, protein aggregates and damaged mitochondria. PMID: 21795850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] ...

Asia-Pacific Working Group consensus on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Gut — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), especially peptic ulcer bleeding, remains one of the most important cause of hospitalisation and mortality world wide. In Asia, with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, a potential difference in drug metabolism, and a difference in clinical management of UGIB due to variable socioeconomic environments, it is considered necessary to re-examine the International Consensus of Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding with emphasis on data generated from the region. The working group, which comprised experts from 12 countries from Asia, recommended the use of the Blatchford score for selection of patients who require endoscopic intervention and which would allow early discharge of patients at low risk. Patients' comorbid conditions sho...

Analysis of distribution and significance of simple sequence repeats in enteric bacteria Shigella dysenteriae SD197.

Bioinformation — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:30:05 +0100

Authors: Saurabh B, Sneha S, Suvidya R, Pramod K, Shailesh B We have explored the possible role of SSR density in genome to generate biological information. In our study, we have checked the SSR (simple sequence repeats) status in virulent and non virulent genes of enteric bacteria to see whether the SSRs distribution contributes to virulence. The genome, plasmid and virulent genes sequences in fasta format were downloaded from NCBI GenBank and VFDB. The sequences were subjected to SSR analysis using software tool ssr.exe. The resulting data was pasted in excel sheet and further analyzed for percentage of each type of SSR. Higher nucleotide repeats have been observed in our study. Overall high density of SSRs can enhance antigenic variance of the pathogen population in a strategy that ...

Acquired Antibiotic Resistance: Are We Born With It?

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhang L, Kinkelaar D, Huang Y, Li Y, Li X, Wang HH Abstract The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance (AR) is a major public health concern. Recent findings on the prevalence of foodborne antibiotic resistant (ART) commensal bacteria in ready-to-consume food products suggested that daily food consumption likely serves as a major avenue for disseminating ART bacteria from the food chain to the human hosts. To properly assess the impact of various factors including the food chain on AR development in hosts, it is important to determine the baseline of ART bacteria in human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We thus examined gut microbiota of 16 infant subjects from newborn to 1 year of age, fed on breast milk and/or infant formula during early stage of development and without p...

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based differentiation of Shigella isolates by pyrosequencing.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hayford AE, Mammel MK, Lacher DW, Brown EW Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is an important genetic tool that provides molecular markers for rapid differentiation of closely related strains. We have applied SNP discovery and analysis for distinguishing each of the four Shigella serogroups (Boydii, Dysenteriae, Flexneri, and Sonnei) and for discriminating individual strains within the same serogroup by using 24 SNPs selected from nine genes. Five SNPs were identified from sequence analysis of two housekeeping genes (gapA and thrB) used previously in our lab to differentiate Shigella isolates into distinct lineages. The remaining 19 SNPs were identified by in silico analyses of eight Shigella genomes and are within the genes lpxC, sanA, yaaH, ybaP, ygaZ, yhbO, ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Serine protease autotransporters from Shigella flexneri and pathogenic Escherichia coli target a broad range of leukocyte glycoproteins [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATEs) are secreted by pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria through the autotransporter pathway. We previously classified SPATE proteins into two classes: cytotoxic (class 1) and noncytotoxic (class 2). Here, we show that Pic, a class 2 SPATE protein produced by Shigella flexneri 2a, uropathogenic and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strains, targets a broad range of human leukocyte adhesion proteins. Substrate specificity was restricted to glycoproteins rich in O-linked glycans, including CD43, CD44, CD45, CD93, CD162 (PSGL-1; P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1), and the surface-attached chemokine fractalkine, all implicated in leukocyte trafficking, migration, and inflammation. N-terminal sequencing of proteolytic products reveale...

The effect of Quercus castaneifolia extract on pathogenic enteric bacteria.

Anaerobe — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bahador N, Baserisalehi M Abstract The family of Enterobacteriaceae is a major group of gram negative bacteria, some of these microorganisms are pathogen and could cause disease mainly gastroenteritis. Recently, due to drug resistant nature of these bacteria specially in developing countries treatment of the patient considered as important investigate. Quercus castaneifolia is a native plant of Yasuj province in Iran, which the people who living in this area consume the fruit of this plant for treatment of enteric disease. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fruit of Q. castaneifolia extract on pathogenic enteric bacteria viz., E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae and Yersinia enterocolitica. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ...

Public health and clinical importance of amoebiasis in Malaysia: A review.

Tropical Biomedicine — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tengku SA, Norhayati M Abstract Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of human amoebiasis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and is responsible for up to 100,000 deaths worldwide each year. Entamoeba dispar, morphologically indistinguishable from E. histolytica is more common in humans in many parts of the world. Similarly Entamoeba moshkovskii, which was long considered to be a free-living amoeba is also morphologically identical to E. histolytica and E. dispar, and is highly prevalent in some E. histolytica endemic countries. Humans are the host of infection and there would not appear to be other meaningful animal reservoirs of E. histolytica. Entamoeba. histolytica can be present in sewage and contaminated water. ...

A live noninvasive Shigella dysenteriae 1 strain induces homologous protective immunity in a guinea pig colitis model

Microbiology and Immunology — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTA noninvasive live transconjugant Shigella hybrid (LTSHΔstx) strain was constructed from a Shiga toxin gene deleted mutant of Shigella dysenteriae 1 by introducing a plasmid vector pPR1347 that carried a lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis gene (rfb and rfc) of Salmonella typhimurium. In guinea pigs, four successive oral administrations of LTSHΔstx showed complete protection against rectal challenge with wild type S. dysenteriae 1 strain. Exponential increase of the serum IgG and IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSHΔstx was observed during immunization, peaked on day 28 and remained at that level until day 35 after the initiation of the immunization. In intestinal lavage of the immunized animals, significant increase of IgA titer against lipopolysaccharide of LTSHΔstx was a...

Survival of Salmonella Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae in Dehydrated Infant Formula

Journal of Food Science — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Powdered infant formula has previously been linked to the transmission of various bacterial pathogens in infants resulting in life‐threatening disease and death. Survival studies of 2 common foodborne pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae, in powdered infant formula have not been previously studied despite the potentially devastating consequences from ingestion of these organisms, particularly by newborns, in case of a natural or deliberate contamination event. Therefore, to better predict the risk of S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae infection from consumption of infant formula, the present study was undertaken to determine survival of these microorganisms in dry infant formula under varying atmospheric conditions. A 2‐strain cocktail...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Can you understand theatre when you don't speak the language? | Laura Barnett

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:45:19 +0100

English is gloriously absent at the Avignon festival – and, despite my French not being up to much, I found myself wondering if it matteredHow much can you get out of a play if it's performed in a language you don't understand? This question was very much on my mind at the Avignon festival in the south of France. It was my first time at this large-scale, artistically ambitious arts shindig, which bears similarities to the Edinburgh International festival. Both started in the 1940s to cheer up a post-war populace; both have a large fringe festival alongside the main programme (though in Avignon this is known, delightfully, as the "Off"); both entirely commandeer their host town.I was there at the invitation of the main festival's co-director, Vincent Baudriller; a few weeks back, he got i...

Function-Specific Accelerations in Rates of Sequence Evolution Suggest Predictable Epistatic Responses to Reduced Effective Population Size

Molecular Biology and Evolution — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Changes in effective population size impinge on patterns of molecular evolution. Notably, slightly deleterious mutations are more likely to drift to fixation in smaller populations, which should typically also lead to an overall acceleration in the rates of evolution. This prediction has been validated empirically for several endosymbiont and island taxa. Here, we first show that rate accelerations are also evident in bacterial pathogens whose recent shifts in virulence make them prime candidates for reduced effective population size: Bacillus anthracis, Bordetella parapertussis, Mycobacterium leprae, Salmonella enterica typhi, Shigella spp., and Yersinia pestis. Using closely related genomes to analyze substitution rate dynamics across six phylogenetically independent bacterial clades, we...

The Vibrio cholerae VctPDGC System Transports Catechol Siderophores and a Siderophore‐Free Iron Ligand

Molecular Microbiology — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:06:22 +0100

AbstractVibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, has an absolute requirement for iron. It transports the catechol siderophores vibriobactin, which it synthesizes and secretes, and enterobactin. These siderophores are transported across the inner membrane by one of two periplasmic binding protein‐dependent ABC transporters, VctPDGC or ViuPDGC. We show here that one of these inner membrane transport systems, VctPDGC, also promotes iron acquisition in the absence of siderophores. Plasmids carrying the vctPDGC genes stimulated growth in both rich and minimal media of a Shigella flexneri mutant that produces no siderophores. vctPDGC also stimulated the growth of an E. coli enterobactin biosynthetic mutant in low iron medium, and this effect did not require feoB, tonB or aroB. A tyrosi...

Physical, chemical and microbiological quality of ice used to cool drinks and foods in Greece and its public health implications.

Anaerobe — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gerokomou V, Voidarou C, Vatopoulos A, Velonakis E, Rozos G, Alexopoulos A, Plessas S, Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou E, Demertzi KA, Demertzis PG Ice used for direct human consumption or to preserve foods and cool down drinks can be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and may potentially become a vehicle for consumer's infection. To evaluate physical, chemical and microbiological quality of commercial ice and ice used for fish and seafood, 100 ice samples collected at 10 different retail points in the region of Epirus were studied. The following microbiological parameters were determined: Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia spp., Escherichiacoli, Campylobacter sp., Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostri...

RodZ regulates the post-transcriptional processing of the Shigella sonnei type III secretion system

EMBO Reports AOP — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jiro Mitobe, Itaru Yanagihara, Kiyouhisa Ohnishi, Shouji Yamamoto, Makoto Ohnishi, Akira Ishihama & Haruo Watanabe (Source: EMBO Reports AOP)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Autophagy of Shigella versus Listeria [Microbiology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Autophagy is an important mechanism of innate immune defense. We have recently shown that autophagy components are recruited with septins, a new and increasingly characterized cytoskeleton component, to intracytosolic Shigella that have started to polymerize actin. On the other hand, intracytosolic Listeria avoids autophagy recognition by expressing ActA, a bacterial effector required for actin polymerization. Here, we exploit Shigella and Listeria as intracytosolic tools to characterize different pathways of selective autophagy. We show that the ubiquitin-binding adaptor proteins p62 and NDP52 target Shigella to an autophagy pathway dependent upon septin and actin. In contrast, p62 or NDP52 targets the Listeria ActA mutant to an autophagy pathway independent of septin or actin. TNF-α, a ...

Burden of rotavirus and other enteropathogens among children with diarrhea in Burkina Faso

International Journal of Infectious Diseases — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study demonstrates rotavirus as the main etiological agent in pediatric diarrhea in Burkina Faso, and further shows the great severity of rotavirus-induced diarrhea in undernourished children in Burkina Faso. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)

Shigella are versatile mucosal pathogens that circumvent the host innate immune system.

Current Opinion in Immunology — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ashida H, Ogawa M, Mimuro H, Kobayashi T, Sanada T, Sasakawa C The intestinal mucosa is equipped with multiple innate immune defense systems that sense bacterial infection, transmit alarm signals to the immune system, defeat intruding bacteria, and renew damaged and aging epithelial cells. Nevertheless, mucosal bacterial pathogens have versatile pathogenic mechanisms that modulate the host inflammatory and immune responses, manipulate host cell death and survival signal pathways, and renovate the injured epithelium. These properties enable pathogens to adapt to the intestinal mucosal environment, exploit cellular and immune functions, and facilitate infection. Here we review current topics on host defense mechanisms against bacterial infection and the countermeasures that Shig...

EspG of enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic E. coli binds the Golgi matrix protein GM130 and disrupts the Golgi structure and function

Cellular Microbiology — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe enteric pathogens enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and Shigella flexneri all translocate at least one effector protein of the EspG protein family into host cells via a type III secretion system (T3SS). The EspG family comprises EspG, EspG2 and VirA. From a Y2H screen, we identified the Golgi matrix protein GM130 as a potential binding partner of EspG. We confirmed EspG:GM130 protein interaction by affinity co‐purification. In co‐immunoprecipitation experiments EspG was co‐precipitated with GM130 while both GM130 and tubulins were co‐precipitated with EspG. When expressed ectopically in HeLa cells, the EspG protein family all localized to the Golgi and induced fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus. All EspG family proteins were al...

Transmission of multiple resistant Salmonella Concord from internationally adopted children to their adoptive families and social environment: proposition of guidelines

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:52:41 +0100

This study provides useful information for parents adopting children and for their family practitioner. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10096-011-1336-5Authors R. Vanhoof, National Reference Centre for Salmonella and Shigella, Bacterial Diseases Division, Communicable and infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, 14 Wytsmanstreet, 1050 Brussels, BelgiumP. Gillis, Dienst Kinder en jeugdgeneeskunde, Virga Jesseziekenhuis, Hasselt, BelgiumO. Stévart, Département de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, BelgiumC. Boland, National Reference Centre for Salmonella and Shigella, Bacterial Diseases Division, Communicable and infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, 14 Wy...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Molecular Characterization of Fecal Microbiota in Patients with Viral Diarrhea.

Current Microbiology — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ma C, Wu X, Nawaz M, Li J, Yu P, Moore JE, Xu J The study provides molecular analyses of fecal microbiota of diarrhea patients infected with four different types of viruses. Fecal specimens from 52 patients with viral diarrhea (13 each of adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus) and six healthy individuals were collected and etiological viral agent was confirmed by enzyme immunoassay and specific PCR. To assess the changes in microbial diversity in patients with viral diarrhea, DNA from stool were extracted and characterized by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with universal primers specific for the V3 region of 16S rRNA gene. The strongest bands of the DGGE profiling were excised and sequenced to identify the dominant groups. Bacteroides vulgatus, B...

Synthesis and studies of novel 2-(4-cyano-3-trifluoromethylphenyl amino)-4-(quinoline-4-yloxy)-6-(piperazinyl/piperidinyl)-s-triazines as potential antimicrobial, antimycobacterial and anticancer agents.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Patel RV, Kumari P, Rajani DP, Chikhalia KH A series of novel s-triazine analogs were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, (19)F NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Preliminary screening of target compounds against eight bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Shigella flexneria), four fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus clavatus, Candida albicans) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv indicated that 5d, 5h, 5n, 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s, 5t and 5u were the most active compounds among twenty one studied. Thus, they were further subjected to in vitro biological evaluation against human prostate cancer cell line (DU-145) and the r...

Investigating the Global Genomic Diversity of Escherichia coli using a Multi-Genome DNA Microarray Platform with Novel Gene Prediction Strategies

BMC Genomics - Latest articles — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These elements provide insights into understanding the microbial diversity that exists within extant E. coli populations. Moreover, these data demonstrate that this novel microarray-based analysis is a powerful tool in the field of molecular epidemiology and the fast emerging field of microbial forensics. (Source: BMC Genomics - Latest articles)

Shiga toxins induce autophagy leading to differential signalling pathways in toxin‐sensitive and toxin‐resistant human cells

Cellular Microbiology — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe bacterial virulence factors Shiga toxins (Stxs) are expressed by Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 and certain Escherichia coli strains. Stxs are protein synthesis inhibitors and induce apoptosis in many cell types. Stxs induce apoptosis via prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling to activate both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in human myeloid cells. Studies have shown that autophagy, a lysosome‐dependent catabolic process, may be associated with activation of pro‐survival or death processes. It is currently unknown if autophagy contributes to apoptosis or protects cells from Stxs. To study cellular responses to Stxs, we intoxicated toxin‐sensitive cells (THP‐1 and HK‐2 cells), and toxin‐resistant cells (primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages) and ex...

The Yersinia enterocolitica type 3 secretion system (T3SS) as toolbox for studying the cell biological effects of bacterial Rho GTPase modulating T3SS effector proteins

Cellular Microbiology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe bacterial effector proteins IpgB1 and IpgB2 of Shigella and Map of Escherichia coli activate the Rho GTPases Rac1, RhoA and Cdc42, respectively, whereas YopE and YopT of Yersinia inhibit these Rho family GTPases. We established a Yersinia toolbox which allows to study the cellular effects of these effectors in different combinations in the context of Yersinia type 3 secretion system (Ysc)‐T3SS‐mediated injection into HeLa cells. For this purpose hybrid proteins were constructed by fusion of YopE with the effector protein of interest. As expected, injected hybrid proteins induced membrane ruffles and Yersinia uptake for IpgB1, stress fibres for IpgB2 and microspikes for Map. By co‐infection experiments we could demonstrate (i) IpgB2‐mediated and ROCK‐dependent inhibitio...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Natural Products Modulate Shigella-Host Cell Interaction.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study focussed on identifying possible new options derived from natural sources for the treatment of bacterial infections. Several natural products were investigated for their potential in modulating Shigella-host cell interaction. The proliferation of Shigella sonnei was effectively inhibited inside HEp-2 cells in the presence of 4-methoxycinnamic acid and propolin D. Propolin D also significantly reduced the apopotosis of infected macrophage-like U937 cells, and moderately reduced the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18, which likely resulted from inhibition of IpaB secretion by the compound. Further characterisation showed that propolin D did not prevent escape of Shigella from phagocytic vacuoles as evidenced by actin-based motility and by the fact that addition of chloroquine did not f...

Iron-containing micronutrient powder provided to children with moderate-to-severe malnutrition increases hemoglobin concentrations but not the risk of infectious morbidity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority safety trial.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Iron MNP is safe and efficacious when provided to children aged 12-24 mo with moderate-to-severe malnutrition and anemia. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00530374. PMID: 21715512 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

Are there any changes in burden and management of communicable diseases in areas affected by Cyclone Nargis?

Conflict and Health — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: While the incidence of diarrhea, dysentery and ARI increased post-Nargis in areas affected by the incident, the incidence rate for other diseases and mortality rates did not increase, and normal disease patterns resumed by 2009. This suggests that health services as well as prevention and control measures provided to the Nargis-affected population mitigated what could have been a far more severe health impact. (Source: Conflict and Health)

IpaA Has Three Vinculin Binding Sites [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Internalization of Shigella into host epithelial cells, where the bacteria replicates and spreads to neighboring cells, requires a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) effector coined IpaA. IpaA binds directly to and activates the cytoskeletal protein vinculin after injection in the host cell cytosol, and this was previously thought to be directed by two amphipathic α-helical vinculin-binding sites (VBS) found in the C-terminal tail domain of IpaA. Here, we report a third VBS, IpaA-VBS3, that is located N-terminal to the other two VBSs of IpaA and show that one IpaA molecule can bind up to three vinculin molecules. Biochemical in vitro Shigella invasion assays and the 1.6 Å crystal structure of the vinculin·IpaA-VBS3 complex showed that IpaA-VBS3 is functionally redundant with the other two I...

From Here to Dysentery: Shigella Invasion of Epithelial Cells♦ [Papers of the Week]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

♦ See referenced article, J. Biol. Chem. 2011, 286, 23214–23221 Positioned at the cytoplasmic face of adhesion plaques, vinculin mediates cytoskeletal responses to cues from the extracellular matrix. The interplay between the inner and outer architectural elements of the cell is elegantly coordinated and ruthlessly exploited by Shigella spp. These microbial agents of dysentery usurp the function of vinculin to commandeer changes in the cytoskeleton that subserve infection. In their JBC Paper of the Week, Park et al. focus on the Shigella protein IpaA, an “invasin” that binds to vinculin and thereby unmasks its actin binding function. In this way, IpaA mimics the vinculin binding functions of the endogenous talin protein, which possesses 11 vinculin binding sites. Through crystallog...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

In vivo versus in vitro protein abundance analysis of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 reveals changes in the expression of proteins involved in virulence, stress and energy metabolism

BMC Microbiology - Latest articles — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Global proteomic profiling of SD1 comparing in vivo vs. in vitro proteomes revealed differential expression of proteins geared towards survival of the pathogen in the host gut environment, including increased abundance of proteins involved in anaerobic energy respiration, acid resistance and virulence. The immunogenic OspC2, OspC3 and IpgA virulence proteins were detected solely under in vivo conditions, lending credence to their candidacy as potential vaccine targets. (Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles)

Community case management in Nicaragua: lessons in fostering adoption and expanding implementation

Health Policy and Planning — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Community case management (CCM) as applied to child survival is a strategy that enables trained community health workers or volunteers to assess, classify, treat and refer sick children who reside beyond the reach of fixed health facilities. The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MOH) and Save the Children trained and supported brigadistas (community health volunteers) in CCM to improve equitable access to treatment for pneumonia, diarrhoea and dysentery for children in remote areas. In this article, we examine the policy landscape and processes that influenced the adoption and implementation of CCM in Nicaragua. Contextual factors in the policy landscape that facilitated CCM included an international technical consensus supporting the strategy; the role of government in health care provision ...

Is BYOC shopping safe?

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:03:30 +0100

For many of us, buying organic snacks and toting recyclable grocery bags is the extent of our eco-conscious consumer habits. But for the extremely earth friendly, there’s a eco-shopping trend gathering steam called BYOC (bring your own container), where shoppers bring glass jars and containers with them to market to fill with products like coffee, grains, olive oil and even natural household cleaners. Most items are available in bulk, without all that pesky packaging. From an environmentalist standpoint BYOC makes sense. Less packaging means less cereal boxes in our overcrowded land fills, fewer plastic bottles lingering on for the next few millennia and tree-lined streets free of plastic bags entwined in their branches. How strong is the risk of contamination in non-packaged food? ...

ATP-Mediated Erk1/2 Activation Stimulates Bacterial Capture by Filopodia, which Precedes Shigella Invasion of Epithelial Cells.

Cell Host and Microbe — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Romero S, Grompone G, Carayol N, Mounier J, Guadagnini S, Prevost MC, Sansonetti PJ, Tran Van Nhieu G Shigella, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery in humans, invades epithelial cells, using a type III secretory system (T3SS) to inject bacterial effectors into host cells and remodel the actin cytoskeleton. ATP released through connexin hemichanels on the epithelial membrane stimulates Shigella invasion and dissemination in epithelial cells. Here, we show that prior to contact with the cell body, Shigella is captured by nanometer-thin micropodial extensions (NMEs) at a distance from the cell surface, in a process involving the T3SS tip complex proteins and stimulated by ATP- and connexin-mediated signaling. Upon bacterial contact, NMEs retract, bringing bacteria in cont...

Shigella gets captured to gain entry.

Cell Host and Microbe — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: McCormick BA The type III secretion system-dependent epithelial invasion and dissemination of Shigella is stimulated by ATP released through hemichannels. Romero et al. (2011) show that prior to epithelial contact, Shigella is captured by nanometer-thin micropodial extensions at a distance from the cell surface, in a process involving ATP and connexin-mediated signaling. PMID: 21669393 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cell Host and Microbe)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Vital signs: incidence and trends of infection with pathogens transmitted commonly through food --- foodborne diseases active surveillance network, 10 u.s. Sites, 1996--2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The incidence of STEC O157 infection has declined to reach the 2010 national health objective target of ≥1 case per 100,000. This success, as well as marked declines since 1996--1998 in overall incidence of six key foodborne infections, demonstrates the feasibility of preventing foodborne illnesses. Implications for Public Health Practice: Salmonella infection should be targeted because it has not declined significantly in more than a decade, and other data indicate that it is one of the most common foodborne infections, resulting in an estimated $365 million in direct medical costs annually. The prevention measures that reduced STEC O157 infection need to be applied more broadly to reduce Salmonella and other infections. Effective measures from farm to table include prevent...

Genetic Characteristics and Changing Antimicrobial Resistance among Shigella spp Isolated from Hospitalized Diarrhoeal Patients in Kolkata, India.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ghosh S, Pazhani GP, Chowdhury G, Guin S, Dutta S, Rajendran K, Bhattacharya MK, Takeda Y, Niyogi SK, Nair GB, Ramamurthy T To study the prevalence pattern and trends in the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of shigellae, we tested 212 isolates isolated from diarrhoeal patients admitted at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kolkata, India from November 2007 to October 2009. Prevalence of Shigella spp was more in more than 5 years age group (69%) than the children >5 years age group (31%). Serotypes 2a, 3a and untypable isolates of the subtype S. flexneri were frequently detected. Increase in the isolation of S. sonnei (15%) is a novel trend in this region. Fluoroquinolone resistance among S. flexneri serotypes 2a, 3a and other serogroups of shigellae is another evolving...

Modulation of connexin signaling by bacterial pathogens and their toxins.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ceelen L, Haesebrouck F, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V, Vinken M Inherent to their pivotal tasks in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, gap junctions, connexin hemichannels, and pannexin hemichannels are frequently involved in the dysregulation of this critical balance. The present paper specifically focuses on their roles in bacterial infection and disease. In particular, the reported biological outcome of clinically important bacteria including Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Yersinia enterocolitica, Helicobacter pylori, Bordetella pertussis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter rodentium, Clostridium species, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus and their toxic products on connexin- and pannexin-related signaling in ho...

Production of bioactive sheep β-defensin-1 in Pichia pastoris.

Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhao P, Cao G Previous research has shown that sheep β-defensin-1 (sBD-1), a small cationic peptide with a broad range of antimicrobial activities, could inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as that of fungi. In order to increase the yield of current ovine defensin purification methods, mature sBD-1 (msBD-1) was added with a 6-His tag on the C-terminus (msBD-1-T) and expressed in Pichia pastoris in the presented work. The msBD-1 and msBD-1-T were expressed in the Pichia pastoris. Both msBD-1 and msBD-1-T were purification, and the two peptides were used to inhibit Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella flexneri. The antimicrobial activity of the 6-His tagged msBD-1-T peptide was no...

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Shigella species over five years at a tertiary-care teaching hospital in north India.

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Urvashi , Saxena S, Dutta R PMID: 21766566 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Putting Road Safety on the Development Agenda

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:23:00 +0100

The leading killer of children over the age of five is not malaria or dysentery, but cars and trucks. And ninety percent of those children are killed on roads in developing countries. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Food poisoning reminds us that bacteria do have sex | GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:55:00 +0100

Through the wonders of bacterial conjugation, formerly friendly gut bacteria have been transformed into merciless killers lurking in your salad bowl Those of you who live in Germany, as I do, are probably concerned about the recent and ongoing E coli outbreak that has killed 10 people (so far) and sickened more than 1000. The news coverage provides updates on the whos, whats, wheres and whys of this outbreak, but discussions of how such events occur are lacking or incomplete, so I thought I'd fill you in. Contrary to what you might think after seeing most news reports, not all E coli (shortened from their scientific name, Escherichia coli) are toxic: in fact, most strains are beneficial to their hosts. E coli are normal gut flora whose preferred habitat is the large intestine. They are pr...

Prevalence of the Plasmid Mediated Quinolone Resistance determinants among clinical isolates of Shigella sp. in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:50:37 +0100

Conclusions: The prevalence of fluoroquinolone acetylating aminoglycoside acetyltransferase {aac (6’)‐Ib‐cr} gene is higher than qnrB gene among the clinical Shigella isolates. These PMQR determinants were detected in the Shigella isolates obtained during 2008‐10 indicating that it happens in a stepwise manner following the multiple mutations in QRDR region increase or extend resistance to quinolones or fluoroquinolones.Significance and Impact of Study: The prevalence of these genes are of grave concern as it may be horizontally transferred to other human pathogenic bacteria and can lead to therapeutic failure as a consequence of antimicrobial resistance, not only for the islands but for the entire south east region. The results obtained should encourage further studies on th...

Prevalence of the plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance determinants among clinical isolates of Shigella sp. in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The prevalence of fluoroquinolone‐acetylating aminoglycoside acetyltransferase {aac (6′)‐Ib‐cr} gene is higher than qnrB gene among the clinical Shigella isolates. These PMQR determinants were detected in the Shigella isolates obtained from 2008–2010, indicating that it happens in a stepwise manner following the multiple mutations in quinolone resistance‐determining regions increase or extend resistance to quinolones or fluoroquinolones.Significance and Impact of Study: The prevalence of these genes are of grave concern as it may be horizontally transferred to other human pathogenic bacteria and can lead to therapeutic failure as a consequence of antimicrobial resistance, not only for the islands but also for the entire south‐east region. The results obtain...