MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'International Journal of Medical Microbiology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:35:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658779&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22293034%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Toyotome T, Yamaguchi M, Iwasaki A, Watanabe A, Taguchi H, Qin L, Watanabe H, Kamei K Abstract Aspergillus fumigatus is an all-important pathogenic fungus and is known for its angiotropism. When it invades human organs, A. fumigatus makes direct contact with blood and its components by causing inflammation and invading vascular structures. To learn the effect of its contact with blood on the development of infection, we examined the effect of serum on A. fumigatus growth. In Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, hyphal tip growth was accelerated, forming a thickened and well-networked biofilm associated with extracellular matrix, and fetuin A was identified as the active component in the serum that accelerates fungal growth leading to format... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658779 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5639005&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22264560%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, the bacterial tk activity was confirmed by the cellular uptake and imaging with [(125)I]FIAU or [(18)F]FLT. Therefore, a localized bacterial infection in living mice can be monitored using radioisotope-labeled nucleosides with a nuclear medicine imaging modality. PMID: 22264560 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5639005 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5639005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5578023&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22226846%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li H, Luo YF, Williams BJ, Blackwell TS, Xie CM Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a common pathogen isolated from patients with nosocomial infections. Due to its intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance, limited classes of antibiotics can be used for the treatment of infection with P. aeruginosa. Of these, the carbapenems are very important; however, the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant strains is gradually increasing over time. Deficiency of the outer membrane protein OprD confers P. aeruginosa a basal level of resistance to carbapenems, especially to imipenem. Functional studies have revealed that loops 2 and 3 in the OprD protein contain the entrance and/or binding sites for imipenem. Therefore, any mutation in loop 2 and/or loop 3 that causes ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5578023 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5578023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5548965&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22196973%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wiehlmann L, Cramer N, Ulrich J, Hedtfeld S, Weißbrodt H, Tümmler B Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major pathogen in chronic lung infections of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Unrelated CF patients may acquire P. aeruginosa from the environment or by cross-infection in the CF setting. We tested the efficacy of measures to prevent nosocomial acquisition of P. aeruginosa at a Paediatric CF centre in a prospective 10-year study. P. aeruginosa-positive and P. aeruginosa-negative patients were seen in alternating weeks at the outpatient clinic. Faucets were equipped with filters to prevent bacterial contamination of tap water. Serial isolates were collected since the first documentation of a P. aeruginosa-positive culture and genotyped with a multimarker microa... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5548965 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5548965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5548964&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22197537%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provides valuable data on the prevalence of fusidic acid-resistant S. aureus with the associated molecular mechanisms of resistance and the genetic background of the strains in Casablanca. PMID: 22197537 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5548964 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5548964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379425&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22024605%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hacker J, Dobrindt U PMID: 22024605 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379425 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379426&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22019488%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Depke M, Burian M, Schäfer T, Bröker BM, Ohlsen K, Völker U Abstract Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and are an increasing threat not only in hospital settings. The expression of the staphylococcal virulence factor repertoire is known to be affected by the alternative sigma factor B (SigB). However, its impact during infection still is a matter of debate. Kidney tissues of controls or mice infected with S. aureus HG001 or its isogenic sigB mutant were analyzed by transcriptome profiling to monitor the host response, and additionally expression of selected S. aureus genes was monitored by RT-qPCR. Direct transcript analysis by RT-qPCR revealed significant SigB activity in all mice infected with the wild-t... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379426 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379427&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22018813%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lönnermark E, Nowrouzinan F, Adlerberth I, Ahrné S, Wold A, Friman V Abstract Lactobacilli are present in the intestine and oral cavity of most adults. Secretory IgA in mucosal secretions may provide carbohydrate receptors for bacterial adhesins. Here, oral and faecal samples from 33 IgA-deficient individuals and 34 controls were cultured for lactobacilli, which were identified using species-specific PCR or partial 16S rDNA sequencing and tested for expression of mannose-specific adhesins. Lactobacilli were found in the oral cavity of 76% of IgA-deficient and 85% of control individuals. Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus gasseri dominated in both groups. Lactobacillus fermentum was less common in IgA-deficient individuals than in controls (p=0.0055) and Lactobacil... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379427 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344519&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22001303%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cardines R, Giufrè M, Pompilio A, Fiscarelli E, Ricciotti G, Bonaventura GD, Cerquetti M Abstract Haemophilus influenzae commonly infects the respiratory tract of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), early in childhood. In this investigation, 79 H. influenzae isolates were recovered from the respiratory secretions of 64 CF patients (median age: 5 years) included in a 5-year follow-up study. Fifteen of the 64 patients contributed two or more H. influenzae isolates overtime. Serotyping, antibiotic susceptibility testing, genotyping, detection of both hmwA and hia adhesin genes and hypermutable strains was carried out. Biofilm formation ability was investigated. Most strains (72/79, 91.2%) were nonencapsulated or nontypeable (NTHi). Resistance to ampicillin (13.9%) and imipen... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344519 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344525&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22000493%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hasnain SE, Friedrich B, Mettenleiter T, Dobrindt U, Hacker J PMID: 22000493 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344525 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344524&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22000738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wieler LH, Ewers C, Guenther S, Walther B, Lübke-Becker A Abstract The ongoing change in the relationship between humans and companion animals is hallmarked by the increasing intensive care provided to companion animals in veterinary medicine, resulting in growing numbers of high-risk animal patients. The emergence of nosocomial infections in small animal clinics is one of the major drawbacks of this development, especially in terms of multidrug-resistance and potentially zoonotic pathogens. This mini-review therefore addresses recent findings regarding the increasing prevalence of multi-resistant bacterial pathogens like methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), including Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) as well as extended-spectru... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344524 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344523&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22000739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Muzzi A, Donati C Abstract The genetic variability in bacterial species is much larger than in other kingdoms of life. The gene content between pairs of isolates can diverge by as much as 30% in species like Escherichia coli or Streptococcus pneumoniae. This unexpected finding led to the introduction of the concept of the pan-genome, the set of genes that can be found in a given bacterial species. The genome of any isolate is thus composed by a "core genome" shared by all strains and characteristic of the species, and a "dispensable genome" that accounts for many of the phenotypic differences between strains. The pan-genome is usually much larger than the genome of any single isolate and, given the ability of many bacteria to exchange genetic material with the environment,... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344523 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344522&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22000740%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study the plasmid pTC, a 90kb self-conjugative virulence plasmid of the porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain EC2173 encoding the STa and STb heat-stable enterotoxins and tetracycline resistance, has been sequenced in two steps. As a result we identified five main distinct regions of pTC: (i) the maintenance region responsible for the extreme stability of the plasmid, (ii) the TSL (toxin-specific locus comprising the estA and estB genes) which is unique and characteristic for pTC, (iii) a Tn10 transposon, encoding tetracycline resistance, (iv) the tra (plasmid transfer) region, and (v) the colE1-like origin of replication. It is concluded that pTC is a self-transmissible composite plasmid harbouring antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. pTC belongs to a group ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344522 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344521&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22000741%26dopt%3DAbstract This study shows that a vaccine encompassing distinct epitopes of virulence-associated ExPEC proteins (i) can be applied for a T3SS-dependent vaccination strategy, (ii) elicits T-cell responses and (iii) confers protection after a single application. PMID: 22000741 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344521 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344520&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22000742%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Lencastre H, Tomasz A Abstract In this brief report, we provide a portrait of the CEM-NET initiative and review studies that highlight contributions of this molecular epidemiological network to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae clones as well as their routes and modes of geographic expansion. PMID: 22000742 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344520 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344527&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21992745%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vogel U Abstract Neisseria meningitidis causes life-threatening disease in infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Besides representative case notification, public health management of the disease requires bacterial typing information. European reference laboratories and state epidemiologists in collaboration with European institutions have driven forward the harmonization of typing by rigorously adopting DNA sequence typing and using common reference databases. External quality assessment has been provided by supranational networks, i.e. EU-IBIS and IBD-Labnet. The recent development of novel protein-based vaccines targeting serogroup B strains highlights the necessity to complement standard typing schemes by specific vaccine antigen typing including antigen expression analys... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344527 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344526&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21992746%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carattoli A Abstract A plasmid is defined as a double stranded, circular DNA molecule capable of autonomous replication. By definition, plasmids do not carry genes essential for the growth of host cells under non-stressed conditions but they have systems which guarantee their autonomous replication also controlling the copy number and ensuring stable inheritance during cell division. Most of the plasmids confer positively selectable phenotypes by the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Plasmids evolve as an integral part of the bacterial genome, providing resistance genes that can be easily exchanged among bacteria of different origin and source by conjugation. A multidisciplinary approach is currently applied to study the acquisition and spread of antimicrobial re... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344526 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344529&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21983337%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nübel U, Strommenger B, Layer F, Witte W Abstract Tracing the spatial spread of pathogens is a key objective of molecular infectious disease epidemiology. Accordingly, a wide range of genotyping approaches have been used to monitor the dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus strains, from localized outbreaks to global spread. We provide a critical review of available methods, revealing that molecular markers currently in use for typing S. aureus acquire changes so slowly that they monitor evolutionary change over timescales that are largely irrelevant to epidemiology. Moreover, the more variable markers frequently do not reflect the pathogen's evolutionary history and, hence, provide potentially misleading information about spread. More recent work has demonstrated that st... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344529 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344528&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21983338%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Graveland H, Duim B, van Duijkeren E, Heederik D, Wagenaar JA Abstract Since 2004 MRSA emerged in animals, particularly in pigs and veal calves. This new MRSA variant was since its first appearance referred to as Livestock Associated-MRSA (LA-MRSA). In Europe and Northern America, LA-MRSA belongs predominantly to clonal complex (CC) 398 whereas in Asia ST9 seems to be dominant in pigs. Persons in direct contact with LA-MRSA-positive animals have an increased risk of becoming MRSA positive. The risk of carriage is mainly related with the intensity of animal contact and with MRSA prevalence among animals on the farm. In contrast with its success in animals, it seemed that MRSA CC398 is a poor persistent colonizer in humans. MRSA ST398 can, however, cause serious (invasive) i... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344528 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5344530&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982038%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Köhler CD, Dobrindt U Abstract Escherichia coli (E. coli) exhibits considerable physiological and metabolic versatility and includes a variety of non-pathogenic, commensal variants, which belong to the normal gut flora of humans and warm-blooded animals. Additionally, several pathogenic variants have been identified which cause various types of intestinal or extraintestinal infections in humans and animals. In contrast to intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC), which are obligate pathogens, extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) are facultative pathogens which belong to the normal gut flora of a certain fraction of the healthy population where they live as commensals. Comparative genomics and epidemiological studies have been applied to study genomic diversity, markers,... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5344530 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5344530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5296431&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21975141%26dopt%3DAbstract 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... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5296431 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5296431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5296432&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21968291%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gröbner S, Beck J, Schaller M, Autenrieth IB, Schulte B Abstract Small-colony variants (SCVs) of bacteria are slow-growing subpopulations which can cause latent or recurrent infections due to better intracellular survival compared to their wild-type counterparts. Atypical colony morphology and altered biochemical profile may lead to failure in identification of SCV strains. We here report for the first time the isolation of an Enterococcus faecium SCV phenotype. The case of a 65-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukaemia who developed symptoms of sepsis during induction chemotherapy is presented. E. faecium with normal and SCV phenotype was isolated from blood cultures. At the same time urine culture was positive with E. faecium suggesting that bacteraemia originated fro... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5296432 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5296432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218737&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907617%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chrubasik C, Jacobson R PMID: 21907617 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218737 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175081&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21873113%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fulton KM, Zhao X, Petit MD, Kilmury SL, Wolfraim LA, House RV, Sjostedt A, Twine SM Abstract Francisella tularensis is pathogenic for many mammalian species including humans, causing a spectrum of diseases called tularemia. The highly virulent Type A strains have associated mortality rates of up to 60% if inhaled. An attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS) is the only vaccine to show efficacy in humans, but suffers several barriers to licensure, including the absence of a correlate of protection. An immunoproteomics approach was used to survey the repertoire of antibodies in sera from individuals who had contracted tularemia during two outbreaks and individuals from two geographical areas who had been vaccinated with NDBR Lot 11 or Lot 17 LVS. These data showed a large overl... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175081 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157189&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21855409%26dopt%3DAbstract 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... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157189 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097785&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21798805%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Batzilla J, Heesemann J, Rakin A Yersinia enterocolitica 1A strains are generally considered apathogenic. However, besides environmental sources, foods and animals, they are repeatedly isolated from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms typical to those evoked by Yersinia of the virulent 1B and 2-4 biotypes. Also, at least 2 gastrointestinal outbreaks associated with 1A strains have been reported. There is a general controversy concerning the pathogenic potential of 1A isolates of clinical and non-clinical origin. To address the 1A puzzle, we have determined the genome sequences of 2 1A strains, a nosocomial O:5 and environmental O:36 isolates, and compared them to each other and to O:8/1B and O:3/4 representatives of the virulent serobiotypes. 1A isolates have mosaic genome... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097785 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5097785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097786&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21784704%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Podladchikova O, Antonenka U, Heesemann J, Rakin A Autoagglutination (AA) is a protective phenotypic trait facilitating survival of bacteria in hostile environments and in the host during infection. Autoagglutination factors (AFs) that possess self-associating ability are currently characterized in many Gram-negative bacteria, but Yersinia pestis AFs are still a matter of debate. Previously, we have shown that AF of Hms(-) strain Y. pestis EV76 is a complex of the 17,485-kDa protein and a low-molecular-weight component with siderophore activity. Here, we identified the protein moiety of AF and examined its role in AA of Hms(+) and Hms(-)Y. pestis strains. Using MALDI-TOF MS of trypsin-hydrolyzed AF, we unambiguously identified the protein as YPO0502, which belongs to a family ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097786 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5097786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097787&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21783413%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: da Silva CV, Cruz L, Araújo ND, Angeloni MB, Fonseca BB, Gomes AD, Carvalho FD, Gonçalves AL, Barbosa BD The facultative intracellular bacterial pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica have evolved multiple strategies to invade a large panel of mammalian cells. These pathogens use the host cell actin system for invasion and became a paradigm for the study of host-pathogen interactions and bacterial adaptation to mammalian hosts. The key signaling component that these pathogens use to orchestrate actin remodeling is the Arp2/3 complex, which is related to polymerization of actin filaments. These bacterial pathogens are able to trigger distinct invasion mechanisms. On the one hand, L. monocytogenes invade a host cell in a way dependent on the specific interact... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097787 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5097787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5004675&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21697010%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mraheil MA, Billion A, Mohamed W, Rawool D, Hain T, Chakraborty T IFN-γ-activated macrophages are considered to be the primary effector cells in host defense against Listeria monocytogenes infections. However despite the induction of the complex host defense mechanisms, survival of L. monocytogenes in activated macrophages is still observed. Here we used a whole genome-based transcriptome approach to examine for bacterial genes specifically induced in IFN-γ-activated macrophages. We demonstrated that cells activated by IFN-γ had elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress levels in both the activated macrophages as well as in the intracellular replicating bacteria isolated from these infected cells. We found that a subset of 21 transcripts were specifically differentially reg... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5004675 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5004675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958602&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21658996%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hagen RM, Frickmann H, Elschner M, Melzer F, Neubauer H, Gauthier YP, Racz P, Poppert S We evaluated newly developed probes for rapid identification of Burkholderia (B.) pseudomallei and B. mallei and differentiation from B. thailandensis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH correctly identified 100% of the tested B. pseudomallei (11), B. mallei (11), and B. thailandensis (1) strains, excluded 100% of all tested negative controls (61), and allowed demonstration of B. pseudomallei infection in a paraffin-embedded spleen tissue sample of an experimentally infected mouse. PMID: 21658996 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958602 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958601&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21658997%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wartenberg D, Lapp K, Jacobsen ID, Dahse HM, Kniemeyer O, Heinekamp T, Brakhage AA Surface-associated and secreted proteins represent primarily exposed components of Aspergillus fumigatus during host infection. Several secreted proteins are known to be involved in defense mechanisms or immune evasion, thus, probably contributing to pathogenicity. Furthermore, several secreted antigens were identified as possible biomarkers for the verification of diseases caused by Aspergillus species. Nevertheless, there is only limited knowledge about the composition of the secretome and about molecular functions of particular proteins. To identify secreted proteins potentially essential for virulence, the core secretome of A. fumigatus grown in minimal medium was determined. Two-dimensional... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958601 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4910882&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21646046%26dopt%3DAbstract This study underscores the importance of careful selection of experimental conditions when investigating bacterial biofilm formation and to take great precaution/care when comparing results from different biofilm studies. PMID: 21646046 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4910882 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4910882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4910883&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21641279%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Siavoshi F, Asgharzadeh A, Ghadiri H, Massarrat S, Latifi-Navid S, Zamani M The frequency of Helicobacter pylori vacA alleles, cagA, and jhp0947 and their association with types and advanced forms of gastritis in 143 first-degree relatives of gastric cancer (GC) patients was assessed. The subjects included 64/143 with antral-predominant gastritis, 68/143 with pangastritis, and 11/143 with corpus-predominant gastritis, with or without atrophy or intestinal metaplasia (IM). Further classification included the severity of atrophy or IM. Group I (40/143) included the subjects with moderate-marked atrophy or IM, group II (58/143) those with no atrophy or IM, and group III (45/143) with mild atrophy or IM. The frequency of vacA s1 was 79.7%, vacA s2 20.3%, m1 49.7%, m2 50.3%, cagA 7... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4910883 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4910883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4910885&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21616711%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Thomazini CM, Samegima DA, Rodrigues MA, Victoria CR, Rodrigues J The intestinal population of Escherichia coli is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the reason for this elevation, the particular features of these bacteria and their potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease are not known. The present study was undertaken to investigate the adherence abilities and some virulence properties of a collection of 131 E. coli isolates cultured from rectal biopsies of 23 subjects diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), 8 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 23 control patients from southern Brazil. The adherence abilities of the bacteria were investigated in vitro, using HEp-2 epithelial cells in assays of 3 and 6h of bacteria-cell contact. The isolates ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4910885 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4910885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4910884&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21616712%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Benz I, Schmidt MA Since their discovery more than 20 years ago the autotransporter protein superfamily has been growing continuously and currently represents the largest protein family in (pathogenic) Gram-negative bacteria. Autotransporter proteins (AT) adhere to a common structural principle and are composed of a C-terminal β-barrel-shaped 'translocator' domain and an N-terminal 'passenger' domain. The translocator is anchored in the outer membrane and is indispensable for the N-terminal passenger part to traverse the outer membrane. Most if not all AT harbor a chaperone segment that increases protein stability and may be located in the passenger or translocator domain. The passenger mediates the specific virulence function(s) of the particular AT. Accordingly, passenger d... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4910884 Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4910884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859713&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601522%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, we have found no evidence for galactomannan being a relevant A. fumigatus PAMP and describe 2 novel galactomannan antibodies that might be valuable tools for the diagnosis of A. fumigatus infections and further analysis of the biological significance of galactomannan. PMID: 21601522 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859713 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859719&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21596619%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Alispahic M, Christensen H, Hess C, Razzazi-Fazeli E, Bisgaard M, Hess M Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) whole-cell fingerprinting was used for characterization of 66 reference strains of Gallibacterium. The 4 recognised Gallibacterium species and Gallibacterium genomospecies 1 yielded reproducible and unique mass spectrum profiles, which were confirmed with Bruker Biotyper reference database version 3. The reproducibility of MALDI-TOF MS results were evaluated varying the age and storage of the cultures investigated. Reliable species identification was possible for up to 8 days of storage at 4°C and less reliable if the bacteria were stored at room temperature (20°C). However, if the strains were grown longer than ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859719 Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859724&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21571589%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hasenberg M, Behnsen J, Krappmann S, Brakhage A, Gunzer M The saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is a mold which is ubiquitously present in the environment. It produces large numbers of spores, called conidia that we constantly inhale with the breathing air. Healthy individuals normally do not suffer from true fungal infections with this pathogen. A normally robust resistance against Aspergillus is based on the presence of a very effective immunological defense system in the vertebrate body. Inhaled conidia are first encountered by lung-resident alveolar macrophages and then by neutrophil granulocytes. Both cell types are able to effectively ingest and destroy the fungus. Although some responses of the adaptive immune system develop, the key protection is mediated by inn... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859724 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859723&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21571590%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hiller E, Zavrel M, Hauser N, Sohn K, Burger-Kentischer A, Lemuth K, Rupp S Infectious diseases have long been regarded as losing their threat to mankind. However, in the recent decades infectious diseases have been regaining grounds and are back in the focus of research. This is also due to the fact that medical progress has enabled us to treat and cure a much higher fraction of severe diseases or trauma, resulting in a significant proportion of temporarily or constantly immune-suppressed patients. Infectious diseases result from the interplay between pathogenic microorganisms and the hosts they infect, especially their defense systems. Consequently, immune-suppressed patients are at high risk to succumb from opportunistic infections, like Candida infections. To study the bal... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859723 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859727&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21570908%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Del Pilar Vercher M, García Martínez JM, Cantón E, Pemán J, Gómez García MM, Gómez EV, Del Castillo Agudo L Although Candida parapsilosis is the most prevalent among the 3 species of the *psilosis group, studies applying DNA-based diagnostic techniques with isolates previously identified as C. parapsilosis have revealed that both C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis account for 0-10% of all these isolates, depending on the geographical area. Differences in the degrees of antifungal susceptibility and virulence have been found, so a more precise identification is required. In a first approach, we reidentified 38 randomly chosen clinical isolates, previously identified as C. parapsilosis, using the RPO2 (CA2) RAPD marker. Among them, we reclassified 4 as C. metapsilosis a... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859727 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859726&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21570909%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen YC, Chung YT Vibrio vulnificus, a highly virulent marine bacterium, causes serious wound infections and fatal septicemia in many areas of the world. To identify V. vulnificus genes required for killing macrophages, we made an insertional mutant library of V. vulnificus and screened it for reduced macrophage cytotoxicity. One mutant defective in macrophage cytotoxicity had an insertion in ychF, a gene encoding a putative GTPase. In addition to reduced cytotoxicity, this mutant had attenuated growth in iron-limited medium and reduced virulence in iron-overloaded mice. The ychF mutation also down-regulated the transcription level of the rtxA1 gene. RtxA1 mutants significantly decreased cytotoxicity to macrophages compared to wild-type bacteria. Overall, these results show th... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859726 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859728&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21570348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lozano C, Gómez-Sanz E, Benito D, Aspiroz C, Zarazaga M, Torres C S. aureus nasal carriage was investigated in 278 healthy humans, determining the antibiotic resistance mechanisms, virulence traits, and genetic lineages of recovered isolates. Nasal samples were cultured in specific media for S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) recovery. S. aureus was detected in 53 of 278 nasal samples (19.1%): MRSA was found in one sample (0.4%) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) in the remaining 52 samples. The MRSA isolate was typed as ST1649-t701-agrI-SCCmec-IVc and only exhibited resistance to beta-lactams. A high diversity of spa types (n=37) was identified among the 52 MSSA, identifying 5 new spa-types. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) typing was performed ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859728 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859739&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21565548%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hartmann T, Sasse C, Schedler A, Hasenberg M, Gunzer M, Krappmann S Aspergillus fumigatus as prime pathogen to cause aspergillosis has evolved as a saprophyte, but is also able to infect and colonise immunocompromised hosts. Based on the 'dual use' hypothesis of fungal pathogenicity, general characteristics have to be considered as unspecific virulence determinants, among them stress adaptation capacities. The susceptible, warm-blooded mammalian host represents a specific ecological niche that poses several kinds of stress conditions to the fungus during the course of infection. Detailed knowledge about the cellular pathways and adaptive traits that have evolved in A. fumigatus to counteract situations of stress and varying environmental conditions is crucial for the identific... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859739 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859738&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21565549%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kniemeyer O, Schmidt AD, Vödisch M, Wartenberg D, Brakhage AA Both fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus can cause a number of life-threatening systemic infections in humans. The commensal yeast C. albicans is one of the main causes of nosocomial fungal infectious diseases, whereas the filamentous fungus A. fumigatus has become one of the most prevalent airborne fungal pathogens. Early diagnosis of these fungal infections is challenging, only a limited number of antifungals for treatment are available, and the molecular details of pathogenicity are hardly understood. The completion of both the A. fumigatus and C. albicans genome sequence provides the opportunity to improve diagnosis, to define new drug targets, to understand the functions of many uncharacterised pr... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859738 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859737&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21565550%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zipfel PF, Skerka C, Kupka D, Luo S Infectious diseases caused by human pathogenic fungi represent a major and global health problem. Based on the limited efficacy of existing drugs and the increasing resistance to antifungal compounds, new strategies are urgently needed to fight such fungal infections. The medically important pathogen Candida albicans can exist as an opportunistic yeast, but can also cause severe diseases, septicaemia, and death. In order to establish new strategies to fight Candida infections and to interfere with survival of the pathogen, it is highly relevant to understand the molecular and immunology interactions between the pathogen C. albicans and the human host. This immune cross talk has moved into the focus of infectious disease research. In this rev... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859737 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859742&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21561805%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brakhage AA, Gross U, Morschhäuser J PMID: 21561805 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859742 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859761&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21555241%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morschhäuser J In the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, nitrogen availability regulates phenotypes that contribute to the virulence of the fungus, including filamentous growth and protease secretion. Under limiting nitrogen conditions, the ammonium permease Mep2 induces the switch from yeast to filamentous growth. Mep2 is a cytoplasmic membrane protein that mediates uptake of the preferred nitrogen source ammonium. It contains a signaling domain in its C-terminal cytoplasmic tail that induces morphogenesis in response to ammonium availability, presumably by activating the cAMP-PKA pathway and the Cph1-dependent MAP kinase pathway. MEP2 expression itself is regulated by the GATA transcription factors Gat1 and Gln3. These central regulators also control expression of the secre... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859761 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859760&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21555242%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe mechanisms in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, by which the integrity of glycostructures are sensed and regulated. The results stress the importance of membrane sensors and MAP kinase pathways in the maintenance of cell wall structure and function. PMID: 21555242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859760 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859759&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21555243%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Albrecht D, Kniemeyer O, Mech F, Gunzer M, Brakhage A, Guthke R Pathogenicity of Aspergillus fumigatus is multifactorial. Thus, global studies are essential for the understanding of the infection process. Therefore, a data warehouse was established where genome sequence, transcriptome and proteome data are stored. These data are analyzed for the elucidation of virulence determinants. The data analysis workflow starts with pre-processing including imputing of missing values and normalization. Last step is the identification of differentially expressed genes/proteins as interesting candidates for further analysis, in particular for functional categorization and correlation studies. Sequence data and other prior knowledge extracted from databases are integrated to support the inf... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859759 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4859758&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21555244%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martin R, Wächtler B, Schaller M, Wilson D, Hube B Oral infections with Candida albicans are very common diseases in even only mildly immunocompromised patients. By using genome-wide microarrays, in vitro infection models and samples from patients with pseudomembranous candidiasis, several genes have been identified which encode known and unknown fungal factors associated with oral infection. The expression of selected genes has been investigated via qRT-PCR in both in vitro models and in vivo samples from patients. Several lines of evidence suggest that fungal morphology plays a key role in adhesion to and invasion into oral epithelial cells and mutants lacking regulators of hyphal formation are attenuated in their ability to invade and damage epithelial cells. Adhesion is m... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4859758 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4859758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804692&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550846%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weindl G, Wagener J, Schaller M The mucosal epithelium is of central importance in host defence and immune surveillance, as it is the primary cell layer that initially encounters environmental microorganisms. Induction of antifungal innate immune responses depends on recognition of fungal components by host pattern recognition receptors. Members of the Toll-like receptor family have emerged as key sensors that recognize fungal pathogens and trigger defence responses. During oral infection with the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, a large number of cytokines is secreted by oral epithelial cells, which in turn activate myeloid cells in the submucosal layers to clear the invading pathogen. Recent data provide novel insights into the complex molecular mechanisms of innate immune ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804692 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804691&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550847%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bohne W, Böttcher K, Groß U Microsporidia are obligate intracellular fungal pathogens of increasing importance in immunocompromised patients. They have developed a unique invasion mechanism, which is based on the explosive discharge of a hollow tubulus, the so-called polar tube. The infectious sporoplasm is subsequently extruded through this flexible tube and injected into the host cell. The model microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a paradigm of a fungus with an extreme host cell dependency. This human pathogen possesses one of the smallest eukaryotic genomes (<3MB) identified so far and has reduced its own biosynthetic pathways to a minimum, thus depending on an efficient supply of metabolites from the host cell. E. cuniculi spends its entire intracellular life c... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804691 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804690&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550848%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fleck CB, Schöbel F, Brock M All pathogenic microorganisms have in common that they need to feed on nutrients available from their host. Therefore, the specific interruption of metabolic pathways is a promising approach which could lead to the discovery of new antimicrobial drugs. However, nutrient availability strongly varies in respect to the infected host niche and pathogens may possess different strategies to acquire nutrients. This review focuses on the differences in regulation and use of key metabolic pathways during infection by pathogenic fungi, especially in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and the dimorphic yeast Candida albicans. Besides universal metabolic pathways, emphasis is given on pathways, which are absent in humans and might, therefore, suit a... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804690 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804689&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550849%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ok M, Einsele H, Loeffler J Invasive aspergillosis mostly caused by the opportunistic mould Aspergillus fumigatus is characterized by high morbidity and mortality in risk group patients. Several ethno-pathological factors promote the development and the course of this fungal infection like neutropenia, T-cell depletion, CD34-selected stem cell products, corticosteroid therapy, or cytomegalovirus infections. Furthermore, a growing number of defined single nucleotide polymorphisms affiliated to genes affecting the innate immune response has been described which genetically determine susceptibility to A. fumigatus. Thereby, it concerns a broad band ranging from genes encoding for cytokines or chemokines, their respective receptors to those of toll-like receptors including further... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804689 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697700&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21470910%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kusch K, Hanke K, Holtfreter S, Schmudde M, Kohler C, Erck C, Wehland J, Hecker M, Ohlsen K, Bröker B, Engelmann S Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen. Superantigens (SAg) are important virulence factors in S. aureus, but the regulation of SAg gene expression is largely unknown. Using 2 sequenced S. aureus strains (COL and Newman) and 4 clinical isolates, regulation of gene expression was investigated in more detail for 12 SAgs. The SAg-encoding genes were expressed in a growth phase-dependent manner: while the egc operon was mainly transcribed at low optical densities, the transcription of seb was induced at high optical densities. The transcript levels of sea, sek, seq, sep, and tst-1 did not change significantly during growth. The T cell-mitogenic activity of s... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697700 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4697700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580569&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21388880%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Asano K, Sashinami H, Osanai A, Asano Y, Nakane A Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellularly growing pathogen which is able to infect and to spread from cells to cells. It produces several virulence factors required for invasion and intracellular niche colonization. Endogenous peptidoglycan hydrolases which are important for survival of bacteria have been shown to be involved in pathogenesis. An autolysin amidase (Ami)-deficient mutant of L. monocytogenes (Δami) is attenuated in virulence as evidenced by a reduction in mortality of infected mice. We showed that Ami is not essential for bacterial growth and protein secretion. Histopathological analysis suggests that Ami promotes bacterial colonization of hepatocytes. By using cultured eukaryotic cells, we present evidence th... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580569 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4580569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580570&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21371935%26dopt%3DAbstract This study has shown that C. albicans yeast-forms, at high densities, cannot be dismissed as avirulent, but instead could possibly contribute to C. albicans pathogenesis. PMID: 21371935 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580570 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4580570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4471309&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21292554%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schielke S, Spatz C, Schwarz RF, Joseph B, Schoen C, Schulz SM, Hubert K, Frosch M, Schubert-Unkmeir A, Kurzai O Transcriptional regulators play an important role for the survival of Neisseria meningitidis within its human host. We have recently shown that FarR acts as transcriptional repressor of the adhesin nadA in N. meningitidis. Here, we examined the FarR regulon by microarray analyses, qRT-PCR, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, revealing that FarR is a highly specific repressor of nadA. We demonstrate by reporter gene fusion assays that alterations of the FarR binding site within the nadA promoter are sufficient to induce transcription of nadA. Furthermore, farR expression is growth phase-dependent. The highest transcription rate was observed in the late-exponen... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4471309 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4471309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4471311&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21276749%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ceccarelli D, Spagnoletti M, Bacciu D, Danin-Poleg Y, Mendiratta DK, Kashi Y, Cappuccinelli P, Burrus V, Colombo MM Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) of the SXT/R391 family are self-transmissible mobile elements mainly involved in antibiotic resistance spread among γ-Proteobacteria, including Vibrio cholerae. We demonstrated that the recently described ICEVchInd5 is prevailing in V. cholerae O1 clinical strains isolated in Wardha province (Maharashtra, India) from 1994 to 2005. Genetic characterization by ribotyping and multiple-locus SSR analysis proved the same clonal origin for V. cholerae O1 isolates in Wardha province over an 11-year period and was used to assess the correlation between strain and ICE content among ours and different Indian reference strains. In si... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4471311 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4471311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4471310&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21276750%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang X, Mair R, Hatcher C, Theodore MJ, Edmond K, Wu HM, Harcourt BH, Carvalho MD, Pimenta F, Nymadawa P, Altantsetseg D, Kirsch M, Satola SW, Cohn A, Messonnier NE, Mayer LW Since the implementation of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) serotype b vaccine, other serotypes and non-typeable strains have taken on greater importance as a cause of Hi diseases. A rapid and accurate method is needed to detect all Hi regardless of the encapsulation status. We developed 2 real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assays to detect specific regions of the protein D gene (hpd). Both hpd assays are very specific and sensitive for detection of Hi. Of the 63 non-Hi isolates representing 21 bacterial species, none was detected by the hpd #1 assay, and only one of 2 H. aphrophilus isolates was detected by the hpd #3 a... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4471310 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4471310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4471313&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21273119%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we show that RecA, which is an important factor in DNA repair and the activator of the SOS response, contributes to the resistance against acid and bile and to the ability of L. monocytogenes to adhere and invade human intestine epithelial cells. Activation of recA was shown with a promoter reporter after exposure to low pH and high bile concentrations and during adhesion and invasion of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, an in-frame recA deletion mutant showed reduced survival after exposure to low pH and high bile concentrations. This mutant also showed a deficiency in adhesion and invasion of Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that RecA may contribute to the colonization of the human gastro-intestinal tract and crossing of the intestinal barrier. PMID: ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4471313 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4471313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4471312&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21273120%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chatterjee I, Maisonneuve E, Ezraty B, Herrmann M, Dukan S The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to adapt to various conditions of stress is the result of a complex regulatory response. Among them, ClpC, belonging to the Hsp100/Clp ATPase family, seems to play an important role. For instance, we previously demonstrated that a functional clpC deletion resulted in enhanced survival in the late stationary phase (death phase period) compared to the parental S. aureus strain. However, the mechanisms for the enhanced survival of a S. aureus clpC mutant during the death phase period are still elusive. In Escherichia coli, among the factors that might lead to bacterial cell death during stationary phase, the amount of protein aggregates and/or oxidized proteins appears to be of major i... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4471312 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4471312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4404089&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21247801%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrated existence of different 'intermediate strains' in a time frame that overlapped with a period of V. cholerae O139 emergence. Identification of these intermediate strains gave impetus to believe stepwise generation of the El Tor variants, and all these events profoundly influenced V. cholerae epidemiology in the following years. PMID: 21247801 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4404089 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4404089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4404091&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21236728%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seral C, Sáenz Y, Algarate S, Duran E, Luque P, Torres C, Castillo FJ A total of 128 isolates associated with catheter-related infections was recovered from 101 intensive care unit patients in a Spanish hospital during March 2008 to August 2009, and 27 of these isolates (from 21 patients) were typed as methicillin- and linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thirteen of these 21 patients (62%) had received linezolid during the 3 months preceding S. epidermidis recovery. Two closely related pulsotypes (P1a and P1b) were identified among the 27 studied isolates that belonged to the sequence type ST2 and harboured the mecA gene and the SCCmecIII type. The strains recovered from patients 1-4 (pulsotype P1a) showed the nucleotide mutation G2474T inside the amplified fragme... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4404091 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4404091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4404090&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21236729%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, S. cerevisiae 905 acts as a potential new biotherapy against S. Typhimurium infection due to its ability to bind bacteria and modulate signaling pathways involved in the activation of inflammation in a murine model of typhoid fever. PMID: 21236729 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4404090 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4404090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338500&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21212019%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fratamico PM, Yan X, Caprioli A, Esposito G, Needleman DS, Pepe T, Tozzoli R, Cortesi ML, Morabito S Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains belonging to serogroup O26 have been associated with sporadic cases and outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. In addition to chromosomal virulence genes, STEC strains usually harbor a large plasmid that carries genes associated with pathogenicity. The complete nucleotide sequence and genetic organization of 6 plasmids carried by STEC O26:H11 strain H30 were determined. The large virulence plasmid (pO26-Vir) was approximately 168kb in size and contained 196 open reading frames (ORFs). pO26-Vir possesses a mosaic structure and shows similarity to the virulence plasmids in locus of enterocyte effacemen... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338500 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4338500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338501&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21195664%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Patra R, Chattopadhyay S, De R, Datta S, Chowdhury A, Ramamurthy T, Nair GB, Berg DE, Mukhopadhyay AK Several genes including the cagA in the cag pathogenicity island (cag PAI) of Helicobacter pylori are thought to be associated with the gastroduodenal diseases and hence variation in the genetic structure of the cag PAI might be responsible for different clinical outcomes. Our study was undertaken to characterize the cag PAI of H. pylori strains from duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and asymptomatic or non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD/AV) subjects from Kolkata, India. Strains isolated from 52 individuals (30DU and 22NUD/AV) were analyzed by PCR using 83 different primers for the entire cag PAI and also by dot-blot hybridization. Unlike H. pylori strains isolated from other parts of India,... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338501 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4338501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338503&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21193347%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tielen P, Narten M, Rosin N, Biegler I, Haddad I, Hogardt M, Neubauer R, Schobert M, Wiehlmann L, Jahn D Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most frequent agents of urinary tract infections especially in patients with indwelling urethral catheters. A total of 30 P. aeruginosa isolates from urinary tract infections was investigated for their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. 'Single Nucleotide Polymorphism' chip typing experiments in combination with bioinformatical cluster analyses allowed genotypic grouping of the isolates. Some similarities to strains from lung infections but also to environmental strains were observed. Finally, several urinary tract-specific groups were identified indicating a strong heterogeneity of the urethral isolates. Pyoverdin, protease, and ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338503 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4338503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338502&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21193348%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, MSSA from the Malaysian community and their clinical counterparts are genetically diverse, but certain clones occur more often among clinical isolates than among carriage isolates and vice versa. PMID: 21193348 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338502 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4338502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251372&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21131231%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Coombs N, Sompallae R, Olbermann P, Gastaldello S, Göppel D, Masucci MG, Josenhans C Helicobacter pylori is a recognized cancerogenic bacterial agent in humans, associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Immunoevasive and immunomodulatory mechanisms underlie the chronic persistence of the bacterium and the active proinflammatory effect of life-long H. pylori infection. In contrast to tumorigenic viruses, which frequently possess factors to influence the host ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), nothing is yet known about potential effects of H. pylori in this respect. The majority of H. pylori isolates worldwide possess a pathogenicity island (PAI), the cagPAI, which is involved in IL-8 production and chronic inflammation. We hypothesized that H. pylori and it... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251372 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4251372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4218676&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21112247%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: De Carolis E, Posteraro B, Florio AR, Colonna B, Prosseda G, Bugli F, Lorenzetti SR, Fiscarelli E, Inzitari R, Castagnola M, Fadda G, Sanguinetti M Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a microorganism of environmental and clinical importance as well as a frequent airway colonizer of cystic fibrosis (CF) individuals. We combined 2-DE and MALDI-TOF MS to profile the protein expression in S. maltophilia K279a, a completely sequenced clinical isolate, grown at 37°C with respect to the strain grown at 26°C. Among the proteins up-regulated at 37°C, we identified GroEL, a molecular chaperone that mainly assist the folding and unfolding of proteins under both normal and stress conditions. A 2.4-kb groESL mRNA was detected independently by Northern blot analyses with a groES- and a groEL... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4218676 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4218676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4218675&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21112248%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kreikemeyer B, Gámez G, Margarit I, Giard JC, Hammerschmidt S, Hartke A, Podbielski A Oligocomponent pilus structures, recently discovered in many important Gram-positive pathogens, represent a new class of virulence factors with adhesive and matrix protein-binding activity. Some of these proteins have emerged as very promising lead components of protein-based vaccines against Streptococci. These extended surface structures play key roles in host cell and tissue adherence, paracellular translocation, and biofilm formation of major Gram-positive pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae as well as in opportunistic and nosocomial pathogens like Enterococci. Here, we discuss the similarities and differences of: (1) the genomic organization of the var... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4218675 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4218675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4185685&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21075051%26dopt%3DAbstract We report a case of infection with coagulase-positive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius related to the implantation of a cardioverter-defribrillator device. This species is usually isolated from infected animals, and contact with a dog was the probable source of infection in this patient. This isolate produced a leukotoxin effective against human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. PMID: 21075051 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4185685 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4185685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4166501&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21056004%26dopt%3DAbstract This study revealed that the infection of mice with Chlamydophila pneumoniae via the intranasal route resulted in the local expression of MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, and I-TAC/CXCL11. The expression of IP-10/CXCL10 and I-TAC/CXCL11 mRNA peaked on day 4. On day 7, the expression of MIG/CXCL9 mRNA in the infected lungs was increased 156-fold relative to that in the uninfected mouse lungs. MIG/CXCL9 was also detected at a protein level from day 1, with the highest concentration in the supernatants of the infected lungs on day 7. The expression of IFN-γ displayed similar kinetics. C. pneumoniae and its inactivated form also induced the production of MIG/CXCL9 in mouse fibroblasts and in the murine macrophage cell line J774A in vitro. Cotreatment of the tissue cultures with C. pneumoniae and diff... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4166501 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4166501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139689&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21050811%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, the infection with a H. pylori strain containing the dupA without the stop codon polymorphisms is associated with a lower risk of development of gastric carcinoma in Brazilian subjects. PMID: 21050811 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139689 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4139689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139690&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21036103%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Käppeli R, Kaiser P, Stecher B, Hardt WD Salmonella enterica subspecies I serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a frequent cause of diarrhea worldwide. It employs 2 type III secretion systems (TTSS) to elicit mucosal inflammation via the TTSS-1-dependent 'classical' or the TTSS-2-dependent 'alternative' pathway. If TTSS-1 is defective (in invG or invC mutants), the pathogen is confined to the alternative pathway; transits the epithelium in a dendritic cell-dependent fashion, relocalizes from CD11c(+) dendritic cells to CD11c(-) cells, and elicits inflammation by day 3 post infection (p.i.). It has remained unclear whether other virulence factors may also contribute to this process. Here, we used the streptomycin mouse model to analyze whether spvB and spvC, virulence factor... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139690 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4139690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088436&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20965781%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Herrmann V, Eidner A, Rydzewski K, Blädel I, Jules M, Buchrieser C, Eisenreich W, Heuner K Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, an atypical pneumonia. Lp is found in freshwater habitats and replicates within different protozoa (amoebae). It is known that Lp uses amino acids as primary energy and carbon sources for replication. However, very recently it was reported that Lp is able to metabolize also carbohydrates (glucose). Here, we present for the first time experimental evidence that the lpp0489 [gamA] gene encodes a eukaryotic-like glucoamylase (GamA) responsible for the glycogen- and starch-degrading activities of Lp. Although not essential for intra- and extracellular growth, we showed that GamA is expressed and active during intra... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088436 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088437&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20952251%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nicoletti M, Iacobino A, Prosseda G, Fiscarelli E, Zarrilli R, De Carolis E, Petrucca A, Nencioni L, Colonna B, Casalino M The genetic relatedness of 52 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains, collected from various environmental and clinical sources, including cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, as well as the presence and the expression of some virulence-associated genes were studied. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis identified 47 profiles and three clusters of isolates with an identical PFGE pattern considered to be indistinguishable strains. Restriction fragment length polymorphism of the gyrB gene grouped the 52 strains into nine different profiles. Most CF clinical isolates (29 out of 41) showed profile 1, while the analysis of the hypervariable regions of the 1... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088437 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088441&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951638%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schobert M, Jahn D During chronic infection of the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, Pseudomonas aeruginosa grows and persists in a microaerobic to anaerobic environment. P. aeruginosa is well adapted to thrive under such conditions and contains multiple enzyme systems for energy generation under oxygen-restricted or even anaerobic conditions. Recent data confirm a heterogeneous environment in the CF lung and indicate that P. aeruginosa induces enzyme systems for microaerobic growth but also denitrification and fermentative pathways. Moreover, stress response systems as universal stress proteins enhance survival under anaerobic energy starvation conditions. Growth in these oxygen-limited environments induces a drastic physiological change in P. aeruginosa, like increased alginate pro... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088441 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088440&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951639%26dopt%3DAbstract This study identified GCS3 as a novel plasminogen-binding M protein of S. dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis and revealed a difference in the mode of binding as compared to the plasminogen-binding protein PAM of S. pyogenes. In contrast to PAM, GCS3 did not bind to the kringle 1-3 region of plasminogen. Despite this difference, GCS3 exerts the same function of recruiting plasminogen to the streptococcal surface, which can be activated by streptokinase and host plasminogen activators to serve as a spreading factor. Moreover, we demonstrate a role of GCS3 in plasminogen-dependent streptococcal adherence to human pharyngeal cells (cell line Detroit 562) that indicates an additional function of the protein as an adhesin in the oral cavity. PMID: 20951639 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sou... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088440 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088439&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951640%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, this is the first comparative analysis at the whole-genome level of the transcription profiles of Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis. Our results suggest that the higher pathogenicity of the plague bacillus may not only result from the acquisition of new genetic material, but also from a higher expression level of common crucial virulence genes. This in silico analysis thus opens new avenues for investigating Y. pestis gain of pathogenicity and new potential virulence factors. PMID: 20951640 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088439 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088438&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951641%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Laverde Gomez JA, van Schaik W, Freitas AR, Coque TM, Weaver KE, Francia MV, Witte W, Werner G Enterococcus faecium is considered to be a nosocomial pathogen with increasing medical importance. The putative virulence factor, hyl(Efm), encoding a putative hyaluronidase, is enriched among the hospital-associated polyclonal subpopulation of E. faecium.. The hyl(Efm) gene is described to be part of a genomic island and was recently identified to be plasmid-located. Here, we present a description of the structure, localization, and distribution of the putative pathogenicity factor hyl(Efm) and its putative island among 39 clinical isolates and elucidate the composition and host range of pLG1, a hyl(Efm) multiresistance plasmid of approximately 281.02kb. The hyl(Efm) gene was locate... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088438 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088444&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951085%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grassmé H, Becker KA, Zhang Y, Gulbins E Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in western countries. The disease is characterized by recurrent and chronic infections of the lung in particular with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia, and Haemophilus influenzae. Albeit intensive research in the last years, the molecular mechanisms causing the high susceptibility of cystic fibrosis patients to bacterial infections are still unknown. Animal models provided important novel information on the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and mimicked many of the pathological findings in humans, for instance chronic inflammation and increased infection susceptibility. These animal models were recently employed to identify several prote... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088444 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088443&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951086%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bragonzi A Animal models of acute and chronic infection, along with mice genetically modified for the Cftr gene, are a key asset in cystic fibrosis (CF) research. Despite some limitations, these models provide valuable resources to mimic the initial and progressive bronchopulmonary infection typical of CF patients. The following review summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of different types of animal models with a major emphasis placed on the significant species differences between mice and humans. Murine models of acute and chronic lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae have been used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogen virulence and host defense. In addition, they have p... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088443 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088442&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951087%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cramer N, Wiehlmann L, Tümmler B The basic defect in cystic fibrosis (CF) predisposes to chronic bacterial airway infections, particularly with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Airway infections with P. aeruginosa in individuals with CF are unique in that they chronically affect a host who is immunocompetent in terms of cellular and humoral responses but is immunocompromised by impaired airway clearance. The initially acquired P. aeruginosa clone typically persists for many years in the patients' airways and thereby diversifies by de novo point mutations and the composition of its accessory genome. Co-colonizations with 2 or more clones are preferentially observed during the first 3 years of colonization. Upper and lower airways are commonly colonized by the same clone suggesting that... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088442 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077715&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20947425%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Häussler S The main reason for Pseudomonas aeruginosa persistence within the lungs of chronically infected cystic fibrosis patients seems to be that the bacteria reside within biofilm structures which protect them from diverse adverse environmental conditions, antibiotic treatment, and from the host immune response. Thereby, it may be of great significance that the human defence systems do not face single bacteria but multicellular communities in which the high level of diversity of both phenotypes and genotypes provides insurance for bacterial survival. Indeed, in the last decade, the orthodox view of bacterial populations as being a homogeneous collection of sibling cells has been abandoned, and there is accumulating evidence of bacterial interactiveness within biofilm stru... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077715 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077714&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20947426%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bleves S, Viarre V, Salacha R, Michel GP, Filloux A, Voulhoux R Pathogenic microorganisms have to face hostile environments while colonizing and infecting their hosts. Unfortunately, they can cope with it and have evolved a number of complex secretion systems, which direct virulence factors either at the bacterial cell surface into the environmental extracellular milieu or into the host cell cytosol. Six different classes of secretion systems have been described so far, currently identified as type I secretion system (T1SS) up to type VI secretion system (T6SS). The Gram-negative opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses a broad panel of secretion systems. Five of the six secretion machines characterized in Gram-negative bacteria are at P. aeruginosa dispos... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077714 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077717&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20943438%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fassi Fehri L, Mak TN, Laube B, Brinkmann V, Ogilvie LA, Mollenkopf H, Lein M, Schmidt T, Meyer TF, Brüggemann H Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of male cancer deaths in the Western world. Mounting evidence has revealed that chronic inflammation can be an important initiating factor of PCa. Recent work has detected the anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium Propionibacterium acnes in cancerous prostates, but with wide-ranging detection rates. Here, using in situ immunofluorescence (ISIF), P. acnes was found in 58 out of 71 (81.7%) tested cancerous prostate tissue samples, but was absent from healthy prostate tissues (20 samples) and other cancerous tissue biopsies (59 mamma carcinoma samples). Live P. acnes bacteria were isolated from cancerous prostates and cocu... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077717 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077716&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20943439%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hogardt M, Heesemann J The long-term persistance of P. aeruginosa in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung is characterized by the selection of a variety of genotypes and phenotypes that typically descend from one infecting P. aeruginosa clone, a process known as adaptive radiation. This adaptation process of P. aeruginosa includes complex physiological changes that likely confer a selective advantage to better thrive in the diverse niches and microenvironments of the inflamed and hostile CF airways. The occurrence of P. aeruginosa variants is fixed by mutation and selection. Common loss-of-function mutations in genes such as lasR, mucA and mexT lead to a general adaptation pattern and P. aeruginosa variants with increased antimicrobial resistance, alginate overproduction, reduced acu... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077716 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077721&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20940105%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Passariello C, Nencioni L, Sgarbanti R, Ranieri D, Torrisi MR, Ripa S, Garaci E, Palamara AT Secondary pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus is reemerging as a primary cause of excess mortality associated with infection by the influenza A virus. We have investigated in vitro the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this synergism. Experimental data show a significant increase in the efficiency of internalisation of S. aureus into cultured pneumocytes during the early phases of viral infection, while a relevant increase in the efficiency of adhesion is evident only later during viral infection, suggesting that the 2 effects are based on different molecular mechanisms. Data reported in this paper show that S. aureus cells can bind the viral hemagglutinin (HA) and tha... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077721 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077720&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20940106%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lâm TT, Elias J, Frosch M, Vogel U, Claus H A new PCR protocol for molecular typing of Haemophilus influenzae serotype e (Hie) was developed. To this end, the sequence of the cap region II of Hie strain ATCC8142 was identified, which was >99% identical to the recently published sequence of Hie isolate 274. The PCR using primer pair TTL63/TTL64 amplifies an internal 592-bp fragment of ecs4, an e-specific capsule synthesis gene, in 40 of 40 Hie strains. Of all non-Hie strains, there were no false positives. False-negative results of the PCR proposed by Falla et al. (1994) are explained by single nucleotide insertions in the primer sequences. PMID: 20940106 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077720 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077719&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20940107%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heesemann J PMID: 20940107 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077719 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077718&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20940108%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Döring G In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) prevention of lung infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is of major importance. Principles to achieve this goal include vaccination, immediate use of antibiotics in patients newly colonized with the pathogen, and hygienic measures. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent developments in this context. PMID: 20940108 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077718 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4077718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4062977&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20934379%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pero R, Peluso S, Angrisano T, Tuccillo C, Sacchetti S, Keller S, Tomaiuolo R, Bruni CB, Lembo F, Chiariotti L COX-2 expression is altered in gastrointestinal diseases. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection may have a critical role in COX-2 disregulation. We undertook this study to investigate possible chromatin and DNA methylation changes occurring early during COX-2 gene activation as a direct consequence of Hp-gastric cells interaction. We show that Hp infection is followed by different expression, chromatin and DNA methylation changes including: (i) biphasic activation of COX-2 gene; (ii) rapid remodulation of HDACs expression and activity, increased acetylation and release of HDAC from COX-2 promoter; (iii) transient gradual increase of H3 acetylation and H3K4 dimethylation ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4062977 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4062977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003621&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20850379%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roussel S, Rognon B, Barrera C, Reboux G, Salamin K, Grenouillet F, Thaon I, Dalphin JC, Tillie-Leblond I, Quadroni M, Monod M, Millon L Metalworking fluid-associated hypersensitivity pneumonitis (MWF-HP) is a pulmonary disease caused by inhaling microorganisms present in the metalworking fluids used in the industrial sector. Mycobacterium immunogenum is the main etiological agent. Among the clinical, radiological and biological tools used for diagnosis, serological tests are important. The aim of this study was to identify immunogenic proteins in M. immunogenum and to use recombinant antigens for serological diagnosis of MWF-HP. Immunogenic proteins were detected by two-dimensional Western blot and candidate proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Recombinant antigens ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003621 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4003621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003956&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20843738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lahner E, Bernardini G, Possenti S, Renzone G, Scaloni A, Santucci A, Annibale B Atrophic body gastritis is considered an outcome of H. pylori infection at high risk for gastric cancer. Immunoproteomics has been used to detect H. pylori antigens, which may act as potential markers for neoplastic disease and may be used in specific serological tests. We used immunoproteome technology to identify H. pylori antigens, recognized by sera from patients with atrophic body gastritis. Here, we performed 2DE protein maps of H. pylori strain 10K, probed against single sera from 3 groups of H. pylori-positive patients (atrophic body gastritis; intestinal-type gastric cancer; peptic ulcer) and negative controls. Immunoreactive spots were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. A total of 155 immunorea... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003956 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4003956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003887&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20843739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kahl BC One of the first pathogens which can be isolated from the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is Staphylococcus aureus, which often persists in this hostile environment for many months or even years. The increase in infections due to the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) worldwide and even more the emergence of community-acquired MRSA, which differ from nosocomial MRSA by lack of multiresistance and carriage of a phage-encoded toxin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, attracts new attention to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and impact of S. aureus in the background of CF. In this review, recent data and studies will be reported and discussed to give an overview of the latest research. PMID: 20843739 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Jo... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003887 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4003887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003818&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20843740%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Goerke C, Wolz C Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and despite treatment with antibiotics results in recurrent and relapsing infections. With increasing duration of the infection, the bacterial population is exposed more and more to changing selective pressures exerted by the host immune system, to frequent therapeutic interventions, and to interference with other microorganisms. S. aureus has evolved a variety of strategies to adapt to these challenges: Recombination and mutation provide the population with a preselected heterogeneity, resulting in an inheritable shift of phenotypic traits. This includes the emergence of isolates with mutations in metabolic (e.g. small-colony variants) and regulatory (e.g. agr mutants) genes. Additiona... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003818 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4003818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4004017&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20837399%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Oliver A Hypermutable (or mutator) microorganisms are those that have an increased spontaneous mutation rate due to defects in DNA repair or error avoidance systems. Over last decade, several studies have provided strong evidence of a relevant role of mutators in the evolution of natural bacterial populations, with a special emphasis in the field of infectious diseases. Among them, chronic respiratory infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients was the first natural environment revealing a high prevalence and important role of mutators. High frequencies of mutators have also been noted for other pathogens in the CF setting, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae. In addition to a strong statistical link between hypermutation and ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4004017 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4004017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4004069&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20833105%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kaiser PO, Riess T, O'Rourke F, Linke D, Kempf VA After 2 decades of Bartonella research, knowledge on transmission and pathology of these bacteria is still limited. Bartonella spp. have emerged to be important pathogens in human and veterinary medicine. For humans, B. henselae is considered to represent the most relevant zoonotic Bartonella species and is responsible for cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, and other disorders. Over the years, many Bartonella species have been isolated from humans, cats, dogs, and other mammals, and infections range from an asymptomatic state (e.g., animal-specific species) to even life-threatening diseases (e.g., Oroya fever). It is obvious that the analysis of pathogenicity mechanisms underlying Bartonella infections is needed to in... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4004069 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4004069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3962365&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20829108%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kaza SK, McClean S, Callaghan M Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of Gram-negative pulmonary pathogens associated with life-threatening infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The airway epithelium plays a crucial role in the initiation and modulation of inflammatory responses to these pathogens. Interleukin (IL)-8 released from epithelial cells is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils. The aims of this study were to compare the IL-8 response to Bcc infection in different epithelial cell types and to investigate the impact of IL-8 on Bcc growth and intracellular survival. To compare epithelial cell IL-8 responses, 4 human epithelial cell lines were used in the study; A549 cells, an alveolar epithelial cell line, Calu-3 cells, a sub-bronchial epithelial... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3962365 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3962365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3900290&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20728405%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wolters M, Rohde H, Maier T, Belmar-Campos C, Franke G, Scherpe S, Aepfelbacher M, Christner M Early detection of outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and initiation of adequate infection control measures are important objectives in hospital hygiene. To reach these goals, prompt determination of epidemiologic relatedness of clinical MRSA isolates is essential. Genetic typing methods like pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), spa typing, or multilocus sequence typing (MLST) have a high discriminatory power, however, these methods are time consuming and cost intensive. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for discrimination of major MRSA ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3900290 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3900290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3900289&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20728406%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prager R, Fruth A, Busch U, Tietze E An analysis for stx(2) variants among the 2010 human stx(2)-positive Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains from Germany collected at the National Reference Centre 1999-2008 revealed 0.6% to possess the recently described stx(2g) gene. Sequencing of the whole stx(2g) operons showed new alleles and pseudogenes. The further molecular, phenotypic, and phylogenetic comparison of 12 human stx(2g)-harbouring isolates with 12 stx(2g)-harbouring isolates from animals or environmental sources demonstrated that both groups are closely related, indicating the human infections as a potential zoonotic disease. Although originating from various different sources, the stx(2g)-containing strains belong to only 3 phylogenetic lineages, repres... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3900289 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3900289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872778&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20708963%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Menéndez T, Santiago-Vispo NF, Cruz-Leal Y, Coizeau E, Garay H, Reyes O, Batista Y, Cobas K, Carmenate T, Chinea G, Guillén G Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis and septicemia. There is no single vaccine against all serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) strains up to now. Their capsular polysaccharide (MenB CPS) bears epitopes both cross-reacting and non-cross-reactive with human polysialic acid. A bactericidal and protective antibody mAb (13D9) recognizing a unique epitope in MenB CPS was used to screen a phage-displayed peptide library. Four peptides, able to bind mAb 13D9 in competition with MenB CPS, were identified. Immunization of mice with the phage-displayed peptides elicited anti-peptide IgG antibodies, mainly IgG(2a) for 3 of the peptides and bactericidal and ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872778 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872777&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20708964%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Orsi RH, Bakker HC, Wiedmann M Listeria monocytogenes consists of at least 4 evolutionary lineages (I, II, III, and IV) with different but overlapping ecological niches. Most L. monocytogenes isolates seem to belong to lineages I and II, which harbor the serotypes more commonly associated with human clinical cases, including serotype 1/2a (lineage II) and serotypes 1/2b and 4b (lineage I). Lineage II strains are common in foods, seem to be widespread in the natural and farm environments, and are also commonly isolated from animal listeriosis cases and sporadic human clinical cases. Most human listeriosis outbreaks are associated with lineage I isolates though. In addition, a number of studies indicate that, in many countries, lineage I strains are overrepresented among human i... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872777 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872779&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20708436%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Symoens F, Jousson O, Planard C, Fratti M, Staib P, Mignon B, Monod M Isolates of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex vary phenotypically. Whether the closely related zoophilic and anthropophilic anamorphs currently associated with Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii have to be considered as members of the same biological species remains an open question. In order to better delineate species in the T. mentagrophytes complex, we performed a mating analysis of freshly collected isolates from humans and animals with A. benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii reference strains, in comparison to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S rDNA sequencing. Mating experiments as well as ITS and 28S sequencing unambiguously allowed the distinction of A. benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii. We have al... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872779 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872783&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20705504%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we show that expression of sae is also iron-regulated, as sae expression is activated by Fur in low iron. We also demonstrate that both Fur and Sae are required for full induction of the oxidative stress response and expression of non-covalently bound surface proteins in low-iron growth conditions. In addition, Sae is required for the induced expression of the important virulence factors isdA and isdB in low iron. Our studies also indicate that Fur is required for the induced expression of the global regulators Agr and Rot in low iron and a number of extracellular virulence factors such as the haemolysins which are also Sae- and Agr-regulated. Hence, we show that Fur is central to a complex regulatory network that is required for the induced expression of a number of importa... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872783 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872782&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20705505%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gupta R, Mirdha BR, Guleria R, Agarwal SK, Samantaray JC, Kumar L, Kabra SK, Luthra K, Sreenivas V, Iyer VK Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), a common and serious opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, is caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis). The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and distribution of genotypes of P. jirovecii based on sequence polymorphisms at mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mt LSU rRNA) region in both HIV and non-HIV immunocompromised individuals with a positive PCR result for PCP in a tertiary health care centre in northern India. From January 2005 to October 2008, 50 patients [22 HIV-seropositive individuals, 10 post-renal transplant (PRT) recipients, 3 cancer pa... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872782 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872781&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20705506%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Szabados F, Becker K, von Eiff C, Kaase M, Gatermann S The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) of Staphylococcus aureus plays an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing pneumonia and recurrent skin and soft tissue infections. The gene encoding for PVL, lukS/F-PV, is distributed by prophages and can thus spread between isolates. Molecular methods have normally been used to identify lukS/F-PV-positive strains. Recently, however, a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based method has been described to identify PVL-positive S. aureus strains. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the association of distinct MALDI-TOF MS peaks to the toxin profile in molecularly characterized methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872781 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872780&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20705507%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Le Bouguénec C, Schouler C Enterobacteria display a high level of flexibility in their fermentative metabolism. Biotyping assays have thus been developed to discriminate between clinical isolates. Each biotype uses one or more sugars more efficiently than the others. Recent studies show links between sugar metabolism and virulence in enterobacteria. In particular, mechanisms of carbohydrate utilization differ substantially between pathogenic and commensal E. coli strains. We are now starting to gain insight into the importance of this variability in metabolic function. Studies using various animal models of intestinal colonization showed that the presence of the fos and deoK loci involved in the metabolism of short-chain fructoligosaccharides and deoxyribose, respectively, ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872780 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3855181&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20692869%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pletz MW, van der Linden M, von Baum H, Duesberg CB, Klugman KP, Welte T, We investigated the usage of fluoroquinolones and the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistant pneumococci and their precursors (first step mutants and efflux expressing isolates) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia, who were enroled into the German CAPNETZ surveillance study from 2002 to 2006 before the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (n=5780). Thirty-eight percent of all outpatients received fluoroquinolones. Moxifloxacin accounted for 70%, levofloxacin for 19% and ciprofloxacin for 9% of all fluoroquinolone prescriptions. One hundred and sixty-three pneumococcal isolates from 556 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia were analyzed for fluoroquinolone resistance, efflux phen... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3855181 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3855181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3824166&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20674492%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dobrindt U, Hacker J PMID: 20674492 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3824166 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3824166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655876&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20538518%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, although principally the same genes were affected in INH(r)M. tuberculosis and M. africanum strains, disequilibrium in the distribution of mutations conferring resistance was verified that might influence the efficiency of molecular tests for determination of resistance. PMID: 20538518 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655876 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655879&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20537585%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pfeifer Y, Cullik A, Witte W During the past 15 years, emergence and dissemination of beta-lactam resistance in nosocomial Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, became a serious problem worldwide. Especially the increasing resistance to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins and carbapenems is of particular concern. Gram-negative bacteria pursue various molecular strategies for development of resistance to these antibiotics: (a) generation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) according to the original definition due to extension of the spectrum of already widely disseminated plasmid-encoded beta-lactamases by amino acid substitution; (b) acquisition of genes encoding ESBL from environmental bacteria as, for instance the CTX-M-type beta-l... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655879 Tue, 25 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655878&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20537944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lurie-Weinberger MN, Gomez-Valero L, Merault N, Glöckner G, Buchrieser C, Gophna U Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, is known to be an intracellular pathogen of multiple species of protozoa and is assumed to have co-evolved with these organisms for millions of years. Genome sequencing of L. pneumophila strains has revealed an abundance of eukaryotic-like proteins (ELPs). Here, we study the evolution of these ELPs, in order to investigate their origin. Thirty-four new ELPs were identified, based on a higher similarity to eukaryotic proteins than to bacterial ones. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that both lateral gene transfer from eukaryotic hosts and bacterial genes that became eukaryotic-like by gradual adaptation to the intracellula... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655878 Mon, 24 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655877&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20537945%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vogel U Neisseria meningitidis is an invasive pathogen contributing significantly to childhood mortality worldwide. The organism is adapted to the human host and transmitted by close contact or droplet aerosols. In comparison to healthy carriage, invasive disease is a rare event. Nevertheless, due to a high case-fatality rate and the fact that meningococcal infection is a communicable disease, molecular typing of meningococci has been driven forward considerably in the past decades. Multilocus and antigen sequence typing data are assembled in large databases accessible via the internet. For epidemiological purposes, representative case ascertainment strategies are necessary if data are to be exploited for trend analysis, geographic visualization, detection of abnormalities suc... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655877 Mon, 24 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614998&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20510648%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the quinolone resistance mechanisms acquired in vitro by a Y. enterocolitica clinical isolate exposed to increasing concentrations of ciprofloxacin in a multi-step selection process. The fluoroquinolone-susceptible clinical isolate, Y.83-wt, the fluoroquinolone-resistant mutant, Y.83-64, and intermediate mutants were analysed by QRDR sequencing and MIC determination. Four different QRDRs (quinolone resistance-determining regions) mutations were characterised in Y.83-64: one in gyrA, one in gyrB, and two in parC. A significant increase in the MICs of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, nalidixic acid, and other unrelated antibiotics was detected in Y.83-64. Furthermore, the bacterial growth rate was assessed for strains Y.83-wt and Y.83-64. The analysis reported no significa... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614998 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3614998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614997&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20510649%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ron EZ Bacterial septicemia is an emerging clinical problem which is increasing in significance due to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance. In order to combat this problem, it is essential to identify the critical virulence factors of these septicemic strains and study their functions and role in pathogenesis. Here, we survey some of the virulence factors which are essential for sepsis and are potential candidates for development of new drugs or vaccines. PMID: 20510649 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614997 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3614997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614996&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20510650%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bauer M, Reinhart K Rapid diagnosis of sepsis is of outstanding significance as each hour of delay of appropriate antimicrobial therapy increases mortality by 5-10%. As a result, antibiotics are started without a definitive microbial result based on clinical signs in concert with "biomarkers" with high sensitivity but a lack of specificity. Diagnostic uncertainty is compensated for by liberal use of broad spectrum antibiotics with inherent resistance as an increasing public-health problem. Blood culture reflects the current gold-standard but is positive only in approximately 20% of cases and even if positive, results are obtained too late to influence decision making. Culture-independent microbial nucleic acid amplification techniques may allow ways out of this dilemma. In add... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614996 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3614996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614995&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20510651%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Perkins SD, Woeltje KF, Angenent LT Endotracheal (ET) tubes accumulate a biofilm during use, which can harbor potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The enrichment of pathogenic strains in the biofilm may lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with an increased morbidity rate in intensive care units. We used quantitative PCR (qPCR) and gene surveys targeting 16S rRNA genes to quantify and identify the bacterial community to detect fastidious/nonculturable organisms present among extubated ET tubes. We collected eight ET tubes with intubation periods between 12h and 23 d from different patients in a surgical and a medical intensive care unit. Our qPCR data showed that ET tubes were colonized within 24h. However, the variation between patients was too high to find a posit... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614995 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3614995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614994&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20510652%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: All PAIs of E. coli 536 do not play the same role in extra-intestinal virulence estimated in a mouse septicemia model and PAIs cooperate in an additive manner to achieve extra-intestinal virulence. PMID: 20510652 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614994 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3614994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556679&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452276%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Avelino F, Saldaña Z, Islam S, Monteiro-Neto V, Dall'agnol M, Eslava CA, Girón JA Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) have emerged as a significant worldwide cause of chronic diarrhea in the pediatric population and in HIV patients. The vast majority of EAEC strains do not produce the aggregative adherence fimbriae I-III (AAFs) so far reported and thus, what adherence factors are present in these strains remains unknown. Here, we investigated the prevalence of the chromosomal E. coli common pilus (ECP) genes and ECP production amongst 130 EAEC strains of diverse origin as well as the role of ECP in EAEC adherence. Through multiplex PCR analysis we found that 96% of EAEC strains contained the ecpA structural pilin gene whereas only 3.1% and 5.4% were positive for AA... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556679 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556678&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452277%26dopt%3DAbstract This article is focusing on the situation concerning MRSA, but the situation concerning other multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci or MDR Gram-negative pathogens is similar. Some European countries have started national campaigns to improve the situation significantly. They require the successful cooperation between healthcare facilities, public health authorities, health insurances, quality management and patient safety organizations, educational facilities, the public, and the veterinarian sector. These activities in the society need scientific data to provide evidence for the intervention measures and support their implementation. To really support the activities in the society, intervention studies are urgently needed to provide a more robust bas... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556678 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556677&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452278%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dirr F, Echtenacher B, Heesemann J, Hoffmann P, Ebel F, Wagener J The cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, best characterized in S. cerevisiae, is strikingly conserved in Aspergillus species. We analyzed the importance of AfMkk2, a CWI signaling kinase, for virulence and antifungal therapy in the human pathogen A. fumigatus. A mutant lacking AfMkk2 is less adherent to glass and plastic surfaces and shows increased sensitivity to alkaline pH stress and antifungals. Rather than AfMpkA, the target kinase of AfMkk2, AfMpkB is activated in the mutant under cell wall stress. Interestingly, the mutant lacking AfMkk2 shows an enhanced sensitivity to posaconazole and voriconazole. And in agreement with its sensitivity to moderate temperatures, it is less virulent in a murine infection mo... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556677 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556676&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452279%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dobrindt U, Zdziarski J, Salvador E, Hacker J Bacterial pathogens with the ability to cause persistent infection have different strategies to withstand the induction of host immune responses and to successfully establish long-term colonization. In case of asymptomatic bacteriuria and other persistent infections, prolonged growth in the host is accompanied with genomic alterations that result in e.g., bacterial attenuation thus contributing to bacterial adaptation to their host niche and a reduced activation of host immune responses. The accumulating amount of information regarding bacterial adaptation during persistent infection helps to increase our understanding of driving forces of bacterial adaptation in vivo as well as of factors that contribute to symptomatic infection. ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556676 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556675&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452280%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fischetti VA Endolysins (or lysins) are highly evolved enzymes produced by bacteriophage (phage for short) to digest the bacterial cell wall for phage progeny release. In Gram-positive bacteria, small quantities of purified recombinant lysin added externally results in immediate lysis causing log-fold death of the target bacterium. Lysins have been used successfully in a variety of animal models to control pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on mucosal surfaces and infected tissues. Their specificity for the pathogen without disturbing the normal flora, the low chance of bacterial resistance, and their ability to kill colonizing pathogens on mucosal surfaces, a capacity previously unavailable, make them ideal anti-infectives in an age of mounting resistance. Here we... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556675 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556682&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20451447%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schoenfelder SM, Lange C, Eckart M, Hennig S, Kozytska S, Ziebuhr W Staphylococcus epidermidis normally is a commensal inhabitant of the healthy human skin and mucosa, but also a common nosocomial pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Living at the edge between commensalism and pathogenicity, S. epidermidis has developed interesting strategies to conquer the hospital environment as a novel ecological niche and to transform into a notorious pathogen. Recent progress in genome analysis and molecular epidemiology gave interesting insights into the enormous flexibility by which these bacteria generate continuously novel phenotypic and genotypic variants. Recent multilocus sequence typing studies identified S. epidermidis as a highly diverse species that evolves mainly by recombi... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556682 Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556681&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20451448%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mielke M In October 2004, the WHO launched the World Alliance for Patient Safety. In 2006, the Council of Europe adopted a recommendation on the management of patient safety and prevention of adverse events in healthcare to acknowledge that patients can expect each EU health system to secure a systematic approach to ensuring patient safety. This review is a compilation of broadly accepted instruments for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections and resistance to antibiotics in Europe. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria do not stop at the exit of a hospital. The implementation of the various elements of a whole bundle of recommended prevention and control measures in the context of interacting healthcare institutions including long-term care, rehabilitation fac... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556681 Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556680&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20451449%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cirl C, Miethke T Quite a number of microbes possess genes which encode for proteins containing a Toll/interleukin 1 receptor domain. This domain is key for the physical interaction of eukaryotic Toll-like receptors with their adaptor molecules like MyD88 enabling innate immune cells to recognize invading pathogens and to initiate appropriate defense responses. Recent findings imply that microbial Toll/interleukin 1 receptor proteins impair Toll-like receptor signaling. As a consequence, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines is dampened, and microbial replication is enhanced. This group of proteins can thus be classified as a new family of virulence factors able to modulate the Toll-like receptor signaling cascade. This review summarizes current knowledge of the biology of t... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556680 Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545944&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20447864%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Behrens-Kneip S The Escherichia coli periplasmic chaperone and peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) SurA is a major factor in the biogenesis of beta-barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and as such plays an integral role in cell envelope homeostasis and cell envelope functions. Recently, the biological importance of SurA was further substantiated by the finding that SurA also affects pathogenicity, being required for full virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella spp. Moreover, given the conservation of the protein, SurA likely plays similar roles in other Gram-negative bacteria and may hence prove a valuable drug target against Gram-negative pathogens. While our understanding on how SurA promotes transport and folding of beta-barrel OMPs, how it pro... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545944 Mon, 03 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3539059&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20434950%26dopt%3DAbstract We present several relevant factors at each of these 4 levels and various possible measures that could be an effective response to them. The reasons why antibiotic use is inappropriate are complex. This means that any programme to rationalise antibiotic use - if it is to be effective - will have to include activities at all 4 levels discussed above. A national programme for 'appropriate antibiotic use' could be considered, including patient, professional and organisational-oriented activities. In addition, close international cooperation is required involving international guidelines, agreements, monitoring and feedback of information, and implementation programmes. PMID: 20434950 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3539059 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3539059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420922&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20347390%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Horng YT, Chang KC, Liu YN, Lai HC, Soo PC Serratia marcescens CH-1 produces a red, cell-associated pigment, prodigiosin, synthesized by enzymes encoded in the pig operon. The underlying regulatory mechanism, especially its relationship with the RssAB two-component system signaling, remained uncharacterized. Here, we show that phosphorylated RssB (RssB-P) directly binds to the promoter region of the pig operon (pigA promoter), as observed using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Furthermore, we identify the RssB-P binding site located downstream of the -10 and -35 regions in pigA using a DNase I footprinting assay. A compilation of the RssB-P binding sites in flhDC, rssB and pigA promoter regions reveals the presence of a conserved core sequence, GAGATTTTAGCTAAATTAATBTTT... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420922 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3420922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399877&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20303825%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Trüpschuch S, Laverde Gomez JA, Ediberidze I, Flieger A, Rabsch W In 2006, monophasic, multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica spp. enterica serovar 4,[5],12:i:- strains appeared as a novel serotype in Germany, associated with large diffuse outbreaks and increased need for hospitalisation. The emerging 4,[5],12:i:- strains isolated from patients in Germany belong mainly to phage type DT193 according to the Anderson phage typing scheme for S. Typhimurium (STM) and exhibit at least a tetra-drug resistance. The strains have been shown to harbour STM-specific Gifsy-1, Gifsy-2, and ST64B prophages. Furthermore, the extensive sequence similarity of the tRNA regions between one characterised 4,[5],12:i:- phage type DT193 and the S. Typhimurium LT2 strain as well as the STM-speci... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399877 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3399877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277314&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20153694%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we further characterized this protein and found it to be involved in the virulence of L. pneumophila. PlaB was mainly expressed and active during exponential growth. Active PlaB was outer membrane-associated and at least in parts surface-exposed. Transport to the outer membrane was not dependent on the type I (T1SS), II (T2SS), IVB (T4BSS) or Tat secretion pathways. Furthermore, PlaB activity was not dependent on the presence of the macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) or the major secreted zinc metalloproteinase A (MspA). Despite the fact that PlaB is not essential for replication in protozoa or macrophage cell lines, we found that plaB mutants were impaired for replication in the lungs and dissemination to the spleen in the guinea pig infection model. Histological sect... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277314 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248993&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20133196%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yang Q, Zhang M, Harrington DJ, Black GW, Sutcliffe IC Streptococcus agalactiae is a major neonatal pathogen that is able to adapt to a variety of host environments, including both rectal and vaginal maternal carriage, growth in amniotic fluid and at various neonatal body sites. As such it is important to elucidate the patterns of protein expression that are associated with S. agalactiae growth under these different in vivo conditions. To this end, we have grown S. agalactiae strain A909 under in vitro conditions reflecting those associated with maternal vaginal carriage (low pH, low oxygen, nutrient stress) and those associated with exposure to body fluids during invasive disease (neutral pH, aeration, nutrient sufficient). The protein profiles of bacterial cells grown under ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248993 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3248993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3213144&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20097132%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, the present results support the postulated central role of Mga regulation for GAS host colonization and acute infection stages. PMID: 20097132 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3213144 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3213144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201173&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20093081%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: José Gosalbes M, Latorre A, Lamelas A, Moya A Endosymbiotic bacteria play a vital role in the evolution of many insect species. For instance, endosymbionts have evolved metabolically to complement their host's natural diet, thereby enabling them to explore new habitats. In this paper, we will review and give some examples of the nature of the metabolic coupling of different primary and secondary endosymbionts that have evolved in hosts with different nutritional diets (i.e., phloem, xylem, blood, omnivores, and grain). Particular emphasis is given to the evolutionary functional convergence of phylogenetically distant endosymbionts, which are evolving in hosts with similar diets. PMID: 20093081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medic... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201173 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3201173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3179190&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20071233%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Imöhl M, René Reinert R, van der Linden M A total of 12,137 isolates from invasive pneumococcal disease was collected between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2008, by the German National Reference Center for Streptococci (NRCS). Data on penicillin susceptibility were available for 11,814 isolates, whereat 8837 isolates (74.8%) were from adults, and 2977 isolates (25.2%) originated from children. Overall, the leading serotypes were serotypes 14 (16.5% of serotyped isolates), 3 (8.1%), 7F (7.7%), 1 (7.4%), and 23F (6.0%). The overall nonsusceptibility rate of all isolates adds up to 5.5% (intermediate, 4.3%; resistant, 1.2%) when the CLSI 2006 guidelines were applied, and to 1.4% (intermediate, 0.2%; resistant, 1.2%) when using the CLSI 2009 guidelines. Generally, sl... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3179190 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3179190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115414&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20022807%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chiou CS, Li HY, Tung SK, Chen CY, Teng CH, Shu JC, Tseng JT, Hsu CY, Chen CC Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed that the genomes of some pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains, including EDL933, were resistant to NotI digestion. An amino acid sequence comparison suggested that the z2389 gene carried on prophage CP-933R in strain EDL933 is likely to encode a C(5)-cytosine methyltransferase. The z2389-equivalent gene was found in the NotI-resistant strains tested, but it was not detected in the NotI-susceptible strains. PFGE analysis of the wild-type EDL933 strain and of a z2389 null mutant revealed that z2389 was associated with full genome protection against NotI digestion and partial protection against EagI digestion. In vitro methylation experime... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115414 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3115414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061722&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19959396%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, evaluating the survival of S. flexneri, S. sonnei, and EIEC strains complemented with a functional cadC gene and challenged at low pH, we present evidence that CadC negatively regulates the expression of the arginine-dependent adaptive acid-resistance system (AR3), encoded by the adi locus while it has no effect on the expression of AR1 and AR2 systems. Moreover, since our results indicate that in enteroinvasive strains the presence of CadC reduces the expression of the arginine decarboxylase encoding gene adiA, it is possible to hypothesize that the loss of functionality of lysine decarboxylase is counterbalanced by a higher expression of the adi system, and that CadC, besides specifically affecting the regulation of the cadBA operon, is also relevant to other systems respo... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061722 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3061722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3033941&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19932053%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we characterized biofilm formation by 10 clinical isolates each of C. parapsilosis, C. orthopsilosis, and C. metapsilosis. Biofilms were allowed to form on silicone elastomer discs to early (6h) or mature (48h) phases and quantified by tetrazolium (XTT) and dry weight assays. Surface topography and three-dimensional architecture of the biofilms were visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Metabolic activity assay revealed strain-dependent biofilm forming ability of the 3 species tested, while biomass determination revealed that all 3 species formed equivalent biofilms (P>0.05 for all comparisons). SEM analyses of representative isolates of these species showed biofilms with clusters of yeast cells ad... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3033941 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3033941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3033943&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19931486%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Máder K, Terhes G, Hajdú E, Urbán E, Sóki J, Magyar T, Márialigeti K, Katona M, Nagy E, Túri S Neonatal infections may be caused by various microorganisms, but as far as we are aware, Acinetobacter ursingii has not yet been reported in connection with nosocomial infections of premature infants. During 2 months, 3 premature babies were treated with nosocomial infection caused by A. ursingii at the same ward, and on the basis of molecular typing results the same strain was responsible for all of these cases. Traditional biochemical methods and automatic identification systems failed to identify this bacterium on the species level, and only 16S rDNA sequencing gave acceptable species identifications. The isolated strains proved to be susceptible to a... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3033943 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3033943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3033942&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19931487%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chatterjee I, Neumayer D, Herrmann M Disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus frequently takes a chronic persistent course, and such infections are difficult to treat. S. aureus has developed various stress response systems allowing for coordinated expression of virulence factors and adaptation to environmental conditions. Clp ATPase/protease complexes for protein reactivation and degradation are highly conserved systems with a primary function in stress response. In various bacterial species, the role of Clp complexes has been associated with competence, cell wall synthesis, virulence and other physiologic properties. More recently, in S. aureus various Clp ATPases have been found to influence global regulator functions resulting in complex phenotypic changes. In this review, ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3033942 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3033942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2978104&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19896895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xia G, Kohler T, Peschel A Staphylococci and most other Gram-positive bacteria incorporate complex teichoic acid (TA) polymers into their cell envelopes. Several crucial roles in Staphylococcus aureus fitness and cell wall maintenance have been assigned to these polymers, which are either covalently linked to peptidoglycan (wall teichoic acid, WTA) or to the cytoplasmic membrane (lipoteichoic acid, LTA). However, the exact TA structures, functions, and biosynthetic pathways are only superficially understood. Recently, most of the enzymes mediating TA biosynthesis have been identified and mutants lacking or with defined changes in WTA or LTA have become available. Their characterization has revealed crucial roles of TAs in protection against harmful molecules and environmental ... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2978104 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2978104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2968194&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19889575%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wright JA, Nair SP Staphylococci, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, are the predominant cause of bone infections worldwide. These infections are painful, debilitating and with the rise in antibiotic-resistant forms, increasingly difficult to treat. The growth in the number of prosthetic joint replacement procedures also provides new opportunities for these infections to take hold. Comprehending the mechanisms by which staphylococci interact with and damage bone is critical to the development of new approaches to meet this challenge. This review summarises current understanding of the mechanisms by which staphylococci infect and damage bone. We address the role of the inflammatory response to staphylococcal infection in disrupting the homeostatic balance of bone matrix depos... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2968194 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2968194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2968193&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19889576%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Holtfreter S, Kolata J, Bröker BM This review provides an overview of the antibody response against Staphylococcus aureus, which challenges the adaptive immune system with a broad and highly variable antigen repertoire. The mechanisms by which antibodies shape the interaction between S. aureus and its host are introduced, and evidence for a role of adaptive immunity in the protection against S. aureus is discussed. Techniques are now available to map the core and the variable S. aureus immune proteomes, which constitute the knowledge base for the design of effective anti-S. aureus vaccine compositions. This will require coordinated approaches that match the antigen repertoire of an infecting or colonizing S. aureus strain with the individual antibody response directed aga... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2968193 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2968193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954870&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19879189%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, a perR deletion mutant was constructed by double cross-over mutagenesis. The profile of Dpr expression, performed by Western blot assay, revealed growth-phase dependency under normal culture conditions. Dpr expression decreased under iron-restricted conditions, whereas iron, zinc, nickel, and hydrogen peroxide induced its expression. The perR mutant does not induce Dpr as well when exposed to environmental signals. PerR binds the promoter region of dpr. Increased iron and hydrogen peroxide concentrations decreased PerR binding to the promoter region of dpr, suggesting that regulation of Dpr by environmental signals is mediated by PerR directly. PMID: 19879189 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954870 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2954870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924129&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19850516%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koslowski MJ, Beisner J, Stange EF, Wehkamp J Paneth cells (PCs) are specialized epithelial cells predominantly found in the small intestinal crypts of Lieberkuehn. They produce different broad spectrum antimicrobial peptides most abundantly the alpha-defensins HD-5 and -6 (DEFA5 und DEFA6). Both these PC products show a specific reduction in small intestinal Crohn's disease (CD) - a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Their decrease is independent of current inflammation and an association with a NOD2 frameshift mutation has been demonstrated. More recently, another independent and even more frequent mechanism has been found which is linked to diminished levels of the Wnt pathway transcription factor TCF7L2 (also known as TCF4). Besides regulating the expression of HD-5... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924129 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2924129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924128&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19850517%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bustamante AV, Mariel Sanso A, Lucchesi PM, Parma AE Although serotype O157:H7 has been implicated in most cases of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS), there is growing concern about non-O157 serotypes of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC). Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) has been focused on the specific typing of O157:H7 isolates, but recently, a generic MLVA assay for E. coli and Shigella has been developed. We performed a study of the polymorphism in 7 generic VNTR loci both in VTEC O157:H7 and non-O157 isolates from Argentina, in order to asses the ability of the method to type this group of isolates and to get insight into their genetic diversity. Sixty-four isolates from cattle, patients with diarrhoea, and contaminated food belonging t... International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924128 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2924128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912735&cid=s_35664_77_f&fid=35664&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19836996%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Götz F, Hacker J, Hecker M PMID: 19836996 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology) International Journal of Medical Microbiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912735 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2912735