-
SAGE Open Medicine 2023This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of water sources in Ishaka division, Bushenyi district.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of water sources in Ishaka division, Bushenyi district.
METHODS
Water from taps, wells and springs were sampled for the cross-sectional investigation. The enumeration and identification of microbes ( and total coliforms) in water samples were carried out using a variety of methods. was enumerated using the membrane filtration method; and using a two-step enrichment method; using the surface spread method and total coliforms using the most probable number technique. Mannitol salt agar was used for enumeration of and violet red bile agar was used for enumeration of total coliforms and ; xylose lysine deoxycholate agar was used for both spp. and spp. API-20E was used to phenotypically identify the Enterobacteriaceae contaminants in water. These included spp. and .
RESULTS
counts in the water from springs and wells ranged from 0 to 314 cfu/mL ( = 0.173) and 0 to 3 cfu/mL ( = 0.269), respectively, while tap water had no incidence of . Highest level of bacterial contamination in water sources, beyond acceptable WHO (0 cfu/100 mL) limits for drinking water, was reported: spp., 34 (54.8%), followed by total coliforms, 24 (38.7%), spp., 22 (35.5%) and least were spp. (8.1%) and spp. (8.1%).
CONCLUSION
It is therefore concluded that spring and well community water sources in Ishaka division, Uganda, are significantly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and thus unsafe for drinking without adequate water treatment (disinfection and filtration).
PubMed: 38020800
DOI: 10.1177/20503121231194239 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023, an opportunistic pathogen of the urinary tract, is known for its dimorphism and mobility. A connection of lipid alterations, induced by the rods elongation process,...
, an opportunistic pathogen of the urinary tract, is known for its dimorphism and mobility. A connection of lipid alterations, induced by the rods elongation process, with enhanced pathogenicity of long-form morphotype for the development of urinary tract infections, seems highly probable. Therefore, research on the adjustment in the composition and organization of lipids forming elongated rods was undertaken. The analyses performed using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry showed that drastic modifications in the morphology of rods that occur during the swarming process are directly related to deprivation of the long-form cells of PE 33:1 and PG 31:2 and their enrichment with PE 32:1, PE 34:1, PE 34:2, PG 30:2, PG 32:1, and PG 34:1. The analyses conducted by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed negligible effects of the swarming process on fatty acids synthesis. However, the constant proportions between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids confirmed that phenotypic modifications in the rods induced by motility were independent of the saturation of the phospholipid tails. The method of the Förster resonance energy transfer revealed the influence of the swarming process on the melting of ordered lipid rafts present in the short-form rods, corresponding to the homogeneity of lipid bilayers in the long-form rods of . Confocal microscope photographs visualized strong Rhod-PE fluorescence of the whole area of swarmer cells, in contrast to weak membrane fluorescence of non-swarmer cells. It suggested an increased permeability of the bilayers in long-form rods morphologically adapted to the swarming process. These studies clearly demonstrate that swarming motility regulates the lipid composition and organization in rods.
Topics: Humans; Proteus mirabilis; Urinary Tract; Urinary Tract Infections; Chemical Phenomena; Lipids; Proteus Infections
PubMed: 38003652
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216461 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023The aim of the study was the serological and structural characterization of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O antigen from Dm55 coming from the urine of a patient from...
The aim of the study was the serological and structural characterization of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O antigen from Dm55 coming from the urine of a patient from Lodz. The Dm55 LPS was recognized in ELISA only by the O54 antiserum, suggesting a serological distinction of the Dm55 O antigen from all the 84 LPS serotypes described. The obtained polyclonal rabbit serum against Dm55 reacted in ELISA and Western blotting with a few LPSs (including O54), but the reactions were weaker than those observed in the homologous system. The LPS of Dm55 was subjected to mild acid hydrolysis, and the obtained high-molecular-mass O polysaccharide was chemically studied using sugar and methylation analyses, mass spectrometry, and H and C NMR spectroscopy, including H,H NOESY, and H,C HMBC experiments. The Dm55 O unit is a branched three-saccharide, and its linear fragment contains α-GalNAc and β-Gal, whereas α-GlcNAc occupies a terminal position. The Dm55 OPS shares a disaccharide epitope with the O54 antigen. Due to the structural differences of the studied O antigen from the other described O polysaccharides, we propose to classify the Dm55 strain to a new O85 serogroup.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Rabbits; Lipopolysaccharides; Proteus mirabilis; Serogroup; O Antigens; Carbohydrate Sequence; Carbohydrates
PubMed: 38003613
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216424 -
Biology Oct 2023Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have demonstrated significant potential in a variety of disciplines, making them an extremely desirable subject of research. This study...
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have demonstrated significant potential in a variety of disciplines, making them an extremely desirable subject of research. This study investigated the anticancer and antibacterial properties of my-co-fabricated selenium SeNPs, as well as their effects on soybean ( L.) seeds, seedling growth, cotton leafworm () combat, and plant pathogenic fungi inhibition. SeNPs showed anticancer activity with an IC value of 1.95 µg/mL against MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. The myco-synthesized SeNPs exhibited an antibacterial effect against and at 20 mg/mL. The use of 1 µM SeNPs improved soybean seed germination (93%), germination energy (76.5%), germination rate (19.0), and mean germination time (4.3 days). At 0.5 and 1.0 µM SeNPs, the growth parameters of seedlings improved. SeNPs increased the 4th instar larval mortality of cotton leafworm compared to control, with a median lethal concentration of 23.08 mg/mL. They inhibited the growth of , , and . These findings demonstrate that biogenic SeNPs represent a promising approach to achieving sustainable progress in the fields of agriculture, cancer therapy, and infection control.
PubMed: 37997960
DOI: 10.3390/biology12111361 -
EBioMedicine Dec 2023Recent studies suggesting the importance of the gut-microbiome in intestinal aggregated alpha synuclein (α-syn) have led to the exploration of the possible role of the...
BACKGROUND
Recent studies suggesting the importance of the gut-microbiome in intestinal aggregated alpha synuclein (α-syn) have led to the exploration of the possible role of the gut-brain axis in central nervous system degeneration. Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis), a gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacterium, has been linked to brain neurodegeneration in animal studies. We hypothesised that P. mirabilis-derived virulence factors aggregate intestinal α-synuclein and could prompt the pathogenesis of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the brain.
METHODS
We used vagotomised- and antibiotic-treated male murine models to determine the pathogenesis of P. mirabilis during brain neurodegeneration. The neurodegenerative factor that is driven by P. mirabilis was determined using genetically mutated P. mirabilis. The pathological functions and interactions of the virulence factors were determined in vitro.
FINDINGS
The results showed that P. mirabilis-induced motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration are regulated by intestinal α-syn aggregation in vagotomised- or antibiotic-treated murine models. We deduced that the specific virulence factor, haemolysin A (HpmA), plays a role in the pathogenesis of P. mirabilis. HpmA is involved in α-synuclein oligomerisation and membrane pore formation, resulting in the activation of mTOR-mediated autophagy signalling in intestinal neuroendocrine cells.
INTERPRETATION
Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that HpmA can interact with α-syn and act as a possible indicator of brain neurodegenerative diseases that are induced by P. mirabilis.
FUNDING
This study was supported by a grant from the National Research Foundation of Korea.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mice; alpha-Synuclein; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Base Composition; Hemolysin Proteins; Mirabilis; Phylogeny; Proteus mirabilis; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 37995468
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104887 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023is a key pathobiont in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs), which is well known to form crystalline biofilms that occlude catheters. Urease activity...
INTRODUCTION
is a key pathobiont in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs), which is well known to form crystalline biofilms that occlude catheters. Urease activity alkylates urine through the release of ammonia, consequentially resulting in higher levels of Mg and Ca and formation of crystals. In this study, we showed that -acetyl cysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant, is a potent urease inhibitor that prevents crystalline biofilm formation.
METHODS
To quantify urease activity, Berthelot's method was done on bacterial extracts treated with NAC. We also used an catheterised glass bladder model to study the effect of NAC treatment on catheter occlusion and biofilm encrustation in infections. Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed on catheter samples to decipher elemental profiles.
RESULTS
NAC inhibits urease activity of clinical isolates at concentrations as low as 1 mM, independent of bacterial killing. The study also showed that NAC is bacteriostatic on , and inhibited biofilm formation and catheter occlusion in an . A significant 4-8 reduction in viable bacteria was observed in catheters infected in this model. Additionally, biofilms in NAC treated catheters displayed a depletion of calcium, magnesium, or phosphates (>10 fold reduction), thus confirming the absence of any urease activity in the presence of NAC. Interestingly, we also showed that not only is NAC anti-inflammatory in bladder epithelial cells (BECs), but that it mutes its inflammatory response to urease and infection by reducing the production of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1b.
DISCUSSION
Using biochemical, microbiological and immunological techniques, this study displays the functionality of NAC in preventing catheter occlusion by inhibiting urease activity. The study also highlights NAC as a strong anti-inflammatory antibiofilm agent that can target both bacterial and host factors in the treatment of CA-UTIs.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Catheterization; Acetylcysteine; Urease; Proteus Infections; Proteus mirabilis; Urinary Tract Infections; Catheters; Inflammation; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biofilms
PubMed: 37965267
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1216798 -
Pediatrics and Neonatology May 2024Extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis (ESBL-producing-EKP) are an increasingly common cause of...
The risk factors, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and outcomes associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamases-Producing pathogens in pediatric urinary tract infection.
BACKGROUND
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis (ESBL-producing-EKP) are an increasingly common cause of childhood urinary tract infection (UTI) worldwide. Recognizing the risk factors and antimicrobial resistance patterns may guide new management in this population.
METHODS
This is a retrospective cohort study of over 5 years in Taiwan (2017-2021). Inclusion criteria are hospitalized pediatric patients with the discharge diagnosis of UTI caused by E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Proteus mirabilis. ESBL-producing-EKP and non-ESBL-producing-EKP UTI cases were reviewed for characteristics, urinary isolate antibiotics resistance, and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
The incidence rate of ESBL-producing-EKP UTI increased over the study period (Overall incidence rate: 14.1 %, 46/327 patients). Recent antibiotic therapy in ≤6 months (X = 11.83, p < 0.01) and a preterm gestational history (X = 8.11, p < 0.05) were associated with an increased risk. The proportion of patients with these two risk factors for ESBL acquisition were 37.5 % (X = 9.08, p < 0.05). The co-resistance rate of ESBL-producing-EKP to other antimicrobial agents was 63.0 % for gentamicin, 56.5 % for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 52.2 % for ciprofloxacin, 4.3 % for amikacin, and 2.2 % for imipenem. The generalized linear model analysis identified a significantly longer length of stay (β: 2.85; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-4.56; p < 0.01) and intensive care unit duration (β: 5.86; 95 % CI: 1.59-10.12; p < 0.01) among patients with ESBL-producing-EKP UTI.
CONCLUSION
Amikacin should be considered as an alternative antimicrobial choice beyond carbapenems for ESBL-producing-EKP UTI, especially in the context of carbapenem-resistant E. coli/Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRE/CRKP) emergence.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Tract Infections; Retrospective Studies; Female; Male; beta-Lactamases; Risk Factors; Infant; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Child, Preschool; Child; Taiwan; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Escherichia coli; Infant, Newborn; Proteus mirabilis; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Incidence; Escherichia coli Infections
PubMed: 37951832
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.04.021 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023Many mammals rely on volatile organic chemical compounds (VOCs) produced by bacteria for their communication and behavior, though little is known about the exact...
Many mammals rely on volatile organic chemical compounds (VOCs) produced by bacteria for their communication and behavior, though little is known about the exact molecular mechanisms or bacterial species that are responsible. We used metagenomic sequencing, mass-spectrometry based metabolomics, and culturing to profile the microbial and volatile chemical constituents of anal gland secretions in twenty-three domestic cats (Felis catus), in attempts to identify organisms potentially involved in host odor production. We found that the anal gland microbiome was dominated by bacteria in the genera Corynebacterium, Bacteroides, Proteus, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus, and showed striking variation among individual cats. Microbiome profiles also varied with host age and obesity. Metabolites such as fatty-acids, ketones, aldehydes and alcohols were detected in glandular secretions. Overall, microbiome and metabolome profiles were modestly correlated (r = 0.17), indicating that a relationship exists between the bacteria in the gland and the metabolites produced in the gland. Functional analyses revealed the presence of genes predicted to code for enzymes involved in VOC metabolism such as dehydrogenases, reductases, and decarboxylases. From metagenomic data, we generated 85 high-quality metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). Of importance were four MAGs classified as Corynebacterium frankenforstense, Proteus mirabilis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Bacteroides fragilis. They represent strong candidates for further investigation of the mechanisms of volatile synthesis and scent production in the mammalian anal gland.
Topics: Cats; Animals; Anal Canal; Metabolomics; Microbiota; Metagenome; Metabolome; Mammals
PubMed: 37938241
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45997-1 -
Case Reports in Gastroenterology 2023Extracolonic manifestations of have been rarely reported. We herein report a case of a 60-year-old immunocompetent man presenting with fever, nausea, abdominal pain,...
Extracolonic manifestations of have been rarely reported. We herein report a case of a 60-year-old immunocompetent man presenting with fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and loose stools for 2 weeks. Triple-phase liver computed tomography demonstrated pyogenic liver abscesses and portal pylephlebitis. Blood cultures grew and , and liver abscess cultures grew , , and the viridans group . Antibiotics coverage was selected to direct at all identified organisms. This demonstrates an unusual case of bacteremia in a patient with polymicrobial pyogenic liver abscesses and pylephlebitis.
PubMed: 37928967
DOI: 10.1159/000531892 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Jul 2024Obstructive tract infection caused by urease-producing bacteria can lead to hyperammonemia. We herein report a 73-year-old woman with diabetes and compensated liver...
Obstructive tract infection caused by urease-producing bacteria can lead to hyperammonemia. We herein report a 73-year-old woman with diabetes and compensated liver cirrhosis who developed obstructive pyelonephritis. Her consciousness level declined on day 3 of hospitalization. Blood tests revealed an elevated ammonia level of 140 μg/dL. Urine and blood cultures identified Proteus mirabilis as a urease-producing bacterium. The treatment included double J (WJ) catheter insertion and administration of antimicrobial agents. On day 7 of hospitalization, the ammonia level gradually decreased, and the patient's consciousness improved. However, despite these interventions, perinephric overflow of urine persisted, necessitating nephrectomy.
Topics: Humans; Hyperammonemia; Aged; Female; Proteus mirabilis; Urease; Urinary Tract Infections; Pyelonephritis; Proteus Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Diabetes Complications
PubMed: 37926530
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2817-23