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Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Apr 2020The present context was investigated to purify and characterize anti-tubercular as well as anticancer protein from fermented food associated strain MANF2. Initially,...
The present context was investigated to purify and characterize anti-tubercular as well as anticancer protein from fermented food associated strain MANF2. Initially, the anti-tubercular potency of strain MANF2 was assessed against H37Rv using luciferase reporter phase assay which revealed pronounced relative light unit (RLU) reduction of 92.5 ± 1.2%. The anticancer property of strain MANF2 was demonstrated against lung cancer (A549) and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines using MTT assay which showed reduced viabilities. Anti-tubercular activities of the purified protein were observed to be increased significantly ( < 0.05) ranging from 34.6 ± 0.3 to 71.4 ± 0.4% of RLU reduction. Likewise, the purified protein showed significantly ( < 0.05) reduced viabilities of A549 and HT-29 cancer cells with IC values of 46.6 and 48.9 µg/mL, respectively. The nominal mass of the purified protein was found to be 7712.3 Da as obtained from MALDI-TOF MS/MS spectrum. The protein showed the sequence homology with 1-336 amino acids of Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from sp., thus, categorizing as a new class of Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like protein. The amino acid sequence of the most abundant peptide (/ = 1922.12) in the purified protein was obtained as 'KAIGLVIPEIDGKLDGGAQRV' and it was identified as peptide NMANF2. tools predicted significant stereo-chemical, physiochemical, and functional characteristics of peptide NMANF2. In a nutshell, protein purified from strain MANF2 can certainly be used as an ideal therapeutic agent against tuberculosis and cancer (lung and colon).
PubMed: 32256172
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.01.017 -
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and... May 2017The objectives of this study were to characterize the diversity and magnitude of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus species recovered from imported beef meat...
BACKGROUND
The objectives of this study were to characterize the diversity and magnitude of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus species recovered from imported beef meat sold in the Egyptian market and the potential mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes including harboring of resistance genes (mecA, cfr, gyrA, gyrB, and grlA) and biofilm formation.
RESULTS
The resistance gene mecA was detected in 50% of methicillin-resistant non-Staphylococcus aureus isolates (4/8). Interestingly, our results showed that: (i) resistance genes mecA, gyrA, gyrB, grlA, and cfr were absent in Staphylococcus hominis and Staphylococcus hemolyticus isolates, although S. hominis was phenotypically resistant to methicillin (MR-non-S. aureus) while S. hemolyticus was resistant to vancomycin only; (ii) S. aureus isolates did not carry the mecA gene (100%) and were phenotypically characterized as methicillin- susceptible S. aureus (MSS); and (iii) the resistance gene mecA was present in one isolate (1/3) of Staphylococcus lugdunensis that was phenotypically characterized as methicillin-susceptible non-S. aureus (MSNSA).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlight the potential risk for consumers, in the absence of actionable risk management information systems, of imported foods and advice a strict implementation of international standards by different venues such as CODEX to avoid the increase in prevalence of coagulase positive and coagulase negative Staphylococcus isolates and their antibiotic resistance genes in imported beef meat at the Egyptian market.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Biofilms; Cattle; Chlorocebus aethiops; Coagulase; DNA Gyrase; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Egypt; Food Microbiology; Genes, Bacterial; Hemolysin Proteins; Methicillin; Methicillin Resistance; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Penicillin-Binding Proteins; Phenotype; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Red Meat; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus haemolyticus; Staphylococcus lugdunensis; Vancomycin; Vero Cells; Virulence
PubMed: 28486995
DOI: 10.1186/s12941-017-0210-4 -
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur... Apr 2023To present a case series of rare and severe complications after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) of keratoconus patients.
PURPOSE
To present a case series of rare and severe complications after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) of keratoconus patients.
METHODS
Single-center descriptive case series covering the period of 2012 to 2022 at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
RESULTS
We present four eyes of four patients that showed severe unusual complications within the first month after CXL. Three patients had been treated with the classical epithelium-off "Dresden" protocol. One patient had been treated with the accelerated epithelium-off protocol. One patient presented with extensive corneal edema due to rubbing the eye after treatment. Two patients showed a bacterial infectious keratitis: one due to and the other due to , and . The latter of the two patients exhibited extensive infectious crystalline keratopathy. The fourth patient showed a severe ulcerative lesion where no infectious cause could be found. Therefore, an autoimmune keratolytic process had to be suspected. Apart from the corneal edema, which resolved , the other complications resulted in permanent corneal scarring and thinning. One patient needed an emergency amniotic transplant.
CONCLUSION
Severe complications after CXL remain rare. Most common causes are complications that are not directly associated with the treatment as such. Those indirect complications occur after the treatment during the healing course of the epithelium. Associations with bandage contact lenses, topical steroids, atopic disease, and inappropriate patient behavior are often suspected. Correctly performed corneal scrapings with repeated microbiological analysis and a detailed patient history are essential for establishing the correct diagnosis, especially in complicated cases that do not respond to a standard therapeutic regimen. This case series supports the efforts that are currently taken to improve the CXL technique in a way that postoperative complications are further reduced. A more efficient epithelium-on technique might be a step in that direction.
Topics: Humans; Corneal Cross-Linking; Keratoconus; Treatment Outcome; Keratitis; Corneal Edema; Male; Child; Adolescent; Adult
PubMed: 37164391
DOI: 10.1055/a-2040-4290 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Dec 2021Staphylococcus spp. and Cutibacterium acnes are members of the skin microbiome but can also act as pathogens. Particularly, Staphylococcus species are known to cause...
Staphylococcus spp. and Cutibacterium acnes are members of the skin microbiome but can also act as pathogens. Particularly, Staphylococcus species are known to cause medical devices-associated infections, and biofilm production is one of their main virulence factors. Biofilms allow bacteria to adhere and persist on surfaces, protecting them from antimicrobials and host defenses. Since both bacteria are found in the human skin, potentially competing for niches, we aimed to investigate if C. acnes produces molecules that affect Staphylococcus spp. biofilm formation and dispersal. Thus, we evaluated the impact of C. acnes cell-free conditioned media (CFCM) on S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis, and S. lugdunensis biofilm formation. S. lugdunensis and S. hominis biofilm formation was significantly reduced with C. acnes CFCM without impact on their planktonic growth. C. acnes CFCM also significantly disrupted S. hominis established biofilms. The active molecules against S. lugdunensis and S. hominis biofilms appeared to be distinct since initial characterization points to different sizes and sensitivity to sodium metaperiodate, although the activity is highly resistant to heat in both cases. Mass spectrometry analysis of the fractions active against S. hominis revealed several potential candidates. Investigating how species present in the same environment interact, affecting the dynamics of biofilm formation, may reveal clinically useful compounds as well as molecular aspects of interspecies interactions.
Topics: Antibiosis; Biofilms; Culture Media, Conditioned; Humans; Propionibacteriaceae; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus epidermidis
PubMed: 34599747
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00617-w -
PloS One 2022Earthworms are highly productive invertebrates and play a vital role in organic farming and improving soil structure and function. The gastrointestinal tract of...
Earthworms are highly productive invertebrates and play a vital role in organic farming and improving soil structure and function. The gastrointestinal tract of earthworms possessed agricultural important bacteria. So, the current research aimed was to examine, screen, and identify the plant growth promoting bacteria existing in the digestive tract of Eisenia fetida called plant growth promoting vermi-bacteria. The plant growth promoting traits such as siderophore, phytohormone, and hydrolytic enzymes production, and phosphate solubiliation were assessed. Eleven vermi-bacteria i.e. Bacillus mycoides, B. aryabhattai, B. megaterium, Staphylococcus hominis, B. subtilis, B. spizizenii, B. licheniformis, B. mojavensis, B. toyonensis, B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. paranthracis were isolated and identified based on microscopic studies, biochemical tests, ribotyping, and agricultural traits. All vermi-bacteria are Gram-positive rods except Staphylococcus hominis and produce different compounds such as siderophore, indole acetic acid, catalase, oxidase, proteases, amylases, and lipases. All vermi-bacteria also act as phosphate solubilizers. Therefore, all isolated vermi-bacteria could be used as potential microbial biofertilizers to enhance crops production in Pakistan.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Tract; Oligochaeta; Phosphates; Siderophores; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 35704622
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269946 -
Central European Journal of Public... Jun 2022This work aimed to determine the representation and resistance of bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus and Enterococcus on inanimate surfaces of two selected...
OBJECTIVES
This work aimed to determine the representation and resistance of bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus and Enterococcus on inanimate surfaces of two selected workplaces of the University Hospital of L. Pasteur in Košice (UHLP) and to investigate their importance in the hospital environment. The men's ward of the Department of Internal Medicine (DIM) and the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DAIC) were chosen.
METHODS
Using sterile sampling kits, a total of 182 swabs were collected from the inanimate surfaces of both UHLP workplaces. The swabs were then transported to a microbiological laboratory and inoculated onto sterile culture media (blood agar containing 5% ram erythrocytes). After culturing (24-48 hours, in a thermostat at constant temperature 37 °C), bacterial colonies were identified by mass spectrometry on a MALDI TOF MS. Bacteria belonging to the genera Staphylococcus and Enterococcus were subsequently separated from the spectrum of identified bacteria. Nosocomial significant strains of staphylococci (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus) and all isolated enterococci were subjected to susceptibility testing for selected antibiotics using the disk diffusion method - E-tests.
RESULTS
Several members of the genus Staphylococcus were identified from the inanimate surfaces of both workplaces. These were mainly coagulase-negative strains - Staphylococcus epidermidis (45), Staphylococcus capitis (34), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (20), Staphylococcus hominis (45), Staphylococcus pasteuri (2), Staphylococcus sroph (1), Staphylococcus simulans (3), and Staphylococcus warneri (4). Staphylococcus aureus strains were also identified (2). Nosocomial significant isolates were tested for susceptibility to the antibiotics cefoxitin (FOX) and oxacillin (OXA). Two members of the genus Enterococcus - Enterococcus faecium (7) and Enterococcus faecalis (8) were isolated. All strains were subject to vancomycin susceptibility testing using the disk method.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Cross Infection; Enterococcus; Hospitals; Humans; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Sheep; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus
PubMed: 35841227
DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7241 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Nov 2023Human skin is stably colonized by a distinct microbiota that functions together with epidermal cells to maintain a protective physical barrier. , a prominent genus of...
Human skin is stably colonized by a distinct microbiota that functions together with epidermal cells to maintain a protective physical barrier. , a prominent genus of the skin microbiota, participates in colonization resistance, tissue repair, and host immune regulation in strain-specific manners. To unlock the potential of engineering skin microbial communities, we aim to characterize the diversity of this genus within the context of the skin environment. We reanalyzed an extant 16S rRNA amplicon dataset obtained from distinct body sites of healthy volunteers, providing a detailed biogeographic depiction of staphylococcal species that colonize our skin. , and were the most abundant staphylococcal species present in all volunteers and were detected at all body sites. Pan-genome analysis of isolates from these three species revealed that the genus-core was dominated by central metabolism genes. Species-restricted-core genes encoded known host colonization functions. The majority (~68%) of genes were detected only in a fraction of isolate genomes, underscoring the immense strain-specific gene diversity. Conspecific genomes grouped into phylogenetic clades, exhibiting body site preference. Each clade was enriched for distinct gene sets that are potentially involved in site tropism. Finally, we conducted gene expression studies of select isolates showing variable growth phenotypes in skin-like medium. In vitro expression revealed extensive intra- and inter-species gene expression variation, substantially expanding the functional diversification within each species. Our study provides an important resource for future ecological and translational studies to examine the role of shared and strain-specific staphylococcal genes within the skin environment.
Topics: Humans; Staphylococcus; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Skin; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Genomics
PubMed: 37956283
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310585120 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021Disinfection is a key element in controlling infections. Fogging, also known as fumigation, is one of the most effective chemical disinfection methods. Peracetic acid...
Disinfection is a key element in controlling infections. Fogging, also known as fumigation, is one of the most effective chemical disinfection methods. Peracetic acid (PAA) is a powerful oxidant with bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The aim of this study is to determine the type of bacteria and fungi present in educational institutions and whether disinfection by PAA fumigation in these institutions is also effective and useful, as demonstrated previously in healthcare centers. This study was carried out in five kindergartens and five primary schools in Bialystok, Poland. Three rooms have been selected in each of these educational institutions, and the disinfection was carried out in 30 rooms in total. Fogging with PAA was performed in selected rooms. Before and after disinfection, samples were collected from four surfaces: walls, tables, doors, and chair backs. Most frequently detected microorganisms in schools and kindergartens were ssp. . In addition, ssp. were the most prevalent in kindergartens, whereas was the most prevalent in schools. Comparison of the bacterial flora of schools and kindergartens showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of bacteria on different surfaces. A significant decrease in the number of colonies after disinfection was observed on all surfaces ( < 0.05). In addition, the calculated effectiveness of disinfection was 99.7% in kindergartens and 99.3% in schools. The results indicate that fogging of PAA is a highly effective method of surface disinfection in kindergartens and schools.
Topics: Acinetobacter; Actinobacteria; Micrococcaceae; Paracoccus; Peracetic Acid; Schools; Staphylococcus
PubMed: 34604154
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.697917 -
Microbiome Jun 2020The alarming spread of antimicrobial resistance requires the development of novel anti-infective drugs. Despite the recent research focus on the human microbiome and its...
BACKGROUND
The alarming spread of antimicrobial resistance requires the development of novel anti-infective drugs. Despite the recent research focus on the human microbiome and its likely value to understand and exploit inter-bacterial inhibitory phenomena as a source for antimicrobial strategies, the human microbiota has barely been investigated for the purpose of drug development.
RESULTS
We performed a large screen analyzing over 3000 human skin isolates to evaluate bacterial competition within the human skin microbiota as a basis for the development of anti-infective therapeutics. We discovered a Staphylococcus hominis strain with strong and broad activity against Gram-positive pathogens that was mediated by the bacteriocin micrococcin P1 (MP1). In "probiotic" approaches, this strain led to reduced Staphylococcus aureus infection and accelerated closure of S. aureus-infected wounds. Furthermore, we used a nanoparticle strategy to overcome the physico-chemical limitations often encountered with natural substances such as MP1 and demonstrate a significant reduction of S. aureus infection by MP1-loaded nanoparticles.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study gives examples of how analysis of bacterial interactions in the human microbiota can be explored for the development of novel, effective anti-infective strategies. Video Abstract.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Antibiosis; Female; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred ICR; Microbiota; Nanoparticles; Skin; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus hominis; Wound Healing; Wound Infection
PubMed: 32503672
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00866-1 -
Scientific Reports May 2021Here we report a jute endophyte Staphylococcus hominis strain MBL_AB63 isolated from jute seeds which showed promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus...
Here we report a jute endophyte Staphylococcus hominis strain MBL_AB63 isolated from jute seeds which showed promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus SG511 when screening for antimicrobial substances. The whole genome sequence of this strain, annotated using BAGEL4 and antiSMASH 5.0 to predict the gene clusters for antimicrobial substances identified a novel antimicrobial peptide cluster that belongs to the class I lantibiotic group. The predicted lantibiotic (homicorcin) was found to be 82% similar to a reported peptide epicidin 280 having a difference of seven amino acids at several positions of the core peptide. Two distinct peaks obtained at close retention times from a RP-HPLC purified fraction have comparable antimicrobial activities and LC-MS revealed the molecular mass of these peaks to be 3046.5 and 3043.2 Da. The presence of an oxidoreductase (homO) similar to that of epicidin 280- associated eciO or epilancin 15X- associated elxO in the homicorcin gene cluster is predicted to be responsible for the reduction of the first dehydrated residue dehydroalanine (Dha) to 2-hydroxypropionate that causes an increase of 3 Da mass of homicorcin 1. Trypsin digestion of the core peptide and its variant followed by ESI-MS analysis suggests the presence of three ring structures, one in the N-terminal and other two interlocking rings at the C-terminal region that remain undigested. Homicorcin exerts bactericidal activity against susceptible cells by disrupting the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane through pore formation as observed under FE-SEM.
Topics: Bacteriocins; Endophytes; Mass Spectrometry; Staphylococcus hominis
PubMed: 34045548
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90613-9