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PubMed2005

Role of IgA in the defense against respiratory infections IgA deficient mice exhibited increased susceptibility to intranasal infection with Mycobacterium bovis BCG.

IgA is the predominant Ig isotype in mucosal tissue and is believed to be involved in defense against viral and bacterial infections at these sites. Here, we examined the role of IgA in the protection against intranasal (i.n.) infection with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). IgA deficient (IgA-/-) mice and wild type non-targeted littermate (IgA+/+) mice were immunized by i.n. route with the mycobacterium surface antigen PstS-1 formulated with cholera toxin (CT). Our data showed that IgA-/- mice were more susceptible to BCG infection compared to IgA+/+ mice, as revealed by the higher bacterial loads in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Analysis of the Ig levels and the antibody responses to PstS-1 showed that IgA-/- mice had no detectable IgA either in the saliva or in the BAL. However, these mice displayed higher levels of total and specific IgM than IgA+/+ mice in both mucosal fluids. More importantly, analysis of the cytokine responses revealed a reduction in the IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production in the lungs of IgA-/- compared to IgA+/+ mice. Altogether, our results suggest that IgA may play a role in protection against mycobacterial infections in the respiratory tract by blocking the pathogen entrance and/or by modulating the pro-inflammatory responses.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed2001

Dental unit waterline contamination and its possible implications during periodontal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dental unit waterline contamination has become a concern to clinical dentistry. This concern arises from the fact that bacteria sloughed from established biofilms in dental unit waterlines increase heterotrophic bacteria counts in water exiting these units. METHODS: Scanning microscopy and bacterial viability staining were used to examine the sessile and planktonic biofilm present in dental unit waterlines and water samples, respectively. In addition, the limulus amebocyte assay was used to measure the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in water samples. RESULTS: All dental unit waterlines were coated with a well-established biofilm made up of filamentous and bacillus-like microorganisms. Water samples collected from these dental units contained high numbers of individual bacteria and bacterial aggregates. A viability staining technique identified significantly more bacteria in water than could be cultured, and 64% of the total bacterial population stained as nonvital. Since the bacterial load (viable and nonviable) was high, we examined the LPS in dental unit water samples. The mean LPS levels in water collected from high-speed and air/water lines in use were 480 and 1,008 endotoxin units (EU)/ml. This was significantly higher than the mean level of 66 EU/ml found in water samples collected from adjacent clinic sinks. The LPS level at the start of the day (2,560 EU/ml) was reduced by 70% with 1 minute of flushing (800 EU/ml). Flushing times of 5 and 10 minutes were not able to reduce LPS levels to zero. CONCLUSION: The presence of high heterotrophic bacterial counts, sloughing biofilm, and high LPS levels are discussed in relation to patient risk and periodontal wound healing biology.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Effects of storage temperature and preservative treatment on shelf life of the pond-raised freshwater fish, silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus).

Sensory and microbiological characteristics of pond-raised freshwater silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) fish, during cold storage over a period of 25 days were evaluated. Whole fish (averaging 400 g each) were stored in cold storage rooms at either 0 to 2 degrees C, 5 degrees C, or 5 degrees C + potassium sorbate as a preservative. The organoleptic and hypoxanthine test results show that the treatment of potassium sorbate can slow the process of spoilage by about 5 days. Yet, the most important factor affecting the shelf life of these fish is the storage temperature. Keeping the fish at 0 to 2 degrees C can prolong the storage prior to spoilage by 10 days compared with those kept at 5 degrees C. These results obtained through organoleptic tests are corroborated by both the chemical (hypoxanthine and total volatile basic nitrogen) and to some extent by the physical (cosmos) tests. The initial total bacteriological counts were 5 x 10(2) CFU/cm2 for fish surface and <10(2) CFU/g for fish flesh, and these counts rose continuously, reaching about 106 CFU/g (0 to 2 degrees C) and 10(7) CFU/g (5 degrees C) in flesh and 10(7) to 10(8) CFU/cm2 on the surface by the end of the storage period. The addition of potassium sorbate led to a smaller increase in bacterial numbers, especially during the first 15 days. Bacterial composition fluctuated during storage. The initial load on the fish surface was predominantly mesophilic and gram positive and consisted mostly (80%) of Micrococci, Bacillus, and Corynebacterium. During the next 10 days, these bacteria were practically replaced by gram-negative flora comprised mostly of Pseudomonas fluorescens that rapidly increased with storage time and accounted for 95% after 15 days.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the effect of azithromycin with clarithromycin on oropharyngeal and bowel microflora in volunteers.

The purpose of this double-blind study was to assess the effect of azithromycin and clarithromycin on oral and fecal microflora. Bacterial species from fecal samples and throat washes from healthy volunteers were identified and quantified before, during and after receipt of either placebo ( n=6), azithromycin (500 mg once daily for 3 days; n=6) or clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily for 7 days; n=6). In both antibiotic groups, the changes in oropharyngeal aerobic microflora following antibiotic administration were minor. Antibiotics neither changed the bacterial load of Streptococcus spp. compared with placebo, nor did macrolide-resistant streptococci emerge. In the fecal aerobic microflora, the number of organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae decreased slightly after antibiotic administration in both the clarithromycin and the azithromycin groups, but levels normalized by day 21 after therapy. No colonization with nonfermenters or Clostridium difficile was seen, and the total number of anaerobic bacteria was not affected in any study group. In conclusion, there were no significant differences between azithromycin and clarithromycin in their effect on human oropharyngeal and intestinal microflora, nor was the use of these antibiotics associated with colonization by resistant, gram-positive organisms or overgrowth of opportunistic microorganisms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The sequential occurrence of pol 215 and pol 41 zidovudine resistance mutations is associated in an additive fashion with low CD4 cell counts and high plasma and cellular HIV viral load.

We report on a cross-sectional study of virological and immunological surrogate markers of HIV infection in 115 patients for whom a determination of the pol 215 and pol 41 zidovudine (ZDV) resistance mutations had been described between January 1995 and February 1996. The patients received ZDV alone or a combination of ZDV and zalcitabine or didanosine. A total of 55, 15 and 45 patients exhibited a wild (W), a mixed (MIX) or a mutant (M) genotype at codon pol 215, respectively; 85, 10 and 20 patients exhibited a W, a MIX or a M genotype at codon pol 41, respectively. Patients exhibiting the pol 215 M genotype had lower CD4 cells, higher plasma viral load and higher proviral burden than patients exhibiting the pol 215 W genotype. Patients who had variants exhibiting both pol 215 M and pol 41 M or MIX genotypes had significantly worsened surrogate marker values than patients having variants only carrying the pol 215 M genotype. These observations demonstrate that the two mutations additively associate with pejorative surrogate markers.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Aspects of health-related microbiology of the Subin, an urban river in Kumasi, Ghana.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of urban waste, sewage and other human centred activities on the microbiological quality of the river Subin, which flows through the metropolis of Kumasi, Ghana, and serves as drinking water for communities downstream. Three sites, Racecourse, Asafo and Asago, on the Subin were monitored over a year for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, enterococci and biochemical oxygen demand. Bacterial indicator numbers (geometric mean 100 ml(-1)) varied from 1.61 x 10(9) to 4.06 x 10(13) for total coliforms, 9.75 x 10(8) to 8.98 x 10(12) for faecal coliforms and 1.01 x 10(2) to 6.57 x 10(6) for enterococci. There was a consistent increase in bacterial loading as the river flows from the source (Racecourse) through Kumasi. Bacterial numbers were significantly (p < or = 0.05) higher during the rainy season compared with the dry (harmattan) season. The biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 8 mg l(-1) at the source of the river to 419 mg l(-1) at Asago; none of the sites achieved internationally accepted standards for water quality. The River Subin becomes grossly polluted as it flows through Kumasi and at Asago, a rural community downstream of Kumasi that abstracts water from the river for drinking, this probably contributes to the observed high levels of diarrhoeal disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Microbiological status of rabbit carcases in Egypt.

A total of 40 New Zealand white rabbits, 20 freshly slaughtered rabbits from an experimental farm and 20 processed rabbit carcases from grocery stores in Beni-Suef city, were examined bacteriologically. The mean values of aerobic plate counts at 37 degrees C and 1 degrees C, Enterobacteriaceae counts, Pseudomonas counts and Staphylococcus counts of freshly slaughtered rabbits were 10(4) +/- 2 x 10(3), 8 x 10(2) +/- 10(2), 6 x 10(2) +/- 10(2), 3 x 10(2) +/- 10(2), and 10(2) +/- 60 organisms per gram respectively, whereas the equivalent values were 8 x 10(5) +/- 3 x 10(4), 2 x 10(5) +/- 10(4), 4 x 10(4) +/- 8 x 10(3), 2 x 10(4) +/- 6 x 10(3), and 4 x 10(3) +/- 4 x 10(2) organisms per gram of processed rabbit carcases from grocery stores, respectively. The freshly slaughtered rabbits showed a low bacterial load compared with processed rabbit carcases from grocery stores. Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes could be isolated from the rabbit carcases examined in addition to Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus from processed rabbit carcases. Yersinia enterocolitica could not be isolated from any sample examined. Suggested measures to reduce the microbial load in rabbit carcases are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence and characterization of Clostridium perfringens from spices in Argentina.

Spices can present high microbial counts and Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella and Shigella, among others have been isolated from spices. C. perfringens is an important pathogen agent causing, among other diseases, enteritis in humans caused by C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) which causes human food poisoning and enterotoxemia in domestic animals. The aims of the present work were (i) to establish the hygienic sanitary quality of some spices in San Luis, Argentina; (ii) to determine the presence of C. perfringens in these spices by means of the most probable number (MPN) and count on plate methods; (iii) to characterize the enterotoxigenic strains of C. perfringens by PCR and immunological methods such as reverse passive latex agglutination (RPLA) and (iv) to type by PCR C. perfringens strains isolated. A total of 115 samples of spices, 67 of which were purchased in local retail stores and 48 domestically collected were analysed. Total aerobe counts on tryptone glucose yeast extract agar medium of the 115 samples were between <10 and 10(6) CFU/g. The colifecal counts using Mac Conkey broth of the 115 samples were <4-10(3)CFU/g, with 28 samples (24.34%) exceeding the limit established by the Spanish Alimentary Code (10 CFU/g) while 2 samples (1.73%) had a sulfite reducing anaerobe load above standard limits. A total of 14 C. perfringens strains (12.17%) were isolated and characterized from 115 samples by the standard biochemical tests. Four of which (28.60%) turned out to be enterotoxigenic by PCR and RPLA. In order to type C. perfringens strains based on their main toxins, the 14 strains were analysed by PCR. All strains belonged to type A. All RPLA positive strains were cpe(+) by PCR. The percentage of enterotoxigenic strains was more elevated that those reported in other studies for this type of sample. These results indicate that sanitary conditions in different production stages of species must be improved to reduce health hazards. The high percentage (24.34%) of samples with colifecal values above standard limits is an indication of deficient sanitary conditions. These results suggest the need to provide legislation on the sanitary and hygienic quality of spices in our country.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2024

Assessment of antibiotic resistance genes in soils polluted by chemical and technogenic ways with poly-aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

Anthropogenic activities are leaving lots of chemical footprints on the soil. It alters the physiochemical characteristics of the soil thereby modifying the natural soil microbiome. The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistance microbes in polluted soil has gained attention due to its obvious public health risks. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in polluted soil ecosystems impacted by industrial enterprises in southern Russia. Metagenomic analysis was conducted on soil samples collected from polluted sites using various approaches, and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistance genes was investigated. The results revealed that efflux-encoding pump sequences were the most widely represented group of genes, while genes whose products replaced antibiotic targets were less represented. The level of soil contamination increased, and there was an increase in the total number of antibiotic-resistance genes in proteobacteria, but a decrease in actinobacteria. The study proposed an optimal mechanism for processing metagenomic data in polluted soil ecosystems, which involves mapping raw reads by the KMA method, followed by a detailed study of specific genes. The study's conclusions provide valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in polluted soils and have been illustrated in heat maps.

Soil Pollutants↗
PubMed2005

Pharmacodynamics of polymyxin B against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Despite limited data, polymyxin B (PB) is increasingly used clinically as the last therapeutic option for multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacterial infections. We examined the in vitro pharmacodynamics of PB against four strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clonal relatedness of the strains was assessed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA. Time-kill studies over 24 h were performed with approximately 10(5) and 10(7) CFU/ml of bacteria, using PB at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16x MIC. Dose fractionation studies were performed using an in vitro hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) against a wild-type and a MDR strain. Approximately 10(5) CFU/ml of bacteria were exposed to placebo and three regimens (every 8 h [q8 h], q12 h, and q24h) simulating the steady-state unbound PB pharmacokinetics resulting from a daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight and 20 mg/kg (8 times the clinical dose). Samples were obtained over 4 days to quantify PB concentrations, total bacterial population, and subpopulation with reduced PB susceptibility (>3x MIC). The bactericidal activity of PB was concentration dependent, but killing was significantly reduced with a high inoculum. In HFIM studies, a significant reduction in bacterial load was seen at 4 h in all active regimens, but selective amplification of the resistant subpopulation(s) was apparent at 24 h with the clinical dose (both strains). Regrowth was eventually observed in all dosing regimens with the MDR strain, but its occurrence was prevented in the wild-type strain by using 8 times the clinical dose (regardless of dosing intervals). Our results suggested that the bactericidal activity of PB was concentration dependent and appeared to be related to the ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve to the MIC.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

Microbial sulfate reduction in a liquid-solid fluidized bed reactor.

A liquid-solid fluidized bed reactor was used to carry out sulfate reduction with a mixed culture of sulfate reducing bacteria. The bacteria were immobilized on porous glass beads. Stable fluidized bed operation with these biofilm-coated beads was possible. The low specific gravity of the hydrated beads allowed operation at low liquid recirculation rates. H(2)S level in the reactor was controlled by N(2) sparging, which also served as the location for liquid feed and removal. Ethanol was used as the electron donor/carbon source for the bacteria. Sulfate reduction rates up to 6.33 g sulfate L(-1) day(-1) were attained in the reactor at a hydraulic retention time of 5.1 h. The effect of hydraulic retention time and biomass loading on the beads, on reactor performance, and efficiency were examined. The efficiency of sulfate reduction increases considerably as the hydraulic retention increases, until the bacteria became very strongly substrate-limited at 55h HRT. The effect of bead biomass loading on bed expansion at various liquid superficial velocities was studied. A model for the reactor was developed. Simulations of the continuous flow experiments indicate that the model can describe the system well, and thus could be used in the design/scale-up of such reactors. The model suggests that a significant increase in the sulfate reduction capacity of the system is possible by increasing the volume of the bed relative to the total liquid volume of the system.

Bioreactors↗
PubMed2001

Performance of the applied biosystems ViroSeq human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genotyping system for sequence-based analysis of HIV-1 in pediatric plasma samples.

The ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System is a commercially available, integrated sequence-based system for analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug resistance. We evaluated the performance of this system by analyzing HIV-1 in pediatric plasma samples. Plasma samples from children 4 months to 17 years of age were obtained from a clinical trial protocol (PACTG 377). Children in PACTG 377 were randomized to four treatment arms, including different combinations of antiretroviral drugs. HIV-1 genotyping was performed using samples collected prior to antiretroviral therapy (baseline) and at the time of virologic failure. Performance of the genotyping system was compared in three university laboratories. A total of 196 samples were analyzed, including 135 baseline and 61 failure samples. Plasma volumes ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 ml, and viral loads ranged from 1,084 to 3,484,991 copies/ml. PCR products suitable for sequencing were obtained for 192 of the 196 samples. Complete sequences for protease and reverse transcriptase were obtained for all of these 192 samples. For 180 samples, data were obtained from both DNA strands for the entire region analyzed. There was no evidence of sample cross-contamination based on phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 sequences. Performance of the genotyping system was similar in three laboratories. This genotyping system performs well for analysis of HIV-1 in pediatric plasma samples, including those with low volume and low viral load. The availability of this system should facilitate studies of HIV-1 drug resistance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Nitrification performance and microbial community dynamics in a submerged membrane bioreactor with complete sludge retention.

A submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) supplied with inorganic ammonium-bearing wastewater (NH(4)(+)-N, 500 mgl(-1)) was operated for 260 days without sludge purge under decreased hydraulic retention times (HRT) through six steps (from 30 to 5h). Almost complete nitrification was obtained at a volumetric loading rate (VLR)1.2g NH(4)(+)-Nl(-1)day(-1). The sludge nitrification activities were evaluated at each stage. The specific ammonium oxidizing rate (SAOR) decreased from the initial 0.45 to 0.15 kg NH(4)(+)-Nkg(-1)MLSSday(-1) in the last four stages, while the specific nitrate forming rate (SNFR) increased from 0.17 to 0.39 kg NO(3)(-)-Nkg(-1)MLSSday(-1) at the third stage, and then decreased to below 0.1 kg NO(3)(-)-Nkg(-1)MLSSday(-1) from the fourth stage. Microbial population dynamics was investigated by a combination of the MPN method, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quinone profiles. During the experiment, although the MLSS increased gradually from 4.5 to 11.5 gl(-1), the number of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) decreased from 10(9)l(-1) at the third stage to 10(7)l(-1) in the last two stages, and that of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) decreased gradually from 10(8)l(-1) at the second stage (HRT of 20 h) to the final 10(5)l(-1). FISH results showed that the active cells decreased gradually with time from about 60 to 20% in the last two stages, and most of sludge was inert cells. The sum of nitrifiers occupied only about 10% of the total bacteria number in the last stage even though only ammonium-bearing inorganic wastewater was fed in. Nitrosomonas sp. and Nitrospira sp. were confirmed by FISH as the dominant nitrifying genera responsible for ammonia and nitrite oxidation, respectively. In the mean time, a small ratio of Nitrobacter sp. also existed in the system. FISH analysis matched better with the batch activity test results than did the MPN techniques. Quinone profiles revealed that the dominant ubiquinone was ubiquinone-8 (UQ-8), ranging from 84 to 66%, followed by UQ-10 of 7-13%, UQ-7 of 3-5% and UQ-9 of 1.6-2.6%. The dominant menaquinone in the MBR was menaquinone-7 (MK-7) followed by MK-6, MK-8 and MK-8 (H(2)). With the prolongation of operation, the percentage of menaquinones increased from 8 to 14%. The use of the polyphasic approach gave some new insight on variations of microbial community structures.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1994

Quasispecies dynamics and the emergence of drug resistance during zidovudine therapy of HIV infection.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of mutation, competition and population dynamics in the emergence of drug resistant mutants during zidovudine therapy. DESIGN: A mathematical model of the population dynamics of the viral quasispecies during zidovudine therapy was investigated. METHODS: The model was used to simulate changes in the numbers of uninfected and infected cells and the composition of the viral quasispecies in the years following initiation of therapy. Resulting scenarios in asymptomatic and AIDS patients were compared. The model was also used to investigate the efficacy of a treatment regimen involving alternating zidovudine and dideoxyinosine therapy. RESULTS: The behaviour of the model can be divided into three stages. Before therapy, mutation maintains a small pool of resistant mutants, outcompeted to very low levels by sensitive strains. When therapy begins there is a dramatic fall in the total viral load and resistant strains suddenly have the competitive advantage. Thus, it is resistant strains that infect the rising number of uninfected CD4+ cells. During this second stage the rapid effects of population dynamics swamp any effects of mutation between strains. When the populations of infected and uninfected cells approach their treatment equilibrium levels, mutation again becomes important in the slow generation of highly resistant strains. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term reduction in viral replication at the initiation of therapy generates a pool of uninfected cells which cause the eventual increase in viral burden. This increase is associated with (but not caused by) a rise in frequency of resistant strains which are at a competitive advantage in the presence of the drug. When therapy is ceased, reversion of resistance is slow as resistant strains are nearly as fit as sensitive strains in the absence of drug.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed2000

Effect of vapor-phase bioreactor operation on biomass accumulation, distribution, and activity: linking biofilm properties to bioreactor performance.

Excess biomass accumulation and activity loss in vapor-phase bioreactors (VPBs) can lead to unreliable long-term operation. In this study, temporal and spatial variations in biomass accumulation, distribution and activity in VPBs treating toluene-contaminated air were monitored over a 96-day period. Two laboratory-scale bioreactors were subjected to a toluene loading rate of 45.8 g/m(3)-h with one VPB operating in a unidirectional (UD) mode and a second identical VPB operating in a directionally switching (DS) mode. In the UD bioreactor, the contaminated air stream was continuously fed to the bottom of the reactor, while, in the DS bioreactor, the direction of the contaminated gas flow was reversed every three days. Overall, the DS system performed better with respect to biomass distribution and microbial activity across the bioreactor, resulting in more stable bioreactor performance. In contrast, most of the biomass accumulation and activity was confined to the front half of the UD bioreactor column which caused high pressure drops, rapid activity loss and eventually toluene breakthrough. A carbon balance reveals that excess biomass accumulated continuously in both bioreactors, and biomass yield coefficients were very similar (0.59 g dry biomass/g toluene for the UD and 0.63 g dry biomass/g toluene for the DS). The viable biomass population remained relatively constant in both bioreactors over the operational period, while the inactive biomass fraction steadily increased over the same time frame. Biodegradation activity determined by the dehydrogenase enzyme activity assay was found to be a function of biomass accumulation and reflected pollutant removal profiles along the columns. In addition, biomass activity correlated well with the toluene-degrading fraction of the total bacterial population.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

Alternative dosing regimens of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) effective in treating murine systemic candidiasis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was done to determine whether high dose AmBisome (4-20 mg/kg), given intermittently, could reduce the frequency of dosing needed to treat murine systemic candidiasis when compared with conventional daily treatment. METHODS: Mice were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide every 3 days, beginning day -3 before challenge with log(10) 5.0 cfu Candida albicans. Treatment was begun 48-72 h post-challenge with daily or intermittent dose regimens of AmBisome, followed by determination of kidney cfu for up to 1 month post-treatment. RESULTS: A single AmBisome dose of 4 mg/kg was as effective as four daily, 1 mg/kg treatments. A total of 8 mg/kg, given as 4 mg/kg on days 2 and 4, or as 5 mg/kg on day 2 followed by 1 mg/kg on days 3, 4, and 5, also produced comparable efficacy. While 20 mg/kg given day 2, 4 and 6 post-challenge as a 1 week loading dose, followed by one 10 mg/kg treatment on day 13, decreased the fungal burden by up to 5 logs compared with controls (log(10) 2.3 cfu/g and log(10) 7.5 cfu/g, respectively), 20 mg/kg given Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 5 weeks, reduced the fungal burden to undetectable levels (i.e. log(10) 1.0 cfu). CONCLUSIONS: Significant reduction or clearance of kidney cfu, following intermittent, high dose AmBisome treatment, indicated that non-daily dosing regimens could be successfully used instead of conventional daily dosing to treat established C. albicans infection in immunosuppressed mice.

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed2002

The current status and future outlook of intestinal transplantation.

Recently, the clinical reality of intestinal, combined liver-intestinal, and multivisceral transplantation qualified the procedure by the American Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) as the standard of care for patients with irreversible intestinal failure. The decision was supported by a decade of clinical experience with cumulative improvement in survival. Prior to tacrolimus, the worldwide experience was plagued with uncontrolled rejection, graft versus host disease (GVHD), and fatal infection. These undefeated barriers stemmed from the large gut lymphoid mass and heavy microbial load contained in the intestinal lumen with the absence of an effective immunosuppressive and antimicrobial therapy. With the emerge of small bowel and multivisceral transplantation in 1990, multiple factors, in addition to the clinical introduction of tacrolimus, have sustained and increased these efforts including evolution in surgical techniques and improvements in postoperative care. The most valuable achievement, however, has been the effective control of rejection and treatment of life threatening opportunistic infections. This chapter outlines the common current practice, surgical techniques and postoperative management of the three different types of intestinal transplantation. In addition, new strategies to overcome some of the current immunologic and biologic challenges are defined with the aim of raising the level of such a creative surgery to be a better therapy for TPN dependent patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Inactivation of indicator micro-organisms from various sources of faecal contamination in seawater and freshwater.

AIM: The survival of indicator micro-organisms in aquatic systems is affected by both biotic and abiotic factors. Much of the past research on this topic has been conducted using laboratory-generated cultures of indicator bacteria. For this study, we used natural sources of faecal contamination as inoculants into environmental water samples, thereby representing the wide diversity of organisms likely to be found in faecal contamination. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rates of inactivation of water quality indicators, total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli, enterococci (EC) and F+-specific coliphage were studied in three experiments using inoculants of sewage influent, sewage effluent and urban storm drain run-off. Effects of temperature, nutrients, total suspended solids, bacterial load and solar irradiation were studied in fresh and seawater matrices. Results demonstrated that temperature and solar irradiation had significant effects upon rates of inactivation (anova, P < 0.001). Inactivation rates were similar, regardless of the inoculant type. EC degraded the slowest in the dark with T90s of 115-121 and 144-177 h at 20 and 14 degrees C, respectively. When incubated in sunlight, EC was inactivated significantly more rapidly than either E. coli or F+-specific coliphage (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inactivation of indicator bacteria is not dependent upon the original source of contamination. Inactivation rates of indicator bacteria were similar in fresh and seawater matrices. However, EC degraded more rapidly in sunlight than E. coli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study suggests that the source of faecal contamination is not an important factor to inactivation rates of indicator bacteria. However, rates of inactivation of indicator bacteria are likely system specific.

Coliphages↗