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PubMed2006

Susceptibility studies of piperazinyl-cross-linked fluoroquinolone dimers against test strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Susceptibility testing was used to evaluate potential spectrum of action for piperazinyl-cross-linked fluoroquinolone dimers against test strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) and to evaluate dimers against fluoroquinolone-resistant and fluoroquinolone-susceptible strains of streptococci. Individual dimers displayed equivalent or lowered MIC values compared with parent fluoroquinolone monomers against test strains of S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. coli, and VRE. Raised MIC values were observed for all dimers in comparison to monomers against test strains of P. aeruginosa and E. coli. In comparison to parent fluoroquinolones, all dimers displayed decreased percent inhibition of growth against M. tuberculosis. Structural requirements for activity of dimers and partial dimers against all organisms, including lower MICs against certain fluoroquinolone-resistant and fluoroquinolone-susceptible strains of streptococci, were consistent with requirements previously observed for dimers against fluoroquinolone-susceptible and fluoroquinolone-resistant strains of S. aureus. In contrast, the 10- to 100-fold lowering of MICs against wild-type and fluoroquinolone-resistant strains of S. aureus previously observed for individual cross-linked dimers was not observed with test strains of the various organisms used here.

Ciprofloxacin↗
PubMed2026

Metabolic and endocrine modulation of the gut-adipose tissue axis via pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in overweight dogs: A systematic review.

Canine obesity is a complex metabolic disorder driven by luminal dysbiosis, impaired gut barrier function, and metaflammation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review evaluated the efficacy of pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in modulating the gut-adipose tissue axis in overweight dogs (BCS ≥ 6/9) or diet-induced obesity models. Searches across PubMed and Dimensions (April 2026) identified seven eligible experimental trials. Results suggest that postbiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 reduced postprandial glucose AUC by 6 % strictly during energy restriction. Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila postbiotics limited diet-induced weight gain, though glucoregulatory impacts were highly strain-specific (AKK2 reduced fasting glucose and insulin resistance indexes, whereas EB-AMDK19 exerted no significant effect). Specific probiotics (including Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium breve) attenuated fasting hyperinsulinemia and preserved circulating adiponectin, but lipid profile improvements (triglycerides and total cholesterol) were inconsistent across trials. In dogs, increased luminal short-chain fatty acids are not consistently mirrored by endocrine responses, so the coupling between microbial metabolites and incretin signaling remains incomplete. A critical lack of standardized reporting for species-validated insulin sensitivity metrics was identified. In conclusion, microbiome-targeted therapies, particularly inanimate postbiotics, may represent useful adjunctive strategies to mitigate metabolic dysregulation in obesogenic environments. However, clinical efficacy remains strictly strain-specific and dependent on host energy balance. Given the scarcity of high-certainty evidence, future trials must integrate dynamic physiological assessments with species-validated surrogate indexes alongside standardized dietary controls.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials in urinary isolates.

Escherichia coli accounted for about 80% of organisms in uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), followed by Staphylococcus spp. especially Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Proteus mirabilis. Against E. coli isolates from patients with uncomplicated UTI, faropenem was the most effective. Up to 1999, fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates were not observed in patients with uncomplicated UTI, but in 2001 fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli isolates emerged and accounted for about 8%. Various types of organisms were isolated in patients with complicated UTI. Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the three most frequent organisms isolated. These three organisms accounted for 44.6%. Amongst oral agents, faropenem showed the lowest rate of resistance against E. coli followed by cephems. The rates of highly fluoroquinolone-resistant and cefpodoxime-resistant E. coli isolates increased rapidly from 1998 to 2001. Fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates accounted for about 40% in 2001. Against this species, amikacin was the most effective antimicrobials among all agents tested. About 17% of Pseudomonas were resistant to carbapenem. Eight milligram per litre of ampicillin inhibited all E. faecalis isolates; about 60% of Enterococcus faecium were resistant to ampicillin. The rates of levofloxacin-resistant isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium were 38 and 97% respectively. UTIs caused by vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) are rare in Japan.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Cyclic dipeptides exhibit synergistic, broad spectrum antimicrobial effects and have anti-mutagenic properties.

Cyclic dipeptides are known to have antiviral, antibiotic and antitumour properties. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effects of cyclo(L-leucyl-L-prolyl) and cyclo(L-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl) on the growth of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and pathogenic yeasts, as well as determining their anti-mutagenic effects. This drug combination was especially effective against five VRE strains: Enterococcus faecium (K-99-38), E. faecalis (K-99-17), E. faecalis (K-99-258), E. faecium (K-01-312) and E. faecalis (K-01-511) with MIC values of 0.25-1 mg/l. It was also effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC values of 0.25-0.5 mg/l. In addition, the cyclic dipeptides exerted anti-mutagenic activity against Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains in a Salmonella mutation assay. The number of mutant colonies of S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 induced by exposure to AF-2 (0.2 microg/plate) decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of the two cyclic dipeptides (correlation 0.72 and 0.78, respectively). Here, for the first time, we report synergistic effects of the cyclic dipeptides [cyclo(L-leu-L-pro) and cyclo(L-phe-L-pro)] in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as their anti-mutagenic effects in Salmonella strains.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Indigenous raw milk microbiota influences the bacterial development in traditional cheese from an alpine natural park.

Nostrano di Primiero is a 6-month ripened cheese produced from raw milk collected in the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park area in the Italian Dolomites. In summer, this cheese is made using milk collected from two different areas, Passo Rolle and Vanoi, in the Paneveggio Natural Park. During the experiment, the milk from the two areas was separately processed, and cheeses were made in the same cheese factory using the same technological process. The microbiota of raw milk and cheeses of the two areas was isolated and the dominant population was monitored by RAPD analysis and identified by 16S rRNA sequence. The milk of the Passo Rolle area was mainly composed of mesophilic strains, thermophilic Streptococcus thermophilus, and low amounts of enterococci were also found; the milk of the Vanoi area was dominated by mesophilic microbiota mostly Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris and ssp. lactis and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei. The plating of the natural starter culture revealed the presence of a relevant community of thermophilic cocci and lower amounts of enterococci. The dynamic population analysis showed the importance of the natural starter culture in the first 2 days of cheese ripening in both cheeses. Moreover, the large biodiversity observed in the raw milks was also detected in the cheeses during ripening. The Vanoi cheese was dominated by Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus macedonicus in the first two days and mesophilic 21 Lb. paracasei ssp. paracasei became the most represented population after 15 days of ripening. In the first few days, the Rolle cheese was characterized by being mainly composed of thermophilic S. macedonicus and S. thermophilus and secondarily by mesophilic cocci. During ripening, the microbiota composition changed, and at 15 days, mesophilic lactobacilli were the dominant population, but later, this was mainly composed of mesophilic cocci and lactobacilli. The taxonomical identification by 16S rRNA sequence confirmed a large biodiversity related to raw milk microbiota and only five strains of S. macedonicus, Lactobacillus plantarum, 21 Lb. paracasei ssp. paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum and E. faecium were detected in both cheeses.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Control of Listeria monocytogenes in model sausages by enterocin AS-48.

In this work we describe the control of Listeria monocytogenes CECT 4032 in sausage by adding the enterocin AS-48 producer strains Enterococcus faecalis A-48-32 and Enterococcus faecium S-32-81, and also by adding a semi-purified preparation of the bacteriocin. Addition of preformed AS-48 caused a significant decrease (P<0.01) in the number of viable listeria even at the lowest bacteriocin concentration tested (112 AU/g). At a higher concentration (225 AU/g) listeria were below the detection level (1.99 log units/g) in meat at 3 days of incubation but growth of listeria was observed again after 9 days. For an AS-48 concentration of 450 AU/g, no viable listeria were detected after 6 and 9 days of incubation. When E. faecalis A-48-32 was used as inoculum at approximately 10(7) cfu/g, listeria counts decreased progressively from start of experiment, being below detection level at day 9. The best results were obtained with E. faecium S-32-81, since listeria were undetectable at 6 days of incubation. Bacteriocin concentrations in samples reached concentrations of 60 and 80 AU/g for strains A-48-32 and S-32-81, respectively. These results clearly indicate that AS-48 can be used in the control of L. monocytogenes in sausages.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Antibacterial activity of Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss).

Extracts and individual constituents of Leontopodium alpinum Cass. (Asteraceae) were tested for their antimicrobial activity in two different assays. Extracts were screened in agar diffusion assays, whereas the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of single compounds were determined by the microbroth dilution method according to NCCLS criteria. Significant antimicrobial activities were found against various strains of Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes strains. These results support the ethnomedicinal use of Leontopodium alpinum for the treatment of respiratory and abdominal disorders.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Suitability of the German test method for cleaning efficacy in washer-disinfectors for flexible endoscopes according to prEN ISO 15883.

In Europe, the evaluation of processing flexible endoscopes in washer-disinfectors (WDs) is performed in compliance with prEN ISO 15883-1 which includes determination of the efficacy of the cleaning process. Recent data suggest that cleaning processes show large differences when the prEN ISO 15883-1 German test model is applied. Hence, we analysed a total of 72 experiments in order to evaluate the test method. Transparent test tubes as test pieces (length 2 m, lumen 2 mm) were contaminated with a mixture of blood and Enterococcus faecium. Three set-ups were used: WD 425 with soft water, WD 425 with hard water and WD 440 with demineralized water. WDs were set to perform the cleaning stage of the programme alone. Seven cleaning agents were used according to the manufacturers' instructions (21 cleaning processes); in addition, three cleaning processes were carried out without a cleaning agent (i.e. with water alone). Each cleaning process was assessed by means of three experiments. Suspensions of test organism had 9.2x10(10) colony-forming units (cfu)/mL E. faecium (mean of 24 processes). Controls (recovery) contained 1.0x10(6) cfu/mL E. faecium (mean of 71 experiments). Mean log(10) reduction factors (RFs) for each process, i.e. the difference in microbial loads on the control and the processed tubes, were calculated. Cleaning processes led to RFs of 0-4.1, but no process led to residual bacterial loads below the limit of detection (1.8l gcfu/mL). Standard deviations for a cleaning process were small (< or =0.6 in 79% of the processes) indicating adequate reproducibility. The test model led to reproducible results and revealed large differences between the individual processes. If a cleaning process is intended to result in a bioburden reduction (i.e. RF> or =4), the control must carry a minimum bioburden of 6.5x10(5) cfu/mL. This was achieved in 58% of the processes. However, controls with a bioburden <6.5x10(5) cfu/mL never yielded a residual bacterial load below the limit of detection. We found that the prEN ISO 15883-1 German test method is suitable to determine the cleaning efficacy in WDs and leads to reproducible and valid results.

Decontamination↗
PubMed2005

Comparative analysis of selected genes from Diachasmimorpha longicaudata entomopoxvirus and other poxviruses.

The Diachasmimorpha longicaudata entomopoxvirus (DlEPV) is the first symbiotic EPV described from a parasitic wasp. The DlEPV is introduced into the tephritid fruit fly larval host along with the wasp egg at oviposition. We sequenced a shotgun genomic library of the DlEPV DNA and analyzed and compared the predicted protein sequences of eight ORFs with those of selected poxviruses and other organisms. BlastP searches showed that five of these are homologous to poxvirus putative proteins such as metalloprotease, a putative membrane protein, late transcription factor-3, virion surface protein, and poly (A) polymerase (PAP) regulatory small subunit. Three of these are similar to those of other organisms such as the gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) of Arabidopsis thaliana, eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) of Caenorhabditis briggsae and lambda phage integrase (lambda-Int) of Enterococcus faecium. Transcription motifs for early (TGA,A/T,XXXXA) or late (TAAATG, TAAT, or TAAAT) gene expression conserved in poxviruses were identified with those ORFs. Phylogenetic analysis of multiple alignments of five ORFs and 20 poxvirus homologous sequences and of a concatenate of multiple alignments suggested that DlEPV probably diverged from the ancestral node between the fowlpox virus and the genus B, lepidopteran and orthopteran EPVs, to which Amsacta moorei and Melanoplus sanguinipes EPV, respectively, belong. The DlEPV putative GGT, eIF4A, and lambda-Int contained many conserved domains that typified these proteins. These homologues may be involved in either viral pathogenicity or enhancing parasitism via the gamma-glutamyl cycle and compensation of eIF4A levels in the parasitized fly, or via the integration of a portion of the viral genome into the wasp and/or parasitized fly.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2003

Human milk is a source of lactic acid bacteria for the infant gut.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether human breast milk contains potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and therefore, whether it can be considered a synbiotic food. Study design Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from milk, mammary areola, and breast skin of eight healthy mothers and oral swabs and feces of their respective breast-fed infants. Some isolates (178 from each mother and newborn pair) were randomly selected and submitted to randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymerase chain reaction analysis, and those that displayed identical RAPD patterns were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: Within each mother and newborn pair, some rod-shaped lactic acid bacteria isolated from mammary areola, breast milk, and infant oral swabs and feces displayed identical RAPD profiles. All of them, independently from the mother and child pair, were identified as Lactobacillus gasseri. Similarly, among coccoid lactic acid bacteria from these different sources, some shared an identical RAPD pattern and were identified as Enterococcus faecium. In contrast, none of the lactic acid bacteria isolated from breast skin shared RAPD profiles with lactic acid bacteria of the other sources. CONCLUSIONS: Breast-feeding can be a significant source of lactic acid bacteria to the infant gut. Lactic acid bacteria present in milk may have an endogenous origin and may not be the result of contamination from the surrounding breast skin.

Breast↗
PubMed2004

Antigenotoxicity of probiotics and prebiotics on faecal water-induced DNA damage in human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Six strains of lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB) were incubated (1 x 10(8)cfu/ml) with genotoxic faecal water from a human subject. HT29 human adenocarcinoma cells were then challenged with the resultant samples and DNA damage measured using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. The LAB strains investigated were Bifidobacterium sp. 420, Bifidobacterium Bb12, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Enterococcus faecium. DNA damage was significantly decreased by all bacteria used with the exception of Strep. thermophilus. Bif. Bb12 and Lact. plantarum showed the greatest protective effect against DNA damage. Incubation of faecal water with different concentrations of Bif. Bb12 and Lact. plantarum revealed that the decrease in genotoxicity was related to cell density. Non-viable (heat treated) probiotic cells had no effect on faecal water genotoxicity. In a second study, HT29 cells were cultured in the presence of supernatants of incubations of probiotics with various carbohydrates including known prebiotics; the HT29 cells were then exposed to faecal water. Overall, incubations involving Lact. plantarum with the fructooligosaccharide (FOS)-based prebiotics Inulin, Raftiline, Raftilose and Actilight were the most effective in increasing the cellular resistance to faecal water genotoxicity, whereas fermentations with Elixor (a galactooligosaccharide) and Fibersol (a maltodextrin) were less effective. Substantial reductions in faecal water-induced DNA damage were also seen with supernatants from incubation of prebiotics with Bif. Bb12. The supernatant of fermentations involving Ent. faecium and Bif. sp. 420 generally had less potent effects on genotoxicity although some reductions with Raftiline and Elixor fermentations were apparent.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Heart transplantation in the patient under ventricular assist complicated with device-related infection.

Ventricular assist devices (VAD) have benefited patients with end-stage heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation (HTx). We present our experience of HTx in the presence of device-related infection (DRI) including driveline exit site with pocket infections. From May 1996 to April 2003, mechanical circulatory support with the HeartMate VAD was performed in eight patients, and with the Thoratec VAD in seven patients. Although 151 patients underwent HTx during that period, only 8 of the 15 patients had suitable donors and underwent orthotopic HTx. Six of the eight patients developed DRI. Their ages ranged from 18 to 59 years (mean = 36 +/- 14 years). The duration of VAD support ranged from 8 to 287 days (mean = 125 +/- 117 days). The general condition and cardiac function improved gradually under VAD support. At the time of HTx, all six male patients were suffering from DRI. The causative microorganisms were Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 3) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 2), and Enterococcus faecium (n = 1). All patients underwent successful HTx, and were discharged in good condition. It is concluded that under the coverage of appropriate antibiotics, HTx can be successfully performed for the patients for VAD support with DRI. It is important to prevent the spread of infection during HTx. Adequate debridement and drainage of the infected materials prevents postoperative wound infections.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new adamantane derivatives II.

A series of new derivatives of adamantane was synthesised. The new compound 4-(adamant-1-ylethylenoxycarbonyl)phthalanhydride obtained from 1-adamantaneethanol and trimellitic anhydride chloride, as well as 4-(adamant-1-ylmethylenoxycarbonyl)phthalanhydride, appeared very useful for preparation of a number of N-substituted phthalimides. Antimicrobial activity of newly obtained derivatives such as, for example, 4-(adamant-1-ylethylenoxycarbonyl)-N-(L-phenylalanyl)phthalimide or 4-(adamant-1-ylmethylenoxycarbonyl)-N-(L-leucyl)-phthalimide was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Micrococcus flavus and Enterococcus faecium. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for these compounds against Bacillus cereus were 15 and 8 microg/ml, respectively.

Adamantane↗
PubMed2003

A comprehensive view on proteasomal sequences: implications for the evolution of the proteasome.

Proteasomes are large multimeric self-compartmentizing proteases, which play a crucial role in the clearance of misfolded proteins, breakdown of regulatory proteins, processing of proteins by specific partial proteolysis, cell cycle control as well as preparation of peptides for immune presentation. Two main types can be distinguished by their different tertiary structure: the 20S proteasome and the proteasome-like heat shock protein encoded by heat shock locus V, hslV. Usually, each biological kingdom is characterized by its specific type of proteasome. The 20S proteasomes occur in eukarya and archaea whereas hslV protease is prevalent in bacteria. To verify this rule we applied a genome-wide sequence search to identify proteasomal sequences in data of finished and yet unfinished genome projects. We found several exceptions to this paradigm: (1) Protista: in addition to the 20S proteasome, Leishmania, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium contained hslV, which may have been acquired from an alpha-proteobacterial progenitor of mitochondria. (2) Bacteria: for Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum and Enterococcus faecium we found that each contained two distinct hslVs due to gene duplication or horizontal transfer. Including unassembled data into the analyses we confirmed that a number of bacterial genomes do not contain any proteasomal sequence due to gene loss. (3) High G+C Gram-positives: we confirmed that high G+C Gram-positives possess 20S proteasomes rather than hslV proteases. The core of the 20S proteasome consists of two distinct main types of homologous monomers, alpha and beta, which differentiated into seven subtypes by further gene duplications. By looking at the genome of the intracellular pathogen Encephalitozoon cuniculi we were able to show that differentiation of beta-type subunits into different subtypes occurred earlier than that of alpha-subunits. Additionally, our search strategy had an important methodological consequence: a comprehensive sequence search for a particular protein should also include the raw sequence data when possible because proteins might be missed in the completed assembled genome. The structure-based multiple proteasomal alignment of 433 sequences from 143 organisms can be downloaded from the URL dagger and will be updated regularly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are still the precipitating cause for 7 million patient visits per year with total costs exceeding one billion dollars. Diagnostic modalities have become more "friendly" for the smaller laboratory with "dip stick" culture tests providing a rapid method of isolation of pathogens. In many cases, empiric therapy is more cost effective than culture in uncomplicated UTIs in women. The etiologic organisms implicated in UTIs have not changed dramatically over the past two decades, with E. coli still accounting for the majority of cases. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns have changed dramatically, with ampicillin losing utility die to the emergence of resistance. Quinolones, which have been exceedingly active against gram-negative enteric pathogens, are no longer universally active and more pathogenic organisms, such as pseudomonas, may be resistant. The emergence of other highly resistant organisms, such as Enterococcus faecium, must be watched for.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

The effect of cyclosporine and tacrolimus on indigenous bacterial flora in human skin grafts.

Allogeneic skin transplants require intensive immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment protocols used for parenchymal organ grafts are not satisfactory to prevent skin graft rejection. Another factor responsible for the destruction of allogeneic skin transplants is bacterial inflammation. Temporary ischemia and the allogeneic reaction in transplanted skin cause increased permeability of the epidermis and the dermal capillaries, making skin grafts vulnerable to bacterial penetration. Moreover, immunosuppressive therapy compromises the host immune response. The present study assessed the effects of immunosuppression by cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tac) on the indigenous bacterial flora of transplanted human skin. We found that a 6-day course of treatment with CsA or Tac was followed by an increased prevalence of bacterial isolates, mostly evidenced by a change in the spectrum of graft bacterial flora from Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci toward more pathogenic strains such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, micrococcus, and pseudomonas. The mouse skin adjacent to the graft remained sterile, precluding the possibility of graft contamination with mouse flora.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Disinfection of surfaces by photocatalytic oxidation with titanium dioxide and UVA light.

Particularly in microbiological laboratories and areas in intensive medical use, regular and thorough disinfection of surfaces is required in order to reduce the numbers of bacteria and to prevent bacterial transmission. The conventional methods of disinfection with wiping are not effective in the longer term, cannot be standardized, are time- and staff-intensive and use aggressive chemicals. Disinfection with hard ultraviolet C (UVC) light is usually not satisfactory, as the depth of penetration is inadequate and there are occupational medicine risks. Photocatalytic oxidation on surfaces coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) might offer a possible alternative. In the presence of water and oxygen, highly reactive OH-radicals are generated by TiO2 and mild ultraviolet A (UVA). These radicals are able to destroy bacteria, and may therefore be effective in reducing bacterial contamination. Direct irradiation with UVC however can produce areas of shadow in which bacteria are not inactivated. Using targeted light guidance and a light-guiding sheet (out of a UVA-transmittant, Plexiglas, for example), as in the method described in the present study, bacterial inactivation over the entire area is possible. The effectiveness of the method was demonstrated using bacteria relevant to hygiene such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. For these bacteria, a reduction efficiency (RE) more than 6log10 steps in 60 min was observed. Using Candida albicans, a RE of 2log10 steps in 60 min was seen. Light and scanning electron microscopic examinations suggest that the germ destruction achieved takes place through direct damage to cell walls caused by OH-radicals.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2002

Characterization of a cryptic plasmid from Lactobacillus fermentum KC5b and its use for constructing a stable Lactobacillus cloning vector.

Lactobacillus fermentum KC5b, a strain originally isolated from the human vagina, contains a cryptic plasmid pKC5b. The sequence and genetic organization of the 4392-bp plasmid were determined. It contains two convergently oriented replicons, which are homologous to each other and to the stable replicon of the Enterococcus faecium plasmid pMBB1. The two replicons of pKC5b were used either individually or together to construct Lactobacillus-Escherichia coli shuttle plasmids. Only the plasmid pSP1 that carried both replicons transformed lactobacilli, suggesting a complementary function between the two replicons. Since the replicons had a high homology to those of other plasmids that replicate via a theta-like mechanism and no detectable single-stranded intermediates were found for the plasmid, it is possible that pKC5b may replicate via a theta-like mechanism. The new shuttle plasmid pSP1 has been transformed and stably maintained in several Lactobacillus strains. As an initial application, pSP1 was used to clone the S-layer protein gene (slpA) of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 into a heterologous vaginal Lactobacillus strain and achieved surface-bound expression of the protein.

Bacterial Proteins↗