COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE GROWTH OF MYXOBACTERIA ON BACTERIAL SUSPENSIONS

1963 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Kletter ◽  
Y. Henis

The growth of Myxococcus fulvus and Myxococcus virescens on a number of bacteria was followed in a liquid medium. Multiplication of the myxobacteria was accompanied by their adsorption on the bacterial cells, by their coagglutination, and by their adsorption on the glass surface of the culture flask. Lysis of the agglutinated bacterial cells and release of their proteins to the growth medium took place prior to an increase in the lytic activity of the growth medium towards the tested bacteria. Soluble proteins reached a higher level in media containing Gram-negative than in those containing the Gram-positive organisms. No difference was observed in the multiplication rate, sporulation, or pigmentation of the myxobacteria tested, when grown on either Gram-positive or Gram-negative organisms. Using Staphylococcus aureus as a test organism, no antibiotic activity in any of the growth media could be detected.

1929 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold H. Eggerth

1. The soaps of the α-brom fatty acids are usually more germicidal than the unsubstituted soaps. Only when B. typhosus was the test organism was there no increase in germicidal action. 2. For any test organism, germicidal action of the brominated soaps increases rapidly with increasing molecular weight up to a certain point, then diminishes. This is likewise true of the hemolytic titer. The point of maximal germicidal action varies with the different species of tests organisms. In the series studied, brominated soaps of 12 and 14 carbon atoms were most germicidal for the Gram-negative organisms, while soaps of 16 and 18 carbon atoms were most germicidal for Gram-positive organisms. 3. The brominated soaps are, in general, more active in acid that in neutral or alkaline reactions. The reasons for this have been discussed in a previous paper, in which a similar phenomenon with unsubstituted soaps was observed. 4. For certain organisms, the brominated soaps are among the most rapid and potent germicides known.


1964 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1141-1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Bergh ◽  
S. J. Webb ◽  
C. S. McArthur

In this study, no correlation was found between the Gram staining reaction of bacterial cells and the kinds of fatty acids in the lipids. The polar solvent (usually alcohol) used to wash out the stain from Gram-negative organisms removes much more lipid from these than from Gram-positive forms. The extractability of lipids from cells of Staphylococcus epidermidis increased when they became Gram-negative through aging. The infrared spectrum of the lipids extracted from these Gram-negative Staphylococci remained the same as that of the Gram-positive cells. It was further noted that high polarity characteristics and mutual miscibility in aqueous and lipid solvents are requirements of the decolorizing solvent.The Gram staining reaction of a cell appears to be related to the manner in which some of its lipids are bound to other components of the cell and the ease or difficulty with which the lipids are separated from lipoprotein and other complexes by certain polar solvents.


Author(s):  
Erum Malik ◽  
David A. Phoenix ◽  
Timothy J. Snape ◽  
Frederick Harris ◽  
Jaipaul Singh ◽  
...  

AbstractHere the hypothesis that linearized esculentin 2EM (E2EM-lin) from Glandirana emeljanovi possesses pH dependent activity is investigated. The peptide showed weak activity against Gram-negative bacteria (MLCs ≥ 75.0 μM) but potent efficacy towards Gram-positive bacteria (MLCs ≤ 6.25 μM). E2EM-lin adopted an α-helical structure in the presence of bacterial membranes that increased as pH was increased from 6 to 8 (↑ 15.5–26.9%), whilst similar increases in pH enhanced the ability of the peptide to penetrate (↑ 2.3–5.1 mN m−1) and lyse (↑ 15.1–32.5%) these membranes. Theoretical analysis predicted that this membranolytic mechanism involved a tilted segment, that increased along the α-helical long axis of E2EM-lin (1–23) in the N → C direction, with −  < µH > increasing overall from circa − 0.8 to − 0.3. In combination, these data showed that E2EM-lin killed bacteria via novel mechanisms that were enhanced by alkaline conditions and involved the formation of tilted and membranolytic, α-helical structure. The preference of E2EM-lin for Gram-positive bacteria over Gram-negative organisms was primarily driven by the superior ability of phosphatidylglycerol to induce α-helical structure in the peptide as compared to phosphatidylethanolamine. These data were used to generate a novel pore-forming model for the membranolytic activity of E2EM-lin, which would appear to be the first, major reported instance of pH dependent AMPs with alkaline optima using tilted structure to drive a pore-forming process. It is proposed that E2EM-lin has the potential for development to serve purposes ranging from therapeutic usage, such as chronic wound disinfection, to food preservation by killing food spoilage organisms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S777-S778
Author(s):  
Arsheena Yassin ◽  
Christine Stavropoulos ◽  
Krystina L Woods ◽  
Jiashan Xu ◽  
Justin Carale ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hand infections represent a major source of morbidity, which can result in hand stiffness and amputation. Early appropriate empiric antibiotic regimen may reduce the associated morbidity, hence the importance to examine local epidemiology. The aim of this study was to define the current epidemiology of adult hand infections at two urban hospitals in New York City. Methods We performed a double center, retrospective study of adult patients hospitalized from March 2018 to May 2020. Patients with positive cultures associated with the hand infections were included. Retrospectively, 100 patients were reviewed. Data on baseline demographic, clinical, surgical, microbiology, and treatment parameters were collected. Results Of the 100 patients, 76% were male, with median age of 47.5 years (35, 58.25) and average C-reactive protein (CRP) of 50.66 mg/L (± 64.64) on admission (see Table 1). Previous hospitalization within 1 year (38%), previous surgical procedures (39%) and recent IV medication use (26%) were common. 130 bacterial isolates were identified (see Table 2). The most frequent organisms were Gram-positive, with Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, 25.38%), Streptococcus species (20.08%), and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 15.38%) being the most common. Gram-negative organisms were infrequent, with Haemophilus parainfluenzae (3.85%), Enterobacter cloacae (3.85) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.08%) being the most prevalent. Of the 100 patients, 27% had polymicrobial infections, associated with trauma (6%), illicit IV use (6%) and unknown (7%) etiologies. Table 1: Baseline demographics and co-morbid conditions Table 2: Types and numbers of organisms in relation to etiologies Conclusion Within our population, the most common organisms associated with hand infections were Gram-positive, with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species being the most prevalent. Gram-negative pathogens were infrequently isolated. The results within this study can provide guidance to clinicians on assessing the appropriate empiric antibiotic regimen in patients with hand infections, and can serve as a basis for further studies identifying risk factors associated with isolation of organisms associated with hand infections. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 349
Author(s):  
Sien Ombelet ◽  
Alessandra Natale ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Ronat ◽  
Olivier Vandenberg ◽  
Liselotte Hardy ◽  
...  

Bacterial identification is challenging in low-resource settings (LRS). We evaluated the MicroScan identification panels (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA) as part of Médecins Sans Frontières’ Mini-lab Project. The MicroScan Dried Overnight Positive ID Type 3 (PID3) panels for Gram-positive organisms and Dried Overnight Negative ID Type 2 (NID2) panels for Gram-negative organisms were assessed with 367 clinical isolates from LRS. Robustness was studied by inoculating Gram-negative species on the Gram-positive panel and vice versa. The ease of use of the panels and readability of the instructions for use (IFU) were evaluated. Of species represented in the MicroScan database, 94.6% (185/195) of Gram-negative and 85.9% (110/128) of Gram-positive isolates were correctly identified up to species level. Of species not represented in the database (e.g., Streptococcus suis and Bacillus spp.), 53.1% out of 49 isolates were incorrectly identified as non-related bacterial species. Testing of Gram-positive isolates on Gram-negative panels and vice versa (n = 144) resulted in incorrect identifications for 38.2% of tested isolates. The readability level of the IFU was considered too high for LRS. Inoculation of the panels was favorably evaluated, whereas the visual reading of the panels was considered error-prone. In conclusion, the accuracy of the MicroScan identification panels was excellent for Gram-negative species and good for Gram-positive species. Improvements in stability, robustness, and ease of use have been identified to assure adaptation to LRS constraints.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2243-2251
Author(s):  
Azhar G. Shalaby ◽  
Neveen R. Bakry ◽  
Abeer A. E. Mohamed ◽  
Ashraf A. Khalil

Background and Aim: Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards simplify sample storage, transport, and extraction by reducing cost and time for diagnosis. This study evaluated the FTA suitability for safe transport and storage of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells of animal origin on its liquid culture form and from organ impression smears (tissues) under the same routine condition of microbiological laboratory along with detecting their nucleic acid over different storage conditions. Materials and Methods: Increase in bacterial count from 104 to 107 (colony-forming units/mL) of 78 isolates representing seven bacterial species was applied onto cards. FTA cards were grouped and inoculated by these bacteria and then stored at different conditions of 24-27°C, 4°C, and –20°C for 24 h, for 2 weeks, for 1 and 3 month storage, respectively. Bacteriological examination was done, after which bacterial DNA was identified using specific primers for each bacterial type and detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The total percentage of recovered bacteria from FTA cards was 66.7% at 24-27–C for 24 h, the detection limit was 100% in Gram-positive species, while it was 57.4% in Gram-negative ones. Regarding viable cell detection from organ impression smears, it was successful under the previous conditions. No live bacterial cells were observed by bacteriological isolation rather than only at 24-27°C for 24 h storage. All bacterial DNA were sufficiently confirmed by the PCR technique at different conditions. Conclusion: Overall, the FTA card method was observed to be a valid tool for nucleic acid purification for bacteria of animal origin in the form of culture or organ smears regardless of its Gram type and is used for a short time only 24 h for storage and transport of live bacteria specifically Gram-positive type. Moreover, the bacterial nucleic acid was intact after storage in –20°C for 3 months and was PCR amplifiable.


CHEST Journal ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (4) ◽  
pp. 45S
Author(s):  
Abhijit Duggal ◽  
Konstantinos Marmagkiolis ◽  
Lawrence Goldstein

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Borg Cauchi ◽  
Maria Angela Gauci ◽  
Theresia Dalli ◽  
James Gauci ◽  
James Farrugia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Infections related to peritoneal dialysis (PD) are still a cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe an overview of PD peritonitis and catheter-related infections (CRI) in Malta over a period of eleven years. We also describe trends in dialysis modality over the years. Method All patients undergoing PD in Malta during 2008 and 2018 were analysed. Data from 2008-2012 was retrospective, shown as mean, that from 2013-2018 prospective. International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) definitions were used. Results for categorical responses were summarized using absolute numbers and percentages. Medians (range) were used to describe continuous non-normally distributed data. Results The total number of patients undergoing PD from 2008 till 2018 were 137 (2008-2012), 91, 80, 126, 117, 102, 103 respectively. There was an overall male predominance of 63.5% (61-67). Patient years at risk were 85.80, 85.25, 89.71, 83.70, 79.69, 72.88 since 2013 respectively. The overall incidence of diabetes mellitus was 45.3% (41.8-50), cardiovascular disease 34.2% (33.8-35), hypertension 79.3% (73.8-84.6). PD was used in 50% of dialysis modality prior to 2012, 39% in 2018. Initially 51% used Automated PD (APD), with 21% assisted PD, in 2018 39% used APD, with 6% assisted PD. PD peritonitis rates from 2008 were 0.38, 0.31, 0.35, 0.46, 0.43, 0.57, 0.54, 0.43, 0.39, 0.40, 0.46 episodes/patient year respectively There was marked dominance of Gram-positive peritonitis, mainly Staphylococcal, with a reduction of coagulase-negative-Staphylococcus from 0.26 episodes/patient in 2013 to 0.03 in 2017, 0.11 in 2018. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) peritonitis decreased from 0.03 episodes/patient to nil in 2016, 2017, 0.01 episodes/patient in 2018. Amongst Gram-negative peritonitis, Pseudomonas rates decreased from 0.06 to 0.03 episodes/patient in 2018, nil in 2016. Escherichia coli rates decreased from 0.02 episodes/patient to nil in the last three years. Fungal rates from 0.03 to 0.01 episodes/patient/year, with nil in 2016, 2017. Catheter-related infection rates were 0.39 (2008-2012), 0.35, 0.91, 0.37, 0.38, 0.25, 0.50 episodes/patient/year respectively. There was a higher incidence of recurrent infections in 2014, none in 2015 and 2016. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 57% of all CRI, predominantly Pseudomonas at 0.12 (2008-2012), 0.06, 0.09, 0.09, 0.14, 0.03, 017 episodes/patient/year respectively. Gram-positive CRI were mostly Staphylococcus aureus, peaking in 2014 at 0.38 episodes/patient/year. MRSA rates declined from 0.15 to 0.01 episodes/patient/year in 2018. Conclusion PD peritonitis rates in Malta between 2008 and 2018 were below the ISPD recommended threshold. There were no episodes of MRSA in 2016, 2017, no Pseudomonas in 2016, no E coli in the last three years and no fungal PD peritonitis in 2016, 2017. CRI rates also declined, with an overall predominance of Gram-negative infections.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Wang ◽  
Xinyu Ji ◽  
Qiupeng Li ◽  
Guanling Zhang ◽  
Jiani Peng ◽  
...  

New strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens are urgently needed but are not within reach. Here, we present in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of TSPphg, a novel phage lysin identified from extremophilic Thermus phage TSP4 by sequencing its whole genome. By breaking down the bacterial cells, TSPphg is able to cause bacteria destruction and has shown bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, in which the complete elimination and highest reduction in bacterial counts by greater than 6 logs were observed upon 50 μg/mL TSPphg treatment at 37 °C for 1 h. A murine skin infection model further confirmed the in vivo efficacy of TSPphg in removing a highly dangerous and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from skin damage and in accelerating wound closure. Together, our findings may offer a therapeutic alternative to help fight bacterial infections in the current age of mounting antibiotic resistance, and to shed light on bacteriophage-based strategies to develop novel anti-infectives.


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