CHARACTERIZATION OF SPECIFIC ANTIBODY TO CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS IN HUMAN BREAST MILK (HBM), SERUM (S) AND CERVICAL SECRETIONS (CS) AND ITS ROLE IN DISEASE OF MOTHERS AND INFANTS

Background: Breast milk is an important nutrient source for rapidly growing neonates since breastfeeding protects the newborn against some disease. This effect may be due to the useful and natural microflora of breast milk. Biosurfactants are unique amphipathic compounds produced by some microorganisms. The present study demonstrates the isolation and characterization of biosurfactant producing bacteria from human breast milk samples. Methods: The human breast milk samples were collected aseptically and then cultured in MRS agar media. The biosurfactant producing ability of the isolated strains was investigated by hemolytic assay, oil spreading method, drop collapse test and emulsification index assay. The screened isolates were identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis. In vitro antibacterial activities of biosurfactants against some Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria were investigated by the agar disc diffusion method. This biosurfactant was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: In this study, 337 different colonies were isolated from 42 breast milk samples. The best isolates were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus HM-1, Pediococcus pentosaceus HM-2 and Pediococcus pentosaceus HM-3 based on microscopic and 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis. The biosurfactant extracted from screened strains exhibited a broad spectrum of antagonistic activity against some pathogenic bacteria. The results showed similarity to lipopeptide biosurfactants like surfactin. Conclusion: Bacterial strains isolated in this study could be valuable sources for novel biosurfactants. The Human breast milk could be a safe source for isolation of biosurfactant producing probiotic bacteria and for improve intestinal microflora of infants.

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Killing of Chlamydia trachomatis by Novel Antimicrobial Lipids Adapted from Compounds in Human Breast Milk

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.42.5.1239 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 42 (5) ◽

pp. 1239-1244 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

M. F. Lampe ◽

L. M. Ballweber ◽

C. E. Isaacs ◽

D. L. Patton ◽

W. E. Stamm

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Electron Microscopic Examination ◽

Human Breast Milk ◽

Human Breast ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Vaginal Microbicides ◽

Initial Exposure ◽

Sexually Transmitted

ABSTRACT The development of new methods for prevention of sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a top public health priority. Topical self-administered vaginal microbicides represent one such approach in which the organism is eradicated at the time of initial exposure. To this end, we examined the activity of five synthetic lipids adapted from naturally occurring compounds found in human breast milk. C. trachomatis serovar D or F elementary bodies were added to serial dilutions of the lipids and incubated for various times. Aliquots were then cultured in monolayers of McCoy cells, and inclusions were counted. A 7.5 mM concentration of 2-O-octyl-sn-glycerol completely prevented growth of C. trachomatis after 120 min of contact with the organism. The remaining lipids, 1-O-octyl-, 1-O-heptyl-, 2-O-hexyl-, and 1-O-hexyl-sn-glycerol, showed less activity. On electron microscopic examination, the lipids were shown to have disrupted the chlamydial inner membrane, allowing leakage of the cytoplasmic contents from the cell. Lipid activity was unaffected by the presence of 10% human blood or alterations in pH from 4.0 to 8.0, conditions reflecting those sometimes found in the vagina. Our results suggest that these lipids, especially 2-O-octyl-sn-glycerol, may be effective as topical microbicides in preventing the transmission of C. trachomatis. Further efficacy and toxicity studies with these lipids and assessment of their activity against other sexually transmitted disease pathogens are in progress.

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