scholarly journals Does the possession of virulence factor genes mean that those genes will be active?

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S19-S28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Edberg

There are a number of relationships the host can establish with the microbes we ingest. For the vast majority of microbes, they have a short-lived liaison with the human host. Either they are destroyed by the stomach acid or bile, or can not establish even a temporary residency in the gastrointestinal tract. Early in life the mucosal surfaces of the body establishes a resident, and generally stable, normal flora. These normal flora microbes, the majority of which are bacteria, have specific receptors for specific areas of the alimentary tract. If the foreign microbe can establish residency, it then may transiently or permanently become part of the normal flora. However, in order to produce disease, it must possess an additional set of virulence factors. While some of these are known, many are not. Those that are known include enzymes, such as protease, lipase, and esterase. Accordingly, VFAR may not be associated with human disease and its presence or absence has no public health meaning.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Jasminka Talapko ◽  
Martina Juzbašić ◽  
Tatjana Matijević ◽  
Emina Pustijanac ◽  
Sanja Bekić ◽  
...  

Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus that colonizes the oropharyngeal cavity, gastrointestinal and vaginal tract, and healthy individuals’ skin. In 50% of the population, C. albicans is part of the normal flora of the microbiota. The various clinical manifestations of Candida species range from localized, superficial mucocutaneous disorders to invasive diseases that involve multiple organ systems and are life-threatening. From systemic and local to hereditary and environmental, diverse factors lead to disturbances in Candida’s normal homeostasis, resulting in a transition from normal flora to pathogenic and opportunistic infections. The transition in the pathophysiology of the onset and progression of infection is also influenced by Candida’s virulence traits that lead to the development of candidiasis. Oral candidiasis has a wide range of clinical manifestations, divided into primary and secondary candidiasis. The main supply of C. albicans in the body is located in the gastrointestinal tract, and the development of infections occurs due to dysbiosis of the residential microbiota, immune dysfunction, and damage to the muco-intestinal barrier. The presence of C. albicans in the blood is associated with candidemia–invasive Candida infections. The commensal relationship exists as long as there is a balance between the host immune system and the virulence factors of C. albicans. This paper presents the virulence traits of Candida albicans and clinical manifestations of specific candidiasis.


2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry A. Tanumihardjo ◽  
Anura V. Kurpad ◽  
Janet R. Hunt

The current use of serum retinol concentrations as a measurement of subclinical vitamin A deficiency is unsatisfactory for many reasons. The best technique available for vitamin A status assessment in humans is the measurement of total body pool size. Pool size is measured by the administration of retinol labelled with stable isotopes of carbon or hydrogen that are safe for human subjects, with subsequent measurement of the dilution of the labelled retinol within the body pool. However, the isotope techniques are time-consuming, technically challenging, and relatively expensive. There is also a need to assess different types of tracers and doses, and to establish clear guidelines for the use and interpretation of this method in different populations. Field-friendly improvements are desirable to encourage the application of this technique in developing countries where the need is greatest for monitoring the risk of vitamin A deficiency, the effectiveness of public health interventions, and the potential of hypervitaminosis due to combined supplement and fortification programs. These techniques should be applied to validate other less technical methods of assessing vitamin A deficiency. Another area of public health relevance for this technique is to understand the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, and its relation to existing vitamin A status, for future dietary diversification programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 704
Author(s):  
Mariana Henriques ◽  
Sónia Silva

Candida albicans lives as commensal on the skin and mucosal surfaces of the genital, intestinal, vaginal, urinary, and oral tracts of 80% of healthy individuals [...]


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepthi. R ◽  
Vandana Rani M ◽  
Delvin T. Robin ◽  
Anusree Dileep

AbstractThe science of Ayurveda with its strong and unique fundamentals holds its domain forever amidst all scientific and medical advancements. The concept of Shadkriyakala (the different phases of disease formation) holds relevance in preventive medicine and public health management as it provides ample chance to halt the disease process at each stage by timely intervention. In this review, we would like to bring to the limelight the relevance of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) in primary prevention by modulating the gut microbiota. The modern gut microbiome researches now help us to better explore the Ayurveda theories of Agni (digestive fire) and Ama (metabolic toxins) preached centuries back. Ayurveda firmly proclaims that no disease ever arises without the derangement of Agni (digestive fire). The whole preventive and treatment methodology in Ayurveda focuses upon the modulation and management of “Agni” (digestive fire). When the functioning of Agni is deranged, Ama (metabolic toxin) is produced and it vitiates the doshas which spread throughout the body and manifest as varied diseases. A biomedical perspective of our reviews suggests that dysbiosis of microbial flora can cause a leaky gut by which the toxins of deranged digestive metabolism enter the bloodstream. Consequently, an inflammatory response occurs within the body which expresses out as diseases opportunistically. We meticulously reviewed the influence of extrinsic factors namely diet and climate on human gut microbiota, and our analysis emphasises the application prospects of Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), in regulating the dynamic host-microbe interaction.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
H.Q. Li ◽  
B. Wang ◽  
Z. Li ◽  
H.L. Luo ◽  
C. Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) on slaughter performance, visceral organ and gastrointestinal tract coefficients, and meat quality in lambs. Sixty-six lambs from 120 Hu ewes were selected based on body weight and maternal diets, and then assigned to six groups using a randomized block experimental design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was folic acid (FA) as RPFA in the maternal diet (0 mg/kg [M0F], 16 mg/kg [M16F] or 32 mg/kg [M32F] on dry matter basis). The second factor was FA in the lambs’ diet from weaning until slaughter (0 mg/kg [OC] or 4.0 mg/kg [OF]). The results indicated that the addition of 16 mg/kg FA to the maternal diet increased pre-slaughter weight (PSW), dressing and meat percentage, the reticulum and omasum coefficients, length of the jejunum and ileum, tail fat and perirenal fat coefficient and a* value of the meat color. The addition of RPFA to the lambs’ diet increased PSW, dressing and meat percentage, eye muscle area, abomasum weight, weight and length of the small intestine, but reduced the coefficients of tail fat. A M×O interaction was observed for the weights of heart, lungs, rumen and total stomach, weight and coefficient of omental fat and the GR value. Collectively, RPFA in the maternal and lambs’ diet improved slaughter performance and meat quality by stimulating the morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract and the distribution of fat in the body.


Author(s):  
Johan P. Mackenbach

AbstractThis essay explores the amazing phenomenon that in Europe since ca. 1700 most diseases have shown a pattern of 'rise-and-fall'. It argues that the rise of so many diseases indicates that their ultimate cause is not to be sought within the body, but in the interaction between humans and their environment. In their tireless pursuit of a better life, Europeans have constantly engaged in new activities which exposed them to new health risks, at a pace that evolution could not keep up with. Fortunately, most diseases have also declined again, mainly as a result of human interventions, in the form of public health interventions or improvements in medical care. The virtually continuous succession of diseases starting to fall in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries suggests that the concept of an “epidemiological transition” has limited usefulness.


Author(s):  
Vrushali P. Kale Vrushali Purushottam Kale

According to Ayurveda, Jatharagni plays main role in the digestion process. Jatharagni carries its functions through Pachaka pitta. Grahani is an organ of gastrointestinal tract located between Amashaya and Pakwashaya, where digestion takes place. According to classical literature Pitta is same as Agni. Tridosha also plays very important role in the digestion process. In the recent days, irregular life style affects the digestive system and Jatharagni very badly. Whenever Agni gets (Vikrut) unbalanced due to wrong food habits and lifestyle, it should be understood that along with Agni, Pachaka Pitta will also get disturbed. Agnimandya is the root cause of most of the disorders like Grahani. Grahani organ is the main location of Jatharagni. Grahani is the organ where Pachak Pitta and Samanvayu carry out digestion. The most important function of Grahani is digestion of food with the help of Jatharagni, Pachakpitta, Pittadhara Kala and Samnvayu. Agni inside the body, digest the food give strength and maintain health. Samanvayu regulates the movements of the Grahani and helps in digestion. Hence, in this article we attempt to analyze and correlate patho-physiology of Grahani with respect to Physiological analysis of Agni and disturbed doshas. Etiological factors induces imbalance in Jatharagni, Pachak Pitta and Samanvayu and prolonged imbalance state weakens the Pittadhara Kala, which results in disease Grahani. Health of Grahani entirely depends on balanced state of Jatharagni, Pachaka Pitta, Pittadhara Kala and Samanvayu. The irregular life style, incompatible food habits creates Ama causes Grahani, affecting the digestive system and Jatharagni very badly.


Author(s):  
Aleksey Borisovich Petrukhin

Gastroenterology belongs to one of the leading branches of therapy. In the structure of diseases of the internal organs, diseases of the digestive system occupy a particularly important place due to their high prevalence, which increases with age. As a rule, these diseases have a chronic, progressive, recurrent course, which ultimately leads to severe disorders of the activity of many organs and systems of the body. The article presents the basic requirements for the formation of a clinical diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are most common in the practice of a family doctor.


Author(s):  
O.E. Luneva ◽  

Food additives are positioned as harmless, although, their components affectthe physiological processes associated with the permeability of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and intestinal microbiota. This article describes thecarrageenan supplement and its effects on the body in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The experimental part is devoted to analysis of the intestinalmicrobiota of laboratory rats with the consumption of the carrageenan dietary supplement in the amount of about 4,4 % of the standard feed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Donizete Tavares Da Silva ◽  
Priscila De Sousa Barros Lima ◽  
Renato Sampaio Mello Neto ◽  
Gustavo Magalhães Valente ◽  
Débora Dias Cabral ◽  
...  

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (1) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic and a threat to global public health (2). The virus mainly affects the lungs and can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition, coronavirus 2 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARSCOV2) also has devastating effects on other important organs, including the circulatory system, brain, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document