scholarly journals The Many Faces of Enterococcus spp.—Commensal, Probiotic and Opportunistic Pathogen

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1900
Author(s):  
Beata Krawczyk ◽  
Paweł Wityk ◽  
Mirosława Gałęcka ◽  
Michał Michalik
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Enterococcus Spp ◽  
Probiotic Food ◽  
The Many ◽  
Gastro Intestinal Tract

Enterococcus spp. are Gram-positive, facultative, anaerobic cocci, which are found in the intestinal flora and, less frequently, in the vagina or mouth. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are the most common species found in humans. As commensals, enterococci colonize the digestive system and participate in the modulation of the immune system in humans and animals. For many years reference enterococcal strains have been used as probiotic food additives or have been recommended as supplements for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis and other conditions. The use of Enterococcus strains as probiotics has recently become controversial due to the ease of acquiring different virulence factors and resistance to various classes of antibiotics. Enterococci are also seen as opportunistic pathogens. This problem is especially relevant in hospital environments, where enterococcal outbreaks often occur. Their ability to translocate from the gastro-intestinal tract to various tissues and organs as well as their virulence and antibiotic resistance are risk factors that hinder eradication. Due to numerous reports on the plasticity of the enterococcal genome and the acquisition of pathogenic microbial features, we ask ourselves, how far is this commensal genus from acquiring pathogenicity? This paper discusses both the beneficial properties of these microorganisms and the risk factors related to their evolution towards pathogenicity.

scholarly journals Rehydration before Application Improves Functional Properties of Lyophilized Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HAC03

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1013
Author(s):  
Karina Arellano-Ayala ◽  
Juhwan Lim ◽  
Subin Yeo ◽  
Jorge Enrique Vazquez Bucheli ◽  
Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Tract ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Nitrogen Compounds ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Bacterial Surface ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Immunomodulatory Properties ◽  
Gastro Intestinal Tract ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Active Formulation

Preservation of probiotics by lyophilization is considered a method of choice for developing stable products. However, both direct consumption and reconstitution of dehydrated probiotic preparations before application “compromise” the survival and functional characteristics of the microorganisms under the stress of the upper gastro-intestinal tract. We evaluated the impact of different food additives on the viability, mucin adhesion, and zeta potential of a freeze-dried putative probiotic, Lactiplantibacillus (Lp.) plantarum HAC03. HAC03-compatible ingredients for the formulation of ten rehydration mixtures could be selected. Elevated efficacy was achieved by the B-active formulation, a mixture of non-protein nitrogen compounds, sugars, and salts. The survival of Lp. plantarum HAC03 increased by 36.36% compared rehydration with distilled water (4.92%) after passing simulated gastro-intestinal stress conditions. Cell viability determined by plate counting was confirmed by flow cytometry. B-active formulation also influenced Lp. plantarum HAC03 functionality by increasing its adherence to a Caco-2 cell-line and by changing the bacterial surface charge, measured as zeta potential.Hydrophobicity, mucin adhesion and immunomodulatory properties of Lp. plantarum HAC03 were not affected by the B-active formulation. The rehydration medium also effectively protected Lp. plantarum ATCC14917, Lp. plantarum 299v, Latilactobacillus sakei (Lt.) HAC11, Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) paracasei 532, Enterococcus faecium 200, and Lc. rhamnosus BFE5263.

scholarly journals Risk stratification for intestinal dysbiosis in hospitalized adult patients according to the National Dysbiosis Survey (INDIS)

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (35) ◽  
pp. 149-159
Author(s):  
Aline Okipney ◽  
Jéssica Romanelli Amorim de Souza ◽  
Antonio Carlos Ligocki Campos ◽  
Leticia Fuganti Campos ◽  
Paula Rodrigues Anjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Intestinal Dysbiosis ◽  
Very High

Introduction: The intestinal microbiota has a symbiotic relationship with the human being. Its alteration, known as dysbiosis, can result in several diseases. Some risk factors may predict the occurrence of this condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Dysbiosis Survey (INDIS) in the risk stratification of hospitalized adult patients that presented with intestinal dysbiosis. Methods: 100 patients hospitalized at the Hospital das Clínicas da UFPR were interviewed through INDIS. In this questionnaire, risk factors for dysbiosis of each patient were established and the dysbiosis degree was stratified in low, medium, high, and very high risk. Results: Most patients were classified as medium (43%) and high risk (39%) of dysbiosis. The univariate analysis revealed an association between the degree of dysbiosis and elderly patients (p=0.034), number of comorbidities (p<0.001), presence of diarrhea or constipation (p<0.001) and medication in use [antibiotic and/or proton pump inhibitor (PII); p<0.001]. In the multivariate analysis, the most important influence in classification was the presence of diarrhea or constipation (OR=3.00, 95% CI [1.73, 5.21] p<0.001) and medication in use (Score 3: OR = 53.4, 95% CI [2.73, 1045.5], p=0.009 and Score 4-8: OR = 1709.1, 95% CI [50.27, 58103.5] p<0.001), both independent predictors of high and very high risk of dysbiosis. Conclusion: The risk degree of intestinal dysbiosis is greater in the presence of diarrhea or constipation, the use of antibiotics and/or PII, and in elderly patients. Once the risks of dysbiosis have been defined, INDIS proved to be an effective and rapid tool for risk stratification of dysbiosis in the study population, future studies should determine the relevance of therapeutic interventions with the purpose of normalizing the intestinal flora.

scholarly journals Risk Factors and Microbiological Control of Soils, Surfaces and Medical-technical Equipment at the Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava University Hospital Center, Benin

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akim Socohou ◽  
Haziz Sina ◽  
Cyriaque C. Degbey ◽  
Helène Ahouandjinou ◽  
Houssenatou Gounou-Kora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Microbiological Control ◽  
Biochemical Analyses ◽  
The One ◽  
Staphylococcus Spp

Aims: The aim of our work was, on the one hand, to evaluate the risk factors for infectious contamination in hospital environments and, on the other hand, to carry out a microbiological control of surfaces at the Abomey-Calavi / So-Ava hospital in Benin. Methodology: The risk factors were evaluated using structured interviews based on the questionnaire. Fifty-five health care workers were surveyed and the questionnaire focused on: i) knowledge of care-associated infections and risk factors, ii) services most affected by care-associated infections and iii) origin of care-associated infections. For the microbial quality control of medical surfaces and materials, samples were collected by the dry swab method and the microbial isolation was carried out on Chapman and EMB agar plates. The biochemical analyses were carried out for the confirmations. Results: Out of 55 respondents, the 93% think that bacterial germs are often involved in care-associated infections. In addition, 80% of respondents believe that the healthcare environment may be the source of care-associated infections. Regarding the microbiological quality of the surfaces, out of 96 samples collected, 77% were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp and 30% with Enterobacteria. Concerning units’ contamination, the highest prevalence was observed in paediatrics with 92% of samples contaminated with Staphylococcus spp followed by the operating theatre (87%). Conclusion: It is clear from our work that hygiene managers must carry out preventive and corrective actions for the respect of the principles of hygiene. It would also be important to conduct regular microbiological monitoring of surfaces to identify any contamination.

scholarly journals Urinary Tract Infection Caused By Enterococcus Spp: Risk Factors And Mortality. An Observational Study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Alvarez-Artero ◽  
Amaia Campo Nuñez ◽  
Inmaculada Garcia Garcia ◽  
Moises Garcia Bravo ◽  
Olia Cores ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatment ◽  
Empiric Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Enterococcus Spp ◽  
Empiric Antibiotic ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Severe Comorbidity ◽  
Predictive Risk ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequently caused by Enterococcus spp. We aim to define the risk factors involved in UTIs caused by Enterococcus. Determine the overall mortality and predictive risk factors. Methods A retrospective in-patients study was conducted with bacteriemic UTIs caused by Enterococcus spp. We compared bacteriemic UTIs caused by Enterococcus spp. vs. a random sample of 100 in-patients with bacteriemic UTIs caused by others enterobacteria. Results We found 106 in-patients with UTIs caused by Enterococcus spp., 51 of whom had concomitant positive blood cultures. Distribution by species was: 83% E. faecalis and 17% E. faecium, with a Charlson comorbidity index of 5.9 ± 2.9. When we compared bacteriemic UTIs caused by Enterococcus spp. vs. bacteriemic UTIs caused by others enterobacteria we found the following independent predictors of bacteriemic UTI by Enterococcus: male sex with an OR of 6.1 (95%CI 2.3–16.1), uropathy with an OR of 4.1 (1.6–10.1), nosocomial infection with an OR of 3.8 (1.4–10.3), urinary cancer with an OR of 6.4 (1.3–30.3) and previous antimicrobial treatment with an OR of 18 (5.2–62.1). Overall, in-patient mortality was 16.5%, which was associated with a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (> 4), severe comorbidity such as immunosuppression, malignant hemopathy and nephrostomy, or Enterococcus faecium species and its pattern or resistance to ampicillin or vancomycin (p < 0.05). Appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy was not associated with a better prognosis (p > 0.05). Conclusions Enterococcus spp. is a frequent cause of complicated UTI by a profile of risk factors. High mortality secondary to a severe clinical setting and high comorbidity may be sufficient reasons for implementing empiric treatment of patients at risk, although we did not show a higher survival rate in patients with this treatment strategy.

U.S. Center for SafeSport: Preventing Abuse in Sports

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Johnson ◽  
Katie Hanna ◽  
Julie Novak ◽  
Angelo P. Giardino
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sport Organizations ◽  
The Many ◽  
And Training ◽  
The U.S

While society at large recognizes the many benefits of sport, it is important to also recognize and prevent factors that can lead to an abusive environment. This paper seeks to combine the current research on abuse in the sport environment with the work of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The inclusion of risk factors unique to sport and evidence-informed practices provides framing for the scope and response to sexual abuse in sport organizations in the United States. The paper then explores the creation and mission of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including the role of education in prevention and of policy, procedures, audit, and compliance as important aspects of a comprehensive safeguarding strategy. This paper provides preliminary data on the reach of the Center, established in 2017. This data captures the scope of education and training and the increase in reports to the Center from within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections at a Midwestern Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Study of 365 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire E Hannah ◽  
Bradley A Ford ◽  
Jina Chung ◽  
Dilek Ince ◽  
Karolyn A Wanat
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mycobacterium Avium ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Mycobacterium Avium Complex ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Infection Prevalence

Abstract Background The prevalence of infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is increasing worldwide, yet little is known about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of these ubiquitous environmental organisms. Pulmonary disease due to Mycobacterium avium complex is most prevalent, but many other NTM species can cause disease in virtually any organ system. As NTM becomes an increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality, more information is needed about the epidemiology of NTM disease. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with cultures that grew NTM at a Midwestern tertiary hospital from 1996 to 2017. Information on demographics, medical history, clinical findings, treatment, and outcome was obtained from medical records of all NTM isolates. American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria were used to define pulmonary NTM infections. Results We identified 1064 NTM isolates, 365 of which met criteria for NTM infection. Pulmonary cases predominated (185 of 365; 50.7%), followed by skin/soft tissue (56 of 365; 15.3%), disseminated (40 of 365; 11%), and lymphatic (28 of 365; 7.7%) disease. Mycobacterium avium complex was the most common species (184 of 365; 50.4%). Individuals aged &gt;50 years were most affected (207 of 365; 56.7%). Common comorbidities included structural lung disease (116 of 365; 31.8%), use of immunosuppressive medications (78 of 365; 21.4%), malignancy (59 of 365; 16.2%), and human immunodeficiency virus (42 of 365; 11.5%). Conclusions This large cohort provides information on the demographics, risk factors, and disease course of patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary NTM infections. Most patients had medical comorbidities that resulted in anatomic, genetic, or immunologic risk factors for NTM infection. Further population-based studies and increased disease surveillance are warranted to further characterize NTM infection prevalence and trends.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Cardioncology: From Cardiometabolic Risk Factors to Outcomes in Cancer Patients

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3316
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Quagliariello ◽  
Annamaria Bonelli ◽  
Antonietta Caronna ◽  
Gabriele Conforti ◽  
Martina Iovine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
World Health ◽  
Fulminant Myocarditis ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Cardiovascular Side Effects ◽  
Viral Illness ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Gastro Intestinal Tract

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible viral illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has been defined by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, considering its remarkable transmission speed worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and TMPRSS2, which is a serine protease both expressed in lungs, the gastro-intestinal tract, and cardiac myocytes. Patients with COVID-19 experienced adverse cardiac events (hypertension, venous thromboembolism, arrhythmia, myocardial injury, fulminant myocarditis), and patients with previous cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of death. Cancer patients are extremely vulnerable with a high risk of viral infection and more negative prognosis than healthy people, and the magnitude of effects depends on the type of cancer, recent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery and other concomitant comorbidities (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome). Patients with active cancer or those treated with cardiotoxic therapies may have heart damages exacerbated by SARS-CoV-2 infection than non-cancer patients. We highlight the cardiovascular side effects of COVID-19 focusing on the main outcomes in cancer patients in updated perspective and retrospective studies. We focus on the main cardio-metabolic risk factors in non-cancer and cancer patients and provide recommendations aimed to reduce cardiovascular events, morbidity, and mortality.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal Disorders and Metabolic Syndrome: Dysbiosis as a Key Link and Common Bioactive Dietary Components Useful for their Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4929
Author(s):  
Anna De Filippis ◽  
Hammad Ullah ◽  
Alessandra Baldi ◽  
Marco Dacrema ◽  
Cristina Esposito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
High Rate ◽  
World Population ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis ◽  
Dietary Components

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, which include gastrointestinal reflux disease, gastric ulceration, inflammatory bowel disease, and other functional GI disorders, have become prevalent in a large part of the world population. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is cluster of disorders including obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, and is associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Gut dysbiosis is one of the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of both GI disorder and MS, and restoration of normal flora can provide a potential protective approach in both these conditions. Bioactive dietary components are known to play a significant role in the maintenance of health and wellness, as they have the potential to modify risk factors for a large number of serious disorders. Different classes of functional dietary components, such as dietary fibers, probiotics, prebiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and spices, possess positive impacts on human health and can be useful as alternative treatments for GI disorders and metabolic dysregulation, as they can modify the risk factors associated with these pathologies. Their regular intake in sufficient amounts also aids in the restoration of normal intestinal flora, resulting in positive regulation of insulin signaling, metabolic pathways and immune responses, and reduction of low-grade chronic inflammation. This review is designed to focus on the health benefits of bioactive dietary components, with the aim of preventing the development or halting the progression of GI disorders and MS through an improvement of the most important risk factors including gut dysbiosis.

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