A Microbial Monitoring System Demonstrated on the International Space Station Provides a Successful Platform for Detection of Targeted Microorganisms

Closed environments such as the International Space Station (ISS) and spacecraft for other planned interplanetary destinations require sustainable environmental control systems for manned spaceflight and habitation. These systems require monitoring for microbial contaminants and potential pathogens that could foul equipment or affect the health of the crew. Technological advances may help to facilitate this environmental monitoring, but many of the current advances do not function as expected in reduced gravity conditions. The microbial monitoring system (RAZOR® EX) is a compact, semi-quantitative rugged PCR instrument that was successfully tested on the ISS using station potable water. After a series of technical demonstrations between ISS and ground laboratories, it was determined that the instruments functioned comparably and provided a sample to answer flow in approximately 1 hour without enrichment or sample manipulation. Post-flight, additional advancements were accomplished at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA, to expand the instrument’s detections of targeted microorganisms of concern such as water, food-borne, and surface microbes including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Aeromonas hydrophilia. Early detection of contaminants and bio-fouling microbes will increase crew safety and the ability to make appropriate operational decisions to minimize exposure to these contaminants.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial of P. vesicularis, Streptococcus faecalis, Aeromonas hydrophilia, Salmonela typhae, Stphylococcus cohni, Serratia ficaria and E. coli. of crude and n-butanol fraction fruit latex of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae)

The current study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of crude and N-Butanol fraction latex of C. papaya. Methods: in vitro antimicrobial activity The test organisms were P.vesicularis, streptococcus faecalis, Aeromonas hydrophilia, Salmonela typhae, Stphylococcus cohni, Serratia ficaria and E.coli. Ciprofloxacin was used as a control for investigating the bacterial species. The Zone of inhibition was determined forconcentration ranging from 12.5mg/ml to 50mg/ml. (12.5mg/ml, 25mg/ml, 37.5mg/ml, and 50mg/ml). Antibacterial activity tested for well diffusion method. Conclusion: It is concluded that the latex of C.papaya probably contains some valuable antimicrobial compounds that are crucial for inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria and suggesting this for applying the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections.

Aeromonas hydrophilia-infected nonunion of a closed tibial fracture in a healthy adolescent: A case report

Aeromonas hydrophilia can cause soft tissue infection in both immunocompromised and healthy persons. A healthy 15-year-old adolescent fell into a ditch after a scooter accident and sustained a right distal tibial shaft closed fracture, a right femoral shaft closed fracture, and a dirty laceration over the medial aspect of the distal thigh above the right knee. After empiric antibiotics and radical debridement of the contaminated wound, a femoral interlocking nail and tibial external fixator were applied. However, acute osteomyelitis later presented in his femur and tibia, and Aeromonas hydrophilia grew in cultures from the knee wound and the fracture sites. During the follow-up, his tibia became an infected nonunion, and was successfully treated with the induced membrane technique. In an otherwise healthy patient with a closed fracture, Aeromonas hydrophilia can cause acute osteomyelitis and necrotizing fasciitis by spreading from a nearby contaminated wound. Exposure to water is a risk factor for Aeromonas hydrophilia infection.

Aeromonas Hydrophilia as a Rare Cause of Septic Arthritis in a Hemodialysis Patient

Septic arthritis usually represents a direct invasion of joint space by various microorganisms, most commonly caused by bacteria. Most of the time, it is caused by Staphylococci spp. or Streptococci spp. This is a case of a 70-year-old Chinese man with underlying end stage renal failure on regular hemodialysis who presented with recurrent right shoulder pain and swelling. He was diagnosed with right shoulder septic arthritis whereby arthrotomy was performed. Intra-operative tissue specimen from his right shoulder grew Aeromonas hydrophilia which was susceptible to ceftriaxone, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. He was given intravenous cefepime for 21 days and discharged after treatment completed. J MEDICINE JUL 2020; 21 (2) : 113-116

Fulminant Septicemia from Aeromonas hydrophilia in a Nonmobile Diabetic Patient

We report an unusual case of Aeromonas hydrophilia septicemia in a nonmobile diabetic patient secondary to contaminated well water used for bathing with a portal of entry through chronic forefoot and heel ulcers. To date, there are no documented cases similar to this patient's presentation. Aeromonas hydrophilia is commonly distributed among aquatic environments and tends to be found during warmer months. It is a rare cause of disease but can be life threatening and deadly, as in our case, in immunocompromised individuals. As podiatric physicians, we must remain diligent and have a high index of suspicion to identify patients at risk for this rare but serious infection and administer treatment aggressively to limit morbidity and mortality.