MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

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Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of Soymilk Kefir

Harun KESENKAẞ, Nayil DĐNKÇĐ, Kemal SEÇKĐN, Özer KINIK, Siddik GÖNÇ, Pelin Günç ERGÖNÜL* and Gökhan KAVAS

Abstract: The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characterization of kefir samples produced from cow/soy milk mixtures was carried out during storage at refrigerated conditions. Gross composition of samples was very closely related except lactose contents. Tyrosine levels of kefirs were also very similar. Leucine contents were increased with the raised soymilk ratio. Serum separation increased during storage for all samples. The lowest viscosity value was obtained when the soymilk were mixed to cow milk in a ratio of 50:50. Lactic acid was the highest one among the other organic acids. Microbiological population was not affected with addition of soymilk significantly. Generally sensory scores decreased with increasing soymilk ratio.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Fermentation, LAB, organic acid, soymilk kefir, yeast.

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A simple and rapid differentiation method for combating therapeutically challenging planktonic and biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus

Salman Sahab Atshan,*, Mariana Nor Shamsudin, Leslie Than Thian Lung, Zamberi Sekawi and Chong Pei Pei

Abstract: The aim of the current study is to establish a simple and fast method that can be easily applied in hospitals for the differentiation of biofilm and planktonic Staphylococcus aureus strains. To achieve the objective, two reference strains, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) were examined using three types of methods; adhesion capacity of bacteria on polystyrene surfaces was verified using the quantification method followed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to confirm the production of biofilm. In addition, to make a meaningful comparison of biofilm cells in stationary phase with a planktonic phase, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was used. The results from this study demonstrated that the cells of the biofilm and planktonic cells can be differentiated by the simple MIC method. This study led to the development and improvement of methods for differentiation and detection of biofilm production of S. aureus.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Biofilm, methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus, microtiter plate, scanning electron microscope, minimum inhibitory concentration, vancomycin.

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The prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in large teaching hospital personnel

Hosain Zadegan, H.*, and Menati, S.

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent pathogens in nosocomial infections. We designed this cross-sectional study for evaluation of methicillin and vancomycin resistance in S. aureus strains that have been harbouring in the nasal nars of Shohadaie Ashayers hospital personnel (khorramabad, Iran). Samples were obtained by sterile cotton-wool swab moistened with normal saline rotation inside interior nares of 300 personnel and immediately point cultured on a section of mannitol salt agar. Suspected colonies confirmed by biochemical methods. Methicillin and vancomycin resistance of isolated strains was carried out by agar dilution according to recommendations of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Sixty-four (21.33%) out of 300 samples were nasal carriers for S. aureus; 16 (25%) and 4 (6.25%) of the carriers were methicillin resistant S. aureus and vancomycin intermediate S. aureus, respectively. One (0.33%) of the personnel was carrier for a strain that concurrently was methicillin and vancomycin resistant. No correlation was found between carriage with sex, age, ward and length of occupation, and predisposing diseases. Kind of occupation and level of education were significantly related with carrier state. This is the first report of S. aureus resistant strains from lorestan provinces of Iran. Percentage of S. aureus carriage in hospital personnel was consistent with other published reliable documents. Isolation of 4 vancomycin intermediate S. aureus and 1 vancomycin resistant S. aureus strains from studied personnel was the interesting findings of this study. Because of carrying of such resistant strains in hospital personnel and risks of transmission to patients it needs further attention of health officials.[...] Read More.

Keywords: S. aureus, nosocomial infections, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA), vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA).

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Survey frequency of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from urinary tract infection in Iran

Shila Jalalpour

Abstract: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are defined as β-lactamase capable of hydrolyzing third generation cephalosporin's and inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitor. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a one of the most prevalent infection in worldwide and is the second most common infection. Most of UTI are due to Escherichia coli. Antibiotic resistance in ESBLs strains is one of the emerging health related problem in the world nowadays. The present study was performed at Tow Tertiary Care Hospitals in Isfahan, Iran during a 14 month period (7th June, 2008 to 6th July, 2010). Standard microbiological methods were performed. In order to validate the ESBLs producing strains, the ceftazidim, ceftazidim clavulanic acid, cefotaxim, cefotaxim clavulanic acid (according to CLSI, 2010) were used by disk diffusion method. Results from 91 samples showed that the frequency of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains was 84/6 and 15/4% respectively, while the Frequency of ESBLs in E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains was obtained in 27 samples as 35/06% and 5 samples as 35/71%), respectively. According to result, there is high prevalence of ESBLs in E. coli and K. pneumoniae because the third generation cephalosporins are usually in the first line against too many severe infections. Justifiable use of this method will be an effective means of controlling and decreasing spread of ESBLs strains.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Extended spectrum beta lactamase, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae.

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Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESCHERICHIA COLI O157 isolated from traditional cheese, ice cream and yoghurt in Iran

Full Length Research Paper

Abstract: Verotoxin-producing of ESCHERICHIA COLI O157 is an increasingly common cause of severe gastrointestinal illness, enlisted among the most important emerging pathogens. The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of E. COLI O157 and E. COLI O157: H7 strains and to detect the presence of the STX1, STX2, EAE and EHXA insolates derived from 290 samples (120 samples from traditional fresh cheese, 120 samples from traditional ice cream and 50 samples from yoghurt). The samples were purchased from the Isfahan, Chaharmahal, Bakhtyari and Khuzestan provinces in Iran, over a period 6-month from August 2010 to February 2011. Standard cultural method and polymerase chain reaction were applied for these analyses. E. COLI O157 was detected in nine of the 290 (3.1%) samples tested (five isolated from traditional cheese and 4 isolated from traditional ice cream samples), whereas E. COLI O157: H7 was not detected in any samples. The genes STX1 and STX2 were detected in three E. COLI isolated obtained from traditional cheese samples none of the STX1, STX2, EAE and EHXA was detected in the E. COLI isolates obtained from traditional ice cream samples. Susceptibilities of nine E. COLI O157 isolates were determined for ten antimicrobial drugs using the disk diffusion assay. Resistance to ampicillin and gentamycin was the most common finding (44.4%), followed by resistance to erythromycin (33.3%), amoxicillin (11.1%), tetracycline (11.1%) and nalidixic acid (11.1%). All E. COLI O157 isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, and streptomycin. Thus, traditional cheese and ice cream manufactured from unpasteurized milk have appositional risk as a result of E. COLI O157 existence.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Escherichia coli O157, cheese, ice cream, yoghurt.

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Epidemiology of entamoeba infection in Sudan

Amir Saeed, Hadi Abd, Birgitta Evengård and Gunnar Sandström*

Abstract: The epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica infection in Sudan is poorly understood. This is due to the inability to differentiate E. histolytica from the non pathogenic, Entamoeba dispar. Old methods used such as direct microscopy and culturing are insensitive compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, light microscopy and PCR were utilized to study the prevalence of Entamoeba infection in patient attending University of Medical Science and Technology (UMST) hospital, in Khartoum, Sudan. By microscopy 196 stool samples were reported as positive for E. histolytica. PCR detected infections caused by E. histolytica in 54% (106 of 196), and Entamoeba dispar in 51% (100 of 196) of stool samples. By PCR also mixed infections were detected with both E. histolytica and E. dispar in 5% (10 of of stool samples. All 50 negative stool samples examined by microscopy were negative by PCR. The inability to distinguish E. histolytica from the morphologically similar E. dispar in stool samples is the main limitation of microscopic methods used mainly all laboratories in Sudan. All the 196 samples tested were reported positive for E. histolytica by microscopy but in this study it is shown that only 54% (106 of 196) were positive for E. histolytica. The other 51% (100 of 196) were positive for E. dispar, which were misdiagnosed as E. histolytica infections and mistreated with anti-amoebic drugs. Thus, PCR is recommended for detection and accurate identification of Entamoeba species in stool samples.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sudan.

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Growth and exopolysaccharide production by Weissella sp. from low-cost substitutes for sucrose

Chintana Tayuan*, Gerald W. Tannock and Sureelak Rodtong

Abstract: Homopolysaccharides produced from sucrose by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are of interest as natural additives to improve textural properties of foods. The production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) by WEISSELLA strains, which had been isolated from a traditional Thai food (plasom), was investigated using sugarcane molasses and white sugar from sugarcane as substrates in comparison to analytical grade sucrose. EPS production was evaluated at 30°C for 48 h. EPS production and bacterial growth were influenced by the type of carbon source used in culture medium. The highest EPS concentration was obtained in the medium supplemented with white sugar from sugarcane as a sole carbon source by WEISSELLA sp. PSMS4-4. The optimal concentration and factors affecting the production of EPS, that is, cultivation temperature and initial pH of medium, were determined. The highest EPS production of 8.65 g/l was attained in culture with an initial pH of 7.0, temperature of 30°C, and white sugar concentration of 5%. This study shows the first report on the production of WEISSELLA EPS using low-cost substitutes for sucrose and provides knowledge of factors influencing the production of the polymer.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Exopolysaccharide, sucrose, white sugar from sugarcane, lactic acid bacteria, Weissella.

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Prevention of emergence of fusidic acid and rifampicin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus using phytochemicals

Bhone Myint Kyaw, Shuchi Arora, Khaing Nwe Win and Lim Chu Sing Daniel*

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major causes of nosocomial and community infections. It has shown resistance to most of the currently available antibiotics and nicknamed ‘super bug’. Anti-staphylococcal activities of tannic acid, quercetin and gallic acid ethyl ester in combination with fusidic acid and rifampicin were determined against five strains of S. aureus, including three clinical strains. Tannic acid and quercetin were found to be synergistic with fusidic acid and rifampicin. The effects of these combinatory pairs on the adaptive resistance of S. aureus were also studied. The strains were studied for ten incubation cycles under continuous influence of fusidic acid/rifampicin alone and in combination with fixed dose of phytochemicals. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the exposed strains were determined after every cycle to study their resistance to the antibiotic. Based on the results at the end of the tenth cycle, the fusidic acid/rifampicin exposed strains gradually selected for resistance at higher MIC values. On the other hand, the combination exposed strains demonstrated stable MIC values for the antibiotics. The results suggested prevention or delay of fusidic acid and rifampicin resistance by adding synergistic phytochemicals.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic combination, phytochemicals.

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Hepatitis C virus infection in uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis: A follow up study for 150 months

Chen Yuqiang, Wang Niansong*, Sheng Xiaohua, Zhang Xiaoguang, Yan Yan, Yu Gang, Cui Yongping and Tang Lingquan

Abstract: We aimed to delineate the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV seroconversion (SC) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and to evaluate the effect of isolation measures on HCV in HD unit. From June 1998 to June 2010, 2465 maintenance HD patients in our HD unit were enrolled in, and the anti-HCV ELISA and HCV nucleic acid testing were consecutively performed every six months. The results showed the prevalence rates of HCV antibody detected consecutively every six months were 54.7, 53.8, 52.6, 53.0 , 51.2, 45.9, 45.5 and 48.2% before 2002 (without isolation measures) and 35.6, 33.7, 33.7, 31.7, 30.4, 28.4, 27.2, 24.5, 20.8, 19.4, 16.6, 14.4, 15.3, 15.2, 12.5, 11.9 and 10.0% since 2002 (with isolation measures), respectively. HCV SC occurred in 238 patients during the follow-up period. 1077 patients were followed for 1 to 12 months, of which 49 (4.5%) had SC for HCV. The SC rate increased to 75% in 8 patients followed for 139 to 150 months. Taken together, we conclude that the dialysis environment is responsible for transmission of HCV either due to common usage of the machines or to the fact that the HCV positive patients are not isolated. The application of isolated hemodialysis of anti-HCV positive patients plus strict supervised universal infection control techniques significantly effect on the long-term prevalence of HCV antibody and SC in HD patients.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Hemodialysis, hepatitis C virus, seroconversion, blood transfusion, nosocomial transmission.

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Antimicrobial activity of pomegranate rind peel extracts

Hany M. Yehia*, Manal F. Elkhadragy and Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim

Abstract: The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., is an ancient, mystical, unique fruit borne on a small, long-living tree cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region. Pomegranate is used in several systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. The synergistic action of the pomegranate constituents appears to be superior to that of single constituents. P. garantum, have been reported to have antimicrobial activity against a range of Gram positive and negative bacteria. Pomegranate formulations containing ferrous salts have enhanced although on short-term. The aim of this experiment is to determine the antimicrobial activities of combinations of pomegranate rind extract with range of metal salts with the addition of vitamin C. Phytochemical analyses was made to determine the active inhibitors in rind extract, including phenolics and flavonoids.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, pomegranate rind extract, phenolics, flavonoids.

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