Roumanian Archives Of Microbiology And Immunology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Abstracts of the 38th National Conference of Immunology. September 24-26, 2008.
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2008 · PMID 19548366
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Identification of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance qnr-like genes in Romanian clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Usein CR, Palade AM, Tatu-Chiţoiu D … +4 more , Ciontea S, Ceciu S, Nica M, Damian M
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507629
A collection of putative ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (119 isolates) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (122 isolates) originating from extraintestinal human specimens was screened for qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS-like genes by PCR. S...
A collection of putative ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (119 isolates) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (122 isolates) originating from extraintestinal human specimens was screened for qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS-like genes by PCR. Seven K. pneumoniae isolates, which were resistant to ciprofloxacin, were detected as carrying qnrA1-like genes, while one K. pneumoniae and one E. coli isolate were positive for qnrS-like determinant. The latter isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. This is the first study identifying qnr-like genes in our area. Further studies are needed to document the contribution of the plasmid mediated quinolone resistance to the increase in bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones in Romania.
Investigation of the influence of different physico-chemical parameters upon the susceptibility of planktonic and adherent Escherichia coli cells to beta-lactams and quinolones.
Drăcea O, Iordache C, Bucur M … +9 more , Bleotu C, Banu O, Ungureanu C, Cristea D, Lixandru MS, Larion C, Necula G, Lazăr V, Chifiriuc MC
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507628
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physico-chemical parameters on Escherichia coli susceptibility to ceftriaxone (CRO), cefotaxime (CTX), imipenem (IMP), and nalidixic acid (as marker fo...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physico-chemical parameters on Escherichia coli susceptibility to ceftriaxone (CRO), cefotaxime (CTX), imipenem (IMP), and nalidixic acid (as marker for resistance by impermeability). The influence of chemical composition of culture medium was evaluated by the comparative assessment of inhibition growth diameters on different solid media: Mueller Hinton Medium (MH), Plate Count Agar Medium (PCA), MacConkey Medium (MC) and Eosin Methylen Blue Medium (EMB). In order to evaluate the differences in antibiotic susceptibility between the biofilm embedded and planktonic cells, an original, simple experimental model was used, by including the bacterial cells in an agar layer, mimicking the biofilm matrix. Our results demonstrated that the inhibition diameter zone was much larger on PCA, EMB and MC than on MH, considered as general standard medium for the antibiosusceptibility testings (CLSI). When bacterial cells were included in the agar matrix, the growth inhibition diameters obtained for different beta-lactams proved to be different of planktonic cells, i.e.: for CTX, a narrow inhibition diameter was obtained, demonstrating the low efficiency of this antibiotic in the treatment of biofilm associated infections, whereas the CRO proved the same efficiency against planktonic as well as to agar embedded bacteria. The different susceptibility results obtained for the cells embedded in the agar matrix by an adapted disk diffusion method are pleading for the necessity to assess new adapted standard methods and specific parameters in the purpose to determine the antibiotic resistance of bacterial cells isolated from biofilm associated infections.
Comparative study of pathogenicity tests for Shigella spp. and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli strains.
Cristea D, Ceciu S, Chitoiu DT … +3 more , Bleotu C, Lazăr V, Chifiriuc MC
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507627
The purpose of this study was to optimize an in vitro pathogenicity model, as an alternative to Sereny test (on Guinea pigs). The study was performed on 13 Shigella spp. and 3 enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) strai...
The purpose of this study was to optimize an in vitro pathogenicity model, as an alternative to Sereny test (on Guinea pigs). The study was performed on 13 Shigella spp. and 3 enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) strains isolated in Romania between 2005 and 2007. The investigation implied the comparative evaluation between the Sereny test and Cravioto's adapted method for the assessment of the adherence and invasion capacity of the studied bacterial strains on HeLa cells, as well as the PCR detection of ipaH gene presence. The Sereny test was positive for all the strains tested. All strains adhered to the cellular layer, with a prevalent diffuse pattern for EIEC and an aggregative diffuse one for Shigella strains. The quantitative assessment of the invasion potential proved a high intracellular multiplication rate in 100% of the tested strains, with a progressive increase correlated with the incubation time. The present study has proven the existence of a good correlation between in vivo Sereny test and in vitro determination of the invasive capacity on eukaryotic HeLa cells, pleading for the utility of this test in identifying the invasive strains, taking into consideration the rigid regulations concerning the use of laboratory animals.
The in vitro susceptibility to 7 antibiotics of Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated last years in Romania.
Pană M, Ghiţă M, Levenet I … +3 more , Nica M, Botea S, Osz T
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507626
Thirty-one strains of Neisseria meningitidis strains coming from CSF, collected at the National Reference Center for Meningococci between January 2007-March 2008 were serogrouped and analysed for the susceptibility to 7...
Thirty-one strains of Neisseria meningitidis strains coming from CSF, collected at the National Reference Center for Meningococci between January 2007-March 2008 were serogrouped and analysed for the susceptibility to 7 antibiotics: penicillin (Pc), erythromycin (Em), ceftriaxone (Cro), cefotaxime (Ctx), ciprofloxacin (Cip), rifampin (Rif), sulfonamides (Sm). Results revealed that serogroup B accounted to the highest number of strains (51.7%), followed by serogroup C (35.5%), serogroup W 135 (6.4%) and serogroup X (6.4%). The data analysed according to EMGM revealed the following aspects: 100% susceptibility to Cro and Ctx., 96.7% susceptibility to Rif (MIC 50 and MIC 90 =0.03 mg/l) and 96.7% susceptibility to Cip (MIC 50 and MIC 90=0.0015 mg/l). Concerning Pc, it was revealed 58% susceptible strains, 38.7% intermediate and 3.3% resistant strains with MIC 50=0.06 mg/l and MIC 90=0.12 mg/l. A high proportion (100%) of isolates were fully resistant to Sm, while 22.6% of strains were resistant to Em. In conclusion, this study showed that Cro, Ctx, Cip and Rif were the most efficient drugs. Sulfonamides must be used neither for treatment nor for prophylaxis, as they would be ineffective. Serogroups B and C were predominant in this period in Romania. The need for new antimicrobial agents and vaccines is being felt in today's society.
In vivo experimental model for the study of the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of phenyllactic acid on Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity.
Chifiriuc MC, Bleotu C, Ditu LM … +6 more , Smarandache D, Săsărman E, Banu O, Drăcea O, Larion C, Veronica L
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507625
The discovery of communication systems regulating bacterial virulence has afforded a novel opportunity to control infectious bacteria without interfering with their growth. In this paper the authors describe the effect o...
The discovery of communication systems regulating bacterial virulence has afforded a novel opportunity to control infectious bacteria without interfering with their growth. In this paper the authors describe the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of phenyl-lactic acid (PLA) on the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus in holoxenic mice. The animals were inoculated by oral (p.o.), intranasal (i.n.), intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes with S. aureus wild and PLA-treated cultures. The mice were followed up during 16 days after infection and the body weight, mortality and morbidity rate were measured every day. The microbial charge was studied by viable cell counts in lungs, spleen, intestinal mucosa and blood. The present study has proved that PLA, besides its microbicidal activity, could attenuate in subinhibitory concentrations the virulence and pathogenicity of S. aureus strains, as demonstrated by in vivo holoxenic mouse infection experimental model. Our results are accounting for the hypothesis that subinhibitory concentrations of PLA, which are not affecting the bacterial cell viability, are probably interfering with the intracellular communication and the sequential and coordinated expression of different virulence factors, altering the success of this pathogen in the colonization of sensitive hosts and the development of an infectious process.
Subinhibitory concentrations of phenyl lactic acid interfere with the expression of virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains.
Chifiriuc MC, Diţu LM, Banu O … +6 more , Bleotu C, Drăcea O, Bucur M, Larion C, Israil AM, Lazăr V
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507624
The discovery of intra- and intercellular communication systems (quorum sensing systems) regulating bacterial virulence has afforded a novel opportunity to control infectious bacteria, without interfering with their grow...
The discovery of intra- and intercellular communication systems (quorum sensing systems) regulating bacterial virulence has afforded a novel opportunity to control infectious bacteria, without interfering with their growth. In this study, we investigated the ability of subinhibitory concentrations (sIC) of phenyl lactic acid (PLA), known to be produced by Lactobacillus probiotic strains, to attenuate the virulence and pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (as experimental model of intercellular bacterial communication in Gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (as experimental model of intercellular bacterial communication in Gram-positive bacteria) by interfering with the coordinated expression of different virulence factors implicated in the pathogenicity of these opportunistic strains. Our results showed that sIC of PLA decreased the ability of the tested strains to adhere both to the cellular and inert substrata and induced changes in the adherence patterns as well as in the cell morphology. The sIC of PLA induced a significant decrease of sheep red blood cells haemolysins, lecithinase and caseinase and stimulated lipase and gelatinase production by Pseudomonas strains. The sIC of PLA induced an important and constant increase of the Pseudomonas growth inhibition zones diameters for all tested antibiotics, demonstrating the potential use of PLA in the design of new synergic antimicrobial associations active on multiresistant and biofilm-growing P, aeruginosa strains. The present study has proved the role of sIC of PLA released by Lactobacillus probiotic strains in the attenuation of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus virulence and pathogenicity, by interfering with different processes depending on cell density and regulated by quorum sensing (i.e. growth rate, expression of adhesion molecules and secretion of soluble, enzymatic factors) and altering the success of these pathogens in the colonization of a sensitive host and the development of an infectious process. Our results demonstrate that this probiotic soluble products could be used as a new, ecological anti-infective strategy with great therapeutic and preventive value in the biomedical field (especially in the treatment of chronic infections produced by multiresistant and biofilm forming microorganisms), but also in the management of the environmental quality, agriculture and industrial field by reducing the chemical burden delivered in the external medium and by preventing the surfaces colonization with microorganisms and the development of natural biofilms.
Non-polio enteroviruses associated with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and facial paralysis (FP) cases in Romania, 2001-2008.
Persu A, Băicuş A, Stavri S … +1 more , Combiescu M
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507623
Acute flaccid paralysis is a complex clinical syndrome, with a wide variety of possible etiologies and with clinical manifestations that can vary according to age or geographical region. Enteroviruses (polioviruses and n...
Acute flaccid paralysis is a complex clinical syndrome, with a wide variety of possible etiologies and with clinical manifestations that can vary according to age or geographical region. Enteroviruses (polioviruses and non-polio enteroviruses) are among the viral agents that can cause AFP. AFP surveillance is important for public health through its use in monitoring poliomyelitis, in the context of the Global Initiative to eradicate this disease. The current paper aims to assess the non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) association with AFP and FP cases registered in Romania in the period 2001-2008 and to identify prevalent serotypes. Within the framework of Surveillance of AFP Cases Program, were collected samples from 579 children with AFP or FP (3.069 samples). The samples were processed and inoculated onto two types of cell culture (RD and L20B), according to WHO protocol. The identification of isolated viruses has been done by the reaction of seroneutralization with pools of specific antiserum and then with monospecific antiserum for confirmation. NPEV were isolated from 58 cases (123 positive samples). During the analyzed period, 23 NPEV serotypes have circulated (15 Echo serotypes and 8 coxsackie serotypes). The most frequently identified were the Echoviruses 13 and 11 and the coxsackie A viruses. 88% of positive cases have occurred in children between 1 and 5 years. As seasonal distribution, the peak of NPEV circulation was in the months August-September (36.2%). The paper provides information about NPEV circulation in Romania in the past 8 years, about its association with the AFP and FP and it indicates the need for monitoring NPEV circulation even after the eradication of poliomyelitis.
Comparison of tuberculin skin test with a whole-blood interferon gamma assay and ELISA, in HIV positive children and adolescents with TB.
Stavri H, Ene L, Popa GL … +6 more , Duiculescu D, Murgoci G, Marica C, Ulea I, Cus G, Popa MI
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507622
We compared the usefulness of three methods designed to diagnose latent tuberculosis [TB]: interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA], such as QuantiFERON-TB Gold [QFT-G], Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] serologic a...
We compared the usefulness of three methods designed to diagnose latent tuberculosis [TB]: interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA], such as QuantiFERON-TB Gold [QFT-G], Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] serologic assay and tuberculin skin test [TST] for diagnosis of TB in human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-1 infected children and adolescents, with microbiologically and/or histopathologically confirmed TB co-infection. The serum samples were obtained from 36 patients who were examined and tested by the three methods. The sensitivity was 38.8% for TST, 47.2% for IGRA (QFT-G) and 11.1% for ELISA. Out of 24 patients with severe immune suppression (CD4+ < 200 cells/ml), 6 had positive TST, i.e. sensitivity 25%, 10 positive QFT-G results, i.e. sensitivity 41.6%. 6 of the QFT-G results could not been determined. ELISA was positive only for one of them. Among the 12 patients without severe immune suppression (CD4+ > 200 cells/ml), 8 had positive TST, QFT-G was positive in 7 patients., 3 of QFT-G results could not been determined. ELISA was positive in 3/12 patients. Only 3 of these results were simultaneously positive with TST, QFT-G and ELISA. Our results demonstrated concordance between QFT-G and TST in HIV-infected children and adolescents diagnosed with TB. Since all the patients had active TB, it was not possible to calculate the specificity of the tests. ELISA had the lowest sensitivity, while QFT-G and TST sensitivities were comparable for the children and adolescents with CD4+ count >200 cells/ml. Further research is needed in HIV-1 positive children and adolescents with and without TB in order to validate rapid diagnosis methods for TB.
Role of cellular immunity in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis: update on CD4+T cells population studies.
Beşliu AN, Bănică LM, Lonescu R … +7 more , Predeţeanu D, Stăvaru C, Marica CM, Chiţonu C, Pistol G, Stefănescu M, Matache C
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2009 · PMID 19507621
Immunologic abnormalities observed in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients consist of chronic mononuclear cell infiltration of affected tissues, dysregulation of lymphokine and growth factor production, and autoantibodies p...
Immunologic abnormalities observed in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients consist of chronic mononuclear cell infiltration of affected tissues, dysregulation of lymphokine and growth factor production, and autoantibodies production. Expansion of CD4+T cells within the tissue seems to involve their activation that precedes this process. Therefore, CD4+T cells activation, as an early immune event, appears to be an important process in the development and maintaining of SSc. In SSc the disturbance of peripheral tolerance mechanisms could be also responsible for CD4+T cells activation. Consequently, we reevaluated CD4+T cells positive for CD25, GITR, CTLA-4, CD45RO, or Foxp3 in SSc patients, by comparison with healthy donors (HDs), and in correlation with clinical features of the disease. Our results reargued for activation of peripheral blood CD4+T cells in SSc patients. Thus, increased percentages of CD25+ and GITR+ CD4+T cells were found in SSc patients by comparison with HDs. Direct correlation between the percentage of GITR+CD4+T cells and disease activity recommended these cells as a good candidate for disease progression. In SSc patients, the negative regulators of T cells activation are also affected. Thus, CTLA-4+ and Foxp3+ CD4+T cell percentages were significantly reduced in SSc patients when compared to HDs. Indirect correlation between the percentage of CD152+CD4+T cells and autoantibodies (aScl70) presence or disease type highlighted the role of these cells in the disturbance of peripheral tolerance. The absence of the direct correlation between CD152+CD4+T cells and CD45RO+CD4+T cells, correlation observed only in HDs, raised the hypothesis that in SSc patients, memory T cells can be easily activated, and by consequence, they can enter within affected tissues. These data reconfirm the activation state of SSc CD4+T cells and point out some abnormalities in peripheral tolerance mechanisms that can contribute to SSc pathogeny.
New thioureides of 2-(4-methylphenoxymethyl) benzoic acid with antimicrobial activity.
Drăcea O, Larion C, Chifiriuc MC … +5 more , Raut I, Limban C, Niţulescu GM, Bădiceanu CD, Israil AM
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2008 · PMID 19496477
The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro, by means of qualitative and quantative methods, the antimicrobial activity of some new synthesized chemical compounds previously solubilized in DMF (Dimethyl formamide)...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro, by means of qualitative and quantative methods, the antimicrobial activity of some new synthesized chemical compounds previously solubilized in DMF (Dimethyl formamide). The qualitative screening of the susceptibility spectra of different microbial strains versus these compounds was performed by three adaptated diffusion methods: paper filter disk impregnation with the tested substances solutions, the disposal of tested solutions in agar wells and the spotting of tested solutions on solid medium previously inoculated with microbial suspension. The quantitative assay of the antimicrobial activity was performed by broth microdilution method in 96-well microplates in order to establish the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus) aureus sp., Bacillus subtilis sp.), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp., Klebsiella pneumonia sp.) and fungal strains (Candida albicans sp, Aspergillus nige rsp.). All tests were performed by comparison with the reference strains: K. pneumoniae IC 13420, E. coli IC 13529, S. aureus IC 13204, P. aeruginosa IC 13202, B. subtilis IC 12488, C. albicans IC 249, A. niger IC 13534. Our results indicated that the tested compounds exhibited specific antimicrobial activity, the highest activity being noticed against planktonic fungal cells (MIC ranging from 62.5 microg to 15.6 microg), followed by P. aeruginosa (MICs from 250 microg to 31.5 microg). Only few compounds exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria was noticed for the most of the tested compounds, five of them exhibiting very low MIC values (MICs from 1000 microg to 62.5 microg).
The role of proteins expressed under the stress condition in virulence of some Vibrio strains.
Iordache C, Oprea E, Bleotu C … +8 more , Dumitrescu D, Pîrcălăbioru G, Bucur M, Larion C, Lixandru M, Israil AM, Lazăr V, Chifiriuc MC
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2008 · PMID 19496476
In order to survive in changing environments, bacteria possess enormous adaptive capabilities that allow them to modulate their behavior and reprogram gene expression in response to environmental cues. Vibrios are inhabi...
In order to survive in changing environments, bacteria possess enormous adaptive capabilities that allow them to modulate their behavior and reprogram gene expression in response to environmental cues. Vibrios are inhabitants of estuarine and fresh waters and some species are pathogenic to humans, and marine vertebrates and invertebrates. Surface attachment is believed to be essential for colonization of all of these natural environments. Vibrio (V.) parahaemolyticus, an ubiquitous marine bacterium and human pathogen, seems to be particularly adapted to growth on surfaces or in biofilms. In response to its physical environment, V. parahaemolyticus induces the expression of a large number of genes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different physicochemical parameters (temperature and osmolarity) on the virulence factors expression in Vibrio strains using different conditions simulating environmental stress factors. Some of the tested strains displayed a decreased adherence capacity to the inert substrate under stressful conditions, and the adherence capacity on HeLa cell was generally reduced, while the soluble enzymatic factors showed only slight changes. However, it is to be noticed that the haemolysins and Kanagawa enterotoxin were better expressed at higher temperature and osmolarity, these factors probably contributing to the bacterial adaptation and survival in the extern medium of certain Vibrio species.
Erwinia amylovora strains isolated in Romania from outbreaks of fire blight disease: phenotypic characterization.
Măruţescu L, Sesan TE, Manole F
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2008 · PMID 19496475
The fire blight disease was described for the first time in Romania, in 1992. Since then by continuous spreading, this disease has caused severe damages of the fruit trees production, particularly of the pear and quince...
The fire blight disease was described for the first time in Romania, in 1992. Since then by continuous spreading, this disease has caused severe damages of the fruit trees production, particularly of the pear and quince orchards in different regions of the country, being advantaged by certain weather conditions (high temperatures and humidity). An epidemiological surveillance of this disease that was spreading over different regions of the country, has been instituted since 2002. During the year 2005 a total number of 785 samples were collected from the affected areas. The isolation and identification of Erwinia (E.) amylovora were performed on NSA and King's media and by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) assay using monoclonal antiserum. Four hundred and fifty strains proved levan-type colonies on sucrose nutrient-agar and were IF-positive. Biochemical characterization of 46 selected strains, by help of the API 20E system, revealed a great homogeneity, for 80% of the strains, belonging to one of the two major API 20E profiles described for E. amylovora, the 20% remaining strains showing minor differences. Hypersensitivity test performed on tobacco leaves was positive. Six of the selected strains were susceptible to streptomycin. The present study can be considered as the first attempt of phenotypic characterization of E. amylovora strains isolated from Romanian area.
Cytokines and HIV/AIDS: a critical look at the existing relationship between them.
Ekene OC
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2008 · PMID 19496474
Cytokines are a group of signalling polypeptides or glycoproteins secreted by cells of the body and like hormones and neurotransmitters, used extensively in cellular communication. They are involved in the innate immune...
Cytokines are a group of signalling polypeptides or glycoproteins secreted by cells of the body and like hormones and neurotransmitters, used extensively in cellular communication. They are involved in the innate immune response because they induce macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activation, generating inflammatory and chemotaxis processes. They also play a role in the adaptive immune response when they act on T and B lymphocytes, favouring the communication among different cell populations. Cytokines are involved in the early pathogenesis of HIV infection and disease progression as a component of immunologic dysregulation and immunodeficiency and as determinants controlling virus replication and could be classified in the following three functional groups: HIV-inductive cytokines; HIV-suppressive cytokines; and cytokines with both activating and inhibiting capacities (bifunctional cytokines). This review focuses on the mechanism of action of these molecules and their implication in different steps of the retrovirus life cycle, from binding to budding of the progeny virions from the infected cell.
Primary cell culture of human adenocarcinomas--practical considerations.
Lerescu L, Tucureanu C, Caraş I … +3 more , Neagu S, Melinceanu L, Sălăgeanu A
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2008 · PMID 19496473
Cell culture is one of the major tools for oncology research, being an excellent system in which to study the biochemistry and molecular biology associated with individual cancer types and to understand cancer cell physi...
Cell culture is one of the major tools for oncology research, being an excellent system in which to study the biochemistry and molecular biology associated with individual cancer types and to understand cancer cell physiology. Progress in understanding the biology of any type of carcinoma has been impeded by the inability to culture adequately malignant cells from most epithelial tissues. The ultimate in vitro tumor model would completely reflect the in vivo tumor microenvironment in function and mechanism. Unfortunately, such a model does not currently exist. Homogeneous cell lines that can be continuously propagated on plastic surfaces have been extensively used as a surrogate for tumor environment; however they are very different from the in vivo tumor cells. Model systems involving primary culture represent the situation most closely related to the original tissue although they have a number of disadvantages over cell lines, such as the limited ability to repeat studies with a well characterized culture system that can be used in multiple laboratories. The primary culture may contain many types of stromal and infiltrating cell types potentially complicating the interpretation of data. Yet, their properties better reflect the cellular interactions present in intact tissue. The present article reviews the critical steps in obtaining, routine maintenance and cryopreservation of primary tumor cell cultures, based on information from literature and personal experience on the subject. The article also includes an updated protocol for primary tumor cell isolation and culture.
Fungal control of pathogenic fungi isolated from wild plants in Taif Governorate, Saudia Arabia.
Abou-Zeid AM, Altalhi AD, Abd El-Fattah RI
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2007 · PMID 18928069
Twenty two plants were collected from Taif Governorate and identified as: Euphorbia glomerifera, Juniperus procera, Launaea mucronata, Capparis dcidua, Punica granatum, Opuntia ficus, Prunus persica, Eucalyptus globulus,...
Twenty two plants were collected from Taif Governorate and identified as: Euphorbia glomerifera, Juniperus procera, Launaea mucronata, Capparis dcidua, Punica granatum, Opuntia ficus, Prunus persica, Eucalyptus globulus, Medicago sativa, Artemisia monosperma, Trichodesma calathiforme, Artemisia judaica, Foeniculum vulgare, Phagnalon sinaicum, Rumex dentatus, Asphodelus aestives, Pulicaria crispa, Launae sonchoides, Forsskaolea tenacissima, Arnebia hispidissima, Avena spp and Aerva lanata. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from some of these plants and identified as Alternaria alternate, Ulocladium botrytis, Cladosporium spp, Cephalosporium spp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium oxysporum and Humicola grisea. Four antagonistic isolates were tested, 2 from Gliocladium fungus and 2 from Trichoderma fungus. We found that all the four antagonistic isolates (G. deliquescens, G. virens, T. viride and T. hamatum) significantly inhibited the radial growth of the pathogenic fungi tested, with different ratios. The results indicated that the antibiotics produced by the antagonists were more effective than the fungus itself and differ with different fungi. Coating plant stems with antagonists or with antagonist extracts reduce the severity of the disease but not prevent it in all tested pathogens.
A laboratory-based survey of Campylobacter infections in Prahova County.
Sorokin M, Usein CR, Irimia M … +1 more , Damian M
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2007 · PMID 18928068
In developing countries, as well as in many western countries, members of the genus Campylobacter are recognized as one of the most common cause of acute bacterial enteritis. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli i...
In developing countries, as well as in many western countries, members of the genus Campylobacter are recognized as one of the most common cause of acute bacterial enteritis. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolation rates have been shown to be equal to, and sometimes higher than those of other enteric pathogens. The Microbiology Laboratory of the local Public Health Authority in Prahova County conducted a one and a half-year laboratory-based survey of Campylobacter infections in patients suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms. From a total of 3284 stool samples screened, the culture-positive ones confirmed the bacterial etiology for 551 diarrhea cases. Campylobacter was found in 345 specimens, being the most frequently isolated enteropathogen. C. jejuni outnumbered C. coli species (239 vs. 106 isolates). Salmonella isolates were the second local cause of diarrhea. The highest isolation rate of Campylobacter was found in children 5 years of age (262 strains). The prevalence of campylobacteriosis declined with age. The isolation rate of Campylobacter (10.5%), the unimodal age-specific distribution of cases, as well as the identification of polymicrobial infections among the screened population were epidemiological aspects resembling reports on campylobacteriosis in developing countries. The susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates to various antimicrobial agents, including macrolides and fluoroquinolones was also assessed. Among the screened isolates, Erythromycin retained a good activity, while an increased ciprofloxacin resistance was observed. The information gathered through this local study sustains the importance of Campylobacter in the etiology of autochthonous infectious diarrhea. A development of a national surveillance program regarding the most important foodborne pathogens would be beneficial for improving prevention and controlling measures.
Epidemiological surveillance of syphilis patients in Colentina Hospital (Bucharest, Romania).
Sălăvăstru C, Ruşinoiu A, Pârvu A … +4 more , Constantin M, Panduru M, Popa GL, Tiplica GS
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2007 · PMID 18928067
Syphilis remains a global health problem with an estimated 12 million people infected each year. In Romania a decrease in the syphilis prevalence can be observed. From 2002 (12,702 cases) and 2003 (9,698 cases) until 200...
Syphilis remains a global health problem with an estimated 12 million people infected each year. In Romania a decrease in the syphilis prevalence can be observed. From 2002 (12,702 cases) and 2003 (9,698 cases) until 2006 (5,657 syphilis cases) the reduction can be explained through the intensified efforts of the Ministry of Pubic Health to fight STI. The decrease is probably not related to an improvement of the general health status and not a consequence of some epidemiological prevention and control measures but probably was done by the reorientation of the patients to the general practitioners and to the private practice medical offices and to the lack of reporting of the cases. In Colentina Hospital a similar abrupt decrease of new cases was registered from 2004 (259 cases) to 2006 (110 cases). General problems related to syphilis cases recorded at Colentina Hospital included the patient presentation for consultation in the advanced stages of the disease, the socio-economic and educational factors, proxenetism and the sexual aggression of minors. There is a need in strengthening of the public health component in the control and surveillance of HIV/AIDS and STI. This may need changes in the legal framework to improve reporting and to target vulnerable groups in prevention activities. Laboratory capacity needs to be increased in order to be able to properly diagnose STI and improve the control and patient management. The reporting needs to be improved and simplified as for reporting protocol, reporting forms, case definitions to be taken into account in the renewed STI surveillance.
Virulence and resistance markers in clinical and environmental Aeromonas strains isolated in Romania.
Chifiriuc MC, Israil AM, Larion C … +2 more , Alexandru I, Dobre G
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2007 · PMID 18928066
The virulence and resistance (R) features of 37 Aeromonas strains from diarrheal cases and 150 from the aquatic environment (isolated during cold and warm season) were tested at different incubation temperatures (4 degre...
The virulence and resistance (R) features of 37 Aeromonas strains from diarrheal cases and 150 from the aquatic environment (isolated during cold and warm season) were tested at different incubation temperatures (4 degrees C, 28 degrees C and 37 degrees C). When incubated at 4 degrees C temperature, the Aeromonasstrains isolated during the cold season expressed the highest number of virulence factors by comparison with the strains isolated during warm season and from diarrhoeal cases, the virulence spectrum increasing simultaneously with the incubation temperature (i.e. 28 degrees C and 37 degrees C) for all strains. Mucinase was the unique virulence factor constantly present in all three categories of strains at all three incubation temperatures. The aquatic as well as clinical strains exhibited similar R levels to ampicillin and colistin, while for the other tested antibiotics, the aquatic strains generally proved higher R levels than clinical strains, excepting cephtazidime. Plasmids of molecular weights ranging between 1904-21226 bp, were isolated in 36.5% of Aeromonas strains, some of them being correlated with specific R patterns. The large virulence spectrum correlated with high R in Aeromonas strains isolated from the aquatic medium is pleading for the significant role of these bacteria in the pathogenic potential of the natural reservoir possibly implicated in human pathology.
Detection of serum antibodies against Helicobacter pylori using a chromatographic immunoassay in outpatients.
Boboş C, Racz K, Spânu I
Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol · 2007 · PMID 18928065
OBJECTIVES: The presence of the antibodies against Helicobacter pylori was tested in 163 subjects (children and adults) in the outpatient department, in the years 2005 and 2006. METHODS: Of the 163 investigated patients...
OBJECTIVES: The presence of the antibodies against Helicobacter pylori was tested in 163 subjects (children and adults) in the outpatient department, in the years 2005 and 2006. METHODS: Of the 163 investigated patients 108 (66.3%) were females and 55 (33.7%) were males. The antibodies against Helicobacter pylori were determined by "One Step Helicobacter pylori Test Device (Serum/Plasma)" (ACON Laboratories, Inc.), a rapid, high quality chromatographic immunoassay using human antibodies against IgG immobilized and particles covered with Helicobacter pylori antigen, in contact with the serum of the tested subjects. RESULTS: Of the 163 investigated subjects, 60 (36.8%) presented a positive test suggesting the passage through the infection with Helicobacter pylori. The positive tests were found in adults, 1 case was a boy of 12 years and 5 cases were teenagers between 16 and 18 years. The incidence of the antibodies increased with age. Only 40% of the patients with positive test had a clinical diagnosis of gastritis or gastro-duodenal ulcer, the remaining patients presenting symptoms of chronic hepatitis, cholecystitis or urticaria. CONCLUSIONS: Antibody assay is considered by many authors as a simple, noninvasive, rapid method, applicable in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Other authors asserted that the performance of these assays is less satisfactory and the results should be confirmed by other tests, such as ureea breath test. High levels of antibodies against Helicobacter spp. were encountered in liver and biliary chronic diseases, suggesting a possible role of these bacteria in the development of hepatitis or cholecystitis.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe