Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Kei Amemiya
US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, USA
Keynote: Host-pathogen interactions by clinical strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei in a murine model of melioidosis
Time : 10.00AM
Biography:
Dr. Kei Amemiya is a Principal Investigator in the Bacteriology Division at the US Army Medical Reseach Institute of Infectious Diseases. He has been at USAMRIID since 1999 and has been involved in developing vaccine candidates against plague, glanders, and melioidosis. His interest has been in studying the host’s immune response to the pathogen and vaccines in small and large animal models. Before coming to USAMRIID, he was at the National Institutes of Health and Georgetown University, where he was studying the host response to bacterial and viral pathogens or autoimmune diseases in humans.
Abstract:
Melioidosis, which is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in South-East Asia and Northern Austrialia, but it is not well known in other parts of the world. It is the third leading cause of disease in the endemic area behind tuberculosis and HIV. Pneumonia is the most frequent clinical presentation observed in melioidosis patients, and diabetes is the most common risk factor for the disease. The high susceptibility of these latter patients to infection by B. pseudomallei is an enigma that appears to be associated with an immunocompromised immune system, but it does not make HIV/AIDS patients more susceptible to melioidosis. One problem with diagnosis of melioidosis is that the clinical presentation may mimic other chronic infections like tuberculosis. There appears to be many different strains of B. pseudomallei that can cause melioidosis, and they may display different clinical presentations that make diagnosis more difficult. In addition, the pathogen tends to be highly drug resistant that makes treatment of the disease uncertain. Because of these inherent complications, we have been evaluating different human clinical isolates of B. pseudomallei in murine models of melioidosis to characterize their virulence. We see two different types of host response to infection by the strains of B. pseudomallei, depending on the strain of mice used in the studies. BALB/c mice are more easily acutely infected by the pathogen, while C57BL/6 mice tend to be much more resistant to infection. These differences in the host will be presented as well as the host’s response to the pathogen in chronically infected mice.
- Track 3: Bacterial Identification Methods
Track 7: Veterinary Bacteriology
Track 8: Natural Microbial Defenses and Immunity
Chair
Francis J Castellino
University of Notre Dame USA
Co-Chair
Kei Amemiya
US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, USA
Session Introduction
Francis J. Castellino
University of Notre Dame, USA
Title: Interactions of the Bacterial and Host Systems in the Persistence of Group A-Streptoccal Infections in Humans
Biography:
Francis J. Castellino is the Kleiderer-Pezold Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the WM Keck Center for Transgene Research at the University of Notre Dame. This research group has studied the hemostasis system and its relation to infection and inflamation for over 40 years. He has coauthored more that 400 peer reviewed manuscripts in these areas
Abstract:
The virulence determinants of Gram-positive streptococci are more complex than those of Gram-negative strains. For Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a primary virulence factor. In the case of the human pathogen, Gram-positive group A-streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), we have examined by genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics that several factors play various roles as virulence determinants. These include cell wall components, innate immune diversions, and other manners of avoiding the host-response. Genes acquired by GAS strains via horizontal transfer, function in virulence through acquisition of host human plasminogen which allows dissemination of the bacteria into deep tissue. The products of these genes attempt to defeat both innate and acquired immunity of the host. These virulence factors are under control of one-component and two-component bacterial regulatory systems, which regulate gene expression as needed at different stages during infection. This talk will detail the functions of bacterial virulence determinants and their dynamic interplay with the innate and acquired immune system of the host
Kei Amemiya
US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, USA
Title: Host-pathogen interactions by clinical strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei in a murine model of melioidosis
Biography:
Biography Dr. Kei Amemiya is a Principal Investigator in the Bacteriology Division at the US Army Medical Reseach Institute of Infectious Diseases. He has been at USAMRIID since 1999 and has been involved in developing vaccine candidates against plague, glanders, and melioidosis. His interest has been in studying the host’s immune response to the pathogen and vaccines in small and large animal models. Before coming to USAMRIID, he was at the National Institutes of Health and Georgetown University, where he was studying the host response to bacterial and viral pathogens or autoimmune diseases in humans.
Abstract:
Melioidosis, which is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in South-East Asia and Northern Austrialia, but it is not well known in other parts of the world. It is the third leading cause of disease in the endemic area behind tuberculosis and HIV. Pneumonia is the most frequent clinical presentation observed in melioidosis patients, and diabetes is the most common risk factor for the disease. The high susceptibility of these latter patients to infection by B. pseudomallei is an enigma that appears to be associated with an immunocompromised immune system, but it does not make HIV/AIDS patients more susceptible to melioidosis. One problem with diagnosis of melioidosis is that the clinical presentation may mimic other chronic infections like tuberculosis. There appears to be many different strains of B. pseudomallei that can cause melioidosis, and they may display different clinical presentations that make diagnosis more difficult. In addition, the pathogen tends to be highly drug resistant that makes treatment of the disease uncertain. Because of these inherent complications, we have been evaluating different human clinical isolates of B. pseudomallei in murine models of melioidosis to characterize their virulence. We see two different types of host response to infection by the strains of B. pseudomallei, depending on the strain of mice used in the studies. BALB/c mice are more easily acutely infected by the pathogen, while C57BL/6 mice tend to be much more resistant to infection. These differences in the host will be presented as well as the host’s response to the pathogen in chronically infected mice.
Biography:
Qingshan Huang has completed his PhD from Fudan University and postdoctoral studies from Fudan University Life School. He is an associate professor at Fudan University. He is interested in the development of anti-infective and anti-tumor protein agents by using molecular biology, cell biology, bioinformatics and other approaches. He has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Lysins are murein hydrolases encoded by bacteriophage and can kill bacteria effectively. To obtain highly effective antibacterial lysins, we need to systematically analyse the activity of its catalytic domains. The coding sequence of the catalytic domain of Ply187 (CHAPPly187) was synthesized and constructed into a recombinant expression plasmid to generate pET28a-CHAPPly187, which was transformed into a BL21(DE3) E. coli strain. The recombinant CHAPPly187 protein was produced by IPTG induction, and purified by a two-step method, reaching >95 percent purity. Compared with the catalytic domain of lysostaphin (CATLysn), CHAPPly187 showed similar antibacterial potency and the activity was similarly affected by a series of metal ions. CHAPPly187 however showed a much broader antibacterial spectrum, exhibited optimal activity in a wider range of the pH, and could tolerate higher ionic strength. The research work will help to design potent recombinant lysins against drug resistant bacteria.
Tahir Yaqub
University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Paksitan
Title: Comparative Diversity Of Bacterial Population and Phylogenetic analysis of K99 Fimbrial gene of ETEC isolated from Healthy And Diarrheic Calves, Punjab, Pakistan
Biography:
Prof. Dr. Tahir Yaqub has completed his PhD in veterianry Microbiology in 1998 from Unievrsity of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan and postdoctoral studies from Institute of Animal Health, Compton, UK in 2008. He is the Professor of Microbiology at University of veterianry and Animal Sciences of Lahore. He has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. He is a Senior Member of the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Lahore where his works focuses on promoting student skills and guide them to be a good researcher. He serves as one of the program’s lead trainers.
Abstract:
Calf diarrhea among dairy herds in Pakistan is a major cause of neonatal calf mortality causing immense economic losses in terms of high morbidity and mortality. It is a complex disease caused by several types of bacteria especially Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In Pakistan, little information is available about ETEC sequence data and relatedness with geographically distributed strains. In present study from ten districts of Punjab province rectal feces were collected from healthy and diarrheic (n=400) cattle and buffalo calves of age <3months. These samples were processed for bacterial isolation, biochemcial identification and sunsequently sequencing of 16S rRNA and K99 fimbrial gene of ETEC. The results indicate that the prevalence of E. coli was significantly high in both cattle and buffalo diarrheic calves (P< 0.00) followed by Salmonella species. Klebsiella pneumoniae was significantly found from all healthy cattle calves (P< 0.002), followed by Enterobacter aerogenes (P= 0.005). Whereas, in diarrheic buffalo calves, Enterobacter aerogenes (P< 0.021) followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (P< 0.048) and Enterobacter cloacae (P< 0.036) were found while no isolation of Proteus mirabilis. The characterization and phylogenetic analysis of K99 gene and 16SrRNA indicates that the local strain has evolved from the strains of geographically diverse regions and is distantly related. This difference in genetic makeup of local ETEC may depict the possibility of recombination within a clonal structure. Additional studies are required to ascertain the spatial distribution of bacterial pathogens of calf diarrhea and control measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality in calves population of Pakistan.
Rishein Gupta
University of Texas at San Antonio, USA
Title: Host MicroRNAs Contribute to Immunity and Development of Pathology in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Biography:
Dr. Gupta is currently pursuing his research in the laboratory of Dr. Bernard Arulanandam at the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, SA, TX, USA. Prior to joining Dr. Arulanandam’s laboratory, Dr. Gupta received his Doctoral degree from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, and National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India in 2009. His doctoral studies focused on investigating host immunity in cohorts of Chlamydia infected women with reproductive sequelae. Dr. Gupta’s expertize as a clinical immunologist has been further enhanced through his current research on the role of host immune factors and genital chlamydial infections in animal models including mice and guinea pigs. His current focus includes investigating the role of host factors including microRNAs in regulating anti-chlamydial immunity.
Abstract:
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the leading cause of human bacterial sexually transmitted infections. In humans, genital Ct infection lead to reproductive sequelae including fibrosis, tissue damage and inflammation. Although molecular events leading to genital tissue exacerbation and tissue remodeling are unclear, early stage host immune responses may lead to collateral damage in the form of upper genital pathological sequelae. Given that immune responses are regulated by non-coding RNA species namely microRNAs (miRs), the objective of this study was to determine signatures miRs and decipher mechanistic contribution of selected miRs in early stage immune responses and subsequent development of pathology. Using the murine model of genital Ct, C57BL/6 wild type (WT) were intravaginally infected with Ct and cellular infiltrates (flow cytometry), miRs and putative targets (real-time PCR and mass spectrometry) and genital pathology was analyzed. Ex vivo genital cell cultures manipulated with miR agonists and antagonists were used for gain and loss of function validation. We found Ct infection in C57BL/6 genital tract significantly regulated selected miRs at early stages of infection post challenge. Amongst these, miRs-125b, -182, -214 and 30c were significantly altered and in vitro knockdown analyses with specific inhibitors resulted in increase in Ct infectivity corroborating our in vivo findings. Additionally, in vivo miR-214 was observed to regulate intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and neutrophil infiltration affecting development of upper genital pathology in an IL17A dependent manner. These findings provides evidence for early stage regulation of immune responses via host miRs affecting development of genital pathology.
BrunilÃs Burgos-Rivera
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
Title: Macrolide susceptibility of Bordetella pertussis in the United States, 2011-2015
Biography:
Brunilís Burgos-Rivera completed her PhD in Genetics from the University of Georgia in 2012. Currently, she is a microbiologist at the Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) working as a contractor. She has served as the Laboratory Coordinator for the Latin American Pertussis Project, a collaboration between CDC, Sabin Vaccine Institute, Pan American Health Organization, and the Ministries of Health in select Latin American Countries to strengthen pertussis surveillance and diagnostics in the Region. More recently, she has been selected as a Fellow to the CDC Laboratory Leadership Service, Class of 2016
Abstract:
Although rare, macrolide resistance in Bordetella pertussis has been reported in some countries more frequently since 2012. We evaluated current U.S. B. pertussis isolates for susceptibility to erythromycin and azithromycin and optimized a PCR assay for testing erythromycin resistance directly on nasopharyngeal specimens (NPS). 1208 B. pertussis isolates collected 2011-2015 from 7 states with enhanced pertussis surveillance, 2 states with large pertussis outbreaks, and 6 states with sporadic cases were tested for susceptibility to erythromycin and azithromycin by disk diffusion. Plates were incubated for 7 days to check for the heterogeneous resistance phenotype. In addition, 54 DNA NPS extracts from 6 states were tested by a PCR targeting the V domain of the 23S rRNA gene, which harbors the A2047G mutation conferring macrolide resistance. PCR primers were designed using the Chinese B. pertussis vaccine strain as a reference. Two PCR reactions were performed for each DNA extract allowing for the identification of susceptibility patterns by gel electrophoresis. All isolates were susceptible to both macrolides, with zones of inhibition of at least 45 mm after 3 days. No isolates produced the heterogeneous phenotype after 7 days. Out of the 54 DNA extracts tested, 48 were erythromycin susceptible by PCR. Six DNA extracts yielded no PCR products, attributed to DNA degradation or poor specimen quality. No DNA extracts harbored the mutation that confers macrolide resistance. Although macrolide resistance in B. pertussis does not appear to be a current problem in the U. S., systematic monitoring is crucial. Testing NPS by PCR will allow us to quickly identify resistant cases whether or not an isolate is available.
Nadia Mukhtar
University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Paksitan
Title: Antimicrobial Resistance Genes In Salmonella Isolates From Poultry Drinking Water
Biography:
Ms. Nadia Mukhtar is a PhD candidate in Department of Microbiology at University of Veterianry and Animal Sciences of Lahore. Currently working as Instructor Microbology at Virtual University of Pakistan. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals. She has won a Scientific Exchange Award as the part of AAAS BMENA Scientific Exchange Program, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, 2013. She got a training on Metagenomic investigations of respiratory infections of Sheep at Harvil’s Lab, PennState University, USA, 2014. She got a certificate from Universite de Lauzanne in a Pasteur International Workshop on Surveillance and Control of Rabies Phnom Penh, at Institute Pasteur Du Cambodia, 2015.
Abstract:
Salmonella species are among the most common causes of human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and food animals specially poultry are important reservoirs of this bacteria. In recent years, due to increase in the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance spp. of Salmonella, fatality rate for Salmonellosis is increasing significantly. In the context of exploring the emergence of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella species, present study was planned. Salmonella isolation was performed by collecting samples from poultry rearing and slaughtering areas with recovery rate about 29.3 %. Bacterial colonies of red color with black center were appeared on the XLD agar plates and then confirmed by biochemical tests. Then multi-drug resistance of the isolates was examined by disk diffusion method. Resistant samples were further analyzed for the detection of various tet genes (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetG). PCR confirmed the presence of tetA in all the Salmonella positive samples while tetB was present in combination with tetA gene only in 16 samples. No amplification of tetC, tetD and tetG was examined. Our results illustrate that commonly used antibiotics, especially Tetracycline is showing decline in efficacy due to increasing antimicrobial resistance in locally isolated Salmonella from poultry samples. These findings indicate that local population of Salmonellacontains the tetA alone or in combination with tetB gene and are likely played an important role in transmission of antimicrobial resistance determinants among Salmonella strains.
Iracheta Villarreal Jesús Mario
Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico
Title: Miocrobiote Identification In Marine Systems And Their Potential Use As Antagonists Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Biography:
With 22 years old, Jesús Mario Iracheta Villarreal has sarted a Microbiology Master in the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. He has a Químico Bacteriólogo Parasitólogo degree from the same university and its planning on doing a PhD in the future. His interests are the microbiology in general and the micribiota of environments
Abstract:
Pathogens diseases have increased over the years due to the emergence of drug resistant strains. The use of antagonistic microorganisms against these resistant organisms is an alternative to combat infectious diseases that cause in human beings. Five microorganisms isolated from algae and clams in marine ecosystems from the state of Sonora, were studied with the cross streak method to evaluate the antagonistic activity against ATCC strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The microorganisms that had antagonistic activity were identified by molecular biology using the 16S rRNA. The strains that showed the best activity were antagonistic microorganisms from algae, numbered 30R and 39, identifying them as bacteria of the genus Bacillus. Strains numbered 35 and 44, showed only antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus respectively and identifying them as Staphylococcus bacteria. There has been reported various microorganisms with antagonistic activity in the marine environments, and bacteria from the genus Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Actinobacteria being evaluated against pathogens. Various reports show antimicrobial activity of microbiota isolated in Mexican ecosystems. Bacteria isolated from the state of Sonora are an option for alternatives against pathogens for man.
Mohamed Fakhr
The University of Tulsa, USA
Title: Foodborne Pathogens in Retail Meats: From Detection to Genomics
Biography:
Mohamed K. Fakhr, is currently an Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology in the Department of Biological Science at the University of Tulsa, USA. After obtaining his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in 2002, Dr. Fakhr, moved to North Dakota State University where he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate then a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences. In 2008, Dr. Fakhr moved to Tulsa, where he currently runs an active research program in the area of Molecular Typing and Detection of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens alongside exploring the mechanisms by which these foodborne pathogens develop resistance to antimicrobials.
Abstract:
The presence of foodborne pathogens on retail meats always has been a public health concern. Advances in the detection and molecular typing of foodborne pathogens are always necessary to cope with their evolution, fitness and adaptation. Antimicrobial resistance of foodborne pathogens is at an alarming rate because of the extensive use of antimicrobials in the feed of poultry and other food production animals. Understanding the mechanisms by which these pathogens are resisting antimicrobials is critical in developing interference strategies to reduce such undesired resistance. Research in my laboratory at the University of Tulsa has been focused on the detection and molecular typing of foodborne bacterial pathogens including Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus in retail meats and on exploring the molecular mechanisms of their antimicrobial and arsenic resistance. Of a special interest to our research group is the molecular characterization of foodborne bacterial plasmids and the investigation of their roles not only in antimicrobial resistance but also in virulence and persistence in the various steps of slaughtering and retail processing. This talk will summarize our interesting valuable research findings in the last few years and will also elaborate on the use of next-generation whole genome sequencing in characterizing Campylobacter large plasmids. Uncovering a possible role for these large plasmids in Campylobacter virulence will be also discussed.
Anna Goc
Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, USA
Title: “Lyme disease. Novel composition of phytochemicals as an approach against Lyme Diseaseâ€
Biography:
Dr. Goc obtained her M.S. and Ph.D. from the Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland. She conducted her postdoctoral training at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, and the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. She also worked as a Research Biologist at the VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA. Currently, as a Head of Infectious Diseases Division at Dr. Rath Research Institute, Santa Clara CA, she leads a Lyme disease project. Dr. Goc has published over 30 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters, and has presented her research at numerous national and international scientific meetings. She is also an active member on one editorial board and the recipient of several national and international awards.
Abstract:
Lyme disease is a multi-systemic bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Because LD has emerged as the most common vector-borne disease worldwide and has been associated with a significant health care concern after treatment with conventional antibiotic therapies, new treatment approaches are needed. Naturally derived substances that could work synergistically to display higher efficacy compared to the individual components may serve as such resource to combat both active and latent forms of Borrelia sp. that cause Lyme disease. Using checkerboard assay, we investigated the anti-borreliae reciprocal interactions of phytochemicals and micronutrients against two species of Borrelia, selected as prevalent causes of Lyme disease in the US and Europe. Moreover, we tested them in form of defined mixture in vitro and in vivo. Tested combinations of polyphenols and fatty acids revealed synergistic or additive effects against active and/or dormant forms Borrelia sp. Moreover, define mixture of theses polyphenols and fatty acids was effective in Lyme disease animal model. In summary, the results show that specific composition of phytochemicals may play a supporting role in combating Borrelia sp. and serve either as an adjunct or alternative treatment for Lyme disease.
Qian Li
Third Military Medical University, China
Title: Burkholderia pseudomallei inhibits autophagy to benefit its intracellular survival in lung epithelial cells by suppressing ATG10
Biography:
Xuhu Mao is a full professor of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology in Third Military Medical University. He has been the Chief of Department since September 2013. His research specifically focuses on understanding the interaction between pathogens and host. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals, which deal with the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. Qian Li is a third year PhD student in Third Military Medical University, whose major is the Microbiology. Currently, She is studying in Dan Luo’s lab of Cornell University, as a “jointly-supervised” PhD student, centering on applying DNA nanotechnology in point-of-care pathogen detection.
Abstract:
Burkholderia pseudomallei is a notorious pathogen of human meloidosis, which is classically characterized by pneumonia and multiple abscesses with a high mortality and relapse rate. Autophagy as one of the earliest defense responses encountered by intracelluar pathogens, is a process that engulfs and delivers intracellular bacteria for lysosomal degradation. Recent studies indicate that B. pseudomallei can survive inside mammalian cell lines owning to its ability to evade autophagy in an active behavior. However, the associated mechanisms remain to be established. In our study, in order to reveal the underlying mechanisms, levels of mRNA and miRNAs in human lung epithelial A549 cells during B. pseudomallei infection were measured using microarray assay. We showed that ATG10, an important regulator of autophagy, was downregulated during B. pseudomallei infection in A549 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of ATG10 promoted to eliminate intracellular B. pseudomallei by enhancing the process of autophagy. As a potential mechanistic explanation for this observation, we demonstrated that three novel miRNAs, MIR4458, MIR4667-5p and MIR4668-5p, bound to the 3’-untranslated region of ATG10, by different time course and spatial manner. Upregulation of these miRNAs reduced the level of ATG10 and inhibited autophagy, leading to increased numbers of intracellular B. pseudomallei. These results suggest that infection with B. pseudomallei upregulates miRNAs to reduce expression of protein required for autophagy and autophagy response in lung epithelial cells.
Nadia Mukhtar
Virtual University of Pakistan and University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Paksitan
Title: prevalence of bovine rota virus in calves in punjab province, pakistan and vaccine prepartion
Biography:
Ms. Nadia Mukhtar is a PhD candidate in Department of Microbiology at University of Veterianry and Animal Sciences of Lahore. Currently working as Instructor Microbology at Virtual University of Pakistan. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals. She has won a Scientific Exchange Award as the part of AAAS BMENA Scientific Exchange Program, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, 2013. She got a training on Metagenomic investigations of respiratory infections of Sheep at Harvil’s Lab, PennState University, USA, 2014. She got a certificate from Universite de Lauzanne in a Pasteur International Workshop on Surveillance and Control of Rabies Phnom Penh, at Institute Pasteur Du Cambodia, 2015.
Abstract:
Neonatal calf diarrhea and subsequent mortality is one of the main economic losses associated to dairy industry particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Among infectious agents,rotavirus is the major one. Fecal samples(n=200)from cattle and buffalocalves suffering from diarrhea(n=100each)and of age<3 months were taken aseptically from dairy populated districts of Punjab province and processed for detection of rotavirus thorough commercially available ELISA kit. Out of 200diarrheic fecal samples, a total of 12samples;5cattle calves and 7buffalo calves were found positive after processing. Among these,3cattle calves and5buffalo calves were from Lahore district while 2cattle calves and 2buffalo calves were from Faisalabad district. When the virus was switched to MDBKcellline a remarkable difference in the CPEs was observed and after 9successive passages the titer of the virus was 1×108.5TCID50/ml. The onset of diarrhea was delayed and decrease in severity was observed in the calves that had been fed with colostrum that contained high concentrations of antibody to the bovine rotavirus. The average antibody titers in 25cattle dams at 0,14,28and42days post vaccination were 0%,57%,68%and78% respectively. The average antibody titers in 25buffalo dams at0,14,28and42days-post-vaccination were 0%,55%,70%and82%respectively. These results indicate the protective maternal antibody level against rotavirus were developed which will be transferred passively to calves. The challenge study using same live rotavirus strain reveals protection among calves from vaccinated dams while calves from unvaccinated dams showed mild to severe diarrhea The vaccine efficacy findings led to a strategy of vaccinating dams shortly before delivery, to boost levels of RV-specific antibody in colostrum. It is to be noted that the dose and timing are integral to the success of this mode of vaccination.
Essam Badawy
Minia University, Egypt
Title: The clinical characteristics and outcome of H1N1 pneumonia patients with acute renal injury
Biography:
Essam Badawy has completed his PhD Minia University, Egypt and Postdoctoral studies from Cairo University School of Medicine. He is the Director of Emergency Department, Hera General Hospital, JCI-Accredited Governmental Hospital, MOH, KSA. He is a Senior Consultant Internal Medicine & Professor of Internal Medicine & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University. He has published more than 24 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.
Abstract:
Replacement therapy in critically ill patients with H1N1 infections. Objectives: Clarification of clinical characteristics and outcome of acute renal injury in patients with H1N1 pneumonia. Patients & Methods: 40 patients who were living in or visitors to Makkah region, admitted to the hospital and revealed confirmatory H1N1 infection, pneumonia and acute renal injury were submitted to real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Severity of illness was assessed by using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score and partial arterial O2 pressure to the fraction of inspired O2 on high flow oxygen mask (PaO2/FIO2). Another severity score related to the severity of pulmonary infiltrates (XR Chest score) was used and co-morbidities were recorded. Results: 77.5% of the patients had subjective fever, 72.5% chills, 97.5% cough, 90% fatigue, 82.5% headache, 80% nasal congestion, 70% sore throat, 85% myalgia, 40% ear pain, 37.5% nausea, 20% vomiting. Symptoms severity score of median 19 with range from 14-24. APACHEII score 26.3±9.7, SOFA score 9.7±3.8, MOD score 9±4. All patients had pneumonia confirmed radiologically with XR-chest score 13.4±3.6. The findings on chest radiographs were consisted with acute respiratory distress syndrome that required mechanical ventilation for 19 out of 40 patients, only 4 of them survived. Conclusion: Acute renal injury is an adding impact of increasing the mortality rate of H1N1 pneumonial patients and may be related directly to the infection by this virus or complication to it which may be explained by severe hypoxia secondary to severe acute lung injury, multi-organ dysfunction. A high mortality in middle and old-aged patients with underlying medical co-morbidities was associated with higher Symptoms Severity, APACHE II, SOFA, MODS and XRC scores.
Dima Dandachi
Saint Francis Hospital, USA
Title: Oligella Urethralis infection: Case Series and Review of literature
Biography:
Dr. Dima Dandachi has completed her MD degree and Internal medicine residency at Presence Health Saint Francis Hospital; currently she is Chief Resident and she is accepted for infectious diseases fellowship at Baylor University and MD Anderson starting July 2016. She has been a member of infection control committee for the past 4 years.
Abstract:
Clinical infection due to oligella urethralis has been rarely reported in the literature probably due to misidentification or uncertainty of its pathogenicity. The data of patients with Oligella Urethralis infection were collected from 4 hospitals in Chicago area between January 2010 and December 2015. There were 16 cases identified, all were adults except for 1 patient who was 14 years old, mean age of 58.4 (14-91), 6 men (37.5%) and 10 females (62.5%). Source of infection was urinary tract infection in 9 out of 16 patients (56.2%). One patient had Oligella Urethralis bacteremia with no identified source, urine culture failed to grow Oligella, renal ultrasound did not show any sign of obstruction. One patient had labial abscess and one had axillary abscess that grew Oligella Urethralis. Contrary to previously reported risk factors being cancer and urinary tract abnormalities, no significant underlying immunosuppression was identified in our patients except that 56.2% had underlying Diabetes Mellitus; 2 had active cancer. No urinary obstruction was identified; however 2 patients had urinary incontinence. Antimicrobial susceptibility is not done routinely on Oligella Urethralis isolates because of lack of standardized methods for susceptibility testing per Clinical and Laboratory Standardized Institute, 7 out of 16 isolates were resistant to quinolones, 2 were resistant to Aztreonam, and all were sensitive to all B–lactam antibiotics. All patients were treated with antibiotics and recovered except for 1 patient who died secondary to sepsis, Oligella bacteremia.Our review suggests that further studies are necessary to understand this bacterium’s clinical significance.
Biography:
Xiaoju Lü has completed her PhD at the age of 30 years from Sichuan University. Her research areas mainly include the mechanism and clinical therapy of the bacterial infectious diseases. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of several professional journals
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for antibacterial defense. Interleukin (IL)-17 family cytokines affect the immune system and have a role in NK cell development. We hypothesize that the IL-17-NK cell axis may impact immunity against bacteria. This study aims to investigate the role of IL-17-NK cell axis in patients with multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) pneumonia. Twenty-four adults hospitalized with MDRAB pneumonia and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Plasma levels of IL-17, NK, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were measured by ELISA. The peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. The clinical outcomes of these patients were recorded. The plasma IL-17, NK, GM-CSF, MIP-1α and PCT levels of patients with MDRAB pneumonia were lower than that of control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that IL-17 levels in plasma are positively correlated with NK, GM-CSF or MIP-1α levels. However, there was an immunocompromised MDRAB pneumonia patient with a CD4 count of 53 and CD8 count of 46, his plasma IL-17, NK, GM-CSF and MIP-1α levels were significantly elevated, and several days later he died. Cytokine storm might be associated with his death. In conclusion, the reduced IL-17 and NK levels might be one of the cause of MDRAB pneumonia. Different immune response produced by infection in patients with different immune function. The regulating mechanism of IL-17-NK cell axis should be studied further. IL-17-NK cell axis may be a potential therapeutic target of MDR bacterial infection treatment.
Biography:
She was completed my MD in 1998, the master degree of Patholgy /Medical Microbiology from University of Damascus in 2003 and the diploma of Molecular Biology from Institute Pasteur of Paris in 2007. I work in Rashid Hospital in Dubai Health Authority in Dubai / UAE.
Abstract:
Aim and objectives: In order to characterize mutations causing Rifampicin and Isoniazid resistance of M. tuberculosis in Syria.
Methods: 69 rifampicin resistant (RIFr) and 72 isoniazid resistant (INHr) isolates were screened for point mutations in hot spots of the rpoB, katG and inhA genes by DNA sequencing and real time PCR.
Results: Of 69 RIFr isolates, 62 (90%) had mutations in the Rifampin resistance determining region (RRDR) of the rpoB gene, with codons 531 (61%), 526 (13%), and 516 (8.7%) being the most commonly mutated. We found two new mutations
(Asp516Thr and Ser531Gly) described for the first time in the rpoB-RRDR in association with Rifampicin resistance.
Only one mutation (Ile572Phe) was found outside the rpoB-RRDR.
Of 72 INHr strains, 30 (41.6%) had a mutation in katG codon 315 (with Ser315Thr being the predominant alteration), and 23 (32%) harbored the inhA−15C
Biography:
Biography: Graduation: MBBS- King Edward Medical College university Lahore1981. Post Graduation: 1-DTCD — 1984Diploma in Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases -Punjab University Lahore-Pakistan. 2-MCPS--- 1986 College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. 3-MRCP, FRCP 2005 , 2013---The Royal College of Physicians Dublin-Ireland. 4-FCCP -2014 (USA) Worked in Pakistan: House physician, Registrar, Assistant professor at King Edward Medical College Lahore & Mayo Hospital Lahore Pakistan ,1982-1988. Worked K.Saudi Arabia. Joined MOH of Saudi Arabia worked as in 1988, a- Specialist Physicians chest specialist on Feb-1988-2001. b-Consultant Pulmonologist and Chief of Tuberculosis Center, Deptt.of Internal Medicine & Chest diseases Dammam medical complex , Eastern Province K.Saudi Arabia – 2002-2011. c-Chairman Internal Medicine & Consultant Invasive Pulmonologist SBAH-CITY Riyadh K.S.Arabia. 2011 till todate.
Abstract:
Filipino patients in this study showed that there was a high prevalence of diabetes among Filipino male patients, and there is a correlation between diabetes and TB. This combination affects the response and outcome of anti-TB treatment. These findings are in agreement with the current literature on the correlation of diabetes and TB. Clinicians treating patients with diabetes and presenting with respiratory symptoms should have a high index of suspicion for TB. In Saudi Arabia the prevalence of diabetes is 23.7%, which is quite high, along with a very high incidence of childhood obesity. Preventing obesity, which is a risk factor for developing diabetes, will help to reduce the future burden of TB.
Xuejun Jingyue
Institute of Military Veterinary, China
Title: Emergence of plasmid-mediated blaNDM-1 and blaCTX-M-15 Klebsiella pneumonia isolated from Giant Panda in China
Biography:
jingyue national high-tech industrial development zone Institute of Military Veterinary, chang chun,jilin province P.R.china
Abstract:
Aims: To demonstrate the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes of a multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate recovered from Giant Panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ). Methods and Results: In December 2015, we obtained a vaginal swab sample from a Giant Panda named Huajiao (3 years old) lived in China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Drug-resistant bacteria were isolated from Brain-Heart infusion agar containing cefotaxime (8 µg/mL). Biochemical characterization and antimicrobial testing were conducted using the BD Phoenix 100 automated microbiology system. All isolates were screened for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and analysed for genetic relatedness by multiplex PCR assays. Conjugation experiment was carried out in broth using azide-resistant E. coli strain J53 as the recipient. A ST1068-MDR-Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the vaginal swab sample, the isolate was resistant to Amikacin, Gentamicin, Imipenem, Meropenem, Cefazolin, Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Cefepime, Aztreonam, Ampicillin, Piperacillin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Chloramphenicol, the antimicrobial resistance genes blaCTX-M-15, blaNDM-1, armA and sul1 were detected. Resistance genes blaCTX-M-15 and blaNDM-1 were carried by two different plasmids, the blaCTX-M-15-carrying plasmid was transferred by conjugation and was classified as IncA/C, the blaNDM-1-carrying plasmid was also transferred but haven’t been classified. Conclusions: This study alarmed that blaNDM-1 gene have intruded into the ecosystem of giant panda up to now, the ST1068-MDR-Klebsiella pneumoniae strain co-producing blaCTX-M-15, blaNDM-1, armA and sul1 genes was the first report, it' s uncertain where was it from. In this canse enterobacteria serve as a critical vector in spreading antimicrobial resistance in the ecosystem of Giant Pandas.
Biography:
Assistant professor, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Near King faisal stadium, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of global significance, which accounts for a death in every 15 seconds. Recent studies shows TB is rising in certain parts of the world , and Saudi Arabia is one of them. Several factor contribute in predisposing the subjects for infection including but not limited to addiction to various compounds which have immune modulation properties, such as amphetamines and Heroin etc. Khat a plant whose leaves are chewed for its euphoric effect in east Africa and Arabian Peninsula including Saudi Arabia, is considered as mildly addictive, and its principle compound, Cathinone shares structural and functional similarity with amphetamine a known immunomodulator. Tuberculosis being a disease of immune modulation has a varied spectrum of complex interplay of proinflammatory molecules, resistin is one of them. In the present study, we try to explore the trinity of khat addiction, serum resistin level and tuberculosis by correlating the serum resistin level in non khat addicted healthy subjects, khat addicted healthy subjects, and in patients, both khat addicted and non khat addicted, with active tuberculosis. We observed significantly higher resistin level among the apparently healthy khat addicted subjects as compared to non addicted healthy controls. Thereafter, when we compare the resistin levels between khat addicted and non khat addicted TB patients we did not found significant difference between the two groups. However bacillary load was observe to be significantly higher among the khat addicted TB patient as compare to non addicted one. Validation of above results in animal model revealed dose dependant increase in bacillary growth in the Wistar rats treated with khat. Taken together these results suggest the role of khat in immune modulation albeit in the limited frame of resistin level.
Gayane Gevorgyan
Center of Haematology, Armenia
Title: Hepatitis B/C Occurrence In Blood Donors Of Yerevan City
Biography:
Since 1998 Dr. Gayane Gevorgyan is working as a head of Serology department of Armenian Haematology center. She published about 25 scietific works and participated in 47 national and international conferences
Abstract:
Purpose: Blood transfusion safety is one of the main problems of hematology. The detection of hepatitis B and C in blood donors of Yerevan city was the purpose of current study. Materials and Methods: Samples of blood were studied by ELISA method using AXSYM automated analyzer (Abbott-system). Blood samples were collected by “d-VAC Gel and Clot aÑtivator†tubes. Blood serum was separated by centrifugation (6000 ï‚´ g; 10 min). Samples were assayed in the day of blood collection. Results: Results of investigations for period of 2013 – 2014 years are presented here. In 2013 the number of donations was 7555. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 1(0.01%) cases; antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc) were revealed in 296 (3.9%); hepatitis C antibodies (HCV) were shown in 29(0.38%) cases. Above it, we detected 26(0.34%) HBsAg+Anti-HBc and 13(0.17%) HCV+Anti-HBc double positive samples. In 2014 the quantity of studies was 8341.3(0.035%) samples were positive to HBsAg; 329(3.94%) tests were positive to Anti-HBc; HCV was shown in 48(0.57%) cases. HBsAg+Anti-HBc were detected in 43(0.52%) and HCV+Anti-HBc double positive results were described in 10(0.12%) cases. Conclusion: Increasing dynamics of blood donations was characterized for the studded period. In the same time the revealing of donors data and Anti-HBc and HBsAg+Anti-HBc mixed detections were increased. On the other hand, in 2014 was shown the enhancement of HCV-positive cases. Results of HBsAg and HCV+Anti-HBc studies were stable
Hannah Simborio
Gyeongsang National University, South Korea
Title: Evaluation of the combined use of the recombinant Brucella abortus Omp10, Omp19 and Omp28 proteins for the clinical diagnosis of bovine brucellosis
Biography:
Hannah Leah Tadeja Simborio is a senior student of Gyeongsang National University, scheduled to graduate Febraury 2016. During her stay in GNU, she has helped publish more than 10 papers in reputed journals. She has completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Central Mindanao University, Philippines 2008 and has obtained her license the same year.
Abstract:
Currently, there are several serodiagnostic tools available for brucellosis, however, it is difficult to differentiate an active infection from vaccination. Hence, there is a great need to develop alternative means that can distinguish between these two conditions without utilizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study was an attempt to determine the efficacy of combined recombinant Brucella (B.) abortus outer membrane proteins (rOmps) and individual rOmps in the serodiagnosis of brucellosis by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), utilizing both that standard tube agglutination test (TAT)-positive and -negative serum samples from Korean native cattle. The results are very interesting and promising because the combined rOmp antigens used in the study were highly reactive with the TAT-positive serum samples. The combined rOmps sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 215/232 (92.67%), 294/298 (98.66%) and 509/530 (96.04%), respectively. While these results are preliminary, the tests performed have very high potential in the serodiagnosis of brucellosis and likewise, the combined rOmps can be used for future vaccine production
Kamrul Islam
Massey University, New Zealand
Title: Isolation and Characterization of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens from pneumoenteritic goats
Biography:
Kamrul Islam graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and MS in Microbiology. He has done different microbiological and epidemiological research works. Two of his collaborative works has been published in peer reviewed journal. He worked as a research assistant in a project entitled “Antibiogram against bacterial isolates associated with pneumoenteritis in goats and identification of the drug resistant genes†funded by Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Now he is studying as a One Health Epidemiology Fellow awarded with Masters of Veterinary Medicine (MVM-Biosecurity), Massey University, New Zealand. He bears strong research interest in the field of microbiology, bacteriology, virology and infectious diseases.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat having grave sequel, and is becoming worse day by day in communities and healthcare settings. Frequent use of antimicrobial agents in food animal along with various risk factors enhancing the global burden of drug resistant bugs. One hundred and fifty swab samples were screened to determine the level of bacterial burden in the study population. All samples were subjected to various cultural and biochemical tests to isolates the bacterial pathogens from pneumoenteritic goats. Staphylococcus sp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella were identified and subjected to antibiotic sensitivity tests. Out of 150 nasal swab samples 28% were found to be positive for Staphylococcus sp in all cultural and biochemical tests. Eighty eight E. coli isolates were screened out from both fecal and nasal swab samples that reflected the prevalence was 29.3 % in affected goats. 16.6% prevalence of Salmonella was recorded and found to be positive in all cultural and biochemical tests as well as through serotyping. All positive bacterial isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The study revealed most bacterial isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics like penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, vancomycin. Development and carriage of antimicrobial resistance genes in food animals pose significant public health threat. Because resistant gene from pathogenic bacterium can easily transmitted to commensal bacterium resulting development of drug resistance in human leads to failure of treatment by available drugs. Keywords: Pneumoenteritic goats, Staphylococcus sp, E. coli, Salmonella, Antibiotic resistance
Debjit Ray
Sandia National Laboratories, USA
Title: Predictive Pathogen Biology: Genome-Based Prediction of Pathogenic Potential and Countermeasures Targets
Biography:
Debjit Ray is from Sandia National Laboratories, USA. Research Interest are Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Innate Immunity, Host defense, Inflammation
Abstract:
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and recombination leads to the emergence of bacterial antibiotic resistance and pathogenic traits. Genetic changes range from acquisition of a large plasmid to insertion of transposon into a regulatory gene. HGT events can be identified by comparing a large number of fully sequenced genomes across a species or genus, define the phylogenetic range of HGT, and find potential sources of new resistance genes. In-depth comparative phylogenomics can also identify subtle genome or plasmid structural changes or mutations associated with phenotypic changes. Comparative phylogenomics requires that accurately sequenced, complete and properly annotated genomes of the organism. Due to dramatic advances in “short read†sequencing technology, the raw sequence coverage needed for sequencing a bacterial genome now can be obtained in a couple of days for a few dollars sequencing costs, starting with only a few nanograms of genomic DNA. Assembling closed genomes requires additional mate-pair reads or “long read†sequencing data to accompany short-read paired-end data. To bring down the cost and time required of producing assembled genomes and annotating genome features that inform drug resistance and pathogenicity, we are analyzing the performance for genome assembly of data from the Illumina NextSeq, which has faster throughput than the Illumina HiSeq (~1-2 days versus ~1 week), and shorter reads (150bp paired-end versus 300bp paired end) but higher capacity (150-400M reads per run versus ~5-15M) compared to the Illumina MiSeq. Bioinformatics improvements are also needed to make rapid, routine production of complete genomes a reality. Modern assemblers such as SPAdes 3.6.0 running on a standard Linux blade are capable in a few hours of converting mixes of reads from different library preps into high-quality assemblies with only a few gaps. Remaining breaks in scaffolds are generally due to repeats (e.g., rRNA genes) are addressed by our software for gap closure techniques, that avoid custom PCR or targeted sequencing. Our goal is to improve the understanding of emergence of pathogenesis using sequencing, comparative genomics, and machine learning analysis of ~1000 pathogen genomes. Machine learning algorithms will be used to digest the diverse features (change in virulence genes, recombination, horizontal gene transfer, patient diagnostics). Temporal data and evolutionary models can thus determine whether the origin of a particular isolate is likely to have been from the environment (could it have evolved from previous isolates). It can be useful for comparing differences in virulence along or across the tree. More intriguing, it can test whether there is a direction to virulence strength. This would open new avenues in the prediction of uncharacterized clinical bugs and multidrug resistance evolution and pathogen emergence.
Fabian Davamani
International Medical University, Malaysia
Title: Chitosan-propolis nanoformulation for combating Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in vitro
Biography:
Dr. Fabian Davamani completed his PhD and worked at National Institute of Immunology, India and National Science Council, Taiwan as a post doctoral fellow. Currently working as a faculty in International Medical University, Malaysia and have previously worked at Loyola College Chennai and Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS) Pilani , India. Worked on infectious diseases of the eyes, genotyping of BPD patients, peptides and truncated protein internilazation and mechanism and pathways, developed nano formulation against microbes.
Abstract:
Enterococcus faecalis are bacteria commonly detected in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections that grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. They cause urtinary tract infections, wound infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, endodontic infections and are also capable of forming biofilms in implant devices. Propolis is a resinous substance rich in flavanoids and has anti-bacterial properties. Malaysian propolis was obtained from the bee farms and tested for its effect on biofilm formation by E.faecalis in vitro. A twenty percent extract of propolis was prepared using ethanol or ethyl acetate. Chitosan-propolis nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate of sodium. Chromatographic analysis was performed by using HPLC. The nanoparticles were charachterized in terms of average particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potentia and morphological characteristics. The average particle size in the nanoformulation measured by transmission electron microscopy was 125-200 nm. The zeta potential calculated ranged between 33-37± 6 mV depicting good stability. E. feacalis was allowed to form biofilms in 96-well microtitre plates (Nunc) and the efficacy of the different extracts of propolis as well as the nanonformulation in inhibiting the biofilms was tested. Biofilm growth was monitored and bacterial viability in the biofilm was calculated. Nanoformulation of propolis gave the best inhibitory effect (at 75 µg) compared to ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts (200 µg). The effect of the nanoformulation on the expression of bacterial genes involved in biofilm formation was also studied. Sustained release by biodegradable chitosan flavonoids nanoformulation is able to provide long-term disinfection leading to effective thereapy.
Poonsuk Prasertsan
Prince of Songkla Univeristy, Thailand
Title: Potential Use of Biopolymer from Bacillus subtilis WD161 as Mucoadhesive Film for Proliferation of Oral Cancer Cell Lines
Biography:
Poonsuk Prasertsan has completed her PhD in 1987 from The University of Queensland, Australia. She has published more than 55 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a reviewer in many international journals.
Abstract:
Biological activity of biopolymer from Bacillus subtilis WD161 and formulation as mucoadhesive film for proliferation of oral cancer cell lines were investigated. Among many biological activities tested, the biopolymer WD161 exhibited positive result against oral tongue squamous carcinoma cell lines (HN13 cell lines) which is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. In vitro cytotoxicity test by PrestoBlue™ reagent assay revealed the effective dose of the purified biopolymer. The mucoadhesive film containing the biopolymer WD161 was formulated which was consisted of polycarbophil (as bioadhesive polymer), glycerol (as plasticizer) and the biopolymer WD161 (as bioactive compound). The release of the biopolymer WD161 from the mucoadhesive film was found to be 70.76% (using Franz cell assay in the artificial saliva at 37 °C) within 180 min.
Eduardo Mere Del Aguila
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Title: Molecular, biochemical and immunological testing on the diagnosis of potential risk of food poisoning by coagulase negative Staphylococcus in products from animal origin
Biography:
Eduardo M. Del Aguila has completed his PhD at the age of 30 years from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and postdoctoral studies from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He is member of the Food Science Graduate Program. He has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an reviewer of different repute journals.
Abstract:
Food from animal origin, such as milk, dairy derivatives and meat, can often be contaminated with staphylococci-enterotoxigenic strains. Contamination may occur directly from infected animals, inadequate processing, like contamination of starter cultures, or may result from poor hygiene during food manufacturing, retail and storage. Twenty-nine coagulase-negative staphylococci strains isolated from Minas frescal cheese and Italian-type salami were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing: saprophyticus, xylosus, sciuri, carnosus, succinus, epidermidis, hominis and piscifermentans. A phylogenetic analysis grouped the strains into five major groups composed of 2 refined clusters containing subclusters, where strains showed similarities over 90%. Enterotoxin-encoding genes - sea, seb and sec - showed a high prevalence in the genomes. The sei, seh, selm and seln genes were harbored by at least 33% of the strains. The tstH1genes were found in 7% of the salami strains. Fifteen strains were able to transcript at least one type of mRNA enterotoxin, as evidenced by real time RT-PCR assays. In vitro production of the enterotoxin SEA-SEE was detected in almost all strains by ELISA assays. All strains showed multi-resistance to antimicrobials, such as ß-lactams, vancomycin and linezolid, which show both human and veterinarian medicine therapeutic importance. MICs ≤ 0.06 mg/mL for methicillin, ampicillin and vancomycin and ≤ 0.25 mg/mL for linezolid were observed. High risk of food poisoning following the consumption of improperly manufactured animal origin products was emphasized, as well as the possibility of these food matrices acting as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance, spreading pathogenic strains.
Biography:
Assistant professor, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Near King faisal stadium, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of global significance, which accounts for a death in every 15 seconds. Recent studies shows TB is rising in certain parts of the world , and Saudi Arabia is one of them. Several factor contribute in predisposing the subjects for infection including but not limited to addiction to various compounds which have immune modulation properties, such as amphetamines and Heroin etc. Khat a plant whose leaves are chewed for its euphoric effect in east Africa and Arabian Peninsula including Saudi Arabia, is considered as mildly addictive, and its principle compound, Cathinone shares structural and functional similarity with amphetamine a known immunomodulator. Tuberculosis being a disease of immune modulation has a varied spectrum of complex interplay of proinflammatory molecules, resistin is one of them. In the present study, we try to explore the trinity of khat addiction, serum resistin level and tuberculosis by correlating the serum resistin level in non khat addicted healthy subjects, khat addicted healthy subjects, and in patients, both khat addicted and non khat addicted, with active tuberculosis. We observed significantly higher resistin level among the apparently healthy khat addicted subjects as compared to non addicted healthy controls. Thereafter, when we compare the resistin levels between khat addicted and non khat addicted TB patients we did not found significant difference between the two groups. However bacillary load was observe to be significantly higher among the khat addicted TB patient as compare to non addicted one. Validation of above results in animal model revealed dose dependant increase in bacillary growth in the Wistar rats treated with khat. Taken together these results suggest the role of khat in immune modulation albeit in the limited frame of resistin level.
Liaqat Ali
SBAH-CITY Riyadh Research & Ethical Committee, KSA
Title: Prevalence of Diabetes type-2 & Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Filipinos and Treatment outcomes: A surveillance study in Eastern Saudi Arabia.
Biography:
Biography: Graduation: MBBS- King Edward Medical College university Lahore1981. Post Graduation: 1-DTCD — 1984Diploma in Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases -Punjab University Lahore-Pakistan. 2-MCPS--- 1986 College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. 3-MRCP, FRCP 2005 , 2013---The Royal College of Physicians Dublin-Ireland. 4-FCCP -2014 (USA) Worked in Pakistan: House physician, Registrar, Assistant professor at King Edward Medical College Lahore & Mayo Hospital Lahore Pakistan ,1982-1988. Worked K.Saudi Arabia. Joined MOH of Saudi Arabia worked as in 1988, a- Specialist Physicians chest specialist on Feb-1988-2001. b-Consultant Pulmonologist and Chief of Tuberculosis Center, Deptt.of Internal Medicine & Chest diseases Dammam medical complex , Eastern Province K.Saudi Arabia – 2002-2011. c-Chairman Internal Medicine & Consultant Invasive Pulmonologist SBAH-CITY Riyadh K.S.Arabia. 2011 till todate.
Abstract:
Filipino patients in this study showed that there was a high prevalence of diabetes among Filipino male patients, and there is a correlation between diabetes and TB. This combination affects the response and outcome of anti-TB treatment. These findings are in agreement with the current literature on the correlation of diabetes and TB. Clinicians treating patients with diabetes and presenting with respiratory symptoms should have a high index of suspicion for TB. In Saudi Arabia the prevalence of diabetes is 23.7%, which is quite high, along with a very high incidence of childhood obesity. Preventing obesity, which is a risk factor for developing diabetes, will help to reduce the future burden of TB.
BrunilÃs Burgos-Rivera
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
Title: Analytical validation of three alternative PCR master mixes for Bordetella species real-time PCR detection
Biography:
BrunilÃs Burgos-Rivera completed her PhD in Genetics from the University of Georgia in 2012. Currently, she is a microbiologist at the Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) working as a contractor. She has served as the Laboratory Coordinator for the Latin American Pertussis Project, a collaboration between CDC, Sabin Vaccine Institute, Pan American Health Organization, and the Ministries of Health in select Latin American Countries to strengthen pertussis surveillance and diagnostics in the Region. More recently, she has been selected as a Fellow to the CDC Laboratory Leadership Service, Class of 2016.
Abstract:
The Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay for the detection of three Bordetella species. This assay is routinely used at the CDC, public health laboratories in the U.S., and internationally for pertussis diagnostics. It relies on one approved and validated PCR master mix, Applied Biosystems Taqman Gene Expression Master Mix (GE). In recent years PCR master mixes have been engineered to be resistant to PCR inhibitors, thus potentially providing more sensitive alternative master mixes to be used in this assay. Three commercially available alternative master mixes were identified: Quanta PerfeCTa SuperMix (QS), Quanta PerfeCTa ToughMix (QT), and Quanta PerfeCTa ToughMix with UNG (QTU). The performance of these master mixes was evaluated by comparing target-specific detection levels and consistency among three rtPCR instruments previously validated and currently used for routine pertussis diagnosis. The analytical sensitivity and specificity of these alternative PCR master mixes was assessed by the Bordetella species rtPCR multi-target assay. We report that QS produced Ct values comparable to GE, while QT and QTU produced lower Ct values (≥2 Ct value difference), and thus exhibited higher analytic sensitivity across all assays and instruments. Therefore, before selecting an alternative master mix or rtPCR platform, laboratories should validate their own diagnostic assay to ensure it is producing results with clinically relevant cut-offs, as those previously published.