Day :
- Track 1: Bacterial Morphology and Metabolism
Track 2: Bacterial Clinical Studies
Track 4: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Track 5: Bacterial Pathogenesis
Track 10: Microbial Genomics
Track 11: Industrial and Applied Bacteriology
Chair
George L. Mendz
University of Notre Dame Australia Australia
Co-Chair
Steven Blanke
University of Illinois, USA
Session Introduction
Steven R Blanke
University of Illinois USA
Title: Extending the Gut-Brain Axis: The Curious Case of Helicobacter pylori
Time : 9:30-10:00
Biography:
Awards RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2015 Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology 2014 Faculty Excellence Award (one award given per year within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois). 2004 Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship at the Associate Professor Level - University of Houston (one university award per year at each academic rank). 2002 Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship at the Assistant Professor Level - University of Houston (one university award per year at each academic rank). 1999 Young Investigator Award, 10th International Meeting Campylobacter & Helicobacter. 1997 Natural Science and Mathematics Alumni Association Award. 1996 Oakridge Junior Faculty Award for Life Sciences Research. 1981 NSF Undergraduate Research Award. TEACHING AWARDS AND RECOGNITION 2010, 2013 Cited as a Teacher ranked as outstanding by their students for Molecular and Cellular Biology/Life Sciences and College of Medicine Courses. 2008, 2009 Cited as a Teacher ranked as excellent by their students for Molecular and 2011, 2012 Cellular Biology/Life Sciences and College of Medicine Courses. 1999 Teaching Excellence Award, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. 1998-1999 University of Houston Enron Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University level. RECENT LECTURESHIPS, MEETING CHAIRS, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 2015 Vice-Chair, Gordon Conference on Chemical & Biological Terrorism Defense, Ventura, CA, March 2015. 2013 Chair, Bacteria-Host Interactions (2013) 2013 International Conference on Bacillus anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, Victoria, Canada, September 2, 2013. 2013-2014 Chair, Division B (Microbial Pathogens) of ASM. 2013 Discussion Leader/Session Chair, Organizing Committee, 2013 Gordon Conference on Chemical & Biological Terrorism Defense, Ventura, CA, March 10-15, 2013. 2012-2013 Chair Elect, Division B (Microbial Pathogens) of ASM, 2012-2013. 2011 Session Chair, Organizing Committee, 2011 International Conference on Campylobacter, Helicobacter, and Related Organisms, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, August 28 – September 1, 2011. 2011 Keynote Speaker, 23rd Annual Buffalo Conference on Microbial Pathogenesis – Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology (2011) Of Persistence, Cancer, and Asthma: The Curious Case of Helicobacter pylori, Buffalo, NY, April 29, 2011. 2011 Organizing Committee, and Discussion Leader/Session Chair, 2011 Gordon Conference on Chemical & Biological Terrorism Defense, Ventura, CA, March 20-25, 2011.
Abstract:
There is increasing recognition that localized microbe-host interactions in humans can influence the physiology and function of distal tissue and organ systems in a manner that can have profound impact on human health and disease. For example, human gut microbiota communicate with the central nervous system (CNS) via the neural, endocrine and/or immune systems, thereby influencing brain function. Cytokines from the peripheral immune system interact with the central nervous system (CNS) via active transport across the blood brain barrier as well as direct entry via the circumventricular organs. Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that chronic gastric infection with the human pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is causal for elevated systemic inflammation and neuro-inflammation. Chronic Hp infection is characterized by sustained inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which is highly associated with progression to gastric ulcer disease or gastric cancer in approximately 10% and 2% of infected individuals, respectively. Our studies employing a Sprague- Dawley rat model for chronic Hp infection revealed sustained gastric inflammation and tissue damage. What is more, Hp-infected rats demonstrated elevated inflammation with the bloodstream and CNS, with activated microglia and elevated TNF-α detected in the brain of the infected animals. The causal relationship between gastric Hp infection and brain sequelae was supported by the loss of elevated systemic and CNS inflammation upon clearance of Hp infections following antibiotic administration. Because approximately half the world’s population is infected with Hp, these results have implications for the impact of microbes on cognition and behavior during human brain development. *Presenting author Presenting author
George Mendz
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Australia
Title: The vaginal microbiome during pregnancy
Biography:
Professor George L. Mendz has an MSc from the University of Barcelona (Spain), and a PhD from the University of NSW. He has been Lecturer at the College of Natural Sciences, the University of Puerto Rico (San Juan); Research Associate at the School of Chemistry and the Department of Biochemistry, the University of Sydney; ARC Senior Research Fellow and Associate Professor at the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, the University of NSW; Associate Professor at the Department of Bacteriology, the University of Bordeaux II; and Associate Professor at the School of Medical Sciences, the University of NSW.
Abstract:
Background: In pregnancy, the mother’s anatomy, physiology and immune function are dynamically altered to accommodate the developing infant. Current understanding supports the view that the indigenous microbiota of the mother’s genital tract has a pivotal role in shaping the host environment. Preterm birth: In 2010, there were about 15 million of preterm births in the world, defined as delivery before 37 weeks gestation. Babies born prematurely have increased risk of short and long-term complications, mainly owing to the immaturity of multiple organ systems and neurodevelopmental disorders. There is overwhelming evidence to implicate genital infections in up to 40% of preterm birth cases. Access to the intra-amniotic cavity is difficult, and evidence supports the hypothesis that a major path of invasion is the ascending of microorganisms from the vagina to the uterus. The changes induced in the vaginal microbial populations of pregnant women in health and disease are the subject of intense investigations to establish the type and rate of changes in this microflora during pregnancy, as well as to elucidate the changes in the microbiome resulting from the presence of pathogens. The human microbiome: Cultivation-independent studies of the human microbiota performed using new generation sequencing and applying state-of-the-art biostatistical tools, have revealed the presence of trillions of microorganisms in various body microhabitats, which have a great diversity of microbial species organised in different population structures, and include a large number of dynamic interactions between microbes and with the host. In particular, the vaginal microbiome has a role in human development, physiology and immunity. The vaginal microbiome: The results of many studies of the vaginal microbiota of pregnant and non-pregnant women indicate a relationship with the racial background of the woman. The data show the important role Lactobacillus bacteria have in the health of this organ, as well as the presence of vaginotypes characterised by bacterial profiles in which a single taxon dominates the population. However, modeling disease as the result of a decrease in the percentage of lactobacilli and concomitant overgrowth by other bacterial species has turned out to be too simplistic to explain the complexity, diversity and balance of the bacterial ecosystem of the vagina. Current studies of the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women can be grouped in three types: (1) cross-sectional studies provide snapshots of the structure of bacterial communities in the vagina at specific moments during pregnancy; (2) longitudinal studies address the temporal changes in this microbiome during pregnancy; and (3) reviews cover a broad range of issues from microbial pathogenic mechanisms to clinical practice. Work on the vaginal microbiome has made an invaluable contribution to understanding preterm birth; nonetheless, basic questions such as the structure of vaginal bacterial communities in women giving birth preterm or at term, or the presence/abundance of specific taxa in these two populations and their relations to infection have been given contradictory answers and remain to be elucidated.
Anna Goc
Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, USA
Title: New Non-synthetic Antibacterial Agents Challenging the Active and Persistent Forms of Borrelia ssp.
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 borreliosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. It has become a major public health concern for humans and animals worldwide. The primary treatment is based on the administration of antibiotics. However, relapse often occurs when such treatment is withdrawn. One of possible explanations for this clinical observation is the ability of Borrelia sp. to adapt different persistent forms. Thus, there is a continuous search for new compounds that would be effective not only against spirochetes but also these persisters. Naturally occurring agents signify a growing theme in antimicrobial defense. Often they represent a starting point for the development of novel treatment approaches and/or serve as a base for their modified alternatives as well. However, little is known about their anti-borreliaea efficacy. Thus, 50 non-synthetic agents such as plant-derived active compounds and plant extracts were tested in this study for their in vitro effectiveness against active and latent forms of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (predominant in the USA) and Borrelia garinii (predominant in Eurasia). From that screening, several new substances have been identified. These, described in this work, agents showed to have significant effects against both active and persistent forms of tested Borrelia sp. Moreover, enhanced reciprocal cooperation with major antibiotics currently prescribed for Lyme disease was observed. This study reveals their potential to combat these bacteria. The depictions here reported are part of ongoing preclinical development plan that could bring them to clinical trials in the near future as well.
Ling Zhan
University of California, USA
Title: Mutans Streptococci Genomic Sequencing: Potential applications for precision medicine to prevent tooth decay
Biography:
Dr. Zhan is associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at University of California, San Francicisco. She completed her dental training and PhD at the West China University of Medical Sciences and her pediatric dental residency training at UCSF. She is a member of the International and American Associations for Dental Research, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her research focuses on microbiological and translational aspects of prevention of tooth decay in children, aiming to establish an individualized oral health care model for children, or precision pediatric dentistry.
Abstract:
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic infectious disease in children. Mutans streptococci (MS) is one of the major families of cariogenic bacteria. MS virulence is critical in determining its ability to cause tooth decay. We hypothesize that the virulence factors of MS are genetically determined. Therefore, we conducted a study to identify potential virulence genes in MS by comparing full-genome sequences of mutans streptococci isolates from caries-free children versus children with severe early childhood caries. This study has identified several novel biosynthetic gene clusters that may play a significant role in regulating MS colonization and competition in oral biofilm and their cariogenicity. We are further studying the function of these genes and gene products. These findings can provide a scientific basis for developing genetic identification tools for caries risk-assessment and targeted caries prevention as a part of precision medicine.
Yan-Yeung Luk
Syracuse University, USA
Title: Hydrocarbon-omics of Bacterial Appendages for Controlling Their Pathogenic Activities
Biography:
Yan-Yeung Luk has completed his PhD at The University of Chicago, and postdoctoral studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the founder of LifeUnit LLC, a startup company focused on chemical control bacterial activities. He has published more than 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals and has been serving as a reviewer for NSF, and ACS journals. He is also a member on the scientific advisory broad of Orthobond INC.
Abstract:
Bacterial appendages, pili protein, have been explored for developing vaccines against infectious diseases, but without an eventual success. Here, we present a chemical approach of controlling the newly discovered signaling events that initiated by ligand binding to pili proteins on bacterial surfaces. We first demonstrate that a specific class of molecules that control a wide range of pathogenic activities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the characteristics of disrupting cell signaling of these activities, supporting the notion of a drug development. Second, we demonstrate the specific covalent coupling between a designed ligand molecule and the pili protein as a validation of the receptor protein identity. We will discuss the chemical structural space that validates a hydrocarbon-omic for controlling different species and different strains within a species of microbes.
Dinesh Kumar
SRM University, India
Title: Quality of life among leprosy affected persons – A study in a rural block in Tamil Nadu, India
Biography:
Dr. G. Dinesh Kumarhas completed his M.B.B.S from Meenakshi University, Kancheepuram folllowed by M.D in COMMUNITY MEDICINE at SRM UNIVERSITY, TAMIL NADU INDIA I am presently working as Assistant Professor in Dept. of Community Medicine, SRM UNIVERSITY, INDIA. I have a keen in interest in Epiedemiology and research.
Abstract:
Background: Among communicable diseases, leprosy remains a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy and disability in the world, inspite of the extensive efforts to reduce the disease burden.Objectives: To estimate the quality of life and the factors influencing quality of life among people affected by leprosy in leprosy settlements of Chengalpet taluk. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted at leprosy settlements of Chengalpet taluk. A total of 247 leprosy affected persons participated in the study. House to house interview was conducted using a predesigned, pre tested questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL- BREF. Results: The Mean domain scores of the various domains were computed and it was , physical domain 20.55±3.9, psychological domain 16.16±2.9, social relationship domain 8.16±2.08 and environment domain was 24.34±3.9 The overall quality of life score was calculated and was found to be 69.21±9.9. Quality of life scores among males was more than that of the females in the various domains, although no statistical significance was observed. On assessing the overall quality of life it was found that age, educational status, income, occupation, marital status, disease duration and the disability had significance on the quality of life leprosy affected persons Conclusion: The socio demographic variables like young age, education, having an occupation and being married had positive influence on the overall quality of life domain. Care after cure should be an integral component in leprosy.
Biography:
Assist Prof/ Dr. Maysaa has completed her M.Sc. and PhD from Al Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq and was one of academic staff members of Biotechnology department and group leader of medical biotechnology research. She worked on molecular analysis of infectious disease, some of the virulence factors of the pathogens, and appling some of bacterial cell components as antitumor active compounds. In 2012 she conducted her postdoctoral training at Nanomedicine-labortory of Immunology and Molecular Biomedical Research (N-LIMBR), at Deakin University, Australia. Recently join the SRF-IIE (US) fellowship at the same institute (N-LIMBR) as academic visitor and her major field of interest are nanomedicine based drug delivery systems for therapy and diagnosis.
Abstract:
A total of 53 sputum samples were collected from patients suffering from respiratory tract infections attending different hospitals of Baghdad and Al-Anbar (Ramadi) governorates. From these samples only fifty bacterial isolates were obtained and identified. According to the morphological and cultural characteristics results showed that 14 bacterial isolates (28%) were belong to Streptocoocus spp., 26 bacterial isolates (52%) were belong to Staphylococcus spp., four bacterial isolates (8%) were pseudomonas spp., and six isolates (12%) were identified as Klebsiella spp. Then further steps have been proceeded for identification Streptocoocus isolates species by biochemical tests, API 20 STEP system and blood hemolysis patterns. Results of full identification showed that only three isolates (21.4%) were identified as Streptococcus pneumoniae, five isolates (35.7%) were Streptococcus pyogenes, two isolates (14.3%) were Streptococcus mutans, two isolates (14.3%) were Streptococcus sangarius, one isolate (7.1%) was Streptococcus fecalis, and one isolate (7.1%) was Streptococcus agalacticae. Results of the antimicrobial susceptibility showed that these isolates gave different patterns of sensitivity to different antibiotics. For molecular diagnosis of these S. pneumoniae isolates and to study the epidemiology source of these isolates, ten different oligonucleotide primers were used and results showed that the genetic similarity was 67.92% between N8 and N6, while it was found to be 52.27% and 53.76% between N11 and N6 and N11 and N8, respectively. The source of isolation of three isolates confirms these results because the isolates N6 and N8 were isolated from Baghdad governorate while the isolate N11 was isolated from Al-Ramadi city (Al-Anbar province).
Mervat Kassem
Alexandria University, Egypt
Title: Characterization and Kinetics Study for Rhamnolipids Produced by an Environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate
Biography:
Mervat Kassem has completed her MSc in Pharmaceutical Science in 1995 and her PHD in 1999 from Alexandria University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Microbiology. Recently, she holds the positions of Associate Professor and coordinator for the postgraduate courses students in her department.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces glycolipidic surface-active molecules (rhamnolipids) which have potential biotechnological applications. A previously identified biosurfactants-producing environmental isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps. 6) was selected. Comparing the kinetics of cell growth and biosurfactants production by Ps. 6 in bioreactor with that of shake flask, the bioreactor was characterized by about 35% higher cell density than that of shake flask. However, the production of rhamnolipids was higher in shake flask culture than in bioreactor culture, where their minimum surface tension values obtained were 12 mN/m and 13.9 mN/m, respectively. The Ps.6 produced biosurfactants solution was stable to all tested temperatures and pH range 2-14. However, the surface tension of the biosurfactants solution increased with increasing salinity. Moreover, its emulsification indexes EI24 varied from 33.3% to 58%. It was also demonstrated that this biosurfactants solution form water in oil emulsion. Furthermore, the biosurfactants had greater antimicrobial activity against Bacillus spp. than S. aureus and M. flavus with undetectable activity against Gram negative bacteria. On testing the efficiency of the biosurfactants solution as preservative, it was found that <0.3 g% of the crude biosurfactants solution was not sufficient for preservation. Finally, the anti-biofilm activity of the produced biosurfactants reduced the biofilm formation of S. aureus ATCC 6538p by more than 2 log units.
Gadangi Indira
Kakatiya University, India
Title: RAA-ESBLE- Risk factors associated with acquisition of ESBLEscherichia coli infection, detection and treatment, a case report
Biography:
Dr.Gadangi Indira has completed her PhD FROM Kakatiya University in Medical Microbiology On dermatophytosis. She is an Associate Professor and HOD of Department of Microbiology in Pingle Govt College for Women, Warangal, Telangana State, India.At present she is working on a major research project funded by U.G.C. She has published papers in both National and International journals and a reviewer for a reputed journal.
Abstract:
ESBL group of organisms are beta lactamase enzyme producing organisms capable of breaking the beta lactam ring in antibiotics hence are resistant to usually cephalosporins and few other antibiotics. In these E.coli is the most common bacteria that lives in gut harmlessly but causes Urinary tract infection and in severe cases blood poisoning, septicemia or bacteremia leading to serious sepsis. When not treated it leads to inflammation of body parts, blood clots, blocking oxygen supply andultimately causing death. In present study report a 51 years old Indian tourist patient was admitted in a Wake Med Health hospital at USA, with symptoms of UTI.In hospital she was diagnosed with ESBL E.coliUTI infection with>100,000 colonies /ml and blood culture showed positive result. In this case the Sepsiswas resulted as secondary infection. She even suffered with chronic anemia. The previous medical history of subject showed several risk factors for acquisition of infection. These include elder age, female gender,chronic anemia, recent hospitalization, surgical procedure (due to hysterectomy), intravenous catheterization, intensive careand prolonged usage of high potency antibiotics.All these factors are established as predictive and prognostic risk factors for acquisition of infection and also results in colonization of organism. The antibiotic sensitivity test was done by using CLSI, MIC method on Ampicillin, Cefazolin, Cefepime, Celfazidine, Celtriaxone, Ciprofloxacin,Levofloxacin,Tobramycin showed resistant, Nitroflurantoin showed semi resistant andErtapenem, gentamicin,Amikacin showed susceptibility. Hence the subject was treated with Doripenemas Intra Venous administration for 15 days with the help of a peripherally inserted central catheteri.e., PICC line.In this case study report,the excessive usage of high dose antibiotics for longer period made the organism resistant or immune. This factor was considered as the primary risk factor followed by hospitalization and gender. In conclusion the study of risk factors help in identification of high-risk cases of UTI positive infection. But still individualization is needed for identification of risk factors.The drug used for the treatment is expensive and often not available in developing countries. The drug sensitivity tests helps in establishing an empirical antibiotic policy.
Zarfishan Tahir
University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Paksitan
Title: Diabetes Mellitus among Tuberculosis Patients: A Cross Sectional Study from Pakistan
Biography:
Prof. Dr. Zarfisahn Tahir is a motivated researcher with specialty in microbiology and public health issues. She has brilliant academic achievements and won gold medal at MBBS from King Edward Medical College Lahore. She did M.Phil in Microbiology and Won gold medal from Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. She is working on zoonotic diseases of public health concern. Currently, Dr. Zarfishan is acting as Head of Department of Bacteriology and focal person of Provincial Rabies Control and Surveillance programme in Punjab. She is a focal person of Provincial TB Reference Laboratory.
Abstract:
The co-incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) is largely associated with the high frequency of morbidity. The undertaken study determined the prevalence of DM among TB patients, and to analyze the impact of various socio-demographic and behavioral factors on the TB-DM co-incidence. During the study period (September, 2014 to August, 2015), a total of 500 TB patients attending four major public sector hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan were enrolled. A well-designed questionnaire was used to collect information regarding socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors of the patients. Fasting Blood sugar level of the study participants was tested by a semi automated clinical chemistry analyzer followed by HbA1c level of all hyperglycemic patients. Among 500 TB patients, prevalence of TB-DM co-incidence was observed in 74 (14.8%) patients. The maximum number of patients with co-existent TB-DM were male (62.16%), in the age group >57 years (35.13%), unemployed (48%) and illiterate (72.97%). However, among the total 74 study subjects having TB-DM co-incidence, 27% exhibited smoking history. Significant difference was observed in the category of age groups and education while no significant difference was observed in the category of gender, occupation and smoking. The study revealed co-incidence of TB and DM among 14.8% patients that is influenced by several socio-demographic factors including old age, unemployment, illiteracy and increased exposure of male to the polluted environment. Thus, poor and unhealthy living styles complicated the ailments by leading to the development of DM among immunologically compromised individuals.
Biography:
Yan-Yeung Luk has completed his PhD at The University of Chicago, and postdoctoral studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been faculty at the Chemistry Department of Syracuse University. He is the founder of LifeUnit LLC, a startup company focused on chemical control bacterial activities. He has published more than 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals and has been serving as a reviewer for NSF, and ACS journals. He is also a member on the scientific advisory broad of Orthobond INC.
Abstract:
Bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lung of cystic fibrosis patients often converts to a phenotype, mucoid, that produce excessive amount of alginate polymers. These alginate polymers form a thick mucus that causes difficulty in patient’s breathing and contributes to both the morbidity and mortality of the patient. The cause and mechanism of this conversion of wild type to mucoid phenotype are still not clear. While there are commercial agents aim at washing and clearing the mucus, there are no drugs that control directly the mucus (alginate) production. Here, we demonstrate a specific class of synthetic molecules that can, in vitro, delay the production of alginate production, and inhibit the total amount of the alginate produced by mucoid phenotype. Our ongoing study of the mechanism of these chemical actions shows that one specific molecule can revert the mucoid phenotype back to wild-type Pseudomonas aeruginosa under conditions permit swarming. Structural variations of that specific chemical are NOT active for mucoid reversal and for alginate inhibition. This and other results suggest that the mode of action is likely a specific ligand-receptor binding event that triggers a cascade of chemical signaling events.
Krishna Priya
SNS College of Technology, India
Title: Enhancement of Strength and Durability of Concrete by Bacterial Calcite Precipitation
Biography:
S.Krishnapriya has submitted her Ph.D Thesis under Anna University, Chennai, India. She obtained her B.E in Civil Engineering from Periyar Maniammai College of Technology for Women, India and M.E in Structural Engineering from Kumaraguru College of Technology, India. She has published four papers in International Journals and six papers in National Conferences. She is presently working as an Assistant Professor at SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India.
Abstract:
In the current research work, two bacterial strains were isolated from the alkaline soil samples of a cement factory.They were identiï¬ed as Bacillus licheniformis BSKNAU and Bacillus flexus BSKNAU. Experimental investigations were carried out to study the effect of the bacteria on the compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths of concrete.Moreover, the effect of bacteria for improving the durability of concrete was investigated by determining the water absorption, resistance to acid attack and rapid chloride permeability of concrete.The cost effectiveness of bacterial treatment was improved by using wheat bran to replace the costly nutrient broth media for growing bacteria. The optimum bacterial cell concentration was found as 105 cells /ml of mixing water and was added to bacterial concrete specimens during casting. Control concrete specimens were cast with potable water and without any bacterial concentration The test results revealed that bacterial concrete specimens exhibited higher strength and improved durability performance when compared to control concrete specimens. Bacillus licheniformis BSKNAU considerably increased the strength and durability of concrete.Hence it is suitable for use in concrete. Bacillus flexus is not a good choice for use in concrete as it was less effective in increasing the strength and durability of concrete. The enhancement in strength and durability of concrete was due to the filling of pores and micro cracks with calcite precipitated by bacteria. The presence of calcite precipitates in bacterial concrete specimens was examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope.The calcite precipitates were confirmed using X ray Diffraction and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis.
Stevenson Many
Institut D’enseignement Chretien Siloe Medical Technology, Haïti
Title: Emerging infectious disease
Biography:
Stevenson Many was born Port-au-Prince February 17, 1989, from a modest family. From his father, Marcul Many, trader and mechanic, he inherited his love for technology. His mother, Milienna Edme, seamstress, taught him, in addition to the civic and moral values, the sense of responsibility from childhood. His parents despite their limited education are able to convey his strict principles and strict discipline. Many Steevenson did his secondary studies at the Lycee Toussaint Louverture. He began his studies in the University Institut D’enseignement Chretien Siloé 2012-2017 Medical Biology Section
Abstract:
An infectious disease is a disease caused by the transmission of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungus. Infection is the term for an infectious disease in general or contamination by germ. The contamination is the penetration of the germ in an organism. The infectious disease is the branch of medicine for infectious diseases. The specialist is an infectiologue. Emerging infectious diseases periodically worried epidemiologists and health authorities because of their health impacts, economic and socio current policies. The trichomonases are sexually transmitted diseases determined by a flagellate protozoan Trichomonas vaginal. Among infected women, it causes malodorous vaginal discharge and pus. The man becomes contaminated and can infect healthy carrier partners. Giardia is an intestinal disease caused by a flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia. Infectious diseases are transmitted in different ways: by direct contact, by the digestive way, by the respiratory way by the gastrointestinal tract, by animal bites or stings. cost for antibiotics is low still 700 million infections were found every year with the mortality rate of 0.1% normally and in severe conditions it is about 25%.global Clinical Bacteriology market is valued at $6,727.29 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.03% between 2014 and 2019. Increasing disease burden of infectious diseases and increased funding for healthcare expenditure are the important growth drivers for this market during the forecast period. Infectious diseases are responsible worldwide for 17 million deaths per year, or one third of the deaths and 43% of deaths in developing countries (against 1% in industrialized countries). Prevention of infectious diseases is divided into three parts: avoid infection, use a condom to reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Strengthen the immune system and take preventative treatments (The simple hygiene measures are the best preventive treatment : hand washing to prevent the transmission of food infectious.
Suresh Joshi
Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
Title: An Alternative Approaches to inactivate Air-Borne Pathogens: A Model Study
Biography:
Dr. Joshi is director of surgical site infections and bacterial pathogenesis. He is an assistant professor in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Surgery, and an adjunct professor at the A.J. Drexel Plasma Institute, as well as Drexel's School of Biomedical Engineering. He has a special interest in emerging bacterial infections, disinfection and sterilization, and biodefense. Since 1987, Dr. Joshi has taught undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students and trained doctoral and postdoctoral fellows in research. He has been mentoring graduates and medical students, who now have successful careers in medicine, academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Since 2004, he has been a member of international mentoring program and minority mentoring program of American Society of Microbiology (ASM), and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA).
Abstract:
Biological aerosols (Bioaerosols) are environmental aerosols that contain microorganisms in them. These bioaerosols can be very effective in transmitting diseases caused by those pathogens. Most systems control microbes through particulate filters, wherein the pathogens are merely trapped which subsequently survive for long periods of time over filters. These microbes can even proliferate, and cause infections at distant places after dissemination. Hence there is a need of a technology which can effectively inactivate microbes in a very short exposure time, so their further transmission can be controlled. Currently, many technologies are been investigated for this purpose, which include carbon nanotubes, UV radiation, electrostatic fields and more recently, the use of microwave and heat treatment. Plasma technology, especially non-thermal plasma technology has been increasing used as a tool for disinfection and sterilization. Earlier research carried out at our Drexel Plasma Institute has demonstrated the effectiveness of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma system. The proof-of-concept study presented here demonstrates the effective inactivation (> 5 logs of CFU) of a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in the form of bioaerosls, in seconds inside the laboratory-scale model of an HVAC system, using a single filament, point to point DBD. This is an attractive and effective alternative approach to control bioaerosol and thus transmission of infectious agent. (* Presenting Author).
Peter Timms
University of Sunshine Coast
Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Title: The female genital tract microbiome : Friend or foe against invading pathogens
Biography:
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Abstract:
The female genital tract is a complex ecosystem with a dynamic microbiota. The main function of the genital tract is in relation to host fertilisation and reproduction and it is thought that the main role of the genital tract microbiota therefore is to prevent foreign invaders from establishing. It is well known that lactobacilli are the main bacterial constituents of the female genital tract. More recent use of 16SrRNA deep sequencing has shown that the microbiota can be divided into 5 or 6 types. Four of these types are dominated by lactobacilli but the other CST Type has reduced lactobacilli and increased anaerobes. This last CST Type is associated with bacterial vaginosis and also an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. The vaginal microbiota has several proposed means by which it might provide a protective barrier (low pH, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, specific bacteriocins) although there is no consensus on which are the most important factors. Interestingly, some STIs seem to have co-evolved with the microbiota to their advantage. Chlamydia trachomatis for instance, is vulnerable to host immune attack via interferon gamma. This results in induction of the enzyme IDO and depletion of tryptophan. The genital strains of C.trachomatis have retained just the trpBA gene which enables them to potentially rescue tryptophan via indole from the genital tract microbiome. This demonstrates the complex interplay between the genital tract microbiota and invading pathogens.
Ananda M. Chakrabarty
University of Illinois, USA
Title: Bacterial Pathogenesis, Anticancer Drug Development and Patent Related Issues
Biography:
Ananda M. Chakrabarty is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. His research interest involves development of promiscuous bacterial protein/peptide drugs with anticancer, anti-viral and anti-parasitic activities. He is the co-founder of two start-up companies, CDG Therapeutics Inc. (www.cdgti.com) in Chicago and Amrita Therapeutics (www.amritatherapeutics.com) in India.
Abstract:
It is now well-known that many pathogenic bacteria with long term residence in the human body as biofilms consider the human body as their habitat and try to protect it from outside invaders such as cancers, viruses and parasites through secretion of protein weapons. In one instance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, secretes a protein azurin on contact with cancer cells. Upon release, azurin enters preferentially to cancer cells and interferes in cancer cell growth through multiple mechanisms involving complex formation with various cellular proteins in cancer cells that promote cancer cell growth. Such complex formation then leads to loss of function of such cancer growth promoting proteins. Thus azurin is known to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, as well as interfere in rapid cancer cell growth, through stabilization of tumor suppressor protein p53. Azurin also forms complexes with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and cell surface associated receptor tyrosine kinases such as EphB2 to inhibit angiogenesis and cell signaling in cancer cells to inhibit their growth. A chemically-synthesized 28 amino acid fragment (Azurin 50-77), termed p28, has completed a phase I trial in 15 stage IV cancer patients with metastatic tumors that were resistant to all conventional drugs and these patients had a life expectancy of about 6 months. P28 not only showed very little toxicity but also significant beneficial effects including partial and complete regression of the tumors in four patients, significantly prolonging their lives. P28 has also shown similar lack of toxicity but good efficacy in several pediatric brain tumor patients (www.cdgti.com). The University of Illinois at Chicago holds many patents on azurin/p28 as anticancer and anti-infective agents and the patent eligibility issues on such products of nature will be discussed.
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
Suresh G. Joshi
Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
Title: An Alternative Approaches to inactivate Air-Borne Pathogens: A Model Study
Biography:
Dr. Joshi is director of surgical site infections and bacterial pathogenesis. He is an assistant professor in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Surgery, and an adjunct professor at the A.J. Drexel Plasma Institute, as well as Drexel's School of Biomedical Engineering. He has a special interest in emerging bacterial infections, disinfection and sterilization, and biodefense. Since 1987, Dr. Joshi has taught undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students and trained doctoral and postdoctoral fellows in research. He has been mentoring graduates and medical students, who now have successful careers in medicine, academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Since 2004, he has been a member of international mentoring program and minority mentoring program of American Society of Microbiology (ASM), and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA).
Abstract:
Biological aerosols (Bioaerosols) are environmental aerosols that contain microorganisms in them. These bioaerosols can be very effective in transmitting diseases caused by those pathogens. Most systems control microbes through particulate filters, wherein the pathogens are merely trapped which subsequently survive for long periods of time over filters. These microbes can even proliferate, and cause infections at distant places after dissemination. Hence there is a need of a technology which can effectively inactivate microbes in a very short exposure time, so their further transmission can be controlled. Currently, many technologies are been investigated for this purpose, which include carbon nanotubes, UV radiation, electrostatic fields and more recently, the use of microwave and heat treatment. Plasma technology, especially non-thermal plasma technology has been increasing used as a tool for disinfection and sterilization. Earlier research carried out at our Drexel Plasma Institute has demonstrated the effectiveness of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma system. The proof-of-concept study presented here demonstrates the effective inactivation (> 5 logs of CFU) of a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in the form of bioaerosls, in seconds inside the laboratory-scale model of an HVAC system, using a single filament, point to point DBD. This is an attractive and effective alternative approach to control bioaerosol and thus transmission of infectious agent. (* Presenting Author).
Muhanad Ali
University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, Canada
Title: Gender Dynamics and Socio-cultural determinants of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia
Biography:
Muhanad Ali is completing his undergraduate (Honours) Bachelors of Science in Health Science, Critical Development Studies, and Anthropology (minor) from the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Upon completion, he is planning to pursue graduate studies in International Health or Global Health with a particular focus on infectious diseases with respect to how factors such as colonialism, globalization and socio-cultural or even socio-ecological factors play into the origin, maintenance and emergence of old and new infectious diseases. He is currently the Co-director for the University of Toronto International Health Program (UTIHP-UTSC) and serves as a YHAN (Youth Health Action Network) member for the City of Toronto Public Health in Toronto, Canada.
Abstract:
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a severe viral respiratory illness that is caused by a new strain from the beta group of coronavirus (CoV). At both the global and national level within Saudi Arabia, men are at a greater risk of contracting the virus (68%) in comparison to women, which fosters an interesting question (6) – What accounts for these gender-based differences in the MERS infection rates between men and women? This study seeks to challenge the assumption that biological differences in vulnerability (genetic disposition) are the primary drivers for the disparate male infection rates, and shift towards a framework of analysis that embraces the unique dynamics of gender roles. To demonstrate this analytical framework, this paper will consider several gender-based risk factors, such as gender segregation, religious and cultural practices, and social roles pertaining to livestock management within Saudi Arabia. The literature review examined for this study found that gender-based risk factors (gender segregation, religious and cultural practice, and social roles pertaining livestock management) may lead to varying rates of exposure to MERS-CoV. Moreover, it illustrated a gap in our current knowledge and understanding of how gender dynamics affect infectious diseases, especially concerning the issue of containment of and protection from MERS.
Paul Walsh
University of Stirling, UK
Title: Use of NGS and Cloud Computing Techniques for Rapid Diagnosis and Prognosis of Neonates Presenting with Septicaemia
Biography:
Dr. Paul Walsh completed his PhD in 2000 from University College Cork, Ireland – focusing on the computational aspects of bioinformatics. In 2012 he founded NSilico LifeScience Ltd. as a spin-out from his research group in the Cork Institute of Technology. NSilico’s focus is on the development of easy-to-use clinical and bioinformatics software which can significantly accelerate the research process. Dr. Walsh is NSilico’s Chief Scientific Officer and leads the company’s research efforts which retain a particular focus on infectious disease and cancer. In recent years he has held visiting professor positions at the Division of Pathway Medicine (University of Edinburgh, UK) and HDA University of Darmstadt (Germany).
Abstract:
We have sequenced the genomes of all bacterial pathogens isolated from infants presenting with septicaemia in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh over the last 5 years. These genomic sequence data have revealed unique molecular markers which can be used for rapid diagnosis of infection – reducing diagnosis time from days (as is presently the case with traditional culture based methods) to hours. Furthermore, data from the host immune response to the infection (transcriptional data taken form the blood of infected infants) has identified prognostic markers which can rapidly predict the likely response to infection and the chances of recovery. A proprietary bank of bacterial specific diagnostic markers and host specific prognostic markers has been established and incorporated as part of a cloud based computer algorithm which allows clinicians to rapidly diagnose the causative agent of infection and, based on the calculated prognostic outcome, make an informed decision on the correct course of treatment. Currently, infants presenting with septicaemia are prescribed broad spectrum antibiotics in a blunderbuss approach, before a more targeted intervention once the culture and antibiotic sensitivity results are returned from the lab. While at present it can take up to 3 days for results to be returned and a proper treatment regimen to be instigated, our approach provides results in hours; allowing rapid intervention and significantly reducing the mortality rate associated with infant septicaemia.
Cidália Pina-Vaz
University of Porto, Portugal
Title: Rapid assessement of antimicrobial susceptibility profile directly from positive blood cultures by flow cytometry
Biography:
Cidália Pina-Vaz (Portuguese, born in 1964) has completed her medical course at Porto School of Medicine where she became specialist in Clinical Pathology; she has completed her PhD in Microbiology and is actually Assistant Professor at the same Medical School. She belongs to the board of some Medical societies and to some editorial journals. She has published more than 70 papers in reputed journals, book Chapters and received some important prizes. She is one of the founders of FASTinov, a spin-off of Porto University, with the objective of transference of technology, developed during her research, to the market.
Abstract:
Positive blood cultures demand rapid initiation of antimicrobial therapy. However, a minimum of 48 hours are needed for susceptibility results. Early administration of appropriate antimicrobials increases patient survival and reduce hospitalization costs. Flow cytometric protocols for assessment of the most relevant antimicrobials versus common microorganisms isolated from biological specimens were developed by FASTinov and patented (WO2011138765A1). Such tests were applied to positive blood cultures (100 gram negative bacilli, 50 gram positive cocci, 20 yeasts) from Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal, following ethics commission approval. After becoming positive, microscopic examination was performed and microbial cells were separed after centrifugation; 105 organisms/ml were incubated with antimicrobials, according to gram stain, during 1 hour; cells were afterwards stained with the adequate fluorescent probe and submitted to FC analysis. Susceptibility phenotype was defined according previously defined cut-off values; results were compared with routine susceptibility tests - Vitek2 (BioMérieux, France). In case of discrepant results microdilution was used as reference method. The impact of this early susceptibility results on therapeutic decision, direct and indirect costs were evaluated. A time to result of two hours after the blood culture bottle becoming flagged positive was possible, representing considerable time saving (up to 46 hours). Agreement between FC test and routine test was 99%; high clinical and economic impact was - differences between 1-3 days of additional hospitalization days per patient. The use of flow cytometry for susceptibility profile analysis may represent a new paradigm in clinical microbiology and a step forward in targeted, cost-effective antimicrobial therapy.
Aditya
University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
Title: Procalcitonin Levels in Intensive Care Unit setting in patients with positive blood cultures
Biography:
University of Illinois at Chicago/ Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA
Abstract:
Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker of severe sepsis caused by bacterial infections. There is a paucity of evidence about the relationship of procalcitonin levels with variables such as site of infection and comorbidities. Methods: We conducted a retrospective pilot study of patients admitted to the medical and cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) from December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2014. Adults over 18 years of age with 1 positive blood culture and PCT levels drawn within 24 hours were included. 48 patients met these criteria. PCT levels were compared between true positive and contaminant/false positive blood cultures. Contaminated cultures were defined as coagulase negative Staphylococcus and diphtheroids with other non-infectious sources of sepsis. Site of infection was defined as respiratory, line-related, skin or soft tissue, intra-abdominal, or urinary tract. Co-morbidities investigated were systolic and diastolic heart failure, acute and chronic renal failure. Independent sample t tests and Pearson’s correlations were used for analysis using SPSS®22. Results: Mean PCT levels were higher in intra-abdominal (19.54±22.14) compared to respiratory infections (3.55±7.64), p=0.067. PCT levels were higher in patients with kidney dysfunction, (r=0.541, p<0.001). Higher mortality was observed in patients with positive blood cultures, 58% compared to average ICU mortality rates of 30-35%. There were no statistically significant differences between mean PCT levels for true versus false positive blood cultures (53.63±130.52 versus 24.21±61.34, p=0.61), congestive heart failure, age, and race.
Michael Jarrett
University of Colorado, USA
Title: Influence of Gelatin-Thrombin Matrix Tissue Sealant on Bacterial Colony Formation and Risk of Pelvic Infection
Biography:
MD Candidate, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Gelatin-thrombin matrix tissue sealant (GTM) use was previously identified as an independent predictor of pelvic infection following hysterectomies. We aim to elucidate contributing factors by assessing influence of GTM on bacterial colony formation and characterizing bacteria present at the vaginal cuff. METHODS: Escherichia coli was incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and pelvic washings with and without GTM to assess influence on colony formation. Pelvic washings of the vaginal cuff were collected from hysterectomies occurring June through October 2015. In vitro techniques, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for 16S rRNA, and 16S amplicon sequencing were performed with washings to characterize bacteria at the vaginal cuff. RESULTS: Mean bacterial colony formation in PBS following 20 hours incubation was greater for E. coli with GTM versus without (1.48x107 CFU/ml vs. 9.95x105 CFU/ml, p = 0.001). Out of 61 pelvic washings samples, 3 were culture positive (≥5000 CFU/ml) with Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION: In vitro experiments conclude GTM supports colony formation of E. coli in PBS. Analysis of pelvic washings revealed presence of E. faecalis, but results were inconclusive. Further studies are recommended
- 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.
- Track 1: Bacterial Morphology and Metabolism
Track 3: Bacterial Identification Method
Track 6: Plant Microbe Pathology
Track 7: Veterinary Bacteriology
Chair
Suresh Joshi
Drexel University, USA
Co-Chair
Mohamed Fakhr
University of Tulsa, USA
Session Introduction
George L. Mendz
The University of Notre Dame, Australia
Title: The Vaginal Microbiome of Gravidae in Health and Disease
Biography:
Professor George L. Mendz has an MSc from the University of Barcelona (Spain), and a PhD from the University of NSW. He has been Lecturer at the College of Natural Sciences, the University of Puerto Rico (San Juan); Research Associate at the School of Chemistry and the Department of Biochemistry, the University of Sydney; ARC Senior Research Fellow and Associate Professor at the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, the University of NSW; Associate Professor at the Department of Bacteriology, the University of Bordeaux II; and Associate Professor at the School of Medical Sciences, the University of NSW.
Abstract:
Background: There is limited knowledge of the community structure of the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women. This work aimed to provide a more complete description the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women in late pregnancy, and to investigate differences between the microbiota of healthy gravidae women and those who experienced complications during pregnancy, in particular women giving birth at term or preterm. Methods: Upper vagina swabs were obtained from 225 women of Caucasian, Asian, Indian, Middle East, and Pacific Island racial backgrounds during the third trimester of pregnancy. Participating women were administered a questionnaire including demographic data and summarising the history of the pregnancy; 132 women of five ethnic backgrounds had no complications during the pregnancy. The identity of the taxa present was determined by ultrafast sequencing of the V1V3 regions of the 16S rDNA gene of DNA extracted from the swabs. The sequence data were analysed with MOTHUR and statistical analyses were performed employing various bioinformatics tools. Results and Discussion: The relative abundance of some phyla was different in pregnant and non-pregnant (from other studies) women. Multidimensional scaling analyses showed the bacterial populations of women without complications to cluster in four vaginotypes driven by four Lactobacillus species. This organisation was partially dependent on the racial background of the woman and was altered by complications during pregnancy. A CLUSTER analysis showed a fine structure in these vaginotypes created by taxa belonging to the genera Escherichia, Atopobium and Prevotella. The participants were stratified into two groups: with or without complications during pregnancy. Using univariate analysis, 9 genera were found significantly correlated with genital infections. PERMANOVA analyses yielded significant differences between the microbiomes of both groups.
Mohamed Fakhr
University of Tulsa, USA
Title: Molecular Characterization of Staphylococci Isolated From Retail Mushrooms
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:
Staphylococcus spp. is a known cause of food poisoning in humans. The prevalence and virulence of staphylococci in retail mushrooms is understudied despite their proposed role as a mecA gene reservoir. One of the objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of staphylococci in both conventional and organic retail mushrooms sold in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. Characterizing the isolated strains for their possession of toxin and mecA genes was also aimed at. Molecular typing of the isolated strains to determine their origin and genetic diversity was also performed. A total of 420 samples of retail mushrooms were purchased from retail stores including Asian markets across the Tulsa area. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from 14 different domestic and imported brands of fresh mushrooms. Prospective colonies of Staphylococcus aureus were identified by PCR and the presence of 18 toxin genes and the mecA gene were screened for by PCR. A total of 297/420 mushroom samples (70.71%) was positive for the presence of Staphylococcus spp. The prevalence of S. aureus in the tested mushroom samples was only 1.6%. The mecA gene was detected in 64/297 (21.55%) of the positive samples. A total of 552 isolated staphylococcal strains were also tested for the presence of 18 toxin genes. The prevalence of enterotoxins ranged from 0.1% to 2.1%. The see, sej and sei genes were the most detected enterotoxins among all isolates and the exfoliative toxin (eta) gene was detected in only one isolate. The genes of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, leucocidins (lukE/lukD and lukM), and Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) were not detected in any of the staphylococcal isolates screened. A subset of 120 staphylococcal isolates was subjected to 16S rDNA gene sequencing and was molecularly identified. A total of 10 different Staphylococcus species was detected including S. aureus, S. fleurettii, S. saprophyticus, S. vitulinus, S. sciuri, S. xylosus, S. succinus, S. pasteuri, S. warneri, and S. haemolyticus. More than half of the screened S. fleurettii strains carried the mecA gene. Genetic diversity among the identified staphylococci strains showed higher diversity reflecting the mushroom compost environment. Genetic diversity in the mecA gene among a selected number of isolated staphylococci in this study showed a higher degree of DNA homology among the isolates, indicating that these isolates can serve as a reservoir of this important gene in the environment. Molecular typing using PFGE for the identified staphylococci showed a high degree of diversity that varied according to the mushroom brand. PFGE, MLST and spa typing of the isolated S. aureus strains showed two distinct strains of a human origin, supporting that contamination with S. aureus was as a result of human handling of the mushrooms during packaging. In conclusion, the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. in fresh mushrooms is high and a subset of the strains was shown to harbor enterotoxin genes, which might lead to foodborne poisoning. The mecA screening and genetic diversity results support the hypothesis that those staphylococci other than S. aureus can serve as reservoirs for this methicillin resistance gene
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:
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:
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 USA 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.
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:
The recent discovery of Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) as a major respiratory pathogen has been made possible by means of RT-PCR. Studies thus far published have mostly been conducted using the molecular approach; clarification of epidemiological, clinical features and using molecular biological techniques for diagnosis of hMPV. 189 patients with suspected viral respiratory tract infections were included and respiratory specimens were analyzed for hMPV by Seeplex respiratory virus detection kit. Detection techniques that were used included virus detection by RT-PCR, DFA-staining and the rapid culture technique known as shell vial amplification using Mabs of nasal wash or aspirate fluid. The study determined that 61 (32.3%) respiratory viruses out of 189 respiratory samples and showed presence of hMPV in 8 (13.1%) of 61 samples and epidemiological data showed that hMPV had variable seasonal activity. Sex patients with positive hMPV (75%) had preexisting serious disorders. By using shell vial cultures with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), the related isolated virus of the patient with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), showed a plaque of infected cells with small syncytial formations, while that of other seven patients showed single infected cells. All samples with hMPV positive patients by RT-PCR were correlated with whatever DFA staining or shell vial cultures by MAbs. hMPV is a significant pathogen in immunocompromised patients with a risk of high morbidity and mortality. Using combination of diagnostic work up may be useful to confirm detection of hMPV.
Perez Bawoh
St. Francis Higher Institute of Nursing and Midwifery Junior/Laboratory Technician Holy Trinity Hospital, Cameroon
Title: Anti-plasmodial Agents from a Cameroonian medicinal plant
Biography:
Perez Bawoh, a young Laboratory Technician, Final year B.Sc Medical Laboratory Technology Student at St. Francis Higher Institute of Nursing and Midwifery Junior/Laboratory Technician Holy Trinity Hospital – Ekona, Cameroon was born on March 19, 1993 in Buea fako division in the south west region of Cameroon. Presently I am working on bacteria found in medicinal plants in Cameroon. I have worked for close to two years in this domain and am very ambitious to gain more expertise in this field. As a young researcher I have work in the laboratory under the supervision of clinical lab technologists.
Abstract:
This work, entitled “Anti-plasmodial Agents from a Cameroonian Medicinal Plant”, reports the isolation, structure determination and pharmacological evaluation of constituents isolated from Peperomia vulcanica (Piperaceae). This plant was chosen because it is added to anti-fever preparations by traditional medical practitioners. Repeated column chromatography of the plant extracts afforded thirteen compounds, eight compounds from the hexane extract and five from the methylene chloride extract, three of which have been completely identified as shown compounds. Phytochemical investigation of the crude hexane and methylene chloride extracts resulted in the isolation of thirteen compounds, seven were active, one of which, 5 Demethyltangeretin, was tested for vi Vitro activity against plasmodium falciparium for the first time. Others were identified as stimasterol and matairesirol dimethyether. The structures of the compounds were determined by modern spectroscopic techniques (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR) and physical characteristics as well by comparism of their spectroscopic data with literature values. In vitro activity assessment against plasmodium falciparium was performed using microtittre plates.
Ekta Rawat
Kurukshetra University, India
Title: Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial active macrocyclic complexes of main group metal with their in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies
Biography:
Ekta Rawat is a research scholar at Department of Chemistry at Kurukshetra University, India. Her research interests have been focusing on pharmacological and anticancer properties of macrocyclic and supramolecular frameworks. She has been awarded with Young Scientist Award and Best Paper Presentation Award at National conferences organised by reputed Universities of India. She has co-authored twelve papers in Journals of International repute and one book chapter. She has steadily presented papers in various international and domestic conferences. Moreover, she is also working on Major Research Project funded by UGC, India on organometallic compounds in cancer therapy. She is also a life member of Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata, India. Her papers has been selected at • 3rd Annual International Conference on Chemistry 2015 at Athens, Greece • 5th World Congress on Cancer Therapy 2015 at Atlanta, USA. • 4th International conference on Medicinal Chemistry & Computer Aided Drug Designing Atlanta, USA. • International Conference on Engineering and Applied Science, Singapore, 2016. • 2nd World Congress Breast Cancer 2016 at Phoenix, USA.
Abstract:
Despite the current advancement in drug discovery and pharmaceutical biotechnology, infection diseases induced by microorganisms continue to be one of the greatest health problems worldwide, afflicting millions of people annually. Almost all microorganisms have, in fact, an intrinsic outstanding ability to flout many therapeutic interventions, thanks to their fast and easy-to-occur evolutionary genetic mechanisms. There is an urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics in preventing and treating these infections as a result of increases in drug resistance. The capacity of macrocyclic complexes to destroy infectious micro-organisms makes it one of the most powerful antimicrobial agents and anti-inflammatory agents, an attractive feature against ‘super-bugs’ resistant to antibiotics. A noticeable increase in molecular complexity of drug targets has created an unmet need in the therapeutic agents that are larger than traditional small molecules. Macrocycles, which are cyclic compounds comprising 12 atoms or more, are now recognized as molecules that “are up to the taskâ€. Macrocycles are equipped with large polar surface areas, achieving cellular permeability and bioavailability is anything but straightforward. Perspective of present is to provide an overview of both mechanistic and structural issues that bear on macrocycles as a unique class of molecules. A new series of macrocyclic multidentate ligand and its complexes with main group metal are reported. The mode of bonding and overall geometry of the compounds was determined through physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. These studies revealed octahedral geometries about metal atom. Biological activity of the ligand and its metal complexes against Gram positive bacterial strain and Gram negative bacteria revealed that the metal complexes become more potentially resistive to the microbial activities as compared to the free ligand. These compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by carragenan induced paw oedema method. The binding mode of the title compounds has been proposed based on the docking studies.
Gadangi Indira
Kakatiya University, India
Title: RAA-ESBLE- Risk factors associated with acquisition of ESBLEscherichia coli infection, detection and treatment, a case report
Biography:
Dr.Gadangi Indira has completed her PhD FROM Kakatiya U niversity in Medical Microbiology On dermatophytosis. She is an Associate Professor and HOD of Department of Microbiology in Pingle Govt College for Women, Warangal, Telangana State, India.At present she is working on a major research project funded by U.G.C. She has published papers in both National and International journals and a reviewer for a reputed journal.
Abstract:
ESBL group of organisms are beta lactamase enzyme producing organisms capable of breaking the beta lactam ring in antibiotics hence are resistant to usually cephalosporins and few other antibiotics. In these E.coli is the most common bacteria that lives in gut harmlessly but causes Urinary tract infection and in severe cases blood poisoning, septicemia or bacteremia leading to serious sepsis. When not treated it leads to inflammation of body parts, blood clots, blocking oxygen supply andultimately causing death. In present study report a 51 years old Indian tourist patient was admitted in a Wake Med Health hospital at USA, with symptoms of UTI.In hospital she was diagnosed with ESBL E.coliUTI infection with>100,000 colonies /ml and blood culture showed positive result. In this case the Sepsiswas resulted as secondary infection. She even suffered with chronic anemia. The previous medical history of subject showed several risk factors for acquisition of infection. These include elder age, female gender,chronic anemia, recent hospitalization, surgical procedure (due to hysterectomy), intravenous catheterization, intensive careand prolonged usage of high potency antibiotics.All these factors are established as predictive and prognostic risk factors for acquisition of infection and also results in colonization of organism. The antibiotic sensitivity test was done by using CLSI, MIC method on Ampicillin, Cefazolin, Cefepime, Celfazidine, Celtriaxone, Ciprofloxacin,Levofloxacin,Tobramycin showed resistant, Nitroflurantoin showed semi resistant andErtapenem, gentamicin,Amikacin showed susceptibility. Hence the subject was treated with Doripenemas Intra Venous administration for 15 days with the help of a peripherally inserted central catheteri.e., PICC line.In this case study report,the excessive usage of high dose antibiotics for longer period made the organism resistant or immune. This factor was considered as the primary risk factor followed by hospitalization and gender. In conclusion the study of risk factors help in identification of high-risk cases of UTI positive infection. But still individualization is needed for identification of risk factors.The drug used for the treatment is expensive and often not available in developing countries. The drug sensitivity tests helps in establishing an empirical antibiotic policy. Key words: ESBL, Escherichia coli,CLSI, MIC method, PICC line Cephalosporinsand Ertapenem
Peter Timms
Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Title: Progress towards the development of a chlamydial vaccine for koalas
Biography:
Professor Timms is Professor of Microbiology at the University of Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He is a nationally and internationally renowned microbiologist with specific expertise in the area of Chlamydia. His laboratory is acknowledged as the leading Australian laboratory and one of the leading groups internationally working on all aspects of chlamydial infections.
Abstract:
Wild koala populations continue to experience serious declines as a result of factors including, (i) loss of habitat, (ii) motor vehicle trauma; (iii) dog attacks; (iv) chlamydial disease. Chlamydial infections have been associated with diseases ranging from ocular disease leading to blindness, as well as urinary and genital tract disease. Modeling shows that targeting chlamydial disease would have the greatest potential impact on stabilising population decline. In the first trial we vaccinated groups of captive healthy koalas via the sc route, using the chlamydial MOMP antigen. We observed good serum and vaginal secretion antibodies as well as specific lymphocyte proliferation responses. In the next trial we utilised a recombinant MOMP protein, cloned from a C.pecorum koala isolate. We vaccinated two groups of koalas, (i) wild caught animals that were clinically healthy and Chlamydia PCR negative, (ii) wild caught animals with no signs of disease. Following vaccination, there was no increase in inflammatory pathological changes in any animals. Strong antibody (including neutralizing antibodies) and lymphocyte proliferation responses occurred in all vaccinated koalas. So far, we have shown that a multi-subunit chlamydial vaccine can be safely administered to both healthy koalas as well as koalas that have a previous or current chlamydial infection. Specific anti-MOMP antibodies are produced at high levels and, importantly, these antibodies are neutralizing in vitro.
Swati Khare
College of Pharmacy IPS Academy, India
Title: Optimized Formulation, Preformulary characterization and evaluation and of Diethylcarbamazine citrate - Medicated chewing gum
Biography:
Swati Khare has completed her Masters in Pharmacy (M. Pharma) in Pharmaceutics (Honors) from College of Pharmacy, IPS Academy, Indore (M.P.) in 2012. Currently she is working with IIST College Indore as Assistant Professor. Earlier she had worked with Cyano Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Indore as Q.A. Officer. She has presented poster on “Innovative pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science†in Bhopal and Paper presentation during Technopharma event held in S.I.R.T. Bhopal in April 2012
Abstract:
Truncate Infections caused by Helminthes, or parasitic worms, affect more than two billion people worldwide. Looking at this situation, an attempt has been made to formulate a novel drug delivery system known as medicated chewing gum containing masticatory gum base with pharmacologically active ingredient Diethylcarbamazine citrate (used as a first-line agent for control and treatment of Lymphatic filariasis and for therapy of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi). Optimized formulations of medicated chewing gum with varying concentration of gum base were formulated. Evaluation parameter like Texture analysis (Hardness, Firmness and Springiness test) is carried out by Texture analyzer apparatus (TAXT plus). Improved essentials of casting & In-Vitro release profile of drug in saliva was obtained by formulation Fc3 (96.2%). Buccal absorption studies showed that 39.2% of drug absorbed within one minute when available to buccal mucosa at pH 5.5, commensurate with explain diethylcarbamazine citrate- medicated chewing gum (DEC-MCG) can be considered as better formulation for buccal drug delivery system in which drug is absorbed buccally and reaches the systemic circulation via jugular vein.
Biography:
Tutsirai V Musingwini Mphil student with the University of Zimbabwe ,finishing off studies in December 2015. She currently submitted a manuscript for publishing of her findings on the HIV drug resistance study. She graduated with a Bachelor of Technology Honours degree in Biotechnology in 2010.She is a young aspiring researcher ,who is keen to venture and learn aboutthe vast world of research,especially the molecular biology of disesae infection.
Abstract:
The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication has significantly reduced HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality, but however, the effectiveness of ART has been threatened by emergence of drug resistance mutations. The objective of this study was to determine frequencies of HIV drug resistance mutations , using proviral DNA from blood specimens of treatment -experienced and treatment-naïve patients recruited from an HIV treatment clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe.103 participants were enrolled, 80% being female. 6 (6%) of these had at least one drug resistance mutation and were also treatment experienced. None of the treatment naïve patients (11%) had mutations. The mutations observed were; NRTI mutations M184V, T69D, T69N and V75I; NNRTI mutations , G190E, Y181C, , G190A and K103N, V108M; and thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs) D67N, K219Q, K70R L210W , and T215Y . The most frequently occurring mutation in the whole group of patients was the M184V mutation, which occurred in 5 of the 6(83%) participants. We demonstrated the use of proviral DNA in HIV drug resistance testing of treatment experienced and naïve patients, as well as its potential use in predicting treatment outcomes were viral load monitoring is not widely available, as reflected in routine clinical practice in this setting. This helps provide surveillance on risk of resistance in the population, and corrective action on current treatment regimens can be taken.
Alemayehu Reta Terefe
Debre Markos Univerrsity, Ethiopia
Title: Nasal Carriage, Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among School Children in Ethiopia
Biography:
Alemayehu Reta has completed his BSc at the age of 21 years from Haromaya University and MSc studies from Jimma University Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Pathology. He is the department head of Medical Laboratory Science. He has published 2 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
Young children are major reservoir for community acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) and accelerate transmission of CA-MRSA. The aim of this study was to determine the nasal carriage and antimicrobial resistance patterns of MRSA isolates among school children in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the nasal carriage rate and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of MRSA isolates among school children. A total of 300 nasal swabs were collected from March 1 to June 30, 2013. MRSA was detected using both Cefoxitin (30 µg) and Oxacillin (1 µg) discs in combination and risk factors were assessed using self-administered structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS V-20. Of 123 S. aureus isolates 17(13.8%) were MRSA isolates. The main risk factors for nasal carriage of MRSA in the study area were, having recurrent acute otitis media and use of an antibiotic in the previous year. The Susceptibility profiles of MRSA isolates were (94.1%) to Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Clindamycin, (88.2%) to Ceftriaxone, Erythromycin and Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and (58.8%) to Doxycycline. All the isolates were resistant to Penicillin G and sensitive to Gentamycin. This study showed a rising rate of nasal carriage of MRSA among school children. Previous use of antibiotics by the children was statistically associated with MRSA carriage. Therefore developing decolonization protocols and proper utilization of drugs are needed in order to reduce the transmission and the burden of MRSA.
ODIGIE, Bolaji Efosa
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Cytopathology and Epidemiology of Cervicitis in Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in Enugu, Nigeria
Biography:
Efosa is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Medical Laboratory Science (Histopathology/Cytopathology) Specialization at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interest focuses on Comparative and Experimental Pathology, and Cervical Cytology with a particular interest in abnormal cervical lesions and deleterious effects of medicinal plants (herbal therapy) in humans at the cellular level. He has over 18 publications in reputed and peer reviewed journals on the above subjects. In 2013, he was admitted to the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science as an associate member. He is married to pretty Osarogie Joyce and blessed with Cherub and Saraphina.
Abstract:
Illicit sexual behavior by commercial sex workers (CSW) may have a disproportionate impact on the reproductive health of a woman that often leads to cervicitis. This study aimed at examining the cytopathology, patterns, prevalence and burden of cervicitis in CSWs in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. Cervical smears are collected from the endocervix of about one hundred and eighteen (n=118) CSWs between August 2014 and February 2015 using the liquid-based cytology (LBC) method, including smear preparation. Stained smears are by the modified Emergency Papanicolaou method. The leftover samples are tested for sexually transmitted diseases, especially N. gonorrhea, and C. trachomatis using ligase chain reaction and nucleic acid amplification test. The randomized sampling design is used for data collection. Cytopathology of cervicitis in CSWs showed a moderate infection, and moderately severe to chronic inflammatory cells. The epidemiology revealed that acute cervicitis are predominant 7(5.9%) and 2(1.7%) are chronic cervicitis. The prevalence of CSWs living with cervicitis in Enugu, Nigeria (7.6%), is significantly affected by age and working duration as CSWs. Chlamydia trachomatis is the solely associated pathogen implicated in cervicitis group (n=9). Candidiasis infection (n=12) and T. vaginalis (n=3) are observed in the non-cervicitis group (n=109) while the association between C. trachomatis and cervicitis infection is statistically significant (P= 0.0221). There is a preponderance of acute cervicitis to chronic (4:1) while C. trachomatis infection is the prevalent etiologic agent of cervicitis in this study. However, further molecular study of LBC samples obtained from CSWs by real-time PCR is strongly recommended.
Habimana Bosco
Gisenyi District Hospital, Africa
Title: Evaluation of Different Diagnostic Method of Mycobacterial Tuberculosis And Controle of diseases
Biography:
Habimana Bosco has completed his BACHEROL DEGREE at the age of 26 years from University OF RWANDA studies from School of Medicine And Allied health Sciencies. He is the Head of mycobacterium department at Gisenyi district Hospital as a researcher working on Operational Research
Abstract:
The diagnosis of Tuberculosis in development country remain a big issue where we are trying to Introduce new diagnosis in order to control the diseases , such as the Gene xpert system and Led Microscopy have been described as promising techniques for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis but lack of sensitivity of Led microscope compare to Molecular diagnostic , With the aim of evaluating the specifity and sensitivity of Led microscopy with Genexpert method on samples of spatum of patients suspected of tuberculosis we analyzed 267 clinical samples, using as a Led microscopy Using Auramine staining and molecular diagnosis( Genexpert ) with dectecte of M. tuberculosis genome and Rifampicine detection . Molecular diagnosis (Gene Xpert method showed higher sensitivity in patients with Pulmonary tuberculosis (Where some cases missing by auramine staining are shown by Genexpert We analyzed sputum from 267 patients in the different age suspected of TB, admitted in the period from October 2015 to 1 ST November 2015 at the outpatient clinic at GISENYI Hospital , when compared to patients with the Tuberculosis using Auramine staning Vs Genexpert in 267 Patient we see that 15 patient are find with pulmonary tuberculosis among this patient one are reported as MultDrugResistant cases . Comparing the results of auramine staning using Led Microscopy for detection of M. tuberculosis in spatum we see all missing 5 cases auramine staining will be showed by molecular diagnosis by using Genexpert . the xpert showed higher sensitivity compare to Led microscopy using auramine staining Genexpert is a rapid technique that, it showing a good sensitivity, The performance of Genexpert techniques should be considered and tested in future works on specimens like sputum, readily obtainable in most cases. The improving of M. tuberculosis Using Genexpert and Rif detection is very sensitive, Also, TB smear microscopy is highly insensitive for HIV- co infected individuals and for children due to the reduced pulmonary bacillary loads in these patients. TB affected patients will give the possibility of an earlier detection of bacilli thus interrupting the transmission chain of the disease. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Genexpert method , sputum ,molecular diagnosis, Led microscopy (auramine staining ).Multidrug resistance.
Brian Arturo Mondeja RodrÃguez
Pedro Kourà Tropical Medicine Institute, Cuba
Title: Detection Of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae By A Novel Ari Well-D-One Culture-Based Micro-Method.
Biography:
Brian Arturo Mondeja RodrÃguez, is a young researcher, Master in Sciences of the National Reference Laboratory of Mycoplasmas, at Tropical Medicine Institute “Pedro KourÃâ€, Cuba. His principal topic of investigation is the microbiological diagnosis, isolation and molecular characterization of fastidious human mycoplasmas as M. genitalium and M. pneumoniae. He is working in his Ph.D. thesis, related with the M. genitalium infection: microbiological diagnosis, genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility of Cuban M. genitalium isolates. He has participated in several national and international research projects and scientific events, and published about 8 papers in national and international journals.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important respiratory pathogen in community-acquired-pneumonia. At date, in the diagnosis of pediatric infections, PCR and serology are the most used methods. However, culture continue being the reference method but is complex and time consumer. The aims of this work is the validation, clinical and microbiological assessment of a novel commercial culture-based kit ARI WELL-D-ONE for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Cuban pediatric patients with respiratory tract infections. Samples were collected from March to June of 2015 at the “Juan M. Marquez†Hospital in Havana City, from pediatric patients with respiratory illness. Respiratory samples from 71 patients were investigated at the same time using M. pneumoniae-PCR, culture and ARI WELL-kit. A total concordance in M. pneumoniae-detection was recorded among the three performed methods. M. pneumoniae was detected and isolated in 7 % (5/71) of patients. ARI WELL-D-ONE showed a 100 % of specificity and sensibility in the identification and isolation of M. pneumoniae from infected clinical samples. Successful re-isolation of M. pneumoniae clinical strains were obtained by conventional culture in Mycoplasma- media from mycoplasmas-specific kit wells, confirmed the utility of the kit for the recuperation of clinical strains for other laboratory procedures. All the M. pneumoniae infected patients have a clinical diagnosis of atypical-pneumonia or uncontrolled-asthma manifestation, suggesting a typical respiratory mycoplasmosis. In conclusion, the results suggest the feasibility of the new kit for mycoplasma microbiological diagnosis in medical centers without access to PCR-based tests.
Nadia MarÃa RodrÃguez Preval
Pedro Kourà Tropical Medicine Institute, Cuba
Title: Evaluation Of An Accelerated Micro-Method For The Detection, Identification And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Of Urogenital Mycoplasmas.
Biography:
Nadia MarÃa RodrÃguez Preval, is a young researcher, Master in Sciences, Assistant professor and the Head of the National Reference Laboratory of Mycoplasmas, at Tropical Medicine Institute “Pedro KourÃâ€, Cuba. Her principal topic of investigation is the use of molecular methods for diagnostic and research of mycoplasmas in humans, and the application of conventional and advanced tests for identification of mycoplasmas. She is working in her Ph.D. thesis, related with the antimicrobial resistance of Cuban mycoplasmas isolates. She has participated in several national and international research projects and scientific events, and published about 24 papers in national and international journals.
Abstract:
Genital mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma genitalium, M. hominis and Ureaplasma spp. are potentially pathogenic bacteria that colonize the genitourinary tract of sexually active individuals. Infections by these bacteria can lead to genital infections as well as undesirable squeals during pregnancy. The challenge of conventional methods to diagnose mycoplasmas forces researchers to investigate more sensitive, reliable and rapid alternatives. The new commercially available MYCO WELL D-ONE assay provides easy identification and enumeration of M. hominis and/or Ureaplasma spp. within 24 h to 48 h. The aim of this study was the validation of this commercial culture-based kit in comparison with the culture, in Cuban patients with urogenital infections. Fifty endocervical swab samples were collected from January to February of 2015 at the Tropical Medicine Institute ¨Pedro Kourè in Havana City, from patients with urogenital infections, and analyzed at the same time using the conventional culture for Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis, and the MYCO WELL-kit. Ureaplasma spp. were detected in 10% (5/50) and M. hominis was detected in 24% (12/50) of the patients. There was not coinfection in the study samples. The MYCO WELL D–ONE kit had 94.8% and 96.4% of sensitivity and specificity respectively against the bacteriological culture. In conclusion, the results suggest the feasibility of the new commercial kit for the detection and identification of M. hominis and Ureaplasma spp. in medical centers without access to culture and PCR-based tests.
Ali
The Foundation University, Pakistan
Title: Is Stenotrophomonas maltophilia heading towards pan-drug resistance?
Biography:
Biography: Usman Ali, 21 years, undergraduate student of M.B.B.S. at Foundation University Medical College, Pakistan. Published two research articles in Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal and Austin Journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Currently, working as a research assistant in department of Pathology at Foundation University. Awarded gold medal of year 2014 in subject of Pharmacology by Foundation University, Pakistan. Runner-up all rounder student at IST Youth Carnival 2014.
Abstract:
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated in a tertiary care setting and frequency of multi, extensively and pan drug resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in Microbiology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2015 to June 2015. Isolates were identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia using standard microbiological techniques and the antimicrobial resistance was carried out using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion against various antimicrobials. Data was analyzed using SPSS(software version 21). Results: Ninety isolates were confirmed as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Pus(33.33%) and urine(24.44%) were the most common specimens from which this bacterium was isolated. Antimicrobial resistance pattern has shown high percentage of resistance to many antimicrobials with exception to azetronam, minocycline, polymyxin B and colistin. Conclusion: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates from our setup were resistant to antimicrobial agents used in the study. It is predicted that the infections caused by this bacterium shall be difficult to treat in near future due to resistance to these antimicrobial agents. Though at this point no pan drug resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is reported but the resistance pattern suggests that pan drug resistant strains may arise in near future and when the time comes only newer antimicrobials can provide the answer. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, pan drug resistance(PDR), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
Amah Henry
Imo State University, Nigeria
Title: Genital tract bacteria linked to preterm pre-mature rupture of membrane (pprom) and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern
Biography:
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Genital tract infection has been associated with increased risks for preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM). This study was carried out to ascertain the role of genital tract infection in the aetiology of PPROM as well as the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the incriminating pathogens. METHODS: A total of 102 pregnant women presented with PPROM between 24 weeks and 37 weeks of gestation and 102 control cases were enrolled while attending prenatal clinic of the federal medical centre, Owerri. The sociodemographic characteristics of the study population was taken and microbial flora were isolated using standard bacteriological methods. Disc susceptibility test was performed according to NCCLS methods. RESULTS: Pathogens were isolated in 85 patients, giving a recovery rate of 83.3%. The common pathogens include Escherichia coli (23.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (20.6%) Streptococcus spp (16.7%) and Candida albican (13.7%). Levofloxacin was the most effective antibiotics against all the isolated pathogens while ampicillin-cloxacillin was the least active. CONCLUSION: The timely detection and administration of ceftriaxone erythromycin, cefuroxime or augmentin were suggested for conservative management of PPROM.
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