Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae constitutes an important cause of neonatal infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine-the current intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp)-has proven in vitro activity against group B Streptococcus (GBS). Because of specific drug resistance to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, mefloquine-an antimalarial without in vitro activity against GBS-was evaluated as a potential alternative. This study assessed the potential of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine-IPTp to reduce the prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant women in Gabon when compared with the inactive control mefloquine-IPTp. Pregnant women participating in a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating mefloquine-IPTp versus sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine-IPTp were invited to participate and recto-vaginal swabs were collected at delivery for detection of GBS colonization. Prevalence of recto-vaginal GBS colonization was compared between IPTp regimens and risk factor and birth ...

To study the regulatory region of a constitutively expressed erm(A) gene in Streptococcus agalactiae clinical isolates. Methods: Thirty clinical isolates of S. agalactiae which were cross-resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin and with a clindamycin MIC higher than that of erythromycin were studied by PCR, sequencing and molecular typing. Results: PCR analysis revealed that all the strains harboured the erm(A) gene, either alone (26 isolates) or in combination with erm(B) (four isolates). Sequencing of the region upstream of erm(A) showed that all isolates possessed two types of genetic alteration. Most of the strains showed point mutations in the second leader peptide (mainly A137C) and, in four isolates (two clones), an insertion fragment with high homology to IS1381 and transposase genes was detected. Epidemiological analysis of strains indicated several clonal origins of isolates. The mutations described here are thought to result in increased or constitutive expression of the erm(A) gene.

Mechanisms for tetracycline and macrolide resistance in 54 isolates of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae were analyzed by PCR. The erm (B), erm (A), and mef (A) genes, either alone or in combination, were detected in all the erythromycin-resistant isolates. The tet (M) and tet (O) genes were responsible for tetracycline resistance. Random amplification of polymorphic DNA indicated different clonal origins of the isolates.

The activity of tigecycline was tested against erythromycin-resistant streptococci (107 Streptococcus pyogenes and 98 Streptococcus agalactiae strains). The presence of erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes was determined by PCR. Among S. pyogenes strains the most prevalent gene was mef (A) (91.6%). The erm (B) gene was the most prevalent (65.3%) among S. agalactiae strains. Tigecycline proved to be very active against all the isolates tested (MIC at which 90% of the isolates tested were inhibited, 0.06 μg/ml), including those resistant to tetracycline.

The rates of resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin among Streptococcus agalactiae strains isolated in our hospital increased from 4.2 and 0.8% in 1993 to 17.4 and 12.1%, respectively, in 2001. Erythromycin resistance was mainly due to the presence of an Erm(B) methylase, while the M phenotype was detected in 3.8% of the strains. Telithromycin was very active against erythromycin-resistant strains, irrespective of their mechanisms of macrolide resistance.

This work describes the diversity and evolution of Tn 5801 among enterococci, staphylococci, and streptococci based on analysis of the 5,073 genomes of these bacterial groups available in gene databases. We also examined 610 isolates of Enterococcus (from 10 countries, 1987 to 2010) for the presence of this and other known CTn- tet (M) elements due to the scarcity of data about Tn 5801 among enterococci. Genome location (by I Ceu -I–pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] hybridization/integration site identification), conjugation and fitness (by standard methods), Tn 5801 characterization (by long-PCR mapping/sequencing), and clonality (by PFGE/multilocus sequence typing [MLST]) were studied. Twenty-three Tn 5801 variants (17 unpublished) clustered in two groups, designated “A” (25 kb; n = 14; predominant in Staphylococcus aureus ) and “B” (20 kb; n = 9; predominant in Streptococcus agalactiae ). The percent GC content of the common backbone suggests a streptococcal origin of Tn 58...

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae is pathogenic for both animals and humans. In dairy cattle it commonly causes mastitis, with great economic losses, and there is scientific evidence of mastitis, caseous lymphadenitis, contagious skin necrosis and purulent infections associated with S. agalactiae in camels (Camelus dromedarius) as well. In humans, it is a common component of the respiratory and gastrointestinal microflora, but it can also act as a pathogen, especially in elderly people and immunocompromised patients, as well as in pregrant women and newborns. Case presentation: A 10-year old non-pregnant female llama (Lama glama) was conferred to the Institute for Animal Health Control, in Bolzano for necropsy after sudden death. The animal had not shown unusual behaviour and had a low to normal nutritional condition (body condition score 2/5). The breeder had reported a chronic suppurative subcutaneous infection in the intermandibular area, resistant to therapy (therapy unknown). After necropsy, several samples were processed for histological, bacteriological and parasitological examinations. Conclusions: This report describes, to the best of our knowledge, the first isolation of S. agalactiae in llamas (Lama glama). The animal came from a herd that counts approximately 200 South American camelids (llamas, alpacas) along with several horses, chicken, rabbits, cats and dogs; this farm offers services, such as trekking and pet therapy activities.

We aimed to describe patients with coexisting infective endocarditis (IE) and bacterial meningitis (BM). Methods: We merged two large prospective cohorts, an IE cohort and a BM cohort, with only cases of definite IE and community-acquired meningitis. We compared patients who had IE and BM concurrently to patients with IE only and BM only. Results: Among the 1030 included patients, we identified 42 patients with IE-BM (4.1%). Baseline characteristics of patients with IE-BM were mostly similar to those of patients with IE, but meningitis was the predominant presentation at admission (39/42, 92.3%). Causative pathogens were predominantly Streptococcus pneumoniae (18/42, 42.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14/42, 33.3%). All pneumococcal IE were associated with BM (18/18). BM due to oral and group D streptococci, Streptococcus agalactiae, and S. aureus were frequently associated with IE Bruno Hoen and Xavier Duval contributed equally. The members of the AEPEI and the COMBAT study groups are listed in the Acknowledgements section. G. Be ´raud (&)

Background: Probiotics are generally considered as safe, but infections may rarely occur in vulnerable patients. Alternatives to live microorganisms to manage dysbiosis may be of interest in these patients. Reuterin is a complex component system exhibiting broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and a possible candidate substance in these cases.Methods: Reuterin supernatant was cultured from Lentilactobacillus diolivorans in a bioreactor in a two-step process. Storage stability at −20°C and effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycles were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antimicrobial activity was tested against Clostridium difficile, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus (S.) agalactiae, Propionibacterium acnes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae. Male BALBc mice were gavage fed with reuterin supernatant (n = 10) or culture medium (n = 10). Fecal volatile organic compounds (VO...

In West Africa, the carriage of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), among infants is poorly characterised. We investigated co-carriage of GBS with other respiratory pathogens in the infants' nasopharynx in The Gambia. We assessed the carriage, serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility of Beta-haemolytic Streptococci (BHS) groups A-G; along with the carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae; Haemophilus influenzae; Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis in 1200 two-month old infants. The BHS prevalence was 20.0 % and GBS dominated (13.8 %), particularly serotypes V and II; serotype V being negatively associated with H. Influenzae carriage (OR 0.41 [95 % CI: 0.18-0.93], p = 0.033). Although co-colonization of GBS and other BHS was not seen, colonization with GBS was positively associated with S. aureus (OR 1.89 [95 % CI: 1.33-2.69], P < 0.001) and negatively associated with S. pneumoniae (OR 0.47 [95 % CI: 0.33-0.67], p < 0.001) and M. catarrhalis (OR 0.61 [95 % CI: 0.40-0.92], p...

The populations of group B streptococcus (GBS) associated with vaginal carriage in pregnant women and invasive neonatal infections in Portugal were compared. GBS isolates were characterized by serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiling, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Serotypes III and V accounted for 44% of all colonization isolates (n ‫؍‬ 269), whereas serotypes III and Ia amounted to 69% of all invasive isolates (n ‫؍‬ 64). Whereas serotype Ia was associated with early-onset disease (EOD), serotype III was associated with late-onset disease (LOD). Characterization by PFGE and MLST identified very diverse populations in carriage and invasive disease. Serotype Ia was represented mainly by a single PFGE cluster defined by sequence type 23 (ST23) and the infrequent ST24. In contrast, serotype III was found in a large number of PFGE clusters and STs, but a single PFGE cluster defined by ST17 was found to be associated with invasive disease. Although serotype III was associated only with LOD, ST17 showed an enhanced capacity to cause both EOD and LOD. Our data reinforce the evidence for enhanced invasiveness of ST17 and identify a lineage expressing serotype Ia capsule and represented by ST23 and ST24 as having enhanced potential to cause EOD.

The aim of this work was to determine the susceptibility, molecular profile, and clonal relationship in Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) isolated from vaginal-rectal swab samples. We worked with 200 isolates collected from pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. The macrolidelincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS B ) resistance phenotypes were determined using the double-disc assay. Susceptibility to erythromycin (ERI) and clindamycin (CLI) was performed with the E-test. Resistance genes ermB and ermTR were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Clonal studies were performed using the random amplification of polymorphic DNA. Twelve (6%) of the isolates were resistant to ERI and 10 (5%) of them to CLI. Fifty percent of the resistant strains corresponded to serotype III, 25% to serotype V, and the remaining 25% to serotype Ia, II, and nontypeable strains. The cMLS B phenotype was detected in eight strains (66.67%) and the iMLS B phenotype in four (33.33%). The minimum inhibitory concentration values were between 1.5 and 16 mg/mL for ERI, and between 1 and 32 mg/mL for CLI. Out of the 25 strains susceptible to ERI and CLI, the presence of the ermB gene was detected in eight of them and the ermTR gene in one strain. The ermB gene was detected in the 12 strains that initially had some macrolide resistance phenotype. The ermTR gene was detected in three out of the four strains with the iMLS B phenotype. The resistance to macrolides in the province of Misiones is due to multiclonal spread. The phenotypic and genotypic characterization of macrolide resistance in GBS strains are crucial to contribute to the correct intrapartum prophylactic antibiotic therapy of allergic pregnant women and the epidemiological surveillance of these strains.

Introducción. A pesar del diagnóstico precoz y del tratamiento antibiótico adecuado, la meningitis bacteriana se asocia a una alta tasa de complicaciones neurológicas y morbilidad a largo plazo. Objetivos. Estimar la incidencia de complicaciones neurológicas agudas en las meningitis bacterianas. Valorar la correlación entre valores de laboratorio, la edad del paciente y complicaciones neurológicas. Población, materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes de un mes a quince años de edad con diagnóstico de meningitis que ingresaron al Hospital "Dr. Pedro de Elizalde" entre enero de 2003 y noviembre de 2005. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad de los pacientes, características citoquímicas del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) obtenido por punción lumbar al ingreso: celularidad, proteinorraquia y glucorraquia, agente etiológico por aglutinación en látex en LCR, cultivo de LCR y de sangre periférica. En los análisis unifactoriales se utilizó la prueba de X 2 , para las variables numéricas se empleó la prueba de Wilcoxon. La información se evaluó mediante un análisis multifactorial, con un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados. Se incluyeron 81 pacientes con meningitis bacteriana. Presentaron complicaciones neurológicas 18,51%, fallecieron 3,7%. La hiperproteinorraquia (p= 0,011; β=5,68; IC 95%= 1,5-21,52), la menor edad del paciente (p= 0,022; β=0,61; IC 95%= 0,40-0,93) y los hemocultivos positivos (p= 0,003; β=13,22: IC 95%= 2,35-74) se asociaron a mala evolución. El S. pneumoniae se asoció con más complicaciones (p= 0,028; β=15). Conclusión. Los hemocultivos positivos, el aumento de la proteinorraquia y la menor edad de los pacientes exhiben una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la aparición de complicaciones agudas en la meningitis bacteriana.

The objectives of this study were to estimate the accuracy of Somaticell (Idexx Laboratories Inc., Westbrook, ME), California Mastitis Test (CMT), and microbiological examination of composite milk (MEC) to diagnose Streptococcus agalactiae intramammary infections (IMI), and to assess the agreement between Somaticell and CMT to detect these infections. A secondary objective was to estimate quarter-and cow-level prevalence of S. agalactiae IMI in the herds included in the study. Seven farms were included in the study. The CMT was performed and aseptic milk samples were collected from all quarters of all lactating cows. Composite milk samples were produced in the laboratory by mixing milk from all quarters of each sampled cow. The Somaticell test was performed on a subset of S. agalactiae-positive (n = 167) and S. agalactiae-negative (n = 152) quarter milk samples. Microbiological examination of quarter milk samples (MEQ) was considered the reference test for diagnosing S. agalactiae IMI. The accuracy of all tests at various thresholds was estimated using Bayesian latent class models. Apparent prevalence of S. agalactiae IMI was 15.8% (n = 184/1,164) at the quarter level (based on MEQ) and 28.5% (n = 83/291) at the cow level (based on MEC). True prevalence, as determined by Bayesian models, was 13.0% [95% credible interval (CR): 6.4-24.4%] at the quarter level, and 25.6% (95% CR: 15.3-39.5%) at the cow level. At the cow level (n = 285), sensitivity and specificity of MEC were 95.6 and 99.5%, respectively. The accuracy of Somaticell (n = 319 quarters) to identify S. agalactiaeinfected quarters was 75.4, 86.4, 88.9, 89.4, and 91.0% at thresholds of 98,000, 147,000, 205,000, 244,000, and 282,000 cells/mL, respectively. The accuracy of CMT was 87.6, 90.7, 90.8, and 87.4% at thresholds of trace, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Somaticell and CMT were 94.5% (95% confidence interval: 91.8-97.2%) and 92.0% (88.6-95.4%), respectively. At the tested thresholds, the sensitivity of Somaticell ranged from 94.9 to 99.5% to detect S. agalactiae IMI, and specificity ranged from 48.1 to 87.1%. The sensitivity of Somaticell at the lowest threshold (69,000 cells/mL; sensitivity = 99.9%; 95% CR: 98.2-100%) was higher than that of CMT at any tested threshold. Results of this study could be used at the farm level to reduce the use of antimicrobials and reach specific goals in S. agalactiae eradication programs.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary vibroactivated clinoptilolite supplementation on the intramammary microbiological findings in dairy cows, causative agents of potential intramammary infection, and their sensitivity to antibiotics. Cows (n = 78) were randomly divided into two groups: CPL-treated group that received clinoptilolite (CPL) in-feed (n = 38), i.e., 50 g natural powdered zeolite CPL, twice daily from the seventh month of pregnancy to 75 days after calving, and the control group (CON) of untreated cows (n = 40). Milk samples were taken from each cow on days 7, 25, 45, and 75 postpartum. The following causative pathogens were isolated in 86 udder quarters: Staphylococcus aureus in 5.81% of positive samples, Staphylococcus spp. 9.32%, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) 22.09%, Streptococcus uberis 13.95%, Streptococcus agalactiae 1.16%, Streptococcus sp. 3.49%, Escherichia coli 8.13%, Enterococcus spp. 6.98%, Corynebacterium spp. 11.63%, Paste...

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) neonatal sepsis with combined maternal and neonatal chemoprophylaxis. METHODS: Since 1995, GBS chemoprophylaxis at our institution has consisted of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to all women with identified risk factors. In addition, a single dose of penicillin G was administered within 1 hour of birth to all newborns without clinical signs or symptoms of infection. All neonates born between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008, and who developed early-onset (occurring at 72 hours of age or younger) invasive bacterial disease were identified. Incidence rates for sepsis resulting from GBS and other organisms were estimated. Compliance with risk factor identification and appropriate treatment was also ascertained. Rates of ␤-lactam resistance among cases of neonatal disease caused by Gram-negative organisms were calculated. Ninety-four cases of early-onset GBS sepsis were identified among 143,467 live births with a rate of 0.66 per 1,000 births (0.53-0.80 per 1,000). Of available GBS sensitivities, 8.8% demonstrated clindamycin resistance, and 26.6% were resistant to erythromycin. Thirtyfour cases of non-GBS early-onset sepsis were identified for a rate of 0.24 per 1,000 live births. Of available sensitivity reports, 42.1% of Gram-negative isolates were sensitive to ␤-lactams. No significant difference in rates of early-onset GBS disease was found between the years 1995 and 2008. The sustained rates in early-onset GBS sepsis from 1995 to 2008, along with the low rates of neonatal disease caused by other pathogens, confirms the continued feasibility and efficacy of a combined maternal and neonatal GBS chemoprophylaxis.

Introduccion: En pocos hospitales cubanos se diagnostica la colonizacion recto/vaginal por Streptococcus agalactiae en gestantes. O bjetivo : Determinar la prevalencia de la colonizacion recto/vaginal por Streptococcus agalactiae o Streptococcus del grupo B en embarazadas. M e todos: Se realizo un estudio descriptivo transversal entre enero y mayo 2017, que incluyo 85 embarazadas (35-37 semanas de gestacion) del municipio Cabaiguan, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. Para demostrar colonizacion por S. agalactiae, se cultivaron hisopados vaginales y rectales en caldo Todd Hewitt y agar sangre. Se aplico el metodo D-test para el estudio de la susceptibilidad a eritromicina y clindamicina de los aislados recuperados. Se identifico la presencia de otros factores ginecoobstetricos de sepsis neonatal precoz. Las gestantes colonizadas se siguieron hasta el parto para conocer sobre la aplicacion de profilaxis antibiotica intraparto y la ocurrencia de casos de sepsis neonatal precoz. Resultados: La prev...

The bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae is an etiologic agent in the pathogenesis of endocarditis in humans. FbsA, a fibrinogen-binding protein produced by this pathogen, is considered an important virulence factor. In the present study we provide evidence that S agalactiae clinical isolates bearing FbsA attach to fibrinogen and elicit a fibrinogen-dependent aggregation of platelets. Mutants of S agalactiae lacking the fbsA gene lost the ability to attach to fibrinogen and to aggregate platelets. Plasmid-mediated expression of fbsA restored the capability for fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation in S agalactiae fbsA mutants, and allowed Lactococcus lactis to interact with fibrinogen and to aggregate human platelets. Moreover, a monoclonal anti-FbsA antibody inhibited bacterial adherence to fibrinogen and S agalactiae–induced platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation was inhibited by aspirin, prostaglandin E1, the peptide RGDS, and the antibody abciximab, demonstrating the spe...

We investigated the probiotic potential of a microencapsulated Enterococcus faecium ABRIINW.N7 for control of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in hybrid (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus) red tilapia. A two-phase experiment approach was completed in which E. faecium bacteria were propagated, from which a culture was isolated, identified using molecular techniques, and microencapsulated to produce a stable commercial fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and fenugreek (Fk) product of optimal concentration. The FOS and Fk products were assessed in a 90-days in vivo challenge study, in which red hybrid tilapia were allocated to one of five treatments: (1) No Streptococcus agalactiae (Sa) challenge (CON); (2) Sa challenge only (CON+); (3) Sa challenge in a free cell (Free Cell); (4) Sa challenge with 0.8% (w/v) Alginate; (5) Microencapsulated FOS and Fk. In vitro results showed high encapsulation efficiency (≥98.6 ± 0.7%) and acceptable viability of probiotic bacteria within the ...

The purpose of this research was to determination the inhibition of apple peels decoction and concentration increase for bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. growth. The research method was experiment and data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and then the different treatment result were analyzed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT), with 4 treatments, and 5 repetitions. The treatment were P0 (iodips), P1 (10%apple peels decoction), P2 (20%apple peels decoction) and P3 (30%apple peels decoction). The variables observed were inhibition zone for bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp growth.The results showed that the inhibition of apple peels decoction was highly significant effect (P<0,01) on the growth ofStaphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. The highest concentration of apples peels decoction P3 (30%) could not overcome the capability of P0 (iodips) inhibit for Staphylococcus aureus positive gram bacteria. The inhibiton of apple peels decoction of P3 (30%) concentration was able to inhibit for bacteria Pseudomonas sp. negative gram. There was need for fusther research by increasing the concentration of apple peels decoction for natural teat dipping.

The infusion of 10 ,g of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli into the mammary gland of four cows 16 h before inoculation with ureaplasmas did not prevent, or even diminish, the subsequent ureaplasmal mastitis. There was no reduction in the severity or duration of the inflammatory cell response in milk or in the clinical appearance of the resulting mastitis. Also, the excretion of ureaplasmas was not reduced. A similar experiment with Mycoplasma dispar in two cows demonstrated that endotoxin was again ineffective in preventing the mastitis. Furthermore, there was some indication that the proliferation and excretion of this mycoplasma was enhanced in endotoxin-treated quarters.

A male infant was born at 35 weeks' gestational age. A spontaneous rupture of membranes occurred 22 h before delivery. At that time, the mother received three doses of intravenous penicillin. There was no fever during labour. The infant weighed 2.2 kg with an Apgar score of 7 at both 1 min and 5 min. The infant experienced mild respiratory distress at birth and was admitted to the level II neonatal intensive care unit. On admission, the infant's heart rate and respiratory rate were 185 beats/min and 86 breaths/min, respectively. His oxygen saturation was 94% with 30% oxygen and his temperature was 35.2°C. A complete blood count was performed and blood cultures were drawn. Ampicillin and gentamycin were started intravenously. At 4 h of age, the infant deteriorated, with increasing respiratory distress and poor perfusion followed by a drop in blood pressure. His complete blood count revealed a white blood cell count of 4.2×10 9 /L, with 40% neutrophils, 23% bands, 9% metamyelocytes and 4% myelocytes. An arterial blood gas analysis was performed (pH=7.12, PCO 2 =66 mmHg, PO 2 =58 mmHg, bicarbonate = 20 mmol/L, and base excess = -7). Low lung volumes, hazy opacification of both lung fields and air bronchograms were observed on the chest x-ray. At 6 h of age, the infant was intubated and given surfactant. At 20 h of age, the blood culture grew Escherichia coli. On day 2, a lumbar puncture was performed and the cerebrospinal fluid results were the following: three red blood cells, 10 white blood cells and no bacteria seen. Additionally, the cerebrospinal fluid culture revealed no growth. However, the E coli in the blood culture was resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, and sensitive to gentamycin. The infant remained ventilated for four days, treated with gentamycin for 14 days and then discharged home. At the six-month neonatal follow-up, the infant was doing well and developing normally.

We describe 30 cases (1.7%) of community-acquired penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus agalactiae endocarditis among 1771 episodes of endocarditis diagnosed in 4 Spanish hospitals from 1975 through 1998. Endocarditis affected a native valve (most often the mitral valve) in 25 cases (83%). Surgical valve replacement was performed for 12 patients (40%). Fourteen patients (47%) died. Mortality rates for patients with native and prosthetic valve endocarditis were 36% and 100%, respectively ( ). The mortality rate for native valve P p .01 endocarditis decreased during the last 6 years of the study (from 61% in 1975-1992 to 8% in 1993-1998; ). Additionally, 115 cases in the literature from 1962-1998 were reviewed. During 1980-1998, the P ! .05 percentage of patients who underwent cardiac surgery increased from 24% (in the previous period, 1962-1979) to 43% ( ) and the mortality rate decreased from 45% to 34% ( ). S. agalactiae is an uncommon P p .05 P p NS cause of endocarditis with a high mortality rate, although the prognosis of native valve endocarditis has improved in recent years, probably because of an increased use of cardiac surgery. The incidence of invasive infection caused by Streptococcus agalactiae has increased during recent years in nonpregnant adult patients, elderly patients, and patients with chronic immunosuppressive diseases, such as alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, neoplasias, and HIV infection [1]. Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon manifestation of S. agalactiae invasive disease [1].

Este trabalho objetivou conhecer a etiologia da mastite e a frequência de aparecimento dos microrganismos causadores desta na região Sudoeste do Paraná. Para isso, foi utilizado o banco de dados do laboratório Centro de Diagnóstico Agroalimentar do município de Francisco Beltrão. Todos os laudos de exames microbiológicos de leite, no período de cinco anos, foram analisados e tabulados, totalizando 490 amostras. Observou-se que 2 (0,4%) amostras não apresentaram crescimento e 97 (19,8%) apresentaram-se contaminadas. No restante das amostras, 391, obteve-se um total de 539 microrganismos isolados. A bactéria Staphylococcus sp. foi a mais frequente (29,68%), seguido de Enterobactérias (21,15%), Staphylococcus aureus (16,51%), Pseudomonas sp. (13,91%), Enterococcus sp. (4,64%), Bacillus sp. (3,71%), Streptococcus sp. (2,78%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (2,41%), Streptococcus agalactiae (1,67%), Streptococcus uberis (1,3%), Nocardia sp. (0,93%), Prototheca sp. (0,56%), Candida albicans (0,37%), Corinebacterium sp. (0,19%) e Micrococcus sp. 0,19%). Verificou-se que no primeiro ano do estudo os agentes contagiosos representaram 60,42% dos isolados, enquanto no quinto ano uma maior quantidade de microrganismos ambientais foi isolada, representando 70,71%. A bactéria Pseudomonas sp. foi importante para a inversão do quadro, passando de 2,04% dos isolados no ano um para 35,35% no ano cinco. Não houve diferenças significativas para os patógenos entre as estações do ano durante o período avaliado. Esta pesquisa demonstrou que na Região Sudoeste do Paraná, os casos de mastite são provocados principalmente por quatro tipos de agentes etiológicos: Staphylococcus sp., Enterobactérias, S. aureus e Pseudomonas sp. Quinze espécies distintas de microrganismos foram identificadas, incluindo algas e fungos.

Objectives: Meningococcal meningitis is reported as a rare condition in Mexico. There are no internationally published studies on bacterial causes of meningitis in the country based on active surveillance. This study focuses on finding the etiology of bacterial meningitis in children from nine Mexican Hospitals. Methods: From January 2010 to February 2013, we conducted a three years of active surveillance for meningitis in nine hospitals throughout Mexico. Active surveillance started at the emergency department for every suspected case, and microbiological studies confirmed/ruled out all potentially bacterial pathogens. We diagnosed based on routine cultures from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (not polymerase chain reaction or other molecular diagnostic tests), and both pneumococcal serotyping and meningococcal serogrouping by using standard methods. Results: Neisseria meningitidis was the leading cause, although 75% of cases occurred in the northwest of the country in Tijuana on the...

We report a man with septic olecranon bursitis who had an early development of meningitis. A 74-year-old man presented to the emergency room with malaise, headache, mental confusion, a fever unsuccessfully treated with oral NSAIDs and ice, and with a 10-day history of pain and swelling in his right elbow. Clinical and laboratory evaluation excluded other causes and microbiological evaluation documented a S. agalactiae infection. Antibiotic treatment induced a rapid improvement, without the development of side effects. This is the first report on olecranon bursitis and concomitant meningitis related to S. agalactiae infection.

Entre os agentes etiológicos de mastite bovina, destacam-se as bactérias do gênero Streptococcus e gêneros relacionados, como os Enterococcus. Esses microrganismos podem causar tanto mastite contagiosa, como é o caso de Streptococcus agalactiae, quanto mastite ambiental, causada pelas demais espécies de Streptococcus e Enterococcus. Mudanças na taxonomia e nomenclatura deste grupo de microrganismos têm ocorrido nas últimas duas décadas, resultado da aplicação de técnicas moleculares que auxiliam no processo de diferenciação de gêneros e espécies bacterianas. Alterações também têm ocorrido no padrão de infecção intramamária nos rebanhos leiteiros em que foram controladas as mastites causadas por agentes contagiosos. Nesses rebanhos, as infecções causadas por patógenos do ambiente são atualmente o alvo dos programas de controle da mastite. O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão dos principais gêneros e espécies bacterianas do grupo dos cocos gram-positivos catalasenegativos que já foram relacionadas com infecções da glândula mamária de bovinos. Esses incluem, além dos gêneros mencionados acima, os gêneros Aerococcus, Lactococcus e Gemella; e dentro do gênero Streptococcus, as espécies S.

The selective inhibition of bacterial β-glucuronidases was recently shown to alleviate druginduced gastrointestinal toxicity in mice, including the damage caused by the widely used anticancer drug irinotecan. Here, we report crystal structures of representative β-glucuronidases from the Firmicutes Streptococcus agalactiae and Clostridium perfringens and the Proteobacterium Escherichia coli, and the characterization of a β-glucuronidase from the Bacteroidetes Bacteroides fragilis. While largely similar in structure, these enzymes exhibit marked differences in catalytic properties and propensities for inhibition, indicating that the

Mastitisler, memenin parankim dokusu, süt kanallar› ve interstisiyel dokusunun yang›s› olarak bilinir. Mastitisler dünyan›n birçok ülkesinde ve ülkemizde de görülmekte olup önemli ekonomik kay›plara neden olmaktad›r. Tüm evcil hayvanlarda görülür, ancak süt ineklerinde önemli bir sorun olarak bilinmektedir (1-5). Ülkemizde ineklerde mastitisler üzerine birçok çal›flmalar yap›lm›flt›r. Buna ra¤men günümüzde halen süt s›¤›r› yetifltiricili¤inin en önemli problemlerden biri olarak karfl›m›zda durmaktad›r. Mastitisin sebepleri haz›rlay›c› ve yap›c› sebepler olmak üzere ikiye ayr›l›r. Yap›c› sebeplerin en önemlileri mikroorganizmalard›r. Mastitis olgular›nda çeflitli mikroorganizma cinslerine ait birçok etken izole ve identifiye edilmifltir. ‹nek mastitislerinde Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Actinomyces pyogenes ve koliform gurubu bakteriler en s›k izole ve identifiye edilen etkenler olarak bildirilmifltir (6-9). Daha seyrek olarak da Corynebacterium bovis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus spp., Candida albicans, Cryptococcus spp., Nocardia spp. gibi çeflitli bakteri ve mantarlar›n etkili olduklar› bildirilmektedir . Elaz›¤ bölgesinde inek sütlerinden etken izolasyonu ve identifikasyonu yap›lm›fl, ancak hastal›kl› meme loblar›ndan etken izolasyonu üzerine detayl› bir çal›flma yap›lmam›flt›r. Yeni bafllam›fl ve hafif seyreden mastitis vakalar›n›n bakteriyolojik teflhisinde sadece sütten etken izolasyonunun yetersiz olaca¤› düflüncesiyle bu çal›flma, bir özel mezbahada kesilen ineklerde klinik ve subklinik olarak tespit edilen mastitisli meme loplar›ndan etken izolasyonu ve identifikasyonu amac›yla yap›ld›. Bu çal›flmada, Elaz›¤'da özel bir mezbahada bir y›l boyunca kesilen çeflitli yafllarda yerli veya melez ›rk› 1950

Mastitis is udder inflammation that can be caused by the entry of pathogenic bacteria through the teat. One of the treatments that can prevent bacteria infection is teat dipping. This research was aimed to identify the effectof teat dipping after milking to the presence of pathogenic bacteria that cause subclinical mastitis (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli) and the presence of pathogenic bacteria that cause subclinicalmastitis by quarter of udder. Milk samples were taken from normal lactation period of dairy cows, clinically healthy, and positive subclinical mastitis status when the intervention was applied. Sixty seven samples of quarters from 18dairy cows were identified to the presence of pathogenic bacteria that cause subclinical mastitis before teat dipping and at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months after teat dipping. Identification of the presence of pathogenic bacteria was done byculturing samples on selective agar media. The presence of common pat...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most frequent community-acquired infections worldwide.Escherichia coliis the most common UTI pathogen although underlying host factors such as patients’ age and gender may influence prevalence of causative agents. In this study, 61 273 consecutive urine samples received over a 22-month period from outpatients clinics of an urban area of north Italy underwent microbiological culture with subsequent bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of positive samples. A total of 13 820 uropathogens were isolated and their prevalence analyzed according to patient’s gender and age group. OverallEscherichia coliaccounted for 67.6% of all isolates, followed byKlebsiella pneumoniae(8.8%),Enterococcus faecalis(6.3%),Proteus mirabilis(5.2%), andPseudomonas aeruginosa(2.5%). Data stratification according to both age and gender showedE. coliisolation rates to be lower in both males aged ≥60 years (52.2%),E. faecalisandP. aeruginosa...

Group B streptococcus (GBS) capsular polysaccharide is one of the major virulence factors underlying invasive GBS disease and a component of forthcoming vaccines. Serotype classification of GBS is based on the capsule polysaccharide of which ten variants are known to exist (Ia, Ib, II-IX). Current methods for GBS serotype assignment rely on latex agglutination or PCR while more recently a whole genome sequencing method was reported. In this study, three distinct algorithms for serotype assignment from genomic data were assessed using a panel of 790 clinical isolates. The first approach utilised the entire capsular locus coupled with a mapping methodology. The second approach continues from the first and utilised a SNP-based methodology across the conserved cpsD-G region to differentiate serotypes Ia-VII and IX. Finally the third approach used the variable cpsG -K region coupled with a mapping methodology. All three approaches were assessed for typeability (percentage of isolates ass...

Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) is increasingly gaining more attention globally, due to its highly significant economic impact on the aquaculture industry. In late 2018, unusually high levels of mortality (60-90%) was reported in some intensive tilapia cage culture systems in Ghana. Preliminary investigations confirmed the involvement of ISKNV, a viral pathogen noted for fatal systemic infections in many fish species. As a follow-up on the outbreak situation, and post-mass vaccination of affected fish farms, the need to investigate further the molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of the virus across Lake Volta became paramount. In this study, a multiplexed PCR assay and MinION™ nanopore sequencing of the Major Capsid Protein (MCP) were performed to investigate the presence and genotype of ISKNV in tilapia collected from 30 randomly selected farms spread across Lake Volta. Fish with and without clinical signs were included in the molecular detection of the virus from brain, kidney and spleen tissues. ISKNV was detected at 80% prevalence with fry and juvenile fish being most affected. Phylogenetic analysis of the MCP revealed that all 35 isolates from 14 different farms were ISKNV genotype I with near-100% homology to the 2018 outbreak strain. Vaccination and heat shock treatment; the main specific interventions currently employed to control the viral pathogen have not achieved much success and ISKNV remains a threat to the growth of the aquaculture industry in Ghana. The outcome of this study can be useful in improving fish health management and biosecurity policies in the aquaculture industry.

Background: Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of neonatal encephalopathy where mortality rate is estimated by 11.2%, globally. The only known management for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia. However, many drawbacks have been associated with therapeutic hypothermia including death. Objective: Recording complications of treatment of hypoxic ischemic neonates using therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for improvement of the results of the management using TH. Patients and Methods: In this case-series study, which was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Mataria Teaching Hospital (MTH), Cairo, Egypt. The study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019. All medical files of fourteen neonates presented with HIE and treated with hypothermia were reviewed. Results: Among the 14 neonates with HIE, survivor cases were 71.6%. They were discharged on single oral anticonvulsant and was weaned off after one month and all were on full oral feeding. One case died on second day of hypothermia due to severe pulmonary hypertension and uncontrolled hypotension (7.1%) and 21.3% had sepsis and 7.1% had early onset and died on 4 th day with maternal history of chorioamnionitis and 14.3% died from late onset sepsis. Although therapeutic hypothermia is a well-established treatment to neonates with hypoxic ischemic disease, their short-term effects can be easily controlled but low incidence of devastating complication can occur. Further controlled studies are needed to detect the factors associated with the elevated risk of such consequences.

Background: Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of neonatal encephalopathy where mortality rate is estimated by 11.2%, globally. The only known management for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia. However, many drawbacks have been associated with therapeutic hypothermia including death. Objective: Recording complications of treatment of hypoxic ischemic neonates using therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for improvement of the results of the management using TH. Patients and Methods: In this case-series study, which was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Mataria Teaching Hospital (MTH), Cairo, Egypt. The study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019. All medical files of fourteen neonates presented with HIE and treated with hypothermia were reviewed. Results: Among the 14 neonates with HIE, survivor cases were 71.6%. They were discharged on single oral anticonvulsant and was weaned off after one month and all were on full oral feeding. One case died on second day of hypothermia due to severe pulmonary hypertension and uncontrolled hypotension (7.1%) and 21.3% had sepsis and 7.1% had early onset and died on 4 th day with maternal history of chorioamnionitis and 14.3% died from late onset sepsis. Although therapeutic hypothermia is a well-established treatment to neonates with hypoxic ischemic disease, their short-term effects can be easily controlled but low incidence of devastating complication can occur. Further controlled studies are needed to detect the factors associated with the elevated risk of such consequences.

La colonización materna por estreptococo del grupo B (SGB) en países en desarrollo es del 4-20%; el 50% de sus hijos nacen colonizados y el 1-2% desarrollan enfermedad invasiva con alto riesgo de morbimortalidad y secuelas. Objetivo: determinar los factores de riesgo materno-fetales asociados a enfermedad severa y mortalidad neonatal por SGB en una unidad de recién nacidos. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de cohorte histórica durante un período de dos años. Se tomaron 11 casos con enfermedad invasiva y 15 controles. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y se buscaron asociaciones mediante el cálculo del estadístico chi 2 . Resultados: los factores maternos predictivos para enfermedad por SGB incluyeron fiebre periparto mayor a 37,5 grados centígrados (p < 0,05), corioamnionitis y ruptura de membranas mayor a 18 horas (p < 0,05). Los factores de riesgo neonatal incluyeron prematurez (< 37 semanas) y bajo peso al nacer (< 2.500 gramos) (p < 0,05). Se encontró una mortalidad de 5 (45%). Conclusiones: hubo relación estadísticamente significativa entre la corioaminionitis materna, la ruptura de membranas mayor a 18 horas, la prematurez y el peso bajo al nacer con la severidad de la enfermedad y la mortalidad. La incidencia estimada de infección neonatal en la unidad de recién nacidos fue de 1,8 casos/1.000 nacidos vivos, y la de colonización materna fue de 4,3 casos/1.000 maternas. Se deben realizar más estudios en el país para establecer la incidencia real de enfermedad neonatal por SGB y hacer investigación sobre la costo-efectividad de las medidas de prevención. Palabras clave: group b streptococci, newborn disease, factores de riesgo, mortalidad.

Streptococcus agalactiae en una unidad de recién nacidos, factores de riesgo materno-fetales asociados a severidad y mortalidad. Revista Ciencias de la Salud 2011; 9(3): 251-258. La colonización materna por estreptococo del grupo B (SGB) en países en desarrollo es del 4-20%; el 50% de sus hijos nacen colonizados y el 1-2% desarrollan enfermedad invasiva con alto riesgo de morbimortalidad y secuelas. Objetivo: determinar los factores de riesgo materno-fetales asociados a enfermedad severa y mortalidad neonatal por SGB en una unidad de recién nacidos. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de cohorte histórica durante un período de dos años. Se tomaron 11 casos con enfermedad invasiva y 15 controles. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y se buscaron asociaciones mediante el cálculo del estadístico chi 2 . Resultados: los factores maternos predictivos para enfermedad por SGB incluyeron fiebre periparto mayor a 37,5 grados centígrados (p < 0,05), corioamnionitis y ruptura de membranas mayor a 18 horas (p < 0,05). Los factores de riesgo neonatal incluyeron prematurez (< 37 semanas) y bajo peso al nacer (< 2.500 gramos) (p < 0,05). Se encontró una mortalidad de 5 (45%). Conclusiones: hubo relación estadísticamente significativa entre la corioaminionitis materna, la ruptura de membranas mayor a 18 horas, la prematurez y el peso bajo al nacer con la severidad de la enfermedad y la mortalidad. La incidencia estimada de infección neonatal en la unidad de recién nacidos fue de 1,8 casos/1.000 nacidos vivos, y la de colonización materna fue de 4,3 casos/1.000 maternas. Se deben realizar más estudios en el país para establecer la incidencia real de enfermedad neonatal por SGB y hacer investigación sobre la costo-efectividad de las medidas de prevención. Palabras clave: group b streptococci, newborn disease, factores de riesgo, mortalidad.

Maternal immunization during pregnancy has benefits for both women living with HIV (WLWH) and their HIV-exposed uninfected newborns. Vaccine hesitancy may hamper vaccine acceptability during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the experience of WLWH with a history of pregnancy with maternal immunization. Methods: In-person quantitative survey with embedded collection of qualitative data was performed among WLWH with a history of pregnancy. Results: Between October and November 2021, a total of 20 WLWH followed at Saint-Pierre University Hospital Center HIV reference center in Brussels (Belgium) were included. The majority originated from Sub-Saharan Africa and had education level below or equivalent to secondary school. Most of the participants agreed that vaccination during pregnancy is necessary, highlighting the benefits for the health of the mother and the newborn. Reluctant participants expressed concerns about safety or lack of information. Most of the participants mentioned health-care providers (HCP) (mainly HIV physician) as the main person of trust for vaccine information in general. Social media were also mentioned as an important source of information on vaccination. Conclusions: The benefits for the mother and the newborn were associated with favorable opinion on maternal immunization while doubt about safety or lack of information appeared to be hurdles to acceptance. Proactive communication on the benefit of maternal immunization for both the mother and newborn by HIV physician and HCP involved in prenatal care is needed to increase acceptability of maternal immunization among WLWH. ☆ This article is part of a Special issue entitled: '10th Anniversary PMR' published in Preventive Medicine Reports.

natural cavity, and variants with substitutions to polar residues to affect the state of hydration of cavities to study its role in pressure unfolding. For 27 variants studied we obtained (a) crystal structures, (b) thermodynamic stabilities using chemical denaturation, and (c) DV of unfolding measured by pressure denaturation monitored with Trp fluorescence. DV of unfolding were also measured using NMR spectroscopy for select variants. The cavities generally did not affect the structure. Although large enough to hold several waters, water molecules were only detected in the cavities when lined with polar groups. The measured DV of variants was always larger than for the wild-type. A near-linear correlation between the DV measured experimentally and the one calculated from structures illustrates the importance of cavities in pressure sensitivity. A correlation between measured DV and thermodynamic stability (DG) suggests that 1 kcal/mol is lost per 12 mL/mol of increased void volume. This study demonstrates irrefutably the significant contributions cavities make towards the pressure sensitivity of proteins and their effects on internal hydration and structural fluctuations of proteins. Crystal Structures of Streptococcus Pyogenes Cas2 Protein at Various pH Conditions Ugeene Jeong. College of agricultural and life sciences, Seoul national university, Seoul, Korea, Republic of. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (cas) proteins provide RNA-mediated adaptive immunity against foreign invading nucleic acids such as phages and plasmids in archaea and bacteria. Cas2 protein is one of the two core Cas proteins are present in all types of CRISPR-Cas systems and is required for new spacer integration into CRISPR loci. Cas2 homologues from several CRISPR-Cas subtypes were characterized as metal-dependent nucleases with different substrate preferences, and it was proposed that a pH-dependent conformational change mediates metal binding and catalysis. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structures of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas2 protein at three different pHs (5.6, 6.5, and 7.5), and the results of its nuclease activity assay at varying pHs (6.0-9.0). While S. pyogenes Cas2 exhibited strongly pH-dependent catalytic activity, there was no significant conformational difference among the three crystal structures. However, structural comparisons with other Cas2 homologues suggest structural variability and the flexible nature of its putative hinge regions, supporting the supposition that conformational change is important for catalysis.

The length of the streak canal and the area of the teat end were studied by ultrasound during the dry period in 40 Holstein-Friesian cows. In the first week, the values of these teat parameters decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) and this did not change significantly until the middle of the dry period. In the last month of gestation, the length of the streak canal was significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.05), while the area of the teat end did not decrease significantly (P &gt; 0.05). At each of the five examination times, a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.85-0.94) was found between the two teat parameters. In healthy cows, the streak canal and the area of teat end, both of which are part of the udder’s defence system, can regenerate sufficiently during the dry period, minimising the risk of contamination through the streak canal and the development of mastitis. If the regeneration of this defence system fails, the chances of infection through the streak canal increase.

The extensive use of antibiotics has developed antibacterial resistance and also may cause toxic effects (hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity) on vital organs. To overcome this problem, Scientists gain attention towards medicinal plants. Pure Aloe vera (AV) is a common alternative antimicrobial medicine, hence, the current study was conducted to explore its antibacterial potential and compared it with a commonly used antibiotic amoxicillin. During this study, clinically positive mastitis milk samples (n=50) were collected from buffaloes, after microbial culture analysis. Various concentrations (C1=40, C2=20, C3=10, C4=5, C5=2.5, C6=1.25, C7= 0.62, C8=0.31, C9=0.15, C10=0.07 and C11=0.03µl) of pure AV and amoxicillin (μg/μl) were used to evaluate antibacterial activity through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Gram-positive organisms including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. The MIC was evaluated based on turbidity and transparency of the medium. Prevalenc...

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also referred to as Streptococcus agalactiae, is a Gram-positive, opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of up to 50% of healthy adults 1,2 . This microorganism causes pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis in neonates, is responsible for significant morbidity in pregnant women and the elderly, and is a serious cause of mortality in immunocompromised adults . GBS can also colonize the mammary glands of ruminants, where the organism can survive for extended periods, causing clinical and subclinical mastitis, which affects milk quality and quantity 5 . GBS has been isolated from other animals including dogs, horses, guinea pigs and even fish 6 . Human isolates of GBS express a capsular polysaccharide (CPS), a major virulence factor that helps the microorganism evade host defence mechanisms 7 . Isolates of GBS can be divided into nine CPS serotypes (Ia Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII) each antigenically and structurally unique. In the 1930s, Rebecca Lancefield established that protection against GBS infection in mice could be achieved using CPS-specific polyclonal rabbit serum . CPS-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccines effective against all nine currently identified GBS serotypes have been prepared and were shown to induce functionally active CPS-specific IgG 10 . Clinical trials of conjugate vaccines prepared with purified CPS types Ia, Ib, II, III and V have demonstrated that these preparations are safe and immunogenic . Not unexpectedly, these preparations do not offer protection against other GBS serotypes, such as type VIII, prevalent in other regions of the world . As an alternative to CPS-based vaccines, a number of groups have explored the development of vaccines based on antigenic proteins. So far, however, the protein antigens investigated have been restricted to particular serotypes and no complete cross-serotype protection has been achieved 14 . To address this need, efforts are ongoing to develop a universally effective vaccine for GBS disease that exploits the recently acquired genomic sequences of GBS strains, and to then use this information to identify new candidate antigens of global relevance. It is now possible to determine the complete genome sequence of a pathogen in a short period of time and at a relatively low cost. The generated genomic information can then be used to screen the inclusive set of potential proteins encoded by microorganisms in search of vaccine candidates -an approach referred to as reverse vaccinology 15 (FIG. ). This genome-wide in silico prediction process typically targets approximately 10-25% of all genome-encoded proteins and necessitates highthroughput cloning and recombinant protein expression for target validation. Today, the reverse vaccinology approach to vaccine development is being used to tackle infections caused by streptococci, Chlamydiae spp., staphylococci, Plasmodium falciparum and bioterrorismassociated agents including Yersinia pestis. Indeed, the elucidation of the genome sequences of GBS type V, III, Ia and five additional isolates , coupled with the development of new technologies including multigenome screening, proteomics, DNA microarray and bioinformatics tools , is allowing researchers to overcome the serotype limitation of earlier vaccine preparations in the search for a universally effective vaccine against GBS.

We have recently shown that group B Streptococcus (GBS) crosses the epithelial barrier by a paracellular route. Here, we show that, although deletion of the pilus backbone protein did not affect GBS adhesiveness, it reduced the pathogen's capacity to transcytose through differentiated human epithelial cells. In addition, contrary to our expectation, a strain with a mutant pilus ancillary protein and reduced adhesiveness translocated through the epithelial monolayer in a fashion identical to that of the isogenic wild-type strain. To monitor the localization of pili during GBS paracytosis, we performed 3-dimensional confocal experiments. By this approach, we observed that pili located in the intercellular space ahead of translocating bacteria. These results were also confirmed by a novel in vitro model of GBS infection in which bacteria bind to epithelial surfaces against the action of gravitation. These findings suggest a dual role for pilus components during the critical steps leading to GBS dissemination in the host.

Recent data indicate that the human pathogen group B Streptococcus (GBS) produces pilus-like structures encoded in genomic islands with similar organization to pathogenicity islands. On the basis of the amino acid sequence of their protein components, 3 different types of pili have been identified in GBS, at least 1 of which is present in all isolates. We recently demonstrated that recombinant pilus proteins protect mice from lethal challenge with GBS and are thus potential vaccine candidates. Here, we show that GBS pilin island 1, transferred into the nonpathogenic microorganism Lactococcus lactis, leads to pilus assembly. We also show that systemically or mucosally delivered Lactococcus expressing pilin island 1 protects mice from challenge with GBS isolates carrying pilus 1. Furthermore, lactococci engineered to express hybrid pili containing GBS pilus 1 and pilus 2 components confer protection against strains expressing either of the 2 pilus types. These data pave the way to the design of pilus-based, multivalent live vaccines against streptococcal pathogens.

Pili are putative virulence factors and promising vaccine candidates in Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) infection, a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. The genes necessary for pilus synthesis and assembly are clustered in pilus islands (PI). Each gene encodes three structural subunits (a backbone and two ancillary proteins) bearing a C-terminal LPXTG motif and two subfamily C sortases (SrtC) involved in covalent polymerization of the subunits. GBS strains also possess the conserved “housekeeping” sortase A (SrtA), but its role in pilus assembly is unclear. To address this issue, pilus expression and cell wall anchoring were analyzed in srtA deletion mutants. Loss of SrtA did not affect pilus polymerization. However, pilus expression on the cell surface was reduced, and pili accumulated in the culture supernatant. Furthermore, cell-associated pili could be readily released by detergent treatment, indicating that SrtA is involved in covalent anchor...

A cross sectional sero-prevalence study was carried out in Bokoji Town during March 2014 in order to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis. A standard questionnaire format was used to collect information relevant to the epidemiological investigation such as species, age and sex. The study subjects included 384 cross bred cattle reared under intensive management system. Blood samples were collected from animals above six months of age. The study animals were selected using simple random sampling method. A total of 411 blood samples were collected from jugular vein of each selected animal after proper restraining. The individual animals in the study were identified by their respective identification numbers or names. About 5-10 ml of blood was collected in plain vacutainer tubes. The blood samples will be allowed to clot at room temperature. Serum was separated from clotted blood by decanting to cryogenic vial and was kept in a deep freezer (-20 °C) till tested serologically using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The collected sera were tested by (RBPT) Rose Bengal Plate agglutination Test in Asella Regional Veterinary Laboratory and the sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis in these areas was found to be 0%. We appreciate the practices of the farms on the control of bovine brucellosis infection in this district. However, the following general sanitary measures are of some beneficial effect in preventing and controlling this disease for the future: Newly purchased animals must be isolated and tested for brucellosis before introducing them to the herd, contact during grazing with animals of unknown status must be avoided and Brucellosis test of all animals should be done at least once in a year.

A total of 300 local zebu lactating cows of small holders farmers around Debrezeit were examined to determine the prevalence of mastitis with associated risk factor, isolate bacterial pathogens involved and its antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Clinical prevalence was determined through examination of abnormalities of milk and udder and California Mastitis Test (CMT) were used for determining subclinical mastitis. Bacterial culture and Agar disc diffusion was used for isolation and antibiotic susceptibility test. Based on the result out of 18 (6%) positive samples, 2 (0.7%) were clinical and the other 16 (5.3%) were sub-clinical mastitis. Among the potential risk factors considered, there was significant difference (P<0.05) between semi-intensive and extensive farming system. All positive samples were positive for aerobic bacteria. The bacterial species isolated were CNS and Micrococcus species 22.2%, Staphylococcus aureus 16% Staphylococcus epidermis and Mycoplasma species 11.1%, Enterococcus species, Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus hycus were 5.65%. Comparing the overall efficacy of antimicrobials on isolate kanamycin was the most effective antibiotic where 85.7% of the total isolate were found to be susceptible.

Uzro~nici mastitisa ovaca su uglavnom infektivni, re|e mehani~ki ili hemijski (toksi~ni) agensi. Kod ovaca mastitis uglavnom izazvaju Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, koagulaza negativne stafilokoke (CNS), Arcanobacter pyogenes, mikoplazme, pasterele, retko plesni i gljivice. Staphylococcus aureus se prenosi preko sekreta ovaca obolelih od mastitisa, ruku muza~a i Uvod / Introduction * Rad primljen za {tampu 24. 03. 2010. godine ** Dr sci. med. vet.

The California mastitis test (CMT) was used to examine the milk of 6609 sheep, actually, from 13218 mammary complexes. A total of 986 milk samples were found to contain an increased number of somatic cells, and causes of mastitis were isolated from 910 (92.3%) of these samples. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were: E. coli isolated from 189 (20.76%) samples, Micrococcus sp from 186 (20.43%) samples, Bacillus sp. from 177 (19.45%), Staphylococcus aureus from 172 (18.9%) samples, and Proteus sp. from 121 (13.29%) samples of sheep milk. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were isolated in a much smaller number, from 25 (2.74%) samples, Streptococcus sp. was isolated from 19 (2.08%) samples, Pseudomonas sp. from 14 (1.53%) samples, haemolytic E. coli was isolated from only 6 (0.65%) samples, and Streptococcus agalactiae from only one sample. Among the 25 isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci, 16 (64%) isolates were identified as Staphylococcus chromogenes, and 9 (3...