Identification of a new variant of Chlamydia trachomatis in Mexico / Identificación de nueva variante de Chlamydia trachomatis en México

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the main etiological agents of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. In 2006, a Swedish variant of C. trachomatis (Swedish-nvCT), which has a deletion of 377bp in the plasmid, was reported. In Latin America, Swedish-nvCT infections have not been reported. We investigated the presence of Swedish-nvCT in women with infertility in Mexico. Methods: Swedish-nvCT was searched in 69 C. trachomatis positive samples from 2339 endocervical specimens. We designed PCR primers to identify the deletion in the plasmid in the ORF1, and the presence of a repeated 44 bp in the ORF3. The sample with the deletion was genotyped with the genes of the major outer membrane protein A (ompA) and the polymorphic membrane protein (pmpH). Results: The deletion was detected in one of the 69 samples positive C. trachomatis of 2339 endocervical exudates. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the ompA shows a high degree of similarity with the Swedish nvCT (98%), however the variant found belongs to serovar D. The nucleotide sequence of the pmpH gene associates to the variant found in the genitourinary pathotype of the Swedish-nvCT but in different clusters. Conclusions: Our results revealed the presence of a new variant of C. trachomatis in Mexican patients. This variant found in Mexico belongs to serovar D based on the in silico analysis of the ompA and pmpH genes and differs to the Swedish-nvCT (serovars E). For these variants of C. trachomatis that have been found it is necessary to carry out a more detailed analysis, although the role of this mutation has not been demonstrated in the pathogenesis

Introducción: Chlamydia trachomatis es una de las principales bacterias que causan infecciones de transmisión sexual en todo el mundo. En 2006 se informó de una variante sueca de C. trachomatis (nvCT-sueca), que tiene una deleción de 377 bp en su plásmido. En América Latina no se ha informado de infecciones por la nvCT-sueca. El propósito de esta investigación fue la búsqueda de la nvCT-sueca en mujeres mexicanas con infertilidad. Métodos: Se analizaron 69 muestras positivas para C. trachomatis de 2.339 muestras endocervicales. Se diseñaron cebadores que identificaron la deleción de 377 pb en ORF1, y detección de un tándem de 44 pb repetidos en ORF3, como ocurre en la nvCT-sueca. Las muestras con la deleción fueron genotipificadas mediante los genes de la proteína principal de la membrana externa A (ompA) y de la proteína polimórfica de membrana H (pmpH). Resultados: La deleción se detectó en una de las 69 muestras (1,44%). El análisis de la secuencia del gen ompA mostró un alto grado de similitud con la nvCT-sueca (98%). Sin embargo, la variante encontrada perteneció al serovar D. La secuencia del gen pmpH se asoció al patotipo genitourinario, pero en diferentes clusters al de la nvCT-sueca. Conclusiones: Los resultados revelaron la presencia de una nueva variante de C. trachomatis en México con delección y que pertenece al serovar D con base al análisis in silico de los genes ompA y pmpH, y que difiere de la nvCT-sueca (serovares E). Se requiere conocer su prevalencia en México y en América Latina

Presente y futuro de la interferencia por ácido ribonucleico / Present and future of ribonucleic acid interference

No disponible

Comparative analysis of the microbial communities inhabiting halite evaporites of the Atacama Desert

Molecular biology and microscopy techniques were used to characterize the microbial communities inside halite evaporites from different parts of the Atacama Desert. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis revealed that the evaporite rocks harbor communities predominantly made up of cyanobacteria, along with heterotrophic bacteria and archaea. Different DGGE profiles were obtained for the different sites, with the exception of the cyanobacterial profile, in which only one phylotype was detected across the three sites examined. Chroococcidiopsis-like cells were the only cyanobacterial components of the rock samples, although the phylogenetic study revealed their closer genetic affinity to Halothece genera. Gene sequences of the heterotrophic bacteria and archaea indicated their proximity to microorganisms found in other hypersaline environments. Microorganisms colonizing these halites formed microbial aggregates in the pore spaces between halite crystals, where microbial interactions occur. In this exceptional, salty, porous halite rock habitat, microbial consortia with a community structure probably conditioned by the environmental conditions occupy special microhabitats with physical and chemical properties that promote their survival (AU)

No disponible

Phylogenetic diversity and temporal variation in the Spirochaeta populations from two Mediterranean microbial mats

Spirochetes are among the bacterial groups often observed in hydrogen-sulfide-rich layers of coastal microbial mats. However, relatively few spirochetes from these microbial mats have been described and characterized. We used 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis to investigate the spirochetal diversity of microbial mats from two locations in the western Mediterranean (Ebro Delta, Spain, and Camargue, France). Samples from each location were monitored in the spring and winter over a period of 1 to 2 years. In the sequence analysis of 332 clones derived from samples of both locations, 42 novel phylotypes of not-yet-cultivated spirochetes belonging to the genus Spirochaeta were detected. None of the phylotypes were identified as known culturable species of Spirochaeta or previously identified phylotypes cloned from other hypersaline microbial mat such as Guerrero Negro, Mexico. Eight of the phylotypes were common to Ebro and Camargue mats, and two (IF058 and LL066) were present both in spring and winter. Some phylotypes appeared to show seasonal variation, i.e., they were found only in the spring, but not in the winter. Ebro and Camargue phylotypes, like phylotypes from Guerrero Negro, grouped according to the vertical gradient of oxygen and sulfide in the mat. Some phylotypes, such as LH073, IE028, LH042, or LG013 were harbored in low H2S or H2S-O2 interface zone. In contrast, major phylotypes were detected in deeper layers and they were likely strict anaerobes and high tolerant to H2S. The presence of spirochetes in differently located microbial mats suggests that they constitute very diverse and stable populations involved in a well-integrated metabolic symbiosis (i.e., permanent physiological cooperation) with other guild populations in the mats, where they maintain a coordinated functional and stable community (AU)

No disponible

Pandora's mycological box: molecular sequences vs. morphology in understanding fungal relationships and biodiversity

Fundamental reappraisals of diverse traditional ideas in mycology have become necessary as a result of molecular insights. These different insights are discussed in relation to: the positions of microsporidia, slime moulds and oomycetes; the basal position of lichen fungi in the evolution of ascomycetes forming fruit bodies; remodelling of orders and families; changed generic concepts; the issue of whether permitting a dual nomenclature for the different states of pleomorphic fungi should be continued; and the recognition of additional cryptic species within a "species". The molecular data has necessitated a reassessment of the systematic importance of many types of characters. Also, the techniques open exciting horizons and undreamed of abilities through being able to identify non-sporing fungi in ecological samples and plant material, and revealing unexpected levels of diversity in hitherto little-explored habitats. Major advances in understanding how fungi operate through total genomic approaches can be anticipated as more are completely sequenced. The Pandora's box of molecular surprises is to be seen as one of blessings and not one of miseries and evils(AU)

Multilocus sequence analysis of Penicillium and Eupenicillium species

Taxonomy of Hyphomycetes has always been a challenging problem, with experts viewing species in different ways and modifying the taxonomy of groups to reflect their best evaluation of species limits and concepts. The advent of phylogenetic analysis, relatively easy DNA sequencing techniques and PCR has provided an opportunity for mycology to move from a strictly morphological analysis of species to phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences. Phylogenetic theory dictates that data from different loci will produce congruent or at least non-contradictory evolutionary histories of a clonal lineage. Tests of tree congruence such as the index of association can show whether lineages are clonal, and has revealed that some species long thought to be clonal are cryptically recombining. Genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition allows unambiguous identification of species boundaries(AU)

Penicillium glabrum cork-colonising isolates - preliminary analysis of their genomic similarity

The cork stopper manufacturing process includes an operation, known as stabilisation, by which humid cork slabs are extensively colonised by fungi. The effects of fungal growth on cork are not completely understood although they are considered to be involved in the so-called "cork taint" of wine. It is essential to (a) identify environmental constraints which define the appearance of the colonising fungal species and (b) trace their origin to the forest and/or the manufacturing space. The present article correlates two sets of data, from consecutive years and the same season, of systematic sampling of two manufacturing units, located in the North and South of Portugal. Chrysonilia sitophila dominance was confirmed, followed by a high diversity of Penicillium species. Penicillium glabrum, which was found in all samples, was the most frequently isolated species. P. glabrum intra-species variability was investigated using DNA fingerprinting techniques revealing highly discriminative polymorphic markers in the genome. Cluster analysis of P. glabrum data was discussed in relation to the geographical location of strains, and results suggest that P. glabrum arise from predominantly the manufacturing space, although cork specific fungi can contribute(AU)

Identificación bacteriana mediante secuenciación del ARNr 16S: fundamento, metodología y aplicaciones en microbiología clínica / Identification of bacteria through 16S rRNA sequencing: Principles, methods and applications in clinical microbiology

La comparación de las secuencias de los ARNr 16S (o de los genes que los codifican) permite establecer las relaciones filogenéticas existentes entre los organismos procariotas. Este hecho ha tenido una enorme repercusión en taxonomía bacteriana, dando lugar al sistema de clasificación vigente y permitiendo la identificación rápida y precisa de las bacterias. En microbiología clínica la identificación molecular basada en el ADNr 16S se utiliza fundamentalmente para bacterias cuya identificación mediante otro tipo de técnicas resulta imposible, difícil o requiere mucho tiempo. La amplificación del gen, para su posterior secuenciación, parte preferentemente de ADN extraído de un cultivo puro de la bacteria, pero también puede conseguirse directamente de una muestra clínica. Esto último ha conducido al descubrimiento de nuevos agentes patógenos. Teniendo en cuenta su potencialidad, a medida que los recursos técnicos aumenten y el precio se haga más competitivo, la identificación bacteriana basada en el ADNr 16S encontrará probablemente una aplicación más amplia en el laboratorio de microbiología clínica (AU)

Multilocus sequence typing: el marcador molecular de la era de Internet / Multilocus seqquence typing: the molecular marker of the Internet era

La epidemiología global o a largo plazo tiene como objetivo el trazado preciso de los procesos de dispersión de líneas clonales, asociadas a altos niveles de virulencia, a determinada resistencia o a multirresistencia frente a uno o varios agentes antimicrobianos, etc. Por lo tanto, un sistema de tipificación aplicado a este nivel, debe producir resultados que sean fácilmente intercambiables entre laboratorios alejados geográficamente entre sí, así como detectar las diferentes líneas clonales incluso en presencia de bajos niveles de variabilidad acumulada en el genoma.Un marcador basado en secuencia de ADN puede producir unos resultados objetivos (secuencias de letras) que son fácilmente almacenados en bases de datos accesibles mediante Internet. La aplicación de una estrategia similar a la ya utilizada en el análisis de isoenzimas, con la secuenciación de fragmentos variables de genes housekeeping seleccionados va a permitir obtener una visión global de la distribución de los principales complejos clonales en la población analizada, además de trazar su proceso de dispersión (AU)

Síndrome linfoproliferativo autoinmune: diagnóstico molecular en dos familias / Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome: molecular diagnosis in two families

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: El síndrome linfoproliferativo autoinmune (SLPA) es una enfermedad debida a un defecto en la apoptosis de los linfocitos, que cursa con linfoproliferación crónica no maligna, manifestaciones autoinmunes e incremento de los linfocitos TCRalfa beta+CD4-CD8-. La mayoría de los casos se deben a mutaciones en el gen TNFRSF6 que codifica para la proteína Fas. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar mutaciones en este gen en dos familias, algunos de miembros presentaban una clínica y una analítica compatibles con SLPA. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudiamos a dos enfermos con sospecha de SLPA. Para confirmar este diagnóstico realizamos cuantificación de inmunoglobulinas, fenotipado celular por citometría de flujo, cuantificación de interleucina (IL) 10, estudio de apoptosis y análisis molecular. RESULTADOS: Ambos enfermos presentaron hipergammaglobulinemia y un aumento de las células TCRalfa beta+CD4-CD8- (paciente de la familia A: 14 por ciento; enferma de la familia B: 4,25 por ciento). En la familia A se efectuó un estudio de apoptosis, ausente en los linfocitos del paciente y muy disminuida en los linfocitos del padre. Ambos fueron heterocigotos para la mutación T1045C (Leu 268 Pro). La paciente de la familia B y su madre presentaron la mutación G943T (Arg 234 Leu), también en heterocigosis. Las dos mutaciones descritas se localizan en el exón 9 del gen TNFRSF6, que afecta al dominio de muerte de la proteína Fas. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados del estudio molecular en estas dos familias apoyaron el diagnóstico de SLPA y apuntan a que el defecto causante del síndrome es compatible con un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante con penetrancia incompleta (AU)

Conjugative plasmid pEJH501-mediated inducible nickel resistance in Hafnia alvei 5-5 / Resistencia al níquel en Hafnia alvei 5-5 mediada por el plásmido conjugativo pEJH501

Hafnia alvei 5-5, isolated from a soil-litter mixture underneath the canopy of the nickel-hyperaccumulating tree Sebertia acuminata (Sapotaceae) in New Caledonia, was found to be resistant to 30 mM Ni(2+) or 2 mM Co(2+). The 70-kb plasmid, pEJH 501, was transferred by conjugation to Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella oxytoca. Transconjugant strains expressed inducible nickel resistance to between 5 and 17 mM Ni(2+), and cobalt resistance to 2 mM Co(2+). A 4.8-kb Sal- EcoRI fragment containing the nickel resistance determinant was subcloned, and the hybrid plasmid was found to confer a moderate level of resistance to nickel (7 mM Ni(2+)) even to E. coli. The expression of nickel resistance was inducible by exposure to nickel chloride at a concentration as low as 0.5 mM Ni(2+). By random Tn phoA'-1 insertion mutagenesis, the fragment was shown to have structural genes as well as regulatory regions for nickel resistance. Southern hybridization studies showed that the nickel-resistance determinant from pEJH501 of H. alvei 5-5 was homologous to that of pTOM9 from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans 31A (AU)

Hafnia alvei 5-5, aislada en un vertedero bajo la copa del árbol hiperacumulante de níquel Sebertia acuminata (Sapoteacea) en Nueva Caledonia, resultó ser resistente a 30 mM Ni2+ y 2 mM Co2+. El plásmido de 70 kilopares de bases (kb), pEJH501 se transfirió por conjugación a Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens y Klebsiella oxytoca. Las cepas transconjugantes expresaron resistencia inducible a entre 5 y 17 mM Ni2+, y a 2 mM Co2+. Se subclonó un fragmento Sal-EcoRI que contenía el determinante de resistencia al níquel, y el plásmido híbrido se descubrió que confería un nivel de resistencia moderado al níquel (7 mM Ni2+), incluso en E. coli. La expresión de la resistencia al níquel era inducible por exposición a concentraciones de cloruro de níquel de como mínimo 0,5 mM Ni2+. Mediante mutagénesis por inserción aleatoria de TnphoA'-1, se encontraron en el fragmento tanto genes estructurales como regiones reguladoras para la resistencia al níquel. Estudios de hibridación southern mostraron que el determinante de la resistencia al níquel del plásmido pEJH501 en H. alvei 5-5 era homólogo al de pTOM9 de Alcaligenes xylosoxydans 31A (AU)