Caracterização da microbiota de queijos artesanais provenientes da Serra da Canastra - MG e da cultura iniciadora natural utilizada em sua produção / Microbiota characterization of artisanal cheeses from Serra da Canastra - MG and their endogenous starter culture

O queijo Canastra possui grande importância na cultura e economia local, é parte do Patrimônio Imaterial do Brasil (IPHAN, 2014) e recebeu o selo de produto com designação de origem em 2012 (INPI, 2016). Sua produção utiliza leite, sal, coalho e uma cultura iniciadora natural, chamada popularmente de pingo. Esse estudo visou a caracterização da microbiota presente no queijo maturado da Serra da Canastra e no pingo utilizado em sua produção utilizando técnicas avançadas de sequenciamento em larga escala para identificação das bactérias e fungos ali presentes. Nossos dados da microbiota bacteriana foram comparados com dados da microbiota de outros queijos brasileiros e do mundo disponíveis na literatura. As principais bactérias encontradas em amostras de pingo pertencem aos gêneros Lactococcus (45.6%), Streptococcus (30.3%), Staphylococcus (5.1%), e em amostras de queijo aos gêneros Lactococcus (22.5%), Streptococcus (27.2%), Corynebacterium (18.8%), Staphylococcus (13.6%), Leuconostoc (6.3%) e Weissella (6%). Os principais gêneros de fungos encontrados nos queijos foram Debaryomycesa (78.6%), Trichosporona (7.8%). Nosso estudo foi capaz de separar a microbiota dos queijos produzidos na Serra da Canastra de outros queijos na Europa e América do Norte, sendo o pH um possível fator de segregação. Também foi observada uma diferença entre a microbiota do queijo Canastra com outros queijos Brasileiros. Além disso, visualizamos que a distância geográfica entre produtores e a sazonalidade possuem um efeito sobre a microbiota dos pingos e queijos. A partir da análise de todos os microrganismos encontrados na microbiota bacteriana, foram detectados táxons que discriminam produtores por suas aplicações de boas práticas de fabricação e por sua infraestrutura. Observamos proporções menores de um táxon de Kocuria Kristinae nos pingos e um de Streptococcus nos queijos e proporções maiores de um táxon de Staphylococcus nos queijos. Também pudemos observar uma diminuição nas proporções de táxons de Debaryomycesa e aumento na proporção de táxons de Trichosporona na composição fúngica dos queijos, possivelmente devido a transição sazonal do período seco para o chuvoso. Usando técnicas moleculares de sequenciamento em larga escala, demonstramos que há uma diferença na microbiota presente em diferentes áreas da Serra da Canastra, um possível efeito da sazonalidade na composição fúngica e bacteriana. E evidenciamos que táxons de Streptococcus, Staphylococcus e Kocuria estão correlacionados às boas práticas de produção e elucidamos a conexão existente entre a microbiota do pingo e a do queijo. Estes resultados podem influenciar o desenvolvimento de métodos de rastreamento de sub-regiões específicas da Canastra e auxiliar os produtores na produção de queijos de boa qualidade, mantendo as características específicas de sua região

The Canastra cheese has great importance for the local culture and economy, being part of the Intangible Heritage of Brazil (IPHAN, 2014). It has received the protected designation of origin certification in 2012 (INPI, 2016). It's made using milk, salt, rennet and a endogenous starter culture, popularly called as "pingo". This study aimed to characterize the microbiota present in the Serra da Canastra's cheese and the pingo used in its production. In order to conduct this research we used next generation sequencing to identify the bacteria and fungi present there. Our bacterial microbiota dataset was compared with microbiota datasets from other Brazilian and world cheeses available in the literature. The main bacteria found were Lactococcus (45.6%), Streptococcus (30.3%) and Staphylococcus (5.1%) in the endogenous starter samples and Lactococcus (22.5%), Streptococcus (27.2%), Corynebacterium (18.8 %), Staphylococcus (13.6%), Leuconostoc (6.3%) and Weissella (6%) in cheese samples. The main fungi found in the cheeses were Debaryomycesa (78.6%) and Trichosporona (7.8%). We were able to separate the microbiota from Serra da Canastra cheeses and other cheeses in Europe and North America, being the pH a possible segregation factor. Furthermore, a difference was also observed between the microbiota of Canastra and other Brazilian cheeses. In addition, we observed that the geographical distance between producers and the seasonality could be affecting the pingos and cheeses microbiota. We found bacterial taxa that could discriminate producers by their good manufacturing practices and their local infrastructure. Low levels of good manufacturing practices (GMPs) were assigned to bigger proportions of a Kocuria Kristinae taxon in the pingos and a Staphylococcus taxon in the cheeses. Also, higher levels of GMPs were assigned to smaller proportions of Streptococcus taxons in the cheeses. Furthermore We could observe a decrease of Debaryomycesa and an increase of Trichosporona proportions in the fungal composition of cheeses. This could be due to a climate transition: from the dry season to the rainy season. Using large-scale sampling coupled with molecular sequencing techniques, we observe a connection between pingo and cheeses microbiota. We show that the microbiota of different areas in Serra da Canastra is different, also, there is a possible effect of seasonality on fungal and bacterial composition. Furthermore, we could see that Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Kocuria taxons are correlated with good practices. These results may influence the development of tracking methods for specific Canastra subregions and assist producers to manufacture good quality cheeses while maintaining the specific characteristics of their region

Identification and analysis of 2 Corynebacterium diphtheria strains in Guangdong Province / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To identify and analyze two strains of C. diphtheriae in Guangdong Province by combining whole genome sequencing with traditional detection methods. Methods: The C. diphtheriae was isolated from Guangzhou in 2010 and Zhuhai in 2020 respectively. Isolates were identified by API Coryne strips and MALDI-TOF-MS. Genomic DNA was sequenced by using Illumina. The assembly was performed for each strain using CLC software. J Species WS online tool was used for average nucleoside homology identification, then narKGHIJ and tox gene were detected by NCBI online analysis tool BLSATN. MEGA-X was used to build a wgSNP phylogenetic tree. Results: GD-Guangzhou-2010 was Belfanti and GD-Zuhai-2020 was Gravis. ANIb between GD-Guangzhou-2010 and C. belfantii was 99.61%. ANI between GD-Zhuhai-2020 and C. diphtheriae was 97.64%. BLASTN results showed that the nitrate reduction gene narKGHIJ and tox gene of GD-Guangzhou-2010 was negative, while GD-Zhuhai-2020 nitrate reduction gene narKGHIJ was positive. There were two obvious clades in wgSNP phylogenetic tree. The first clades included all Mitis and Gravis types strains as well as GD-Zhuhai-2020. The second clades contained all isolates of C.belfantii, C.diphtheriae subsp. lausannense and GD-guangzhou-2010. Conclusion: Two non-toxic C. diphtheriae strains are successfully isolated and identified. The phylogenetic tree suggests that GD-Guangzhou-2010 and GD-Zhuhai-2020 are located in two different evolutionary branches.

Mastitis granulomatosa idiopática. Características clínicas, imagenológicas, patológicas y su correlación con la respuesta al tratamiento - Hospital Dr. Cosme Argerich / Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: clinical, imagenological, pathological characteristics and their correlation with treatment response

Introducción: La mastitis granulomatosa idiopática (MGI) es una patología inflamatoria benigna que se presenta típicamente como tumoración dolorosa. Recientemente, un subconjunto con patrón histológico neutrofilico quístico (MGNQ) fue asociado al corynebacterium. Objetivo: Revisión bibliográfica y evaluación de nuestra casuística. Material y método: Se seleccionaron 24 mujeres con MGI diagnosticada entre 2000-2019. Variables analizadas: demográficas, antecedentes, clínica, imágenes, cultivos, patología, tratamientos y evolución. Resultados: Edad media: 40.7 años. 50% tuvo ≥4 gestas y 91.6% lactó. Presentación clínica: Tumor abscedado palpable 58.33%, Palpable asintomático 25%, Palpable doloroso 12.5%. Lesión no palpable 4.17%. Tamaño promedio de lesión: 3.5 cm. Imágenes BIRADS 4/5: 87.5% Cultivo de corynebacterium 25%. Patología: Polimorfonucleares intraductales (PMNID) 62.5%, Vacuolas quísticas 50% (2 casos con baci- los). Tratamiento: Antibióticoterapia 79.1%, Inmunosupresión 79.1%, Drenaje de abscesos 45.8%. Tumorectomía 41.6%. Tiempo de resolución: 5.5 meses Tiempo libre de enfermedad: 33.6 meses. Recurrencias: 31.%. Conclusiones: Debe sospecharse en toda mujer joven con tumor mamario asociado a abscesos, fistulas y/o úlceras. El diagnóstico de MGNQ y PM- NID tienen asociación estadísticamente significativa con recurrencia. Es esencial el abordaje multidisciplinario y el tratamiento multimodal

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign inflammatory disease that typically presents as a painful mass. Recently, a subset with cystic neutrophilic histological pattern (CNGM) was related to corynebacterium. Objetive: Bibliographic review and evaluation of our casuistry. Material and method: During 2000-2019, 24 women diagnosed with IGM were selected. Variables analyzed: Demographic, background, clinical, images, cultures, pathology, treatment and evolution. Results: Average age: 40.7 years. 50% had ≥ 4 gestations and 91.6% lactated. Clinical presentation: Palpable abscessed tumor 58.33%, Palpable asymptomatic 25%, Palpable painful 12.5%. Non palpable lesion 4.17%. Average lesion size: 3.5 cm. BIRADS images 4/5: 87.5% Corynebacterium culture 25%. Findings: Intraductal polymorphonuclear cells (IDPMNC) (62.5% ), Cystic vacuoles (50%) (With bacilli in 2 cases). Treatment: Antibiotic therapy 79.1%, Immunosuppression 79.1%, Drainage of abscesses 45.8%. Lumpectomy 41.6%. Resolution time: 5.5 months Diseasefree time: 33.6 months. Recurrences: 31.8%. Conclusions: It should be suspected in any young woman with a breast tumor associated with abscesses, fistulas and/or ulcers. The diagnosis of CNGM and IDPMNC has statistically significant association with recurrence. A multidisciplinary approach and multimodal treatment is essential

Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii y patología mamaria / Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii and breast pathology

Resumen Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii es un bacilo gram positivo corineforme lipofílico, poco frecuente en la clínica humana. Forma parte de la microbiota cutánea de los seres humanos y, por esta razón, su interpretación clínica es compleja. La mastitis granulomatosa es una enfermedad inflamatoria de origen incierto con baja incidencia. Se presentan dos casos clínicos en los que se describe la asociación de C. kroppenstedtii con mastitis granulomatosa. El tejido mamario es rico en lípidos. El carácter lipofílico de este microorganismo podría explicar su presencia en dicho tejido.

Abstract Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii is a rare lipophilic coryneform gram-positive bacillus. It is part of the human skin microbiota and, for this reason, its clinical interpretation is complex. Granulomatous mastitis is an inflammatory disease of uncertain origin with a low incidence. The association of C. kroppenstedtii with granulomatous mastitis was described in two clinical case reports. The lipophilic characteristics of this microorganism explains why it can be found in lipid-rich breast tissue.

Resumo Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii é um bacilo gram-positivo corineforme lipofílico poco frecuente. Faz parte da microbiota do seres humanos, por isso sua interpretação clínica é complexa. A mastite granulomatosa é uma doença inflamatória de origem incerta com baixa incidência. Foram apresentados dois casos clínicos nos quais é descrita a associação de C. kroppenstedtii com mastite granulomatosa. O tecido mamário é rico em lipídios. O caráter lipofílico desse microrganismo pode explicar sua presença em tal tecido.

Microorganismos xerófilos cultivables de la zona semiárida de la Tatacoa (Colombia) / Culture xerophile microorganisms from the Tatacoa semiarid zone (Colombia)

Resumen Introducción. Los microorganismos xerófilos han adquirido una mayor relevancia para la realización de investigaciones relacionadas con sus mecanismos adaptativos frente al estrés hídrico, así como la caracterización e identificación de sus hábitats. En Colombia, las zonas semiáridas y desérticas como el desierto de la Tatacoa han sido poco estudiadas a nivel microbiano. Objetivo. Aislar y caracterizar microorganismos xerófilos provenientes del suelo de la zona semiárida de la Tatacoa del departamento del Huila (Colombia). Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron muestras en los sectores denominados localmente como Cuzco y La Victoria, las cuales fueron procesadas para el aislamiento de microorganismos xerófilos en medio selectivo M40Y para posterior caracterización macro y microscópica, así como evaluación mediante pruebas bioquímicas para la utilización de sustratos. Resultados. Fueron aislados 29 morfotipos entre los cuales se pudieron diferenciar: Bacilos y cocos Gram positivos presentes exclusivamente en el sector del Cuzco y bacterias filamentosas ramificadas (actinobacterias) únicamente en el sector de La Victoria. Se estableció la presencia de los géneros Streptomyces, Micrococcus y Corynebacterium. Conclusiones. La presencia de microorganismos relacionados con los géneros anteriormente mencionados permitirá comprender las posibles interacciones que se presentan en este ecosistema, lo que aportará al desarrollo de este lugar como un posible análogo para estudios de búsqueda de vida en otros planetas como Marte. Además, incentivar estudios más detallados donde se puedan recuperar microorganismos que sean de utilidad para diferentes procesos biotecnológicos.

Abstract Introduction. Xerophilic microorganisms have become more relevant for conducting research related to their adaptive mechanisms against water stress, as well as the characterization and identification of their habitats. In Colombia, semi-arid and desert areas such as the Tatacoa desert have been little studied at the microbial level. Objective. Isolation and characterization of cultivable xerophilic microorganisms from the soil of the semi-arid zone of Tatacoa, in the department of Huila (Colombia). Material and methods. For this, samples were collected in the sectors locally called Cuzco and La Victoria, which were processed for the isolation of xerophilic microorganisms in selective M40Y medium for subsequent macro and microscopic characterization, as well as evaluation by biochemical tests for the use of substrates. Results. 29 morphotypes were isolated among which it was possible to differentiate: Gram-positive bacilli and cocci present exclusively in the Cuzco sector and branched filamentous bacteria (Actinobacteria) only in the La Victoria sector. The presence of the genera Streptomyces, Micrococcus and Corynebacterium was established. Conclusions. The presence of microorganisms related to the mentioned genera will allow us to understand the possible interactions that occur in this ecosystem, which will contribute to the development of this place as a possible analogue of studies for the search for life on other planets such as Mars. In addition, promote more detailed studies where microorganisms that are useful for different biotechnological processes can be recovered.

Caracterização microbiológica do queijo minas artesanal comercializado em São Paulo: segurança, higiene e diversidade microbiana / Microbiological characterization of artisanal minas cheese marketed in São Paulo: safety, hygiene and microbial diversity

Existe no Brasil uma grande variedade de queijos que se enquadram no conceito de "queijo minas artesanal". Produtores consideram que a legislação que regula o setor, em níveis municipal, estadual e federal, é confusa e excessivamente rigorosa, dificulta a padronização dos produtos, interfere no crescimento do setor e facilita a comercialização de queijos em desacordo com os padrões de higiene e segurança estabelecidos. Este trabalho de pesquisa de mestrado pretendeu gerar dados sobre as condições higiênico-sanitárias e segurança microbiológica de queijos minas artesanal, produzidos em Minas Gerais e coletados no comércio da cidade de São Paulo, bem como contribuir com informações a respeito da diversidade bacteriana nos queijos estudados. Foram estudadas 100 amostras de queijo minas artesanal coletadas no comercio de São Paulo, que foram submetidas à enumeração de microrganismos indicadores de higiene (coliformes, Escherichia coli e estafilococos), Salmonella e Listeria monocytogenes, empregando técnicas convencionais de cultivo e também moleculares. Os estafilococos coagulase positivos foram estudados quanto à tolerância à biocidas de interesse para alimentos, determinando-se também a diversidade microbiana, utilizando-se Next Generation Sequencing em Illumina MiSeq. Os resultados indicaram baixa ocorrência dos patógenos estudados, e que 10% e 32% das amostras excederam os limites para Escherichia coli e estafilococos coagulase positiva estabelecidos pelas legislações vigentes, respectivamente. Entre os estafilococos coagulase positiva, 37,7% foram tolerantes a algum dos biocidas testados, com maior prevalencia dos tolerantes ao cloreto de benzalcônio (75%). Quanto à diversidade bacteriana, os gêneros predominantes foram Streptococcus (32,7%), Lactococcus (30,6%) e Corynebacterium (15,6%). A microbiota bacteriana detectada nos queijos Canastra estudados não apresentou dissimilaridade quando comparada à microbiota bacteriana de outros queijos Canastra coletados nos locais de produção em outro estudo. Observou-se que as regiões de coleta dos queijos na cidade de São Paulo e os pontos de comercialização em São Paulo apresentam maior influência sobre a microbiota detectada para o queijo minas artesanal do que as regiões de produção (p<0,05), sugerindo a interferência das práticas de manipulação após a produção na diversidade bacteriana detectada nos queijos

There is a wide variety of cheeses in Brazil that fit the concept of "artisanal minas cheese". Producers consider that the legislation that regulates the sector, at municipal, state and federal levels, is confusing and excessively strict, hinders the standardization of products, interferes with the growth of the sector and facilitates the marketing of cheeses in disagreement with the hygiene and safety standards. This master's research work aimed to generate data on the hygienic-sanitary conditions and microbiological safety of artisanal Minas cheeses, produced in Minas Gerais and collected in São Paulo's commerce, as well as to contribute with information about the bacterial diversity in the studied cheeses. One hundred samples of artisanal Minas cheese collected in the São Paulo market were subjected to the enumeration of hygiene indicator microorganisms (coliforms, Escherichia coli and staphylococci), Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, using conventional cultivation and also molecular techniques. Coagulase positive staphylococci were studied for tolerance to biocides of interest to food, and microbial diversity was also determined using Next Generation Sequencing in Illumina MiSeq. The results indicated a low occurrence of the studied pathogens, and that 10% and 32% of the samples exceeded the limits for Escherichia coli and coagulase positive staphylococci established by the current legislation, respectively. Among the coagulase positive staphylococci, 37.7% were tolerant to at least one of the tested biocides, with a greater prevalence of those tolerant to benzalkonium chloride (75%). As for microbial diversity, the predominant genera were Streptococcus (32.7%), Lactococcus (30.6%) and Corynebacterium (15.6%). The bacterial microbiota detected in the studied Canastra cheeses showed no dissimilarity when compared to the bacterial microbiota of other Canastra cheeses collected at the production sites in another study. It was observed that the cheese collection regions in the city of São Paulo and the marketing points in São Paulo had a greater influence on the detected bacterial microbiota than the production regions (p<0.05), suggesting the interference of the practices of manipulation after production in the bacterial diversity detected in the cheeses

Endocarditis secundaria a corynebacterium tras implante de válvula aórtica transcatéter: Informe de un caso / Endocarditis due to corynebacterium after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A case report

RESUMEN Se presenta un caso de endocarditis valvular protésica secundaria a un organismo infrecuente (Corynebacterium sp.) tras la implantación de una protésis valvular aórtica percutánea. La menor sensibilidad del ecocardiograma transesofágico para detectar signos de endocarditis en éstos pacientes puede retrasar el diagnóstico. El uso de otras técnicas de imagen complementarias como la tomografía por emisión de positrones, puede ser de utilidad. El aumento de implantes de prótesis percutánea en los últimos años va asociado a un aumento de complicaciones como la endocarditis.

ABSTRACT We present a case of prosthetic valve endocarditis secondary to an infrequent organism (Corynebacterium sp.) after percutaneous aortic valve implantation. The lower sensitivity of transesophageal echocardiogram to detect signs of endocarditis in these patients may delay diagnosis. Implementing other ancillary imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography may be helpful. The increase in percutaneous prosthetic implants in recent years is associated with an upsurge in complications such as endocarditis

Técnicas e procedimentos de controle de infecções de cateteres venosos em onco-hematologia infantil: aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos e microbiológicos e prevalência de Corynebacterium spp. - Instituto Nacional de Câncer, RJ / Techniques and procedures central line infections control in childhood cancer patients: clinical and epidemiological aspects, microbiological and prevalence of Corynebacterium spp. - Instituto Nacional de Câncer, RJ

Estudo descritivo retrospectivo realizado no Instituto Nacional do Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, HCI-Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, (INCA-HCI-RJ), no qual foram avaliadas infecções relacionadas aos acessos venosos para tratamento oncológico, nos setores Onco-Hematológicos pediátricos. A infecção representa uma importante complicação em pacientes oncológicos em tratamento. Devido ao tratamento oncológico que envolve: procedimentos cirúrgicos muitas vezes mutilantes, tratamento com quimioterápicos que ocasionam períodos de imunossupressão e neutropenia, e tratamento radioterápico com radiação e lise celular. O uso de dispositivos venosos associados a períodos de imunossupressão pode levar a infecção da corrente sanguínea e outras complicações (por exemplo trombose). No presente estudo foram investigados aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos das infecções e da susceptibilidade antimicrobiana em amostras clínicas obtidas de processos infecciosos associados ao uso de cateteres venosos de longa permanência no tratamento oncológico em pacientes do Hospital do Câncer José de Alencar Gomes da Silva, HCI/INCA, Rio de Janeiro Brasil. Foram avaliadas: a) prevalência das espécies diversas relacionadas aos quadros infecciosos identificados nestes pacientes oncológicos; b) prevalência de casos de complicações e outras infecções invasivas relacionadas ao uso de cateteres de longa permanência; c) perfis de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos e ocorrência de multirresistência. O desenvolvimento deste projeto de pesquisa possibilitou a observação análise e validação da evolução dos processos envolvidos nos quadros de infecções nosocomiais em pacientes oncológicos pediátricos na prevenção de complicações que envolvem todo o sistema de saúde, além de contribuir na escolha de antimicrobianos e estratégias terapêuticas mais efetivas para o tratamento de infecções em cateteres por espécies multirresistentes de Corynebacterium.

Retrospective descriptive study conducted at the National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva, INCA / HCI-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (INCA-HCI-RJ). Infection represents an important complication in cancer patients. This group is more prone to infections due to the cancer treatment that involves: surgical procedures often mutilating, treatment with chemotherapy that cause periods of immunosuppression even with neutropenia, and radiotherapy treatment with radiation and cell lysis. The vascular devices associated with these periods can lead to bloodstream infection besides others complication as thrombosis. The number of reports of infections in hospitalized cancer patients increases morbidity and mortality rates. In the present study clinical and epidemiological aspects of infections were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility were investigated in clinical exams and samples from blood patients and venous catheter in children oncological patients at the José de Alencar Gomes da Silva, HCI / INCA, Rio de Janeiro Brazil. It was possible evaluate a) prevalence of various species infections in cancer patients; b) prevalence of cases of complications and other invasive infections related to the use of long-term catheters; c) antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and occurrence of multidrug resistance. The development of this research project in nosocomial infections in pediatric cancer patients was enabled analysis and validation of some process involved to prevent vascular complications that involve entire health system. In addition to contributing to the choice of antimicrobials and the most effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of multi-resistant Corynebacterium sp.

Hiperamonemia secundaria a infección urinaria en un paciente con malformación del tracto urinario en pediatría: a propósito de un caso / Hyperammonemia secondary to urinary tract infection in patients with pediatric urinary tract malformation: a case report

Ammonium is an important source of nitrogen for amino acid synthesis and is necessary for normal acid base balance. When ammonium concentrations are high it becomes a toxic compound. Hyperammonemia is a metabolic emergency. When underdiagnosed and not treated appropriately, it produces severe neurological sequelae and/or death. The clinical presentation of hyperammonemic encephalopathy varies, and includes from personality disorders, psychiatric disorders, confusion, irritability, lethargy, seizures to coma. Hyperammonemia occurs with an increase in ammonium production, as in intestinal hemorrhage, or with a decrease in the elimination of ammonium, such as in congenital metabolic errors, hepatic insufficiency or drug intoxication. As we can see, it may have multiple origins, but congenital errors of metabolism are always suspected as one of the causes. However, there are less frequent causes, such as urinary tract infection, especially in predisposing conditions. We describe the case of a 2-year-old boy with a history of horseshoe kidney and right ureterohydronephrosis, surgical correction of imperforate anus and rectal bladder fistula. This patient presented hyperammonemia with encephalopathy (Glasgow 7/15) while undergoing a urinary infection with Corynebacterium riegelii. Hyperammonemia is the result of the production in the dilated urinary tract of large amounts of ammonium due to bacterial urease and its subsequent reabsorption in the systemic circulation. The patient improved clinically (Glasgow 15/15) after parenteral antibiotic therapy and urinary tract clearance

El amonio es una fuente importante de nitrógeno para la síntesis de aminoácidos y necesario para el balance ácido base; si se encuentra elevado, se convierte en un compuesto tóxico. La hiperamoniemia es una urgencia metabólica; cuando no es diagnosticada y tratada de manera oportuna, produce graves secuelas de tipo neurológico o la muerte. La presentación clínica de la encefalopatía hiperamoniémica es variable, pudiéndose observar trastornos en la personalidad, trastornos psiquiátricos, confusión e irritabilidad, letargia, convulsión y coma. La hiperamoniemia se presenta por aumento en la producción de amonio, como en la hemorragia intestinal, o por disminución de la eliminación del mismo, como ocurre en los errores congénitos del metabolismo, en la insuficiencia hepática o en la intoxicación por fármacos. Puede tener múltiples orígenes, pero los errores congénitos del metabolismo son una de las causas que siempre se sospechan. Sin embargo, existen causas menos frecuentes, como la infección del tracto urinario (sobre todo en condiciones que predispongan a las mismas). Describimos aquí el caso de un niño de 2 años, con antecedentes de riñón en herradura y ureterohidronefrosis derecha, corrección quirúrgica de ano imperforado y fistula recto vesical. Este paciente presentó hiperamoniemia con encefalopatía (Glasgow 7/15) mientras cursaba una infección urinaria por Corynebacterium riegelii. La hiperamoniemia es el resultado de la producción en el tracto urinario dilatado de grandes cantidades de amonio, debido a la ureasa bacteriana y su posterior reabsorción en la circulación sistémica. El paciente mejoró clínicamente (Glasgow 15/15) después de la terapia antibiótica parenteral y desobstrucción de tracto urinario

Corneal Ulcer Caused by Corynebacterium macginleyi

PURPOSE: To report a case of a Corynebacterium macginleyi-infected corneal ulcer of a patient who had been treated for conjunctivitis for more than 3 months. CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old female was transferred from a private ophthalmic clinic for evaluation of herpetic keratitis with progressive corneal edema and infiltration in the left eye. She had a history of conjunctival hyperemia and eyeball pain in her left eye 3 months prior to her visit. She was treated with levofloxacin eye drops and acyclovir ointment (Herpesid®, Samil, Co., Ltd. Seoul, Korea). On slit lamp examination, 5.4 × 4.0 mm corneal epithelial defects and stromal infiltrations were observed in the upper to central cornea, and endothelial keratic precipitates were found. Gram positive bacteria were detected on Gram staining and Corynebacterium macginleyi was identified on bacterial cultures from the conjunctiva and cornea. She was treated with topical vancomycin eye drops. After 3 months of treatment, the corneal ulcer was completely resolved, leaving mild superficial opacity on the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: While Corynebacterium macginleyi, normal flora of the conjunctiva, is considered a major causative agent for conjunctivitis and blepharitis, Corynebacterium macginleyi should also be considered a possible cause of slowly progressive keratitis in patients with chronic conjunctivitis.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori, Anti-apoptotic, and Cytoprotective Effects of Threonine Synthesized from Corynebacterium glutamicum in Gastric Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Among irritants causing gastric ulcer, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) might be pivotal, after which eradication became essential way in either inhibiting ulcerogenesis or preventing ulcer recurrence. Since threonine is essential in either mucus synthesis or cytoprotection, we hypothesized that the dietary threonine from Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) can mitigate the cytotoxicity of H. pylori infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: RGM-1 cells were challenged with 100 multiplicity of infection H. pylori for 6 hours, during which threonine alone or combination with Corynebacterium sp. was administered and compared for anti-Helicobacter, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, and cytoprotective actions.RESULTS: Threonine alone or combination of threonine and C. glutamicum yielded significant bacteriostatic outcomes. The increased expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, Cox-2, and iNOS mRNA after H. pylori infection were significantly decreased with either threonine alone or the combination of threonine and C. glutamicum. The elevated expressions of NF-kB, HIF-1a, and c-jun after H. pylori infection were all significantly decreased with the combination of threonine and broth from C. glutamicum (P < 0.05), leading to significant decreases in 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (P < 0.01). Tracing further host antioxidative response, the attenuated expression of heme oxygenase-1, Nrf2, and dehydrogenase quinone-1 after H. pylori infection was significantly preserved with combination of threonine and C. glutamicum. H. pylori infection led to significant increases in apoptosis accompanied with Bcl-2 decreases and Bax increases, while the combination of threonine and C. glutamicum significantly attenuated apoptosis, in which attenuated EGF, TGF-β, and VEGF were significantly regulated, while β-catenin did not change.CONCLUSIONS: Threonine synthesized from C. glutamicum significantly alleviated the cytotoxicity of H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells.

Encrusted cystitis caused by corynebacterium urealyticum: a case report with novel treatment strategy of intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide

ABSTRACT Encrusted cystitis (EC) was first described as chronic cystitis with mucosal calcification in 1914 (1). It is a very rare chronic inflammatory disease presenting with dysuria, pelvic pain and gross hematuria. Voided urine contains mucus or calcified mucopurulent stone like particles. Urinalysis always reveals alkaline pH. It may be present in healthy individuals with no predisposing etiological factors (2-4). Etiologically, previous urological diseases, immunosuppression, urinary infection with urea splitting bacteria, or urological interventions resulting in bladder mucosa trauma may also be present (5, 6). In the present case report, we describe a novel treatment for EC with intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide.

Central venous catheter-related infections caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum and other multiresistant non-diphtherial corynebacteria in paediatric oncology patients

ABSTRACT Bloodstream and venous catheter-related corynebacterial infections in paediatric patients with haematological cancer were investigated from January 2003 to December 2014 at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We observed that during cancer treatment, invasive corynebacterial infections occurred independent of certain factors, such as age and gender, underlying diseases and neutropenia. These infections were ssscaused by Corynebacterium amycolatum and other non-diphtherial corynebacteria. All cases presented a variable profile of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, except to vancomycin. Targeted antibiotic therapy may contribute to catheters maintenance and support quality of treatment. Non-diphtherial corynebacteria must be recognized as agents associated with venous access infections. Our data highlight the need for the accurate identification of corynebacteria species, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Soroprevalência da infecção por Corynebacterium pseudotuberulosis em caprinos no Nordeste brasileiro utilizando técnica de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA-indireto) / Serological study on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in goats in the Brazilian Northeast using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA-indirect)

A caprinocultura na região Nordeste do Brasil desempenha importante função socioeconômica e estratégica. A rusticidade desta atividade nesta região, aliada a sua rápida expansão em outros estados, tem gerado perdas na sua cadeia produtiva a nível regional e nacional, causadas por doenças infecciosas, destacando-se a Linfadenite Caseosa (LC), afecção amplamente difundida nos rebanhos caprinos, acarretando sérios prejuízos econômicos à atividade. Embora LC tenha sido detectada como um problema endêmico no nordeste brasileiro, uma análise abrangente e mais recente desta prevalência nos rebanhos caprinos brasileiros se faz necessária. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis em cinco dos nove estados que compõem a região Nordeste do Brasil. Foram processadas amostras de soro de 2571 caprinos provenientes de 218 propriedades rurais oriundas de cinco estados da região Nordeste do Brasil, coletadas entre os anos de 2010 a 2012. O diagnóstico da infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis foi realizado pela técnica de ELISA-indireto. Em 88,5% (193/218) das propriedades investigadas, pelo menos um caprino foi soropositivo para C. pseudotuberculosis, sugerindo que o agente se encontra disseminado nos rebanhos do Nordeste, com a maior prevalência encontrada no Rio Grande do Norte (94,5%) e a menor no estado de Sergipe (70,3%). Foram identificados 783 (30,4%; IC 95%=28,7-32,2%) caprinos soropositivos, com a maior prevalência entre animais encontrada no Piauí (41,4%) e a menor no estado de Sergipe (22,5%). De um total de 279 reprodutores avaliados, 106 (37,9%) resultaram soropositivos, destacando-se o Rio Grande do Norte, com 45,30%, e Piauí com 46,8% dos reprodutores positivos para LC. Das 1420 matrizes testadas, 599(42,1%) apresentaram sorologia positiva para C. pseudotuberculosis. Entre os estados esta distribuição também se manteve semelhante, destacando-se o Rio Grande do Norte, com 47,5% e Piauí com 59,5% das matrizes positivos para LC. Entre os 872 caprinos jovens avaliados, 78 (8,9%) foram soropositivos para LC, observando-se uma diferença estatística na frequência de sopositividade obtidas entre os adultos e os jovens (P<0,001). Reforça-se a necessidade do diagnóstico da enfermidade em rebanhos caprinos da região Nordeste para possível implementação de programas de controle da doença e medidas mais precisas no manejo da LC junto aos criadores de caprinos.(AU)

Goat farming in the Northeast region of Brazil plays an important socioeconomic and strategic role. The rusticity of this activity in this region, allied with its rapid expansion in other states, has caused losses in its production chain in regional and national levels, caused by infectious diseases, especially caseous lymphadenitis (CL), a widespread goat herds disease which has been causing serious economic loss to this activity. Although CL has been detected as an endemic problem in the Brazilian Northeast, a comprehensive and more recent analysis of this prevalence in Brazilian goats is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis antibodies in five of nine states of the northeast region of Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 2571 goats from 218 farms in five states in the Northeast region of Brazil, collected between 2010 and 2012. The diagnosis of C. pseudotuberculosis infection was made using the ELISA-indirect technique. In 88.5% (193/218) of the investigated properties, at least one goat was seropositive for C. pseudotuberculosis, suggesting that the agent is widespread in Northeast herds, with the highest prevalence found in Rio Grande do Norte (94.5%) and the lowest one in the state of Sergipe (70.3%). A total of 783 (30.45%; 95% CI = 28.71-32.26%) seropositive goats were found, and the highest prevalence among animals was found in Piauí (41.4%) and the lowest in the state of Sergipe (22.5%). Out of a total of 279 breeding herds, 106 (37.99%) were seropositive, standing out the Rio Grande do Norte, with a total of 45.30%, and Piauí 46.8% of positive breeding for CL. A total of the 1420 tested matrices, 599 (42.1%) presented positive serology for C. pseudotuberculosis. Among the States, this distribution also remained similar, standing out Rio Grande do Norte with 47.5%, and Piauí with 59.5% of positive matrices for CL. Among 872 young goats evaluated, 78 (8.9%) were seropositive for CL, observing a statistical difference in the frequency of soropositivity obtained between adults and young adults (P<0.001). The necessity to diagnose the disease in goat herds in the Northeast region is reinforced for the possible implementation of disease control programs and more precise measures to manage CL along with goat farmers.(AU)

Retrospective evaluation of the clinical characteristics associated with Corynebacterium species bacteremia

ABSTRACT Objectives: Corynebacterium spp. are becoming recognized as pathogens that potentially cause various infections. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics associated with Corynebacterium spp. bacteremia. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adult patients who had positive blood cultures for Corynebacterium spp. in a single university hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. Patients were divided into a bacteremia group and a contamination group based on microbiological test results and clinical characteristics. Patients' characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated species, antimicrobials administered, and patient outcomes were evaluated. Results: Corynebacterium spp. were isolated from blood samples of 63 patients; Corynebacterium striatum was the predominant isolate. Twenty-eight patients were determined to have bacteremia. Younger age (p = 0.023), shorter time to positivity (p = 0.006), longer hospital stay (p = 0.009), and presence of an indwelling vascular catheter (p = 0.002) were observed more often in the bacteremia group compared to the contamination group. The source of infection in most patients with bacteremia was an intravenous catheter. All tested strains were susceptible to vancomycin. Four of the 27 patients with bacteremia died, despite administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: We found that younger age, shorter time to positivity, and presence of an indwelling catheter were related to bacteremia caused by Corynebacterium spp. Appropriate antimicrobials should be administered once Corynebacterium spp. are isolated from the blood and bacteremia is suspected.

Three-valve Endocarditis Caused by Corynebacterium striatum

No abstract available.

Treatment of livestock carcasses in soil using Corynebacterium glutamicum and lysosomal application to livestock burial

A method of rapidly decaying livestock carcasses is sought through Corine glutamicum, and furthermore, lysosomes are used to remove toxic microorganisms from livestock carcasses. The landfill was constructed on a laboratory scale. Optimized growth conditions of C. glutamicum that could quickly decay livestock carcasses were determined. Lysosomes were extracted from egg whites and used to treat contaminated soil to confirm their antimicrobial activities. Condition of C. glutamicum was activated, regardless both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, soil exists and, to be close to the optimum conditions as possible temperatures, moisture content was about 1/10 of the culture. Lysosomes were found to be effective in clearing soil contamination. C. glutamicum can accelerate the decay of livestock carcasses. A combination of C. glutamicum and lysomes could be used to treat soil contamination caused by decomposition of livestock.

Microbiological Characteristics of Corynebacterium striatum, an Emerging Pathogen / 한양의대학술지

C. striatum is part of the normal skin and mucous membrane flora in humans and is widely disseminated in the environment. Traditionally, these strains have been considered contaminants. However, C. striatum has been linked to respiratory infection, bacteremia, and endocarditis; and it is strongly related to nosocomial outbreaks. At present, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) is the most accurate routine identification method. Many C. striatum strains are multi-drug resistant, being susceptible only to vancomycin and linezolid. We should survey the antimicrobial susceptibility results regularly to monitor its resistance and consider it a possible pathogen.