Sphingomonas from petroleum-contaminated soils in Shenfu, China and their PAHs degradation abilities

Abstract Members of the Sphingomonas genus are often isolated from petroleum-contaminated soils due to their unique abilities to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are important for in situ bioremediation. In this study, a combined phenotypic and genotypic approach using streptomycin-containing medium and Sphingomonas -specific PCR was developed to isolate and identify culturable Sphingomonas strains present in petroleum-contaminated soils in the Shenfu wastewater irrigation zone. Of the 15 soil samples examined, 12 soils yielded yellow streptomycin-resistant colonies. The largest number of yellow colony-forming units (CFUs) could reach 105 CFUs g-1 soil. The number of yellow CFUs had a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the ratio of PAHs to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), indicating that Sphingomonas may play a key role in degrading the PAH fraction of the petroleum contaminants at this site. Sixty yellow colonies were selected randomly and analyzed by colony PCR using Sphingomonas -specific primers, out of which 48 isolates had PCR-positive signals. The 48 positive amplicons generated 8 distinct restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns, and 7 out of 8 phylotypes were identified as Sphingomonas by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the representative strains. Within these 7 Sphingomonas strains, 6 strains were capable of using fluorene as the sole carbon source, while 2 strains were phenanthrene-degrading Sphingomonas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to evaluate the relationship between PAHs contamination levels and culturable Sphingomonas in environmental samples.

A survey of the bacterial diversity in the cup filler of dental chair units

Water from the cup filler of dental chair units (CFDC) was observed to contain sphingomonads, environmental mycobacteria and methylobacteria, among other minor bacteria. Some of the bacteria detected are recognized opportunistic pathogens. Some of these, tended to persist over time.

A Case of Postoperative Sphingomonas paucimobilis Endophthalmitis After Cataract Extraction

PURPOSE: To report a case of an acute onset of delayed postoperative endophthalmitis that was caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis. METHODS: This case demonstrates an acute onset of delayed postoperative endophthalmitis at 3 months after uneventful cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. We performed vitrectomy, intraocular lens and capsular bag removal, and intravitreal antibiotics injection. On the smear stains from the aspirated vitreous humor, gram-negative bacilli were detected and S. paucimobilis was found in culture. RESULTS: At three months after vitrectomy, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/300. Fundus examination showed mild pale color of optic disc and macular degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy with intravitreal ceftazidime injection had contributed to the favorable result in case of an acute onset of delayed postoperatire endophthalmitis caused by S. paucimobilis.

A Case of Postoperative Sphingomonas paucimobilis Endophthalmitis After Cataract Extraction

PURPOSE: To report a case of an acute onset of delayed postoperative endophthalmitis that was caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis. METHODS: This case demonstrates an acute onset of delayed postoperative endophthalmitis at 3 months after uneventful cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. We performed vitrectomy, intraocular lens and capsular bag removal, and intravitreal antibiotics injection. On the smear stains from the aspirated vitreous humor, gram-negative bacilli were detected and S. paucimobilis was found in culture. RESULTS: At three months after vitrectomy, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/300. Fundus examination showed mild pale color of optic disc and macular degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy with intravitreal ceftazidime injection had contributed to the favorable result in case of an acute onset of delayed postoperatire endophthalmitis caused by S. paucimobilis.