Fermentation of alfalfa wet-fractionation liquids to volatile fatty acids by Streptococcus bovis and Megasphaera elsdenii.

"Green juice", obtained by squeezing fresh alfalfa leaves inoculated with lactic acid bacteria, was fermented at room temperature for 7-21 d to obtain 12-47 g lactic acid L(-1). Inoculation of green juice with Streptococcus bovis and incubation at 39°C reduced fermentation time to 8-12h. The resulting "brown juice" from either fermentation had a pH of ∼4.5 and a protein precipitate. Upon adjustment to pH 5.2-6.8 and inoculation with Megasphaera elsdenii, brown juice was fermented within 48 h to up to 18 g of mixed volatile fatty acids (VFA) L(-1). Single-stage fermentation of green juice by both species in coculture typically resulted in overgrowth of S. bovis and acid inhibition of M. elsdenii, inhibiting VFA production. Because the juice fermentations are conducted without sterilization or supplemental nutrients, they can potentially contribute to an integrated process featuring protein recovery and fermentation of fractionated solids to VFA and other products.

Streptococcus bovis peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis--a review of 10 years' experience.

OBJECTIVE: An association of Streptococcus bovis bacteremia with carcinoma of colon has been reported, but data regarding peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis caused by S. bovis is scarce. In this study, we examined the clinical characteristics, associations, and outcomes of this disease entity. METHODS: The case records of patients with S. bovis PD peritonitis presenting to 2 renal centers between January 2000 and September 2010 were reviewed. Clinical features and outcomes were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Of cultures from 23 episodes of S. bovis peritonitis in 20 patients (1.28% of all peritonitis episodes at our center), 19 (82.6%) showed S. bovis alone, and 4 (17.4%) showed mixed growth. In 7 episodes, the S. bovis was moderately resistant to penicillin G. Rates of resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin were 43.5% and 47.8% respectively. In 18 episodes (78.3%), a primary response was achieved with a first-generation cephalosporin and an aminoglycoside. In 4 episodes, a secondary response was achieved after a switch from cephalosporin to vancomycin, and in 1 episode with mixed growth, the Tenckhoff catheter had to be removed. Repeat peritonitis occurred in 3 patients at a mean of 50.0 months (range: 24.2 - 83.1 months). Of the 20 patients of S. bovis peritonitis, 10 (50%) underwent either a barium enema or a colonoscopy. One patient had history of colonic carcinoma 2 years before the peritonitis, and a subsequent work-up revealed no recurrence. Three patients had diverticulosis, and one had a concomitant sigmoid polyp. Findings in the other 6 patients were normal. No colorectal malignancy had developed in the remaining 10 patients after a mean follow-up of 76.6 months (range: 0.8 - 125.1 months). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes in S. bovis PD peritonitis were favorable, and an association with colorectal cancer was not found in our patients. Routine colonoscopy in these patients remains controversial and should be individualized.

The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on bovicin HC5 production by Streptococcus bovis HC5.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of media composition and agroindustrial residues on bovicin HC5 production by Streptococcus bovis HC5. METHODS AND RESULTS: Batch cultures of S. bovis HC5 were grown in basal medium containing different carbon and nitrogen sources. The activity of cell-free and cell-associated bovicin HC5 was determined in culture supernatants and acidic extracts obtained from cell pellets, respectively. Streptococcus bovis HC5 produced bovicin using a variety of carbon and nitrogen sources. The highest specific activity was obtained in media containing 16 g l(-1) of glucose, after 16 h of incubation. The peak in cell-free and cell-associated bovicin HC5 activity was detected when S. bovis HC5 cultures reached stationary phase. The bovicin HC5 specific activity and bacterial cell mass increased approximately 3-fold when yeast extract and trypticase (0.5 and 1.0 g l(-1), respectively) were added together to the basal medium. Streptococcus bovis HC5 cultures produced bovicin HC5 in cheese whey and sugar cane juice and maximal volumetric productivity was obtained after 12 h of incubation. CONCLUSIONS: Streptococcus bovis HC5 is a versatile lactic acid bacterium that can utilize several carbon and nitrogen sources for bovicin HC5 production. This bacterium could be a useful model to study bacteriocin production in the rumen ecosystem. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of agroindustrial residues as carbon sources could have an economical impact on bovicin HC5 production. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the use of sugar cane juice for bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria.

Absceso de clítoris / No disponible

Se presenta un caso de absceso de clítoris en una mujer de 24 años. Se produjo drenaje espontáneo del absceso tras tratamiento médico con ciprofloxacino e ibuprofeno, con curación completa (AU)

We present a case of clitoral abscess in a 24-yearoldwoman. Spontaneous drainage of the abscess occurred after medical treatment with ciprofloxacin and ibuprofen, with complete resolution (AU)

Effect of a blend of essential oil compounds on the colonization of starch-rich substrates by bacteria in the rumen.

AIMS: To investigate the mode of action of a blend of essential oil compounds on the colonization of starch-rich substrates by rumen bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Starch-rich substrates were incubated, in nylon bags, in the rumen of sheep organized in a 4 x 4 latin square design and receiving a 60:40 silage : concentrate diet. The concentrate was either high or low in crude protein, and the diet was supplemented or not with a commercial blend of essential oil compounds (110 mg per day). The total genomic DNA was extracted from the residues in the bags. The total eubacterial DNA was quantified by real-time PCR and the proportion of Ruminobacter amylophilus, Streptococcus bovis and Prevotella bryantii was determined. Neither the supplementation with essential oil compounds nor the amount of crude protein affected the colonization of the substrates by the bacteria quantified. However, colonization was significantly affected by the substrate colonized. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of essential oils on the colonization of starch-rich substrates is not mediated through the selective inhibition of R. amylophilus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study enhances our understanding of the colonization of starch-rich substrates, as well as of the mode of action of the essential oils as rumen manipulating agents.

Improved survival in experimental sepsis with an orally administered inhibitor of apoptosis.

The pathophysiology of sepsis involves excessive lymphocyte apoptosis, which correlates with adverse outcomes, and disordered cytokine production, which may promote host injury. As the protease inhibitor (PI) class of antiretroviral agents is known to prevent apoptosis in vitro, we evaluated their effect on survival, lymphocyte apoptosis, and consequent cytokine production in mice with sepsis induced by cecal ligation and perforation. Mice pretreated with PIs have improved survival (67%; P<0.0005) compared with controls (17%) and a significant (P<0.05) reduction in lymphocyte apoptosis. Even mice receiving therapy beginning 4 h after perforation demonstrated improved survival (50%; P<0.05) compared with controls. PI therapy is also associated with an increase in the Th1 cytokine TNF-alpha (P<0.05) early in sepsis and a reduction in the Th2 cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 (P<0.05) late in sepsis; despite no intrinsic antibacterial effects, PI also reduced quantitative bacterial blood cultures. The beneficial effects of PI appear to be specific to lymphocyte apoptosis, as lymphocyte-deficient Rag1-/- mice did not experience benefit from treatment with PI. Thus, inhibition of lymphocyte apoptosis by PI is a candidate approach for the treatment of sepsis.

Streptococcus bovis revisited: a clinical review of 81 bacteremic episodes paying special attention to emerging antibiotic resistance.

Following 2 Cases of Streprococcus bovis endocarditis with a high level of resistance to clindamycin during 2002, the authors reviewed their clinical experience with S. bovis bacteremia during 2 periods, starting in 1980. 81 episodes of S. bovis bacteremia represented approximately 1% of all episodes of bacteremia. In 32 (40%) cases the bacteremia represented endocarditis, in 15 (19%) the bacteremia originated from sick bowel, 11 (14%) were suspected to arise from urinary tract infection, 10 (12%) originated from biliary or peritoneal infection, and 13 from other or unknown sources. 25 (31%) of the bacteremias were polymicrobial. All of the isolates were highly susceptible to penicillin and clindamycin, with the following exceptions: 2 isolates had a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 mg/l to penicillin (in 1997) and 5 isolates had an MIC of > 2 mg/l to clindamycin (in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2002). The 2 most recent of these 5 had high-level resistance to clindamycin of > 256 mg/l. It seems that clindamycin resistance in S. bovis is an emerging phenomenon, in contrast to penicillin resistance, high levels of which have not yet been described in S. bovis.

Infected left atrial myxoma.

A 47-year-old Japanese woman with a continuing high fever was promptly diagnosed as having infected atrial myxoma one day after admission based on transthoracic echocardiographic findings and positivity for bacteria in blood culture. The mass was removed by an urgent open heart surgery. Histopathological examination confirmed that this mass was a myxoma with gram-positive bacterial colonies. Generally, antemortem diagnosis is difficult and there is a high mortality of patients with infected myxoma; however, this patient completely recovered from the illness because of the prompt diagnosis. This is the 37th case of definite infected myxoma reported in the literature. The cause of infection of this patient might have been the acupuncture therapy she underwent for weight reduction.

Effects of bacterial direct-fed microbials on ruminal fermentation, blood variables, and the microbial populations of feedlot cattle.

A study was conducted to determine whether bacterial direct-fed microbials (DFM) could be used to minimize the risk of acidosis in feedlot cattle receiving high concentrate diets. Six ruminally cannulated steers, previously adapted to a high concentrate diet, were used in a double 3 x 3 Latin square to study the effects of DFM on feed intake, ruminal pH, and ruminal and blood characteristics. Steers were provided ad libitum access to a diet containing steam-rolled barley, barley silage, and a protein-mineral supplement at 87, 9, and 4% (DM basis), respectively. Treatments were as follows: control, Propionibacterium P15 (P15), and Propionibacterium P15 and Enterococcus faecium EF212 (PE). The bacterial treatments (10(9) cfu/g) plus whey powder carrier, or whey powder alone for control, were top-dressed once daily at the time of feeding (10 g/[steer/d]). Periods consisted of 2 wk of adaptation and 1 wk of measurements. Ruminal pH was continuously measured for 6 d using indwelling electrodes. Dry matter intake and ruminal pH (mean, minimum, hours, and area pH < 5.8 or < 5.5) were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). However, supplementation with P15 increased protozoal numbers (P < 0.05) with a concomitant increase in ruminal NH3 concentration (P < 0.01) and a decrease in the number of amylolytic bacteria (P < 0.05) compared with the control. Streptococcus bovis, enumerated using a selective medium, was numerically reduced with supplementation of PE. Although blood pH and blood glucose were not affected by DFM supplementation, steers fed PE had numerically lower concentrations of blood CO2 than control steers, which is consistent with a reduced risk of metabolic acidosis. Although the bacterial DFM used in this study did not induce changes in DMI or ruminal and blood pH, some rumen and blood variables indicated that the bacterial DFM used in this study may decrease the risk of acidosis in feedlot cattle.

Effects of various adjuvants on efficacy of a vaccine against Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus spp in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of vaccines incorporating QuilA, alum, dextran combined with mineral oil, or Freund adjuvant for immunization of feedlot cattle against Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus spp. ANIMALS: 24 steers housed under feedlot conditions. PROCEDURE: Steers were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups and a control group. Animals in experimental groups were inoculated on days 0 and 26 with vaccines containing Freund adjuvant (FCA), QuilA, dextran combined with mineral oil (Dex), or alum as adjuvant. Serum anti-S bovis and anti-Lactobacillus IgG concentrations were measured, along with fecal pH, ruminal fluid pH, and number of S bovis and Lactobacillus spp in ruminal fluid. RESULTS: Throughout the study, serum anti-S bovis and anti-Lactobacillus IgG concentrations for animals in the Dex, QuilA, and alum groups were similar to or significantly higher than concentrations for animals in the FCA group. Serum anti-S bovis and anti-Lactobacillus IgG concentrations were significantly increased on days 26 through 75 in all 4 experimental groups, and there was a linear relationship between anti-S bovis and anti-Lactobacillus IgG concentrations. For animals in the QuilA and Dex groups, mean pH of feces throughout the period of experiment were significantly higher and numbers of S bovis and Lactobacillus spp in ruminal fluid on day 47 were significantly lower than values for control cattle. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that immunization of feedlot steers against S bovis and Lactobacillus spp with vaccines incorporating Freund adjuvant, QuilA, dextran, or alum as an adjuvant effectively induced high, long-lasting serum anti-S bovis and anti-Lactobacillus IgG concentrations. Of the adjuvants tested, dextran may be the most effective.

[Bacteremia and endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis in patients with alcoholic hepatopathy without evidence of colonic pathology]. / Bacteriemia y endocarditis por Streptococcus bovis en pacientes con hepatopatía alcohólica sin evidencia de patología colónica.

The association of Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and endocarditis with colonic pathology, mainly neoplastic, is well known. Its relationship with liver disease without evidence of gastrointestinal disease has been rarely described. To analyze the association between S. bovis infection and liver disease, positive blood cultures for this microorganism in hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Departments from December 1993 until October 1995, have been reviewed. Three cases of S. bovis infection (one bacteremia, two endocarditis) were found. Alcoholic liver disease was diagnosed in all three patients, with associated hepatitis C virus in one of them. Colonic pathology was excluded by colonoscopy and/or barium enema. Other gastrointestinal disorders were excluded by means of gastroscopy, barium gastrointestinal study and abdominal ultrasonography. Antibiotic therapy was based in betalactamics, with associated aminoglycoside in two cases. One patient needed aortic and mitral valve replacement and another one needed orthotopic liver transplantation. No new gastrointestinal pathology emerged in the follow-up (5-23 months). Cases of S. bovis bacteremia and endocarditis should be screened not also for colonic pathology, but also for liver disease, particularly in alcoholics.

Effect of amino acids on the heat production and growth efficiency of Streptococcus bovis: balance of anabolic and catabolic rates.

Streptococcus bovis JB1 grew nearly twice as fast (0.9 versus 1.6 h-1) and had a 40% greater growth yield (18 versus 12.5 mg of protein per mmol of glucose) when an ammonia-based medium was supplemented with amino acids, but the glucose consumption rate (88 mumol mg of protein-1 h-1) and specific rate of heat production (2.1 mW/mg of protein) were unaffected. Amino acid availability had little effect on the catabolic rate, but the specific heat decreased 40% (8.8 to 5.2 J/mg of protein). These growth rate-dependent changes in metabolic efficiency were fivefold greater than the maintenance energy. Chloramphenicol (100 mg/l), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, caused a gradual decrease in anabolic (growth) rate, but there was little change in the rate of glucose consumption and the specific heat increased. When growth was inhibited by iodoacetate, the catabolic and anabolic rates both declined and there was not increase in specific heat. On the basis of these results, the benefit of amino acid supplementation was largely explained by the balance of anabolic and catabolic rates. When amino acids were available, the anabolic and catabolic rates were more closely matched and less energy was spilled as heat.