Novel insights into cardiac regeneration based on differential fetal and adult ovine heart transcriptomic analysis.

The adult mammalian cardiomyocyte has a very limited capacity to reenter the cell cycle and advance into mitosis. Therefore, diseases characterized by lost contractile tissue usually evolve into myocardial remodeling and heart failure. Analyzing the cardiac transcriptome at different developmental stages in a large mammal closer to the human than laboratory rodents may serve to disclose positive and negative cardiomyocyte cell cycle regulators potentially targetable to induce cardiac regeneration in the clinical setting. Thus we aimed at characterizing the transcriptomic profiles of the early fetal, late fetal, and adult sheep heart by employing RNA-seq technique and bioinformatic analysis to detect protein-encoding genes that in some of the stages were turned off, turned on, or differentially expressed. Genes earlier proposed as positive cell cycle regulators such as cyclin A, cdk2, meis2, meis3, and PCNA showed higher expression in fetal hearts and lower in AH, as expected. In contrast, genes previously proposed as cell cycle inhibitors, such as meis1, p16, and sav1, tended to be higher in fetal than in adult hearts, suggesting that these genes are involved in cell processes other than cell cycle regulation. Additionally, we described Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of different sets of genes. GO analysis revealed that differentially expressed gene sets were mainly associated with metabolic and cellular processes. The cell cycle-related genes fam64a, cdc20, and cdk1, and the metabolism-related genes pitx and adipoq showed strong differential expression between fetal and adult hearts, thus being potent candidates to be targeted in human cardiac regeneration strategies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We characterized the transcriptomic profiles of the fetal and adult sheep hearts employing RNAseq technique and bioinformatic analyses to provide sets of transcripts whose variation in expression level may link them to a specific role in cell cycle regulation. It is important to remark that this study was performed in a large mammal closer to humans than laboratory rodents. In consequence, the results can be used for further translational studies in cardiac regeneration.

Novel patterns in the molecular epidemiology of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Tucumán, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: In Argentina, there has been an abrupt increase in KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). Tucumán is a multi-border area, so the rapid dissemination of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae is a clinically relevant problem for the region. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and molecular patterns of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates collected from different hospitals in Tucumán. METHODS: Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains were sequentially and uniquely collected during two time periods. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the automated Vitex 2® system and using the standard agar dilution test. Multilocus sequence typing and pulsed-field electrophoresis were used for epidemiological analysis. The genetic structures around blaKPC and the encoding genes of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases were detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Plasmids were analysed by conjugation and using the plasmid relaxase gene-typing method. RESULTS: All 37 isolates were multidrug resistant, and theblaKPC-2 gene was confirmed in all of them. In 17 isolates (45.9%), the blaCTX-M-2 gene was also amplified, as well as blaSHV-2 in five isolates (13.5%) and blaCTX-M-2/blaSHV-2 in four isolates (10.8%). The molecular epidemiology of the blaKPC-2 gene has resulted in it being associated with an IncL/M transferable plasmid disseminating in various sequence types (STs) (ST17, ST556, ST342, ST147, ST461, ST65, ST15 and ST70), and in a new genetic environment with a 764-bp deletion in the ISKpn7-blaKPC region. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to the understanding of the great diversity of the blaKPC-2-carrying genetic platforms.

Calidad higiénico-sanitaria en plantas de faena de la provincia de Tucumán: Detección, aislamiento y caracterización de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga / Hygienic-sanitary quality in abattoirs from Tucuman province, Argentina: Detection, isolation and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Los bovinos son el principal reservorio de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga (STEC); las estrategias para evitar su transmisión se concentran en la planta de faena. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la calidad higiénico-sanitaria y la frecuencia de detección de STEC en medias reses bovinas de frigoríficos de tránsito provincial. Se procesaron 274 esponjados de media res; en 9 (3,3%) el recuento de E. coli genérico fue marginal, en 4 (1,4%) se aisló E. coli O157, de los cuales 2 fueron caracterizados como stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA, y los otros 2 como no toxigénicos. A partir de una (0,4%) muestra se aisló E. coli no-O157 ONT:H49, stx2a/ehxA/saa. En este trabajo la calidad del producto analizado indica que en la provincia de Tucumán se cumplen las buenas prácticas de manufactura en la faena de bovinos.

Cattle are the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and the strategies to prevent the transmission of these microorganisms are concentrated in the slaughtering plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality and the frequency of detection of STEC in beef carcasses in abattoirs from Tucuman province. Two hundred and seventy four beef carcass sponges were processed; the count of generic E. coli was marginal in 9 (3,3%) of them. Escherichia coli O157 was isolated in 4 (1,4%) samples; 2 of which were characterized as stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA whereas the other 2 were non-toxigenic strains. Non-O157 E. coli ONT:H49, stx2a/ehxA/saa was isolated from 1 sample (0,4%). In this work the quality of the analyzed product indicates that the good practices of manufacture are fulfilled in slaughtering facilities in Tucumán province.

[Hygienic-sanitary quality in abattoirs from Tucuman province, Argentina. Detection, isolation and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli]. / Calidad higiénico-sanitaria en plantas de faena de la provincia de Tucumán. Detección, aislamiento y caracterización de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga.

Cattle are the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and the strategies to prevent the transmission of these microorganisms are concentrated in the slaughtering plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality and the frequency of detection of STEC in beef carcasses in abattoirs from Tucuman province. Two hundred and seventy four beef carcass sponges were processed; the count of generic E. coli was marginal in 9 (3,3%) of them. Escherichia coli O157 was isolated in 4 (1,4%) samples; 2 of which were characterized as stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA whereas the other 2 were non-toxigenic strains. Non-O157 E. coli ONT:H49, stx2a/ehxA/saa was isolated from 1 sample (0,4%). In this work the quality of the analyzed product indicates that the good practices of manufacture are fulfilled in slaughtering facilities in Tucumán province.

[Isolation and characterization of Escherichia coli O157 in bovine meat products and cattle in the province of Tucuman]. / Aislamiento y caracterización de Escherichia coli O157 en productos cárnicos bovinos y medias reses en la provincia de Tucumán.

Escherichia coli O157 is an emergent pathogen associated with diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Meat products constitute an important transmission source of this microorganism. The aims of this study were to characterize E. coli O157 isolated from cattle and meat products collected from abattoirs and retail stores, to establish the clonal relatedness among regional isolates and to compare them with those in the national database. Between 2004 and 2013, 169 minced meat, 35 sausage and 216 carcass samples were analyzed. Thirteen E. coli O157 isolates were identified; 6 of which were O157:H7 and characterized as stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA (n = 5) and stx2/eae/ehxA (n = 1). The 7 remaining isolates were non-toxigenic E. coli strains, and serotyped as O157:NT (n = 4), O157:NM (n = 1), O157:ND (n = 1) and O157:H16 (n = 1). The strains yielded different XbaI-PFGE patterns. Compared to the E. coli O157 isolates in the National Database, none of these patterns have been previously detected in strains of different origin in Argentina.

Aislamiento y caracterización de Escherichia coli O157 en productos cárnicos bovinos y medias reses en la provincia de Tucumán / Isolation and characterization of Escherichia coli O157 in bovine meat products and cattle in the province of Tucuman

Escherichia coli O157 es un patógeno emergente asociado a diarrea, colitis hemorrágica y síndrome urémico hemolítico. Los productos cárnicos constituyen una importante fuente de contaminación con este microorganismo. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron establecer la frecuencia de detección de E. coli O157 en productos cárnicos y media res en la provincia de Tucumán, caracterizar los factores de virulencia de los aislamientos obtenidos, establecer la relación clonal entre cepas regionales mediante electroforesis de campo pulsado y comparar con lo consignado en la base de datos nacional. Desde 2004 hasta 2013 se analizaron 169 muestras de carne picada, 35 embutidos y 216 esponjados de media res. Se identificaron 13 aislamientos de E. coli O157; 6 de ellos fueron O157:H7 productores de toxina Shiga y se caracterizaron como stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA (n = 5) y stx2/eae/ehxA (n = 1); los 7 aislamientos de E. coli O157 no toxigénicos fueron O157:NT(n = 4),O157:NM (n = 1),O157:ND (n = 1) y O157:H16 (n = 1). Los patrones de PFGE fueron diferentes entre sí y de los registrados en la base de datos nacional. Se concluye que existe gran diversidad genética en los aislamientos de E. coli O157 circulantes en nuestra región

Escherichia coli O157 is an emergent pathogen associated with diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Meat products constitute an important transmission source of this microorganism. The aims of this study were to characterize E. coli O157 isolated from cattle and meat products collected from abattoirs and retail stores, to establish the clonal relatedness among regional isolates and to compare them with those in the national database. Between 2004 and 2013, 169 minced meat, 35 sausage and 216 carcass samples were analyzed. Thirteen E. coli O157 isolates were identified; 6 of which were O157:H7 and characterized as stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA (n = 5) and stx2/eae/ehxA (n = 1). The 7 remaining isolates were non-toxigenic E. coli strains, and serotyped as O157:NT (n = 4), O157:NM (n = 1), O157:ND (n = 1) and O157:H16 (n = 1). The strains yielded different XbaI-PFGE patterns. Compared to the E. coli O157 isolates in the National Database, none of these patterns have been previously detected in strains of different origin in Argentina

Bactericidia de hipoclorito de sodio sobre Staphylococcus cohnii productor de biofilm en una fabrica / Bactericidal activity of sodium hypochlorite against biofilm-producing Staphylococcus cohnii in a factory / Atividade bactericida de hipoclorito de sodio sobre Staphylococcus cohnii produtor de biofilme numa fabrica

En equipamientos industriales la persistencia de las bacterias se debe al desarrollo de biofilms. El hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO) es usado rutinariamente como desinfectante. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar el efecto inhibitorio del NaClO sobre S. cohnii productoras y no productoras de biofilms aisladas de una fabrica de pastas a partir de maquinarias de un establecimiento de Tucuman, Argentina. Se estudio produccion de biofilm, concentracion inhibitoria minima (CIM), concentracion bactericida minima (CBM) y curva de tiempo de muerte con NaClO frente a S. cohnii productora y no productora de biofilm. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que de los ocho cocos grampositivos aislados, cuatro correspondieron a S. cohnii. Los valores CIM y CBM para S. cohnii productoras y no productoras de biofilm resultaron entre 0,05 y 0,2 g/dL. Mediante la curva de muerte se determino efecto bactericida observando una disminucion de ≥4 log de ufc (1h) tratado con 0,2 y 0,4% de NaClO. La formacion de biofilm para la cepa no tratada fue de DO: 0,12 y para la cepa tratada DO: 0,07 a las 18 h. Aplicar desinfectantes con amplio espectro de accion es importante, debido a que la eliminacion de bacterias puede prevenir su diseminacion y evitar la formacion de biofilms.

Persistence of bacteria in industrial equipment is favoured by biofilm formation. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is routinely used as a disinfectant. The objective of the current study was to determine the inhibitory effect of NaClO on biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing S. cohnii strains, isolated from equipment in a fresh pasta factory in Tucuman, Argentina. The following parameters were assayed: production of biofilm, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and NaClO death curves for both biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing S. cohnii strains. Four of the eight isolated Gram-positive cocci corresponded to S. cohnii. MIC and MBC values for biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing S. cohnii strains were between 0.05 and 0.2 g/dL. A bactericidal effect of 0.2 and 0.4% NaClO for 1 h was established with the death curve, showing a decrease in cfu of ≥4 log units. Biofilm production after 18 h for untreated strains gave an OD of 0.12, whereas the OD of treated strains was 0.07. The use of broad spectrum disinfectants is important, because elimination of bacteria helps prevent their propagation and avoid the formation of biofilms.

A persistência da bactéria em equipamento industrial e resultado do desenvolvimento de biofilmes. O hipoclorito de sodio (NaOCl) e rotineiramente utilizado como desinfetante. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o efeito inibitorio do NaClO sobre S. cohnii produtoras e nao produtoras de biofilmes isoladas de uma fabrica de massas frescas a partir de maquinarias de um estabelecimento de Tucuman, Argentina. Foram estudados: producao de biofilme, concentracao inibitoria minima (CIM), concentracao bactericida minima (CBM) e curva de tempo de morte com NaClO perante S. cohnii produtora e naoprodutora de biofilme. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que quatro dos oito cocos Gram-positivos isolados corresponderam a S. cohnii. Os valores CIM e CBM para S. cohnii produtoras e nao produtoras de biofilme foram entre 0,05 e 0,2 g/dL. Atraves da curva de morte foi determinado um efeito bactericida observando uma diminuicao de ≥ 4 log de ufc (1h) tratado com 0,2 e 0,4% de NaClO. A formacao de biofilme, apos 18 h, para a cepa nao tratada foi de DO: 0,12, ao passo que para a cepa tratada foi de 0,07. A utilizacao de desinfetantes de amplo espectro de acao e importante, visto que a eliminação de bacterias pode prevenir sua propagação e evitar a formacao de biofilmes.

Bactericidia de hipoclorito de sodio sobre Staphylococcus cohnii productor de biofilm en una fabrica / Bactericidal activity of sodium hypochlorite against biofilm-producing Staphylococcus cohnii in a factory / Atividade bactericida de hipoclorito de sodio sobre Staphylococcus cohnii produtor de biofilme numa fabrica

En equipamientos industriales la persistencia de las bacterias se debe al desarrollo de biofilms. El hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO) es usado rutinariamente como desinfectante. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar el efecto inhibitorio del NaClO sobre S. cohnii productoras y no productoras de biofilms aisladas de una fabrica de pastas a partir de maquinarias de un establecimiento de Tucuman, Argentina. Se estudio produccion de biofilm, concentracion inhibitoria minima (CIM), concentracion bactericida minima (CBM) y curva de tiempo de muerte con NaClO frente a S. cohnii productora y no productora de biofilm. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que de los ocho cocos grampositivos aislados, cuatro correspondieron a S. cohnii. Los valores CIM y CBM para S. cohnii productoras y no productoras de biofilm resultaron entre 0,05 y 0,2 g/dL. Mediante la curva de muerte se determino efecto bactericida observando una disminucion de ≥4 log de ufc (1h) tratado con 0,2 y 0,4% de NaClO. La formacion de biofilm para la cepa no tratada fue de DO: 0,12 y para la cepa tratada DO: 0,07 a las 18 h. Aplicar desinfectantes con amplio espectro de accion es importante, debido a que la eliminacion de bacterias puede prevenir su diseminacion y evitar la formacion de biofilms.(AU)

Persistence of bacteria in industrial equipment is favoured by biofilm formation. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is routinely used as a disinfectant. The objective of the current study was to determine the inhibitory effect of NaClO on biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing S. cohnii strains, isolated from equipment in a fresh pasta factory in Tucuman, Argentina. The following parameters were assayed: production of biofilm, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and NaClO death curves for both biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing S. cohnii strains. Four of the eight isolated Gram-positive cocci corresponded to S. cohnii. MIC and MBC values for biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing S. cohnii strains were between 0.05 and 0.2 g/dL. A bactericidal effect of 0.2 and 0.4% NaClO for 1 h was established with the death curve, showing a decrease in cfu of ≥4 log units. Biofilm production after 18 h for untreated strains gave an OD of 0.12, whereas the OD of treated strains was 0.07. The use of broad spectrum disinfectants is important, because elimination of bacteria helps prevent their propagation and avoid the formation of biofilms.(AU)

A persistÛncia da bactéria em equipamento industrial e resultado do desenvolvimento de biofilmes. O hipoclorito de sodio (NaOCl) e rotineiramente utilizado como desinfetante. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o efeito inibitorio do NaClO sobre S. cohnii produtoras e nao produtoras de biofilmes isoladas de uma fabrica de massas frescas a partir de maquinarias de um estabelecimento de Tucuman, Argentina. Foram estudados: producao de biofilme, concentracao inibitoria minima (CIM), concentracao bactericida minima (CBM) e curva de tempo de morte com NaClO perante S. cohnii produtora e naoprodutora de biofilme. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que quatro dos oito cocos Gram-positivos isolados corresponderam a S. cohnii. Os valores CIM e CBM para S. cohnii produtoras e nao produtoras de biofilme foram entre 0,05 e 0,2 g/dL. Atraves da curva de morte foi determinado um efeito bactericida observando uma diminuicao de ≥ 4 log de ufc (1h) tratado com 0,2 e 0,4% de NaClO. A formacao de biofilme, apos 18 h, para a cepa nao tratada foi de DO: 0,12, ao passo que para a cepa tratada foi de 0,07. A utilizacao de desinfetantes de amplo espectro de acao e importante, visto que a eliminaþÒo de bacterias pode prevenir sua propagaþÒo e evitar a formacao de biofilmes.(AU)

[CMY-2-type plasmid-mediated AmpC ß-lactamases emerging in Tucumán, Argentina]. / ß-lactamasas AmpC plasmídicas tipo CMY-2 emergentes en Tucumán, Argentina.

In the last years, Enterobacteriaceae such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli, have acquired resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (C3G) because of the presence of plasmid-mediated AmpC ß-lactamases. The aim of this work was to detect plasmid AmpC enzymes and to investigate the predominant types in our region. Between March and July 2009, 733 consecutive isolates of Enterobacteriaceae derived from hospitals and outpatient centers were studied. Susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion; one P. mirabilis and three E. coli strains showed resistance to cephamycins (cefoxitin) and C3G. An E-test to determine MIC and a synergy test by aminophenylboronic disks were performed. Enzymatic activity against cefoxitin was confirmed by a microbiological assay. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of plasmid-mediated ampC genes of different groups was performed and a 462-bp amplicon was obtained when using primers directed against the CIT group; the obtained sequences were compared to blaCMY-2 sequences, showing 100% identity. The emergence of CMY-2-type plasmid-mediated AmpC ß-lactamases indicated the importance of implementing systematic monitoring of these resistances to avoid potential clinical and epidemiological consequences.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg (CTX-M-2 group) in a pediatric hospital in Tucumán, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Salmonella sp infections have been reported over recent years in hospitals in Argentina and other countries due to multiresistant strains. The aim of this study was to characterize the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in third-generation cephalosporin-resistant strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg. METHODS: We studied 60 strains isolated from children with gastroenteritis and/or extraintestinal complications. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were analyzed and the beta-lactamases were characterized using phenotyping and genotyping methods. RESULTS: All the strains were resistant to ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefepime and aztreonam and partially susceptible to ceftazidime, thus corresponding well with the resistance phenotype conferred by CTX-M-type beta-lactamases. An isoelectric point enzyme (pI = 7.9) was detected in all of the strains, and this was confirmed by PCR as a member of the CTX-M-2 group. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg producing beta-lactamases of the CTX-M-2 group in a pediatric hospital in Tucumán, Argentina.

Extended-spectrum B-lactamase-producing Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg (CTX-M-2 group) in a pediatric hospital in Tucumán, Argentina / Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg produtora de B-lactamase de espectro extendido (grupo CTX-M-2) em um hospital pediátrico de Tucumán, Argentina

INTRODUCTION: Salmonella sp infections have been reported over recent years in hospitals in Argentina and other countries due to multiresistant strains. The aim of this study was to characterize the extended-spectrum β-lactamases in third-generation cephalosporin-resistant strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg. METHODS: We studied 60 strains isolated from children with gastroenteritis and/or extraintestinal complications. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were analyzed and the β-lactamases were characterized using phenotyping and genotyping methods. RESULTS: All the strains were resistant to ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefepime and aztreonam and partially susceptible to ceftazidime, thus corresponding well with the resistance phenotype conferred by CTX-M-type β-lactamases. An isoelectric point enzyme (pI = 7.9) was detected in all of the strains, and this was confirmed by PCR as a member of the CTX-M-2 group. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg producing β-lactamases of the CTX-M-2 group in a pediatric hospital in Tucumán, Argentina.

INTRODUÇÃO: Em recentes anos foram informadas infecções por Salmonella sp em hospitais da Argentina e outros países devido as cepas multiresistentes. O objetivo deste estudo era caracterizar as β-lactamasas de espectro extendido em cepas de Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg resistentes às cefalosporinas de terceira geração. MÉTODOS: Nós estudamos 60 cepas obtidas de pacientes com gastroenterites e com complicações extraintestinais. Os padrões de susceptibilidade antibiotica foram estudados em os isolamentos, as β-lactamasas foram caracterizadas por métodos fenotípicos e genotípicos. RESULTADOS: Todas as cepas eram resistentes a ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefepime e aztreonam e parcialmente suscetível a ceftazidime que corresponde bem com o fenótipo de resistência conferido por as β-lactamasas tipo CTX-M. Na totalidade das cepas, se detectou uma enzima de ponto isoelétrico (pI) 7,9, confirmada por PCR como pertencente ao grupo CTX-M2. CONCLUSÕES: Este é o primeiro reporte de Salmonella enterica serovar Oranienburg produtora de β-lactamasa grupo CTX-M2 em um hospital pediátrico de Tucuman, Argentina.

Detection of viable and viable nonculturable Vibrio cholerae O1 through cultures and immunofluorescence in the Tucumán rivers, Argentina.

Vibrio cholerae has been sporadically isolated from rivers in Tucumán, Argentina, since the outbreak in 1991. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental reservoir of the bacterium in these rivers, assessing the presence of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and O1 (the latter both in its viable culturable and non culturable state) and its relationship to environmental physicochemical variables. 18 water samplings were collected in the Salí River (in Canal Norte and Banda) and the Lules River between 2003 and 2005. Physical-chemical measurements (pH, water temperature, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen) were examined. Vibrio cholerae was investigated with conventional culture methods and with Direct Immunofluorescence (DFA-VNC) in order to detect viable non culturable organisms. All isolated microorganisms corresponded to Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and non-O139 (Lules 26%, Canal Norte 33% and Banda 41%). The majority was found during spring and summer and correlated with temperature and pH. Non culturable Vibrio cholerae O1 was detected year round in 38 of the 54 water samples analyzed. Application of the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that there was no relationship between positive immunofluorescence results and environmental physicochemical parameters. Genes coding for somatic antigen O1 were confirmed in all DFA-VNC-positive samples, whereas the virulence-associated ctxA and tcpA genes were confirmed in 24 samples.

Detection of viable and viable nonculturable Vibrio cholerae O1 through cultures and immunofluorescence in the Tucumán rivers, Argentina

Vibrio cholerae has been sporadically isolated from rivers in Tucumán, Argentina, since the outbreak in 1991. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental reservoir of the bacterium in these rivers, assessing the presence of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and O1 (the latter both in its viable culturable and non culturable state) and its relationship to environmental physicochemical variables. 18 water samplings were collected in the Salí River (in Canal Norte and Banda) and the Lules River between 2003 and 2005. Physical-chemical measurements (pH, water temperature, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen) were examined. Vibrio cholerae was investigated with conventional culture methods and with Direct Immunofluorescence (DFA-VNC) in order to detect viable non culturable organisms. All isolated microorganisms corresponded to Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and non-O139 (Lules 26 percent, Canal Norte 33 percent and Banda 41 percent). The majority was found during spring and summer and correlated with temperature and pH. Non culturable Vibrio cholerae O1 was detected year round in 38 of the 54 water samples analyzed. Application of the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that there was no relationship between positive immunofluorescence results and environmental physicochemical parameters. Genes coding for somatic antigen O1 were confirmed in all DFA-VNC-positive samples, whereas the virulence-associated ctxA and tcpA genes were confirmed in 24 samples.

Vibrio cholerae tem sido isolado esporadicamente nos rios da Província de Tucumán, Argentina, desde outubro de 1991. O objetivo deste estudo foi localizar os reservatórios nestes rios, identificar a presença de Vibrio cholerae O1 (em estado cultivável e não cultivável) e relacionar a presença desta bactéria com as variações físico-químicos da água. Foram coletadas dezoito amostras de água do rio Salí (nas localidades de Canal Norte e Banda) e do rio Lules, entre 2003 e 2005. Estas foram submetidas a análises físico-químicos como determinação de pH, temperatura, condutibilidade elétrica e oxigênio dissolvido. A presença de Vibrio cholerae foi verificada por métodos de cultivo convencional e por imunofluorescência direta (DFA-VNC). Todos os microrganismos isolados foram não O1 e não O139 (Lules 26 por cento, Canal Norte 33 por cento e Banda 41 por cento). A maioria foi encontrada na primavera e verão, indicando uma relação com a temperatura e pH. Das 54 amostras analisadas por DFA-VNC, 38 Vibrio cholerae não cultivável, foram detectadas em todas as épocas do ano. As amostras positivas foram confirmadas por PCR para o antígeno somático O1 e para os genes de virulência ctxA e tcpA. Coeficiente de correlação de Pearson revelou que não há relação entre os resultados obtidos por imunofluorescência e a variação dos parâmetros físico-químicos.

Antimicrobial resistance and production of biofilms in clinical isolates of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus strains.

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) strains are frequently associated with bacteremia and hospital-acquired infections. 293 CNS strains were isolated from 744 samples from a dialysis center in S. M. de Tucumán, Argentina, from hemocultures, catheters and urine and identified as S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. saprophyticus, S. hominis and S. cohnii. 13 antibiotics were tested for antibacterial resistance. 75% of S. saprophyticus, 66% of S. epidermidis and 57% of S. haemolyticus was resistant to erythromycin and 50% of S. haemolyticus was resistant to ciprofloxacin. OXA resistance was found in 43% of S. haemolyticus. Presence of PBP 2a in OXA-R strains was confirmed with the modified agglutination assay (MRSA) and presence of the mecA gene. 15 strains with intermediate halos for vancomycin and teicoplanin showed a MIC in solid and liquid medium

Degradadoras SA: estudio de la contaminación por hidrocarburos en las aguas del puerto de Mar del Plata, Argentina y una posible solución

Las aguas superficiales del puerto de Mar del Plata, Argentina, están contaminadas con hidrocarburos provenientes de las embarcaciones. Por otra parte, se detectó la presencia de bacterias degradadoras de hidrocarburos en las mismas aguas. Estas bacterias, que crecen en un medio de cultivo mineral con agregado de gasoil o kerosene como única fuente de carbono, pueden utilizarse para la biorremediación del lugar

Degradadoras SA: estudio de la contaminación por hidrocarburos en las aguas del puerto de Mar del Plata, Argentina y una posible solución

Las aguas superficiales del puerto de Mar del Plata, Argentina, están contaminadas con hidrocarburos provenientes de las embarcaciones. Por otra parte, se detectó la presencia de bacterias degradadoras de hidrocarburos en las mismas aguas. Estas bacterias, que crecen en un medio de cultivo mineral con agregado de gasoil o kerosene como única fuente de carbono, pueden utilizarse para la biorremediación del lugar

A comparative study of preservation and storage of Haemophilus influenzae

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of conservation by freezing the strains of Haemophilus influenzae at -20ºC and -70ºC. Skim milk supplemented with glucose, yeast extract and glycerol allowed highest viability of H. influenzae both at -20ºC and -70ºC from the media analyzed. Trypticase soy broth and brain heart infusion broth supplemented with glycerol, allowed excellent recovery. Use of cotton swaps as supporting material, with or without addition of cryoprotective agents, did not modify H. influenzae viability after six months of storage. Concentration of the initial inoculum positively affected viability when stored at -20ºC. Initial concentration did not influence survival after storage at -70ºC. Thawing at room temperature should not exceed 3 h as to get highest survival percentage

In vitro comparison of disk diffusion and agar dilution antibiotic susceptibility test methods for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

At present, most Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing is done with Beta-lactamase and agar dilution tests with common therapeutic agents. Generally, in bacteriological diagnosis laboratories in Argentina, study of antibiotic susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae is based on Beta-lactamase determination and agar dilution method with common therapeutic agents. The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) has recently described a disk diffusion test that produces results comparable to the reference agar dilution method for antibiotic susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae, using a dispersion diagram for analysing the correlation between both techniques. We obtained 57 gonococcal isolates from patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in Tucuman, Argentina. Antibiotic susceptibility tests using agar dilution and disk diffusion techniques were compared. The established NCCLS interpretive criteria for both susceptibility methods appeared to be applicable to domestic gonococcal strains. The correlation between the MIC's and the zones of inhibition was studied for penicillin, ampicillin, cefoxitin, spectinomycin, cefotaxime, cephaloridine, cephalexin, tetracycline, norfloxacin and kanamycin. Dispersion diagrams showed a high correlation between both methods.

Properties of ß-lactamase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae

ß-lactamase activity was studied in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains. Optimum temperature was found to be 37ºC. The enzyme was inactivated at temperature higher than 60ºC, but remained active during storage at low temperatures (4ºC, -30ºC and -70ºC) for two months. Enzyme activity was observed within a pH range of 5.8-8.0, while the optimum pH was 7.0-7.2. Addition of Ni²+, Fe²+, Fe cube number +, Mn²+ and p-chloromercurybenzoate to the reaction buffer exerced a negative effect upon the activity, whereas Hg²+ and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid produced complete inhibition. These results would indicate the presence of -SH groups at the catalytic site of the enzyme.