The Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on Enterococcus spp. and Its Application in Dentistry: A Scoping Review.

Enterococci spp. are Gram-positive bacteria that cause mild to severe infections, many associated with the oral cavity, such as periapical infections and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Many of these infections become serious diseases that are difficult to resolve, specifically when multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains cause them. In recent years, the number of MDR strains of Enterococcus spp. has increased significantly. This increased prevalence of MDR strains produces significant pressure to generate more antimicrobial therapies, but there is a decline in the production of new antibiotics, driving the development of complementary therapies, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT combines a photosensitizer agent (PS), light, and oxygen to cause photooxidative stress in bacterial cells. PDT can eradicate Enterococcus spp. contaminations, improve the classic cleaning processes, and eradicate the bacteria in dental pieces. PDT's effectiveness can be improved with nanoparticles that function as carriers. Our work aims to describe the advances in PDT against Enterococcus spp. as a complement to antibiotic therapy, focusing on infections by Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, dental hygiene, and using nanoparticles to improve the antimicrobial effect. A systematic bibliographic search without a meta-analysis was conducted on various databases, using inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify the most relevant research. Of the 193 non-redundant articles found, 65 were selected for a systematic review, from which a summary table was created and a manual description was made. Photodynamic therapy for treating E. faecium and E. faecalis is a widely studied area, with promising results concerning bactericidal effectiveness and reductions in biofilm formation, particularly in regard to dental hygiene. Because most of the studies were conducted in vitro or ex vivo, the results indicated that there were not sufficient data to initiate clinical trials for safety and efficacy studies on humans.

Identificação de Enterococcus SPP e Enterobacteriaceae em canais radiculares com infecção primária e secundária ou persistente / Identification of Enterococcus spp and Enterobacteriaceae in root canals with primary and secondary or persistent infection

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar microrganismos das espécies Enterococcus spp e Enterobacteriaceae em dentes com canais radiculares infectados portadores de infecção primária e/ou secundária/persistente. Métodos: A amostra do presente estudo foi de 23 pacientes que apresentaram necessidade de tratamento ou retratamento endodôntico. Foram coletadas amostras de 28 dentes infectados usando pontas de papel absorventes estéreis, transportadas em solução salina, diluídas, plaqueadas e incubadas em estufa de cultura bacteriológica. Para o crescimento de microrganismos foram utilizados jarros com gerador de atmosfera de anaerobiose. Colônias microbianas foram isoladas, caracterizadas e identificadas. Os dados coletados foram estatisticamente analisados com a utilização do software SPSS for Windows 10.0 (SPSS Inc., USA). Resultados: Foi isolada somente uma cepa do gênero Enterococcus spp, e nenhuma espécie do gênero Enterobacteriaceae. Das coletas microbiológicas realizadas em 28 canais radiculares, todas apresentaram crescimento microbiano em anaerobiose. Dezoito dentes apresentavam necrose pulpar e lesão periapical. Os outros 10 dentes já haviam recebido tratamento endodôntico prévio e em 6 destes houve constatação de lesão periapical, sendo que nos outros 4, não. Conclusão: Nas condições experimentais do presente estudo, pode-se concluir que não houve correlação da presença de espécies microbianas das famílias Enterococcus spp e/ou Enterobacteriaceae com infecção primária ou secundária do canal radicular.

The objective of the present study was to identify microorganisms of the Enterococcus spp and Enterobacteriaceae species in teeth with infected root canals with primary and/or secondary/persistent infection. Methods: The sample of the present study consisted of 23 patients who required endodontic treatment or retreatment. Samples of 28 infected teeth were collected using sterile absorbent paper points, transported in saline solution, diluted, plated and incubated in a bacteriological culture oven. For the growth of microorganisms, jars with an anaerobic atmosphere generator were used. Microbial colonies were isolated, characterized and identified. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS for Windows 10.0 software (SPSS Inc., USA). Results: Only one strain of the genus Enterococcus spp was isolated, and no species of the genus Enterobacteriaceae. From the microbiological collections carried out in 28 root canals, all showed microbial growth in anaerobic conditions. Eighteen teeth had pulp necrosis and periapical lesion. The other 10 teeth had already received previous endodontic treatment and in 6 of them there was a periapical lesion, and in the other 4, no. Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions of the present study, it can be concluded that there was no correlation between the presence of microbial species of the Enterococcus spp and/or Enterobacteriaceae families with primary or secondary root canal infection.

In Vitro Anti-Candida albicans Mode of Action of Enterococcus mundtii and Enterococcus faecium.

Candida albicans is an important vaginosis causative agent, affecting several women worldwide each year. This study reports on two strains of lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus mundtii CRL35 and Enterococcus faecium ST88Ch) expressing bacteriocin-like inhibitor substances (BLIS) active against C. albicans 1281. Both strains were γ-hemolytic and not affected by numerous antibiotics, contraceptives, and commercial drugs, suggesting safety for human use. The recorded antimicrobial activity of semi-purified BLIS was 25,600 AU/mL for E. mundtii CRL35 and 800 AU/mL for E. faecium ST88Ch. Treatment of BLIS with 1 mg/mL proteinase K resulted in complete loss of antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and partial loss of activity against C. albicans 1281. The killing effect of the semi-purified BLIS on cell suspensions of C. albicans 1281 after 9 h of contact was dose-dependent: for E. mundtii CRL35, 400 AU/mL to 25,600 AU/mL caused 63.61% to 79.35% lysis, while for E. faecium ST88Ch, 200 AU/mL to 800 AU/mL caused 29.32% to 31.25% cell lysis. The effects of temperature, pH, and presence of the contraceptive Nordette-28 on the adsorption levels of the BLIS to C. albicans 1281 were also evaluated. Nordette-28 (10% or 20%) promoted increased adsorption of both studied BLIS to the cells of C. albicans 1281 at pH 5.0, while a minor effect was observed at pH 3.0. Different levels of aggregation between C. albicans 1281 and E. mundtii CRL35 or E. faecium ST88Ch were recorded, and optimal adsorption levels were recorded at 37 °C. Appropriate BLIS-producing strains can effectively contribute to the equilibrium of vaginal microbial status quo and reduce negative consequences from the development of C. albicans infections.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Isolated From Surgical Site of Dogs, Surgeon's Hands and Operating Room in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Brazil.

Surgical environment can play as a source of multidrug-resistance organism, what can pose as a big threat to the patients and health care professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Gram-positive cocci (GPC) and Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from the surgical environment. All samples were collected during the intraoperative period of clean/clean-contaminated (G1) and contaminated (G2) surgery. A total of 150 samples were collected from the superficial surgical site in the beginning (n = 30) and the end (n = 30) of the procedure, surgeon's hands before (n = 30) and after (n = 30) antisepsis, and the surgical environment (n = 30). MALDI-TOF MS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion method were performed for species identification, and determination of the resistance profile. Sixty-eight isolates of GPC and 15 of GNB were obtained. Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequent species isolated from surgical site (55.26% [21/38]), surgeon's hands (46.15% [6/13]), and environment (56.67% [17/30]). GPC were mostly resistance to penicillin (85.71% [54/63]), and erythromycin (77.78% [49/63]), and GNB were mostly resistance to cefazolin (58.33% [7/12]), and azithromycin (58.33% [7/12]). High incidence of multidrug resistance was observed in coagulase-negative staphylococci (86.21% [25/29]), coagulase-positive staphylococci (86.67% [13/15]), Enterococcus spp. (68.42% [13/19]) and Gram-negative bacilli (60% [9/15]). The high rate of resistance of commensal bacteria found in our study is worrying. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are community pathogens related to nosocomial infections in human and veterinary hospitals, their presence in healthy patients and in veterinary professionals represent an important source of infection in the One Health context. Continuous surveillance and application of antimicrobial stewardship programs are essential in the fight against this threat.

Probiotic Characterization of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Raw Goat Milk

Abstract: The aim of this research was to determine the probiotic potential and safety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from raw goat milk. Gram positive and catalase negative bacteria were isolated from raw goat milk (n = 61) and identified as LAB. LAB isolates were screened for antimicrobial, probiotic and technological characteristics. LAB isolates showed antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium) and high survival rate at pH 2 (93.54-100.38% after 4h), in the presence of 0.3% bile salts (100.85-108.96% after 4h) and simulated gastric fluid (74.16-80.13% after 3h). Three LAB isolates (1, 3 and 13) with high antimicrobial activity against all foodborne pathogens and probiotics characteristics were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and identified as Enterococcus faecium strains. Enterococcus spp. exhibited milk coagulation potential, amylolytic activity, susceptibility to antibiotics and no evidence of hemolysis. Enterococcus spp. isolated from goat milk showed probiotic and technological characteristics and can be used as a starter culture after further safety evaluation.

(-)-Camphene-based derivatives as potential antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp.

Aim: To evaluate the activity of (-)-camphene-based thiosemicarbazide (TSC) and 4-hydroxy-thiosemicarbazone (4-OH-TSZ), alone and in combination against Gram-positive. Material & methods: MIC were determined for Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp. reference strains and clinical isolates. Drug combination, time-kill and cytotoxicity assays were also performed. Results: TSC and 4-OH-TSZ demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against S. aureus and Enterococcus spp., including multidrug-resistant isolates (MIC ranging from 1.9 to 31.2 µg/ml), and were bactericidal for the reference strains of both Gram-positive tested. The derivatives proved to be selective for the bacteria and synergistic with oxacillin and vancomycin. Conclusion: (-)-Camphene-based derivatives can represent promising drug candidates against critical pathogens, such as S. aureus and Enterococcus spp., including MRSA and vancomycin resistance Enterococcus spp. isolates.

Companion psittacine birds as reservoir of gentamicin and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp / Psitacídeos de companhia como reservatórios de Enterococcus spp. gentamicina e vancomicina-resistentes

Enterococcus are recognized worldwide as significant nosocomial agents that have been continuously envolving to adapt to different niches and acquire resistance to several antibiotic classes. Vancomycin and gentamicin-resistant strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium have been associated with nosocomial human infections. Some epidemiological studies suggest the participation of pets as reservoirs of vancomycin and gentamicin-resistant Enterococcus strains. However, the role of companion birds as reservoirs of these strains has been poorly studied. In this study, 126 psittacine birds were evaluated and 26.9% carried Enterococcus spp., including the species E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. phoeniculicola, E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus. The antibiotic resistance profile showed four high-level gentamicin-resistance (HLGR) strains. In addition, two strains presented intermediate levels of vancomycin resistance. Resistant strains were isolated from fecal and oropharynx samples of sick and clinically healthy birds, suggesting that psittacine birds may act as reservoirs of HLGR Enterococcus spp. However, sick birds appear to be more implicated in the enterococci transmission than healthy birds.(AU)

Enterococcus são reconhecidos mundialmente como significantes agentes nosocomiais, que têm continuamente se adaptado a diferentes nichos e adquirido resistência a várias classes de antibióticos. Cepas de E. faecalis e E. faecium vancomicina e gantamicina-resistentes têm sido associadas a infecções nosocomiais em humanos. Alguns estudos epidemiológicos sugerem a participação de aves como reservatórios de cepas de Enterococcus vancomicina e gentamicina-resistentes. Entretanto, a relação das aves de companhia como reservatórios destas cepas tem sido pouco estudada. Neste estudo, 126 psitacídeos foram avaliados, e 26,9% destes eram portadores de Enterococcus spp., incluindo as espécies E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. phoeniculicola, E. gallinarum e E. casseliflavus. O perfil de resistência antibiótica mostrou quatro cepas com alto nível de resistência a gentamicina (ANRG). Além de duas cepas com nível intermediário de resistência a vancomicina. As cepas resistentes foram isoladas de amostras fecais e de orofaringe de aves doentes e clinicamente saudáveis, sugerindo que psitacídeos podem estar atuando como reservatórios para Enterococcus spp. com ANRG. Contudo, Aves doentes parecem estar mais relacionadas à transmissão de enterococcus, do que aves saudáveis.(AU)

Companion psittacine birds as reservoir of gentamicin and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp / Psitacídeos de companhia como reservatórios de Enterococcus spp. gentamicina e vancomicina-resistentes

Enterococcus are recognized worldwide as significant nosocomial agents that have been continuously envolving to adapt to different niches and acquire resistance to several antibiotic classes. Vancomycin and gentamicin-resistant strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium have been associated with nosocomial human infections. Some epidemiological studies suggest the participation of pets as reservoirs of vancomycin and gentamicin-resistant Enterococcus strains. However, the role of companion birds as reservoirs of these strains has been poorly studied. In this study, 126 psittacine birds were evaluated and 26.9% carried Enterococcus spp., including the species E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. phoeniculicola, E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus. The antibiotic resistance profile showed four high-level gentamicin-resistance (HLGR) strains. In addition, two strains presented intermediate levels of vancomycin resistance. Resistant strains were isolated from fecal and oropharynx samples of sick and clinically healthy birds, suggesting that psittacine birds may act as reservoirs of HLGR Enterococcus spp. However, sick birds appear to be more implicated in the enterococci transmission than healthy birds.(AU)

Enterococcus são reconhecidos mundialmente como significantes agentes nosocomiais, que têm continuamente se adaptado a diferentes nichos e adquirido resistência a várias classes de antibióticos. Cepas de E. faecalis e E. faecium vancomicina e gantamicina-resistentes têm sido associadas a infecções nosocomiais em humanos. Alguns estudos epidemiológicos sugerem a participação de aves como reservatórios de cepas de Enterococcus vancomicina e gentamicina-resistentes. Entretanto, a relação das aves de companhia como reservatórios destas cepas tem sido pouco estudada. Neste estudo, 126 psitacídeos foram avaliados, e 26,9% destes eram portadores de Enterococcus spp., incluindo as espécies E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. phoeniculicola, E. gallinarum e E. casseliflavus. O perfil de resistência antibiótica mostrou quatro cepas com alto nível de resistência a gentamicina (ANRG). Além de duas cepas com nível intermediário de resistência a vancomicina. As cepas resistentes foram isoladas de amostras fecais e de orofaringe de aves doentes e clinicamente saudáveis, sugerindo que psitacídeos podem estar atuando como reservatórios para Enterococcus spp. com ANRG. Contudo, Aves doentes parecem estar mais relacionadas à transmissão de enterococcus, do que aves saudáveis.(AU)

Multidrug Resistance in Enterococci Isolated From Wild Pampas Foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Geoffroy's Cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) in the Brazilian Pampa Biome.

Enterococci are ubiquitous microorganisms present in various environments and within the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other animals. Notably, fecal enterococci are suitable indicators for monitoring antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Resistant bacterial strains recovered from the fecal samples of wild animals can highlight important aspects of environmental disturbances. In this report, we investigated antimicrobial susceptibility as well as resistance and virulence genes in fecal enterococci isolated from wild Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) (n = 5) and Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) (n = 4) in the Brazilian Pampa biome. Enterococci were isolated from eight out of nine fecal samples and Enterococcus faecalis was identified in both animals. However, E. faecium and E. durans were only detected in Pampas foxes, while E. hirae was only detected in Geoffroy's cats. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis showed resistance to rifampicin (94%), erythromycin (72.6%), ciprofloxacin/norfloxacin (40%), streptomycin (38%), and tetracycline (26%). The high frequency of multidrug-resistant enterococci (66%) isolated in this study is a matter of concern since these are wild animals with no history of therapeutic antibiotic exposure. The tetM/tetL and msrC/ermB genes were detected in most tetracycline- and erythromycin-resistant enterococci, respectively. The gelE, ace, agg, esp, and clyA virulence genes were also detected in enterococci. In conclusion, our data suggest that habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic activities in the Pampa biome may contribute to high frequencies of multidrug-resistant enterococci in the gut communities of wild Pampas foxes and Geoffroy's cats. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci in the Pampa biome.

Identification and characterization of resistance and pathogenicity of Enterococcus spp. in samples of donor breast milk.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns. Hospitalized babies frequently need nutritional support from Human Milk Banks. As bacterial species of the genus Enterococcus are part of the microbiota of healthy donors, they may contaminate samples of pumped breast milk. AIM: To identify and characterize the bacterial virulence and resistance in samples isolated from the nipple-areolar region, hands, and breast milk aliquots from donors at the Human Milk Bank of Municipal Hospital Esaú Matos in the city of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil. METHODS: The personal hygiene and sanitation of donors were analyzed with the aim of identifying possible reasons for contamination of pumped milk. Cutaneous samples as well as aliquots of unpasteurized and pasteurized milk from 30 participants were obtained. Each Enterococcus spp. isolate underwent a disk diffusion susceptibility test and molecular biology techniques to determine resistance and virulence genes. RESULTS: Enterococcus spp. were identified in 30% of donors (n = 9), and 11 specimens were isolated. Resistance to tetracycline was highly prevalent, being detectable in 63% of the isolates (n = 7) and followed by intermediate sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, observed in 27% of the specimens (n = 3). The efaA gene was found in 63% (n = 7) of the isolates, while the ace gene was detected in 27% (n = 3). CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the importance of microbiological monitoring by Human Milk Banks and the need for alternatives to prevent the presence of Enterococcus spp. in hospital settings.

Prevalência, susceptibilidade antimicrobiana e virulência de bacilos Gram-negativos e enterococos isolados do biofilme subgengival associado à doenca periodontal' / Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence of Gram-negative bacilli and enterococci isolated from subgingival biofilm associated with periodontal disease

Objetivos: A cavidade oral pode atuar como reservatório de vários patógenos de importância clínica, incluindo bacilos Gram-negativos (BGN) e Enterococcus spp. Essas espécies podem ainda aumentar em uma condição disbiótica, como ocorre nas doenças periodontais. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência, susceptibilidade antimicrobiana e presença de fatores de virulência de BGN e enterococos isolados do biofilme subgengival de indivíduos com diferentes condições periodontais, correlacionando esses achados com parâmetros clínicos e composição da microbiota subgengival. Métodos: Na análise dos BGN, amostras de biofilme subgengival foram obtidas de indivíduos com Saúde Periodontal (SP, n=81), Gengivite (G, n=74) e Periodontite (P, n=207); para Enterococcus spp., amostras foram coletadas de 139 indivíduos com SP, 103 com G e 305 com P. As amostras foram cultivadas em meio seletivo e as colônias isoladas e identificadas por MALDI-ToF. A susceptibilidade antimicrobiana foi determinada por disco-difusão (CLSI); já os genes de virulência de enterococos e genes codificadores de ESBL e carbapenemases em BGN foram pesquisados por PCR. A produção de ESBL e carbapenemases por BGN foi avaliada pelo teste de sinergia de disco duplo e hidrólise de imipenem por espectrofotometria, respectivamente. A microbiota subgengival desses indivíduos foi determinada pelo Checkerboard. Diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelos testes de KruskalWallis, Mann-Whitney e Qui-quadrado. Resultados: BGN foram isolados em 36.2% das amostras, com maior prevalência (p<0,001) em pacientes com P (46.4%) em comparação com SP (22.2%) e G (22.9%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27.5%), Enterobacter cloacae (16.8%) e Enterobacter asburiae (10.7%) foram as espécies mais predominantes. Resistência/sensibilidade reduzida a ≥ 1 antimicrobiano foi encontrada em 60% dos BGN, mas apenas 4.6% eram multirresistentes. Altas taxas de resistência (>40%) foram observadas na família Enterobacteriacea para cefoxitina, cefalotina, amoxicilina- clavulanato e cefazolina. Uma única cepa de K. pneumoniae apresentou resistência/sensibilidade reduzida ao imipenem, embora o fenótipo ESBL e a detecção dos genes codificadores de beta-lactamases foram negativos. Enterococcus spp. foram isolados em 7.4% de todas as amostras, 53.7% eram E. faecalis. Essas espécies foram mais predominantes na P (9.8%) e G (7.8%) do que na SP (2.2%, p< 0,05); entretanto não houve correlação com os níveis de gravidade da P. Altas taxas de resistência/susceptibilidade reduzida foram observadas para ciprofloxacina, eritromicina e rifampicina. Os fatores de virulência mais predominantes incluíram ace, asa e esp, todos relacionados à formação de biofilme e colonização. F. nucleatum foi mais prevalente na microbiota de indivíduos enterococos +. Por outro lado, Dialister pneumosintes foi pouco detectado em indivíduos portadores de enterococos bopD+. Estreptococos orais foram prevalentes (>70%) na microbiota de pacientes que apresentavam enterococos suceptíveis à doxiciclina (p<0,05), frequentemente bopD- e esp- (p<0,01). Conclusão: Uma prevalência elevada de BGN da família Enterobacteriacea com resistência a cefalosporinas e penicilina é observada na microbiota subgengival de indivíduos com P. Enterococcus spp., principalmente E. faecalis são pouco frequentes na microbiota subgengival associada à SP, porém aumentam significativamente nas doenças periodontais. Os mesmos apresentam diversos genes de virulência compatíveis com destruição tecidual, bem como resistência a antimicrobianos de uso na clínica periodontal, o que pode limitar uma resposta terapêutica favorável. (AU)

Background/Aim: The oral cavity can act as a reservoir for several pathogens of clinic importance, including Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) and Enterococcus spp. These species may increase even more in a dysbiotic condition as seen in periodontal diseases. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence factors of GNB and enterococci isolated from subgingival biofilm of individuals with different periodontal conditions, correlating these findings with clinical parameters and the composition of the subgingival microbiot. Methods: For GNB analysis, subgingival biofilm was obtained from individuals with periodontal health (PH, n=81), gingivitis (G, n=74) and periodontitis (P, n=207), whereas for enterococci isolation samples were taken from 139 patients with PH, 103 with G, and 305 with P. Samples were cultivated in selective media and isolated colonies were identified by MALDI-ToF. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by CLSI disk diffusion, whereas virulence genes by PCR. Production of ESBL and carbapenemases were evaluated by double disk synergy test and spectrophotometric detection of imipenem hydrolysis, respectively, and ESBL and carbapenemase encoding genes were surveyed by PCR. The subgingival microbiota was determined by checkerboard. Differences among groups were examined by Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney tests. Results: GNB were isolated from 36.2% of all samples, with a significantly greater prevalence (p<0.001) in P patients (46.4%) compared to PH (22.2%) and G (22.9%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27.5%), Enterobacter cloacae (16.8%) and Enterobacter asburiae (10.7%) were the most predominant species. Resistance/reduced sensitivity to ≥ 1 antimicrobial was found in 60% of GNB, but only 4.6% were multidrug resistant. High resistance rates (>40%) were seen in the Enterobacteriaceae family for cefoxitin, cephalotin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cefazolin. One strain of K. pneumoniae showed resistance/reduced sensitivity to imipenem, although the ESBL-phenotype and PCR targeting beta-lactamase encoding genes were negative. Enterococcus spp. were isolated from 7.4% of all samples; 53.7% were E. faecalis. Enterococci were more predominant in P (9.8%) and G (7.8%) samples than PH (2.2%; p<0.05), however there were no associations with distinct levels of disease severity. High rates of low susceptibility/resistance were seen for ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and rifampicin. Predominant virulence factors included ace, asa and esp, all related to colonization and biofilm formation. F. nucleatum was prevalent in the microbiota of enterococci+ individuals. In contrast, lower frequency of Dialister pneumosintes was found in patients carrying bopD+ enterococci. Oral streptococci were prevalent (>70%) in the microbiota of patients carrying enterococci susceptible to doxycycline (p<0.05), which were also frequently bopD- and esp- (p<0.01). Conclusion: A high prevalence of GNB of the Enterobacteriacea family, resistant to cephalosporins and penicillins is observed in the subgingival microbiota of patients with P, Enterococcus spp., mainly E.faecalis are not commonly detected in the healthy-related subgingival microbiota, however their frequency increases significantly in patients with periodontal diseases. These species carry several genes related to tissue destruction, as well as resistance to antimicrobials routinely used in the periodontal clinic, which may hinder a successful therapeutic response. (AU)

aPDT using nanoconcentration of 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue associated to red light is efficacious in killing Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 in vitro.

The Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism that causes multiple forms of resistance to a wide range of drugs used clinically. aPDT is a technique in which a visible light activates photosensitizer (PS), resulting in generation of reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria unselectively via an oxidative burst. aPDT is an alternative to antibiotics with the advantage of not causing resistance. The search for an alternative treatment of infections caused by E. faecalis, without using antibiotics, is off great clinical importance. The aim of present investigation was to assess the efficacy of using 3.32 ηg/mL of 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) as photosensitizer associated with the use of either Laser (λ660 nm) or LED (λ632 ±â€¯2 nm) using different energy densities (6, 12 and 18 J/cm2) to kill E. faecalis in vitro. Under different experimental conditions, 14 study groups, in triplicate, were used to compare the efficacy of the aPDT carried out with either the laser or LED lights using different energy densities associated to DMMB. The most probable number method (MPN) was used for quantitative analysis. Photodynamic antimicrobial effectiveness was directly proportional to the energy density used, reaching at 18 J/cm2, 99.999998% reduction of the counts of E. faecalis using both light sources. The results of this study showed that the use of 3.32 ηg/mL of DMMB associated with the use 18 J/cm2 of LED light (λ632 ±â€¯2 nm) reduced >7-log counts of planktonic culture of E. faecalis.

Isolamento de Enterococcus spp. de mortadela vendida fatiada em Niterói/RJ / Isolation of Enterococcus spp. of mortadela sold sliced in Niterói/RJ

Os derivados cárneos vêm, ao longo dos anos, se fazendo cada vez mais presentes no cardápio do brasileiro e, entre eles, a mortadela é de grande importância no setor de frios e embutidos e de maior aceite mundialmente. Foram adquiridos em estabelecimentos comerciais do bairro de Icaraí em Niterói/RJ 33 amostras de mortadela, sendo encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Controle Microbiológico de Produtos de Origem Animal da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense, onde foram submetidas a pesquisa de enterococos. Das 33 amostras de mortadelas analisadas no presente trabalho, 11 delas apresentaram resultados negativos para a presença de Enterococcus spp.. Entretanto, foram encontrados E. casseliflavus, E. faecium e E. faecalis. A presença do Enterococcus como microbiota contaminante pode tornar o seu consumo perigoso para a saúde humana.

Isolamento de Enterococcus spp. de mortadela vendida fatiada em Niterói/RJ / Isolation of Enterococcus spp. of mortadela sold sliced in Niterói/RJ

Os derivados cárneos vêm, ao longo dos anos, se fazendo cada vez mais presentes no cardápio do brasileiro e, entre eles, a mortadela é de grande importância no setor de frios e embutidos e de maior aceite mundialmente. Foram adquiridos em estabelecimentos comerciais do bairro de Icaraí em Niterói/RJ 33 amostras de mortadela, sendo encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Controle Microbiológico de Produtos de Origem Animal da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense, onde foram submetidas a pesquisa de enterococos. Das 33 amostras de mortadelas analisadas no presente trabalho, 11 delas apresentaram resultados negativos para a presença de Enterococcus spp.. Entretanto, foram encontrados E. casseliflavus, E. faecium e E. faecalis. A presença do Enterococcus como microbiota contaminante pode tornar o seu consumo perigoso para a saúde humana.(AU)

Epidemiological and clinical profile of infective endocarditis at a Brazilian tertiary care center: an eight-year prospective study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a systemic infectious disease requiring a multidisciplinary team for treatment. This study presents the epidemiological and clinical data of 73 cases of IE in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS This observational prospective cohort study of endocarditis patients during an eight-year study period described 73 episodes of IE in 70 patients (three had IE twice). Community-associated (CAIE) and healthcare-acquired infective endocarditis (HAIE) were diagnosed according to the modified Duke criteria. The collected data included demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics, including results of blood cultures, echocardiographic findings, surgical interventions, and outcome. RESULTS: Analysis of data from the eight-year study period and 73 cases (70 patients) of IE showed a mean age of 46 years (SD=2.5 years; 1-84 years) and that 65.7% were male patients. The prevalence of CAIE and HAIE was 32.9% and 67.1%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus (30.1%), Enterococcus spp. (19.1%), and Streptococcus spp. (15.0%) were the prevalent microorganisms. The relevant signals and symptoms were fever (97.2%; mean 38.6 + 0.05°C) and heart murmur (87.6%). Vegetations were observed in the mitral (41.1%) and aortic (27.4%) valves. The mortality rate of the cases was 47.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In multivariate analysis, chronic renal failure (relative risk [RR]= 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.55), septic shock (RR= 2.19; 95% CI 1.499-3.22), and age over 60 years (RR= 2.28; 95% CI 1.44-3.59) were indirectly associated with in-hospital mortality. The best prognosis was related to the performance of cardiovascular surgery (hazard ratio [HR]= 0.51; 95% CI 0.26-0.99).

Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Broilers: A Review

Locomotor diseases are still a challenge in modern poultry. Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is an emerging disease in broilers worldwide. The inflammatory process in the affected thoracic vertebra (T4) and subsequent spinal cord compression leads to clinical signs related to locomotor impairment, inadequate feeding and drinking, and increased mortality in the affected flocks. The pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood and Enterococcus cecorum is the bacterium most frequently associated with the disease. However, other bacteria such as E. faecalis, E. durans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus have been recently detected in cases of the disease, raising questions regarding its etiopathogenesis. As many questions about VO in broilers remain unanswered, knowledge on its prevention, control and treatment is limited. In this review, we compile and discuss the currently available information concerning VO in broilers and highlight important aspects of the disease.(AU)

Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Broilers: A Review

Locomotor diseases are still a challenge in modern poultry. Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is an emerging disease in broilers worldwide. The inflammatory process in the affected thoracic vertebra (T4) and subsequent spinal cord compression leads to clinical signs related to locomotor impairment, inadequate feeding and drinking, and increased mortality in the affected flocks. The pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood and Enterococcus cecorum is the bacterium most frequently associated with the disease. However, other bacteria such as E. faecalis, E. durans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus have been recently detected in cases of the disease, raising questions regarding its etiopathogenesis. As many questions about VO in broilers remain unanswered, knowledge on its prevention, control and treatment is limited. In this review, we compile and discuss the currently available information concerning VO in broilers and highlight important aspects of the disease.

Quorum sensing in Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus strains isolated from ricotta processing / Quorum sensing em cepas de Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis e Bacillus cereus isoladas do processamento de ricota

ABSTRACT: The quorum sensing phenomenon is a process of intra- and inter-species microbial communication involving the production and detection of extracellular signaling molecules. The autoinducer AI-2 has been proposed to serve as a 'universal signal' for interspecies communication. This study aimed to evaluate the capability of Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus strains isolated from ricotta processing to produce quorum sensing signalling molecules (AI-2). The strains were evaluated for the presence of the luxS gene using the polymerase chain reaction. AI-2 quorum sensing signalling molecules were measured in relative light units (RLUs) using a luminometer. A total of 74% of E. faecium, 91% of E. faecalis, and 95% of B. cereus isolates were positive for luxS gene. In addition, the induced bioluminescence in Vibrio harveyi BB170 was observed in all strains, indicating the presence of the AI-2 autoinducer.

RESUMO: O fenômeno quorum sensing corresponde a um processo de comunicação intra e interespécies microbianas e é mediado por sinais químicos extracelulares, denominados moléculas sinalizadoras ou auto indutoras (AI). A molécula AI2 está envolvida na comunicação interespécies, denominada sistema "universal" de comunicação. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade de Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis e Bacillus cereus isolados do processamento de ricota em produzir moléculas sinalizadoras de Quorum sensing (AI-2). Os isolados foram avaliados quanto à presença do gene luxS utilizando a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As moléculas sinalizadoras (AI-2) foram medidas em unidades relativas de luz (RLU) através de um luminômetro. Um total de 74% dos isolados de E. faecium, 91% de E. faecalis e 95% de B. cereus foram positivos para o gene luxS. Além disso, todos os isolados apresentaram capacidade de induzir o fenômeno de bioluminescência em Vibrio harveyi BB170, indicando a presença de auto indutores AI-2.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Broilers: A Review

ABSTRACT Locomotor diseases are still a challenge in modern poultry. Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is an emerging disease in broilers worldwide. The inflammatory process in the affected thoracic vertebra (T4) and subsequent spinal cord compression leads to clinical signs related to locomotor impairment, inadequate feeding and drinking, and increased mortality in the affected flocks. The pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood and Enterococcus cecorum is the bacterium most frequently associated with the disease. However, other bacteria such as E. faecalis, E. durans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus have been recently detected in cases of the disease, raising questions regarding its etiopathogenesis. As many questions about VO in broilers remain unanswered, knowledge on its prevention, control and treatment is limited. In this review, we compile and discuss the currently available information concerning VO in broilers and highlight important aspects of the disease.

Quorum sensing in Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus strains isolated from ricotta processing / Quorum sensing em cepas de Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis e Bacillus cereus isoladas do processamento de ricota

The quorum sensing phenomenon is a process of intra- and inter-species microbial communication involving the production and detection of extracellular signaling molecules. The autoinducer AI-2 has been proposed to serve as a universal signal for interspecies communication. This study aimed to evaluate the capability of Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus strains isolated from ricotta processing to produce quorum sensing signalling molecules (AI-2). The strains were evaluated for the presence of the luxS gene using the polymerase chain reaction. AI-2 quorum sensing signalling molecules were measured in relative light units (RLUs) using a luminometer. A total of 74% of E. faecium, 91% of E. faecalis, and 95% of B. cereus isolates were positive for luxS gene. In addition, the induced bioluminescence in Vibrio harveyi BB170 was observed in all strains, indicating the presence of the AI-2 autoinducer.(AU)

O fenômeno quorum sensing corresponde a um processo de comunicação intra e interespécies microbianas e é mediado por sinais químicos extracelulares, denominados moléculas sinalizadoras ou auto indutoras (AI). A molécula AI2 está envolvida na comunicação interespécies, denominada sistema universal de comunicação. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade de Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis e Bacillus cereus isolados do processamento de ricota em produzir moléculas sinalizadoras de Quorum sensing (AI-2). Os isolados foram avaliados quanto à presença do gene luxS utilizando a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As moléculas sinalizadoras (AI-2) foram medidas em unidades relativas de luz (RLU) através de um luminômetro. Um total de 74% dos isolados de E. faecium, 91% de E. faecalis e 95% de B. cereus foram positivos para o gene luxS. Além disso, todos os isolados apresentaram capacidade de induzir o fenômeno de bioluminescência em Vibrio harveyi BB170, indicando a presença de auto indutores AI-2.(AU)