Frigoriglobus tundricola gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant cellulolytic planctomycete of the family Gemmataceae from a littoral tundra wetland.

Planctomycetes of the family Gemmataceae are characterized by large genome sizes and cosmopolitan distribution in freshwater and terrestrial environments but their ecological functions remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized a novel representative of this family, strain PL17T, which was isolated from a littoral tundra wetland and was capable of growth on xylan and cellulose. Cells of this isolate were represented by pink-pigmented spheres that multiplied by budding and occurred singly or in short chains and aggregates. Strain PL17T was obligately aerobic, mildly acidophilic chemoorganotrophic bacterium, which displayed good tolerance of low temperatures. The major fatty acids were C18:0, C16:1ω5, and ßOH-C16:1; the major polar lipid was trimethylornithine. The genome of strain PL17T consisted of a 9.83 Mb chromosome and a 24.69kb plasmid. The G+C contents of the chromosomal and plasmid DNA were 67.4 and 62.3mol%, respectively. Over 8900 potential protein-coding genes were identified in the genome including a putative cellulase that contains a domain from the GH5 family of glycoside hydrolases. The genome of strain PL17T contained one linked and one unlinked rRNA operons with 16S rRNA gene sequences displaying 94.5% similarity to that in Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM2246T. Based on the results of comparative phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenomic analyses, we propose to classify strain PL17T (= CECT 9407T=VKM B-3467T) as representing a novel genus and species of the family Gemmataceae, Frigoriglobus tundricola gen. nov., sp. nov.

Coralloluteibacterium thermophilus sp. nov., A Gammaproteobacterium Isolated from an Oil Reservoir.

A Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented, aerobic bacterium, designated strain B51-30T, was isolated from oil-well production liquid in Baolige oilfield, China. The strain was able to grow at pH 6-10 (optimum at pH 7.5), in 0-6% (w/v) NaCl (optimum at 1%, w/v) at 15-55 °C (optimum at 45 °C). Cells of the isolate were non-motile and non-spore-forming rods. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C11:0, iso-C11:0 3OH, iso-C17:1 ω9c, and iso-C17:0. Ubiquinone 8 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content of the isolate was 70.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain B51-30T was most closely related to Coralloluteibacterium stylophorae KCTC 52167T (98.7% similarity). The two strains showed DNA-DNA relatedness values of 58.5%. Genotypic and phenotypic features indicate that strain B51-30T represents a novel species of the genus Coralloluteibacterium, for which the name Coralloluteibacterium thermophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B51-30T (= CGMCC 1.13574T = KCTC 62780T).

Hoeflea prorocentri sp. nov., isolated from a culture of the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum mexicanum PM01.

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, yellow-pigmented and non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated PM5-8T, was isolated from a culture of a marine toxigenic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum mexicanum PM01. Strain PM5-8T grew at 15-35 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C) and pH 6-11 (optimum, 7.5-8). Cells required at least 1.5% (w/v) NaCl for growth, and can tolerate up to 7.0% with the optimum of 4%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain PM5-8T is closely related to members of the genus Hoeflea, with high sequence similarities with Hoeflea halophila JG120-1T (97.06%) and Hoeflea alexandrii AM1V30T (97.01%). DNA-DNA hybridization values between the isolate and other type strains of recognized species of the genus Hoeflea were between 11.8 and 25.2%, which is far below the value of 70% threshold for species delineation. The DNA G + C content was 50.3 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids of the strain were identified as summed feature 8 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c; 51.5%), C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl (20.7%), C16:0 (17.2%) and C18:0 (5.7%). The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. Polar lipids profiles contained phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidylmono- methylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and four unidentified lipids. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic data presented, strain PM5-8T (= CCTCC AB 2016294T = KCTC 62490T) represents a novel species of the genus Hoeflea, for which the name Hoeflea prorocentri sp. nov. is proposed.

A Crispy Diet: Grazers of Achromatium oxaliferum in Lake Stechlin Sediments.

Achromatium is the largest freshwater bacterium known to date and easily recognised by conspicuous calcite bodies filling the cell volume. Members of this genus are highly abundant in diverse aquatic sediments and may account for up to 90% of the bacterial biovolume in the oxic-anoxic interfaces. The high abundance implies that Achromatium is either rapidly growing or hardly prone to predation. As Achromatium is still uncultivated and does not appear to grow fast, one could assume that the cells might escape predation by their unusual shape and composition. However, we observed various members of the meiofauna grazing or parasitizing on Achromatium. By microphotography, we documented amoebae, ciliates, oligochetes and plathelminthes having Achromatium cells ingested. Some Achromatium cells harboured structures resembling sporangia of parasitic fungi (chytrids) that could be stained with the chitin-specific dye Calcofluor White. Many Achromatia carried prokaryotic epibionts in the slime layer surrounding the cells. Their regular distribution over the cell might indicate that they are commensalistic rather than harming their hosts. In conclusion, we report on various interactions of Achromatium with the sediment community and show that although Achromatium cells are a crispy diet, full of calcite bodies, predators do not spare them.

Sepsis neonatal tardía nosocomial en una unidad de terapia intensiva: agentes etiológicos y localización más frecuente / Late onset neonatal sepsis in an intensive care neonatal unit: etiological agents and most frequent location

Resumen Introducción: La sepsis neonatal nosocomial (SNN) es una entidad frecuente en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, donde causa una gran morbimortalidad. La ubicación más frecuente es bacteriemia, seguido de neumonía asociada a ventilador mecánico y vía urinaria. Objetivo: Conocer la etiología y localización más frecuente de la infección en el SNN. Población, Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, de prevalencias de enero a diciembre de 2015, realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatal de un hospital de alta complejidad. Fueron incluidos todos los neonatos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes, se analizaron 88 episodios de SNN. La localización más frecuente fue sangre 40% de los casos, seguido de orina y aspirado traqueal en 25% respectivamente. Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron Staphylococcus de diferentes tipos, seguido de Acinetobacter baumannii multi-resistente. La afectación del SNC fue de 32%. La mortalidad fue de 34%, elevándose a 50% ante un segundo episodio de SNN. La terapia empírica de elección fue vancomicina y carbapenem, ajustándose a antibiograma. Conclusiones: La infección más frecuente fue la bacteremia, principalmente por Staphylococcus resistentes a meticilina. La afectación del SNC fue elevada, lo mismo que la mortalidad.

Introduction: Nosocomial neonatal sepsis (NNS) is a frequent entity in intensive care units, causing great morbidity and mortality. The most frequent site is blood, followed by lungs and urine. Objective: To know the etiology and most frequent localization of infection in the NNS. Population, Material and Methods: Cross sectional study, from January to December 2015, performed in a teaching hospital. All newborns infants were included. Results: 70 patients were included, 88 episodes of NNS were analyzed. The most frequent localization was bacteremia in 40% of cases, followed by urinary tract infection and VAP in 25% respectively. The bacteria most frequently isolated were staphylococci of different types, followed by multiresistant Acinetobacter. The CNS involvement was 32%. Mortality was 34%, rising up to 50% with a second episode of NNS. The empirical therapy of choice was vancomycin and carbapenem, adjusting to antibiogram. Conclusions: The most frequent infection was bacteremia, mainly by staphylococci resistant to methicillin. CNS involvement was elevated, as well as mortality.

Epidemiología de las infecciones urinarias asociadas a catéter y no asociadas a catéter en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel / Nosocomial urinary tract infection: an analysis beyond urinary catheterization

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones urinarias asociadas a la atención de la salud (ITU-AAS) representan un importante problema sanitario, siendo poco conocidas sus características cuando no están asociadas a cateterización urinaria u ocurren fuera de unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Objetivos: Determinar las características de los pacientes con ITU-AAS, etiología y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de las mismas, tanto asociadas a catéter (ITU-C) como no asociadas a catéter (ITU-noC), en UCI y en sala general. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico retrospectivo de corte transversal entre 2009 y 2013 en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel. Se identificaron todos los episodios de ITU-AAS, diferenciándolas en ITU-C e ITU-noC. Resultados: Se incluyeron 253 episodios de ITU-AAS, siendo más frecuentes las ITU-C (60,9%) respecto a ITU-noC. Un 37,4% de ITU-noC y 59,7% de ITU-C ocurrieron en UCI. Los microorganismos aislados más frecuentemente fueron Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Enterococcus sp. El 19% de los bacilos gramnegativos fueron productores de β-lactamasa de espectro extendido, siendo su frecuencia similar en ambos grupos. Conclusión: Las co-morbilidades de los pacientes con ITU-AAS, los agentes etiológicos responsables y sus correspondientes espectros de sensibilidad, fueron similares en los grupos de ITU-C e ITU-noC, tanto en sala general como en UCI.

Introduction: Nosocomially acquired urinary tract infections (NAUTI) represent an important public health issue, but its characteristics when they are not catheter associated (CA-UTI) or when they take place outside intensive care units (ICU) are poorly understood. Objectives: To determine the patients' characteristics, etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of NAUTI, both CA-UTI and no CA-UTI, in general ward and ICU. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analytic cross-sectional study, between 2009 and 2013, in a third level universitary hospital. All NAUTI episodes were identified, classifying them as CA-UTI and no CA-UTI. Results: We included 253 episodes of NAUTI, being CA-UTI (60,9%) more frequent than no CA-UTI. A 37,4% of no CA-UTI and 59,7% of CA-UTI were identified in ICU. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus sp. A 19% of extended spectrum betalactamase producing gram negative bacilli were found, without differences between groups. Conclusion: Patients's comorbidities, microorganisms associated to NAUTI and its antimicrobial susceptibility were similar in CA-UTI and no CA-UTI, as in general ward and ICU.

Evaluación de test rápidos y diseño de una estrategia para la detección y caracterización de carbapenemasas en cepas de bacilos gramnegativos / Test evaluation and strategy proposal to detect and to characterize carbapenemase-producing gram negative bacilli

Resumen Introducción: La detección de bacilos gramnegativos productores de carbapenemasas es compleja, existiendo actualmente varios test disponibles. La confirmación mediante la caracterización molecular de la enzima no está disponible en todos los laboratorios del país. Objetivo: Plantear una estrategia rápida, eficiente y sencilla para la detección y confirmación de carbapenemasas en cepas de bacilos gramnegativos. Material y Métodos: Se utilizaron 39 aislados productores y ocho no productores de carbapenemasas para evaluar los test fenotípicos Carba NP, CarbAcineto NP, Blue-Carba y validar el test molecular Xpert® Carba-R directo de la colonia en comparación con RPC convencional. Resultados: La sensibilidad para Carba NP, CarbAcineto NP y Blue-Carba fue de 79,5; 87,2 y 84,6%, respectivamente; mientras que la especificidad fue de 100; 100 y 87,5%, respectivamente. La concordancia entre RPC convencional y Xpert® Carba-R fue de 100%. El límite de detección para Xpert® Carba-R fue diferente según el tipo de carbapenemasa: 40,8 ufc/reacción par KPC y NDM y 30,6 ufc/reacción para VIM. Discusión: En aislados con susceptibilidad disminuida a carbapenémicos se propone realizar un tamizaje con CarbAcineto NP, para luego caracterizar la carbapenemasa con Xpert® Carba-R y adoptar las medidas de contención específica: para cada caso.

Introduction: The detection of carbapenemase-producing gram negative bacilli is complicated, because there are available multiple options of test. The confirmation of the enzyme by molecular characterization is not available in all laboratories in our country. Objective: To propose a fast, efficient and simple strategy to detect and confirm CPB. Materials and Methods: 39 CPB isolates and 8 non-producing were used to evaluate the phenotypic test Carba NP, CarbAcineto NP and Blue-Carba, validating the test Xpert® Carba-R, to be used directly with bacterial colonies with conventional PCR. Results: The sensitivity of Carba NP, CarbAcineto NP and Blue-Carba was 79,5; 87,2 y 84,6%, respectively; and specificity was 79.5; 87.2 and 84.6%, respectively. The limit of detection of Xpert® Carba-R was different for each carbapenemasa: 40.8 ufc/reaction to KPC and NDM and 30.6 ufc/reaction to VIM. Discussion: On isolates with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems we propose to use as screening the test CarbAcineto NP, follow by Xpert®Carba-R to characterize the carbapenemase and adopt specific infection control measures.

Analysis of the Anti-Cancer Effects of Cincau Extract (Premna oblongifolia Merr) and Other Types of Non-Digestible Fibre Using Faecal Fermentation Supernatants and Caco-2 Cells as a Model of the Human Colon.

Green cincau (Premna oblongifolia Merr) is an Indonesian food plant with a high dietary fibre content. Research has shown that dietary fibre mixtures may be more beneficial for colorectal cancer prevention than a single dietary fibre type. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of green cincau extract on short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in anaerobic batch cultures inoculated with human faecal slurries and to compare these to results obtained using different dietary fibre types (pectin, inulin, and cellulose), singly and in combination. Furthermore, fermentation supernatants (FSs) were evaluated in Caco-2 cells for their effect on cell viability, differentiation, and apoptosis. Cincau increased total SCFA concentration by increasing acetate and propionate, but not butyrate concentration. FSs from all dietary fibre sources, including cincau, reduced Caco-2 cell viability. However, the effects of all FSs on cell viability, cell differentiation, and apoptosis were not simply explainable by their butyrate content. In conclusion, products of fermentation of cincau extracts induced cell death, but further work is required to understand the mechanism of action. This study demonstrates for the first time that this Indonesian traditional source of dietary fibre may be protective against colorectal cancer.

Effect of edible coatings with essential oils on the quality of red raspberries over shelf-life.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present work was to develop strategies for increasing the shelf-life of red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.), by preventing microorganism growth. RESULTS: Fruits coated with alginate plus lemon essential oil (0.2%) or orange essential oil (0.1%) after 15 days of storage had less red skin than the remaining samples. The less red color verified in these samples was also coincident with the lower concentration of anthocyanins at the end of the experiment as well as the lower capacity for scavenging ABTS free radicals or quenching singlet oxygen. Cyanidin and pelargonidin glucosides were found in raspberries fruits. The edible coatings supplemented with the essential oil of orange either at 0.1% or 0.2% were very efficient for controlling yeast and mold growth after 15 days of storage. To control the development of aerobic mesophilic bacteria the use of essential oil of lemon 0.2% and essential oil of orange 0.1% were the most efficient. CONCLUSION: The application of the film improved post-harvest quality of raspberry, since the addition of essential oils of citrus films promoted to the inhibitory effect of fungi and bacteria growth after 15 days of storage, without changing quality parameters. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after liquid enrichment (BD Bactec™) for rapid diagnosis of bone and joint infections.

Advantages of MALDI-TOF MS (MS) were evaluated for diagnosis of bone and joint infections after enrichment of synovial fluid (SF) or crushed osteoarticular samples (CSs). MS was performed after enrichment of SF or crushed osteoarticular samples CS (n = 108) in both aerobic and anaerobic vials. Extraction was performed on 113 vials (SF: n = 47; CS: n = 66), using the Sepsityper® kit prior identification by MS. The performances of MS, score and reproducibility results on bacterial colonies from blood agar and on pellets after enrichment in vials, were compared. MS analysis of the vial resulted in correct identification of bacteria at a species and genus level (80.5% and 92% of cases, respectively). The reproducibility was superior for aerobic Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococci and Gram-positive bacilli: 100% colonies), as compared to aerobic Gram-negative bacilli (89.7%), anaerobes (83.3%) and Streptococcus/Enterococcus (58.8%). MS performance was significantly better for staphylococci than for streptococci on all identification parameters. For polymicrobial cultures, identification (score>1.5) of two species by MS was acceptable in 92.8% of cases. Use of MS on enrichment pellets of bone samples is an accurate, rapid and robust method for bacterial identification of clinical isolates from osteoarticular infections, except for streptococci, whose identification to species level remains difficult.

High Occurrence Rate and Contamination Level of Bacillus cereus in Organic Vegetables on Sale in Retail Markets.

Organic foods have risen in popularity recently. However, the increased risk of bacterial contamination of organic foods has not been fully evaluated. In this study, 100 samples each of organic and conventional fresh vegetables (55 lettuce samples and 45 sprout samples) sold in South Korea were analyzed for aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus. Although the aerobic bacteria and coliform counts were not significantly different between the two farming types (p > 0.05), the occurrence rate of B. cereus was higher in organically cultivated vegetables compared with those grown conventionally (70% vs. 30%, respectively). The mean contamination level of B. cereus-positive organic samples was also significantly higher (1.86 log colony-forming unit [CFU]/g vs. 0.69 log CFU/g, respectively) (p < 0.05). In addition, six samples of organic vegetables were found to be contaminated with B. cereus at over 4 log CFU/g categorized as unsatisfactory according to Health Protection Agency guideline. The relatively higher occurrence rate of B. cereus in organic vegetables emphasizes the importance of implementing control measures in organic vegetable production and postharvest processing to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Bacterial contamination of hemodialysis water in three randomly selected centers in South Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) is the most common method of renal replacement therapy for patients with either acute kidney injury in the failure stage or end stage kidney failure in Nigeria. The number of dialysis centers in Nigeria has risen exponentially from 10 centers two decades ago to more than 120 centers in 2015. The number of patients needing renal replacement therapy in the country in the form of HD has also risen close to a projected 2000/year. The outcome from HD in Nigeria is poor as a result of a myriad of interwoven factors such as complications of cardiovascular diseases and suboptimal dialysis dose primarily due to economic factors. These are often complicated by episodes of dialysis water related bacteremia, possibly as a result of the apparent lack of a standardized guideline or protocol for monitoring dialysis water treatment system which is the driving force of dialysis units. OBJECTIVES: This is a multicenter laboratory-based study designed to determine the microbiological quality of samples of HD water and dialysate in randomly selected dialysis units in three major government teaching hospitals in Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: Water samples were aseptically and serially collected from three HD units. The samples were taken from 6 points at each center coded A, B, and C over a 6-month period. RESULTS: The water system in the three dialysis centers were grossly contaminated with Gram-negative aerobic bacteria such as Pseudomonas species and Moraxella species at all the points in the three centers. CONCLUSION: Conventionally, water treatment is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality in HD units, and the microbial quality is a major factor involved. There is evidence of bacterial contamination in the dialysis units sampled in this study. There is thus the compelling need for periodic microbiological monitoring of water after each treatment step. A uniform national guideline as part of an effective quality assurance protocol in infection surveillance is also advocated for dialysis units in Nigeria.

Espondilodiscitis: experiencia clínica en un hospital general de Chile / Spondylodiscitis: clinical experience in a Chilean general hospital

Introducción: La espondilodiscitis (ED) implica prolongados períodos de hospitalización, de latencia diagnóstica y riesgo de complicaciones a largo plazo. No existen publicaciones recientes en Chile al respecto. Objetivos: Caracterizar un grupo de pacientes con ED. Pacientes y Métodos: Serie clínica, que incluyó pacientes en un período de ocho años. Resultados: 37 pacientes, 37,8% mujeres y 62,2% hombres, con promedio etario 66,8 años; 64,9% adultos mayores, 35,1% diabéticos y 21,6% con co-morbilidad urológica. Los principales síntomas fueron dolor y fiebre. 89,2% tuvo elevación de VHS. 86,5% contó con resonancia magnética, que siempre fue confirmatoria, siendo la columna lumbar la localización más frecuente (43,2%). Se identificó etiología en 28/37 pacientes: en 71,4% cocáceas grampositivas (Staphylococcus aureus predominantemente), sólo en 10,7% M. tuberculosis. Staphylococcus aureus estuvo asociado a co-morbilidades médicas en forma significativa (p < 0,05) y el grupo de bacilos gramnegativos a historia hepatobiliar y/o intestinal (p < 0,05). El método de mayor rendimiento fue el cultivo obtenido por punción quirúrgica. El tratamiento antimicrobiano fue indicado en promedio por 63,8 días (IQR 53-72), con reacciones adversas en 18,9%. La estadía hospitalaria fue 38,9 días promedio, no existiendo fallecidos durante este período. 18,9% presentó secuelas motoras. Discusión: La mayoría de pacientes con ED correspondió a adultos mayores, siendo S. aureus la principal etiología. Hubo una baja frecuencia de M. tuberculosis. Resultó considerable la magnitud de efectos adversos asociados a la terapia antimicrobiana y las complicaciones neurológicas.

Background: Spondylodiscitis (SD) involves long periods of hospitalization, diagnostic latency and risk of long-term complications. No updated series are available in Chile and a change in demographic features and etiology is suspected. Aim: To characterize a group of patients with SD. Patients and Methods: Clinical series including patients over an 8 year period. Results: We identified 37 patients; 37.8% women and 62.2% men (mean age 66.8 years); 64.9% were elderly; 35.1% had diabetes and 21.6% urological comorbidity. Main symptoms were pain and fever. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 89.2%, and 86.5% patients had MRI, which was always confirmatory. Lumbar spine was the most common site of infection (43.2%). Etiology was identified in 28/37 patients: 71.4% yielded grampositive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus predominantly), Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in only 10.7%. Staphylococcus aureus was associated to medical comorbidities (p < 0,05) and gramnegative bacilli to hepatobiliar or intestinal symptoms (p < 0,05). Culture obtained by a surgical procedure had the highest yield. The average duration of antibiotic therapy was 63.8 days (IQR 53-72). Treatment-related side effects were detected in 18.9% of patients. The average hospital stay was 38.9 days. No deaths occurred during hospitalization. Motor sequelae were present in 18.9% of this series. Discussion: Most patients with SD were older adults. Staphylococcus aureus was predominant and M. tuberculosis was uncommon. Antibiotic side effects were relevant as well as the neurological complications.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam Activity against Aerobic Gram Negative Organisms Isolated from Intra-Abdominal Infections in United States Hospitals, 2012-2014.

BACKGROUND: Ceftazidime-avibactam is ceftazidime combined with the novel non-ß-lactam ß-lactamase inhibitor avibactam, which inhibits Ambler class A (e.g., extended-spectrum ß-lactamase [ESBL] and KPC), class C, and some class D enzymes. We evaluated the activity of ceftazidime-avibactam against aerobic gram negative bacteria causing intra-abdominal infections (IAI). METHODS: A total of 1,540 isolates were collected, one each from patient, with IAI in 57 United States hospitals in 2012-2014. Susceptibility testing was performed by reference broth microdilution methods, and Enterobacteriaceae isolates with an ESBL phenotype were evaluated by a microarray-based assay for the presence of genes encoding the CTX-M, TEM, SHV, KPC, NDM, and transferable AmpC enzymes. RESULTS: All Escherichia coli isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam, whereas the susceptibility rates for meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, and gentamicin were 99.8%, 93.6%, and 85.5%, respectively. Among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, the highest ceftazidime-avibactam minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was only 2 mcg/mL (MIC50/90 0.12/0.25 mcg/mL; 100% susceptible), whereas susceptibility rates to meropenem and gentamicin were 94.5% and 91.9%, respectively. The ESBL-phenotype rates among E. coli and K. pneumoniae were 15.8% and 13.3%, respectively. Overall, only one Enterobacteriaceae isolate (Enterobacter cloacae) was not susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam and had negative results for all ß-lactamases tested. Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ceftazidime-avibactam (MIC50/90 2/4 mcg/mL; 97.1% susceptible) and amikacin (MIC50/90 2/8 mcg/mL; 99.0% susceptible) were the most active compounds, and ceftazidime-avibactam retained activity against many meropenem-non-susceptible (88.6% susceptible) and piperacillin-tazobactam-non-susceptible (82.9% susceptible) strains. CONCLUSION: Ceftazidime-avibactam coverage (98.7% inhibited at ≤8 mcg/mL) of intra-abdominal infection pathogens was greater than that observed for meropenem (95.7% susceptible) and piperacillin-tazobactam (88.4% susceptible).

Pacificimonas aurantium sp. nov., Isolated from the Seawater of the Pacific Ocean.

A Gram-negative bacterium, denoted JLT2012(T), was isolated from the surface water of the Pacific Ocean. This aerobic bacterium was rod shaped and devoid of flagella, displayed gliding motility, and grew in characteristic orange colonies. The bacterium contained ubiquinone Q-10 as the major respiratory quinone, and spermidine and spermine as the major polyamine compounds. The dominant fatty acids were C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c (34.7 %), C16:0 (21.3 %), and C18:0 (15.9 %), whereas the polar lipids consisted mainly of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, four sphingoglycolipids, and several unknown glycolipids. The G + C content DNA was found to be 65.5 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain JLT2012(T) formed a distinct lineage within the genus Pacificimonas (formerly known as Pacificamonas) and shared the highest sequence similarity with the type strain of Pacificimonas flava JLT2015(T) (96.0 %). Data combined from different studies on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genomic characteristics indicated that strain JLT2012(T) is a representative of a novel species within Pacificimonas for which the name Pacificimonas aurantium sp. nov. (type strain JLT2012(T)=LMG 27361(T)=CGMCC 1.12399(T)) is proposed.

Quantification and identification of microorganisms found on shell and kernel of fresh edible chestnuts in Michigan.

BACKGROUND: Chestnut is a relatively new cultivated crop for Michigan, and postharvest loss due to decay has been problematic as production has increased each year. In 2007, more than 25% of chestnuts were lost to postharvest decay, equivalent to approximately 5300 kg of fresh product. To determine the organisms responsible for decay, a microbiological survey was performed in 2006 and 2007 to identify microorganisms involved in postharvest shell (external surface) mold and internal kernel (edible portion) decay of chestnuts. RESULTS: Filamentous fungi including Penicillium expansum, Penicillium griseofulvum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Coniophora puteana, Acrospeira mirabilis, Botryosphaeria ribis, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botryotinia fuckeliana (anamorph Botrytis cinerea) and Gibberella sp. (anamorph Fusarium sp.) were the predominant microorganisms that negatively impacted fresh chestnuts. Populations of microorganisms varied between farms, harvesting methods and chestnut parts. CONCLUSION: Chestnuts harvested from the orchard floor were significantly (P < 0.05) more contaminated than chestnuts harvested directly from the tree, by more than 2 log colony-forming units (CFU) g(-1) . In addition, a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the microbial population was seen between chestnuts submitted by different growers, with average count ranges of fungi, mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and yeasts equal to 4.75, 4.59 and 4.75 log CFU g(-1) respectively. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Trends in the microbial contamination of bovine, ovine and swine carcasses in three small-scale abattoirs in central Italy: A four-year monitoring.

The microbial contamination of animal carcasses with respect to the limits established by Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 was investigated. Bovine, ovine, and swine carcasses (n=536 samples) from three small-scale abattoirs were sampled using abrasive sponges and tested for aerobic colony counts (ACC) and Enterobacteriaceae in the period 2010-2013. Mean ACC values reached 1.96 log cfu/cm(2) on bovine carcasses and 2.27 log cfu/cm(2) on both swine and ovine carcasses; Enterobacteriaceae counts of 0.01, 0.20 and 0.27 log cfu/cm(2) were found for bovine, swine and ovine carcasses, respectively. Abattoir 1 showed the highest values of ACC; no differences among abattoirs were highlighted for Enterobacteriaceae. Compared with swine and ovine carcasses, bovine carcasses showed significantly lower means for both ACC and Enterobacteriaceae. The data collected indicated that the management of the three abattoirs met high quality standards, thereby proving that it is feasible to achieve good microbiological quality in abattoirs when adequate Good Hygiene Practices are applied.

The Challenging Diagnosis of Non-Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Non-Mechanically Ventilated Subjects: Value of Microbiological Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Early recognition and an attempt at obtaining microbiological documentation are recommended in patients with non-community-acquired pneumonia (NCAP), whether hospital-acquired (HAP) or health care-associated (HCAP). We aimed to characterize the clinical features and microbial etiologies of NCAP to assess the impact of microbiological investigation on their management. METHODS: This was a prospective 1-y study in a university hospital with 141 non-mechanically ventilated subjects suspected of having HAP (n = 110) or HCAP (n = 31). RESULTS: Clinical criteria alone poorly identified pneumonia (misdiagnosis in 50% of cases). Microbiological confirmation was achievable in 80 subjects (57%). Among 79 microorganisms isolated, 28 were multidrug-resistant aerobic Gram-negative bacilli and group III Enterobacteriaceae and 6 were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Multidrug-resistant aerobic Gram-negative bacilli accounted for one third of the microorganisms in early-onset HAP and for 50% in late-onset HAP. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was most often recovered from subjects with HCAP. Inappropriate empirical antibiotics were administered to 36% of subjects with confirmed pneumonia. Forty subjects were admitted to the ICU, 13 (33%) of whom died. Overall, 39 subjects (28%) died in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating the microbiological investigation in the complex clinical diagnostic workup of patients suspected of having NCAP is mandatory. Respiratory tract specimens should be obtained whenever possible for appropriate management.

The Bacteremia Caused by Non-Lactose Fermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Blood stream infections (BSIs) remain as a serious life-threatening condition after solid organ transplant (SOT). In recent years, a progressive growth in the incidence of bacteremia caused by non-lactose fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NLF GNB) has been observed. NLF GNB led to high mortality among SOT recipients with bacteremia and were difficult to treat because of their high drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics. METHODS: Two electronic databases, PUBMED and EMBASE, were searched for relevant literature published up to January 2015, to better understand the characteristics of bacteremia because of NLF GNB. RESULTS: The morbidity and mortality rates of bacteremia because of NLF GNB depend on the types of organisms and transplantation. Multi-drug resistant NLF GNB ranged from 9.8% to 12.5% of all NLF GNB causing BSIs among SOT recipients. Certain factors can predispose SOT recipients to NLF GNB bacteremia, which included previous transplantation, hospital-acquired BSIs, and prior intensive care unit admission. Combination therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of NLF GNB bacteremia to enhance antimicrobial activity, provide synergistic interactions, relieve side effects, and minimize superinfections. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention is pivotal in minimizing the morbidity and mortality associated with NLF GNB bacteremia after SOT. To improve the outcomes of SOT recipients with NLF GNB bacteremia, prevention is pivotal, and combination therapy of antibiotics may be beneficial.

Aliisedimentitalea scapharcae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from ark shell Scapharca broughtonii.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, motile and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated MA2-16(T), was isolated from ark shell (Scapharca broughtonii) collected from the South Sea, South Korea. Strain MA2-16(T) was found to grow optimally at 30°C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0% (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MA2-16(T) clustered with the type strain of Sedimentitalea nanhaiensis. The novel strain exhibited a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 97.1% to the type strain of S. nanhaiensis. In the neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on gyrB sequences, strain MA2-16(T) formed an evolutionary lineage independent of those of other taxa. Strain MA2-16(T) contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18:1 ω7c and 11-methyl C18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain MA2-16(T) were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain MA2-16(T) was 57.7 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of S. nanhaiensis and some phylogenetically related species of the genera Leisingera and Phaeobacter were 13-24%. On the basis of the data presented, strain MA2-16(T) is considered to represent a novel genus and novel species within the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Aliisedimentitalea scapharcae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA2-16(T) (=KCTC 42119(T) =CECT 8598(T)).