Hazards of swine slurry: Heavy metals, bacteriology, and overdosing-Physicochemical models to predict the nutrient value.

In this work, 124 samples of slurry from 32 commercial farms of three animal categories (lactating sows, nursery piglets, and growing pigs) were studied. The samples were collected in summer and winter over two consecutive years and analyzed for physicochemical properties, macronutrient and micronutrient, heavy metals, and major microbiological indicators. The results were found to be influenced by farm type and to deviate especially markedly in nursery piglets, probably as a consequence of differences in pig age, diet, and management. The main potential hazards of the slurries can be expected to arise from their high contents in heavy metals (Cu and Zn), especially in the nursery piglet group, and from the high proportion of samples testing positive for Salmonella spp. (66%). Linear and nonlinear predictive equations were developed for each animal category and the three as a whole. Dry matter, which was highly correlated with N, CaO, and MgO contents, proved the best predictor of fertilizer value. Using an additional predictor failed to improve the results but nonlinear and farm-specific equations did. Rapid on-site measurements can improve the accuracy of fertilizer value estimates and help optimize the use of swine slurry as a result.

Gasdermins assemble; recent developments in bacteriology and pharmacology.

The discovery of gasdermin D (GSDMD) as the terminal executioner of pyroptosis provided a large piece of the cell death puzzle, whilst simultaneously and firmly putting the gasdermin family into the limelight. In its purest form, GSDMD provides a connection between the innate alarm systems to an explosive, inflammatory form of cell death to jolt the local environment into immunological action. However, the gasdermin field has moved rapidly and significantly since the original seminal work and novel functions and mechanisms have been recently uncovered, particularly in response to infection. Gasdermins regulate and are regulated by mechanisms such as autophagy, metabolism and NETosis in fighting pathogen and protecting host. Importantly, activators and interactors of the other gasdermins, not just GSDMD, have been recently elucidated and have opened new avenues for gasdermin-based discovery. Key to this is the development of potent and specific tool molecules, so far a challenge for the field. Here we will cover some of these recently discovered areas in relation to bacterial infection before providing an overview of the pharmacological landscape and the challenges associated with targeting gasdermins.

The bacteriology of diabetic foot ulcers and infections and incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Small Colony Variants.

Introduction. Uninfected diabetes-related foot ulcer (DFU) progression to diabetes-related foot infection (DFI) is a prevalent complication for patients with diabetes. DFI often progresses to osteomyelitis (DFI-OM). Active (growing) Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in these infections. There is relapse in 40-60 % of cases even when the initial treatment at the DFI stage apparently clears infection.Hypothesis. S. aureus adopts the quasi-dormant Small Colony Variant (SCV) state during DFU and consequently infection, and when present in DFI cases also permits survival in non-diseased tissues as a reservoir to cause relapse.Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial factors that facilitate persistent infections.Methodology. People with diabetes were recruited from two tertiary hospitals. Clinical and bacterial data was taken from 153 patients with diabetes (51 from a control group with no ulcer or infection) and samples taken from 102 patients with foot complications to identify bacterial species and their variant colony types, and then compare the bacterial composition in those with uninfected DFU, DFI and those with DFI-OM, of whom samples were taken both from wounds (DFI-OM/W) and bone (DFI-OM/B). Intracellular, extracellular and proximal 'healthy' bone were examined.Results. S. aureus was identified as the most prevalent pathogen in diabetes-related foot pathologies (25 % of all samples). For patients where disease progressed from DFU to DFI-OM, S. aureus was isolated as a diversity of colony types, with increasing numbers of SCVs present. Intracellular (bone) SCVs were found, and even within uninfected bone SCVs were present. Wounds of 24 % of patients with uninfected DFU contained active S. aureus. All patients with a DFI with a wound but not bone infection had previously had S. aureus isolated from an infection (including amputation), representing a relapse.Conclusion. The presence of S. aureus SCVs in recalcitrant pathologies highlights their importance in persistent infections through the colonization of reservoirs, such as bone. The survival of these cells in intracellular bone is an important clinical finding supporting in vitro data. Also, there seems to be a link between the genetics of S. aureus found in deeper infections compared to those only found in DFU.

Environmental DNA clarifies impacts of combined sewer overflows on the bacteriology of an urban river and resulting risks to public health.

There is no reference of microbiological water quality in the European Union's Water Framework Directive, adapted into English law, and consequently microbial water quality is not routinely monitored in English rivers, except for two recently designated bathing water sites. To address this knowledge gap, we developed an innovative monitoring approach for quantitative assessment of combined sewer overflow (CSO) impacts on the bacteriology of receiving rivers. Our approach combines conventional and environmental DNA (eDNA) based methods to generate multiple lines of evidence for assessing risks to public health. We demonstrated this approach by investigating spatiotemporal variation in the bacteriology of the Ouseburn in northeast England for different weather conditions in the summer and early autumn of the year 2021 across eight sampling locations that comprised rural, urban, and recreational land use settings. We characterized pollution source attributes by collecting sewage from treatment works and CSO discharge at the peak of a storm event. CSO discharge was characterized by log10 values per 100 mL (average ± stdev) of 5.12 ± 0.03 and 4.90 ± 0.03 for faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci, and 6.00 ± 0.11 and 7.78 ± 0.04 for rodA and HF183 genetic markers, for E. coli and human host associated Bacteroides, respectively, indicating about 5 % sewage content. SourceTracker analysis of sequencing data attributed 72-77 % of bacteria in the downstream section of the river during a storm event to CSO discharge sources, versus only 4-6 % to rural upstream sources. Data from sixteen summer sampling events in a public park exceeded various guideline values for recreational water quality. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) predicted a median and 95th percentile risk of 0.03 and 0.39, respectively, of contracting a bacterial gastrointestinal disease when wading and splashing around in the Ouseburn. We show clearly why microbial water quality should be monitored where rivers flow through public parks, irrespective of their bathing water designation.

Comparison of Bacteriology Between Eosinophilic and Noneosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps.

OBJECTIVE: To compare culture results between eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (nECRSwNP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of CRSwNP patients undergoing primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Prior to surgery, swab samples for bacterial culture were collected from their middle meatus using cotton tips. After surgery, postoperative specimens were histologically examined for tissue eosinophilia. A tissue eosinophil density of >10 cells at high power magnification was used to discriminate between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP. RESULTS: A total of 295 patients were studied with polyps present on 471 sides of the nasal cavity. Among them, 236 sides were ECRSwNP, and the remaining 235 sides were nECRSwNP. Bacterial growth was found in 94 ECRSwNP sides, and in 88 nECRSwNP sides. Culture rates were similar between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP sides (p = .595). However, Gram-negative aerobes were found in 25 of 236 ECRSwNP sides, and in 42 of 235 nECRSwNP sides. The Gram-negative culture rate was significantly higher in nECRSwNP than in ECRSwNP sides (p = .024). CONCLUSION: The bacteriology of CRS was different between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP. The Gram-negative aerobes were present more in nECRSwNP than in ECRSwNP.

Sepsis et choc septique en réanimation à Brazzaville (Congo) / Sepsis and septic shock in polyvalent intensive care at Brazzaville (Congo)

Objectifs. Décrire les aspects cliniques, bactériologiques et évolutifs du sepsis et du choc septique dans le service de réanimation polyvalente du CHUB. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale, monocentrique et descriptive, durant 12 mois, incluant les patients âgés d'au moins 18 ans admis en réanimation polyvalente pour un sepsis ou choc septique. Les variables épidémiologiques, cliniques, bactériologiques et évolutives ont été analysées avec Excel 2019. Résultats. 56 patients ont été retenus (20,7%). Leur âge moyen était de 43,1 ± 17,9 ans (extrêmes de 18 et 84 ans), avec 66,1% des hommes. Le foyer infectieux initial était péritonéal (64,3 %). À l'admission, le nombre médian de défaillances d'organes par patient était de trois (maximum 5). Les défaillances rénale (71,4%), hépatique (69,6%) et hémodynamique (62,5%) étaient les plus représentées. Le taux de réalisation du bilan bactériologique était de 35,7% : hémoculture (10,7%), uroculture (14,3%), porte d'entrée infectieuse (7,1%). La durée d'hospitalisation des patients sortis vivants était de 8,1 ± 6,3 jours (extrêmes de 2 et 31 jours). Le taux de mortalité était de 57,1%. Les décès survenaient au-delà de 24 h d'hospitalisation (75%), chez des patients avec comorbidités (65,6%), porte d'entrée péritonéale (59,4%), et défaillances hémodynamique (81,2%) et rénale (75%). Conclusion. Les prévalences du sepsis et du choc septique dans notre série sont superposables à celles de la littérature. Le taux de réalisation des bilans bactériologiques reste faible. La mortalité du sepsis demeure très élevée.

Introduction. No accurate data on sepsis and septic shock in intensive care unit (ICU) in the Republic of Congo are available. The aim of the study was to describe the course of patients with sepsis and/or septic shock in the polyvalent ICU of the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients and methods. This was a cross-sectional, monocentric and descriptive study, lasting 12 months, including patients aged at least 18 years admitted to ICU for sepsis or septic shock. The clinical presentation, the bacteriological findings and the outcome were analyzed with Excel 2019. Results. 56 patients were selected (20.7%). The average age was 43.1 ± 17.9 years (extremes 18 and 84 years), with 66.1% of men. The initial infection was peritoneal (64.3%). At admission, the median number of organ failures per patient was three (maximum 5). Renal (71.4%), hepatic (69.6%) and hemodynamic (62.5%) failures were the most common. Bacteriological assessment rate was 35.7%: blood culture (10.7%), urine culture (14.3%). The duration of hospitalization of alive patients was 8.1 ± 6.3 days (extremes 2 and 31 days). The mortality rate was 57.1%. Deaths occurred beyond 24 hours of hospitalization (75%), in patients with comorbidities (65.6%), peritonitis (59.4%), hemodynamic (81.2%) and renal (75%) failures. Conclusion. The prevalence of sepsis and septic shock in our study is comparable to other published series. The bacteriological assessments rate is still low. The mortality is very high.

[Robert Koch as a young rural doctor in Brandenburg and the Poznan region (1868-1880)]. / Robert Koch als junger Landarzt in Brandenburg und Posen (1868­1880).

The bacteriologist and Nobel Prize winner Robert Koch (1843-1910) is one of the most important and best-known scientists in German history. Many people associate him not only with the institute named after him (today the Robert Koch Institute is Germany's National Public Health Institute), but above all, with his work as a "microbe hunter". Koch achieved world fame with the discovery of the tuberculosis pathogen in 1882. To research and combat infectious diseases, he undertook expeditions to foreign countries. This article deals with a lesser-known episode in Robert Koch's life - his years as a young rural doctor in the then Prussian provinces of Brandenburg and Posen. After a chronological description of Robert Koch's "wandering years", the focus is directed to today's culture of remembrance. The question is discussed in which way, if at all, the memory of Robert Koch is maintained at the authentic places.

External quality assessment of laboratory performance in bacteriology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2011–2019

Background: Since 2007, national public health laboratories in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) have participated in a regional external quality assessment scheme in bacteriology to improve testing proficiency. Aims: To assess laboratory performance in bacteriology in the EMR between 2011 and 2019 using the regional external quality assessment scheme. Methods: We analysed the accuracy of participant-reported data in bacterial identification, Gram stain microscopy, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For each category, we assessed the performance over time, the performance on multiple organisms, and whether a laboratory repeatedly failed to attain satisfactory results. Results: Between 2011 and 2019, 70% of laboratories achieved satisfactory performance for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and 85% performed satisfactory Gram stain microscopy. Testing did not improve on multiple organisms and results were consistently low for some pathogens and test categories. Twenty-nine percent of laboratories underperformed throughout the study period. Conclusion: The unchanged performance over time and underperformance of laboratories highlights the need for improvements in the regional external quality assessment scheme. Participating laboratories and WHO need to work more actively to strengthen the problem areas.

Diversidad bacteriana en aguas mineromedicinales del balneario “Urauco”. Pichincha. Ecuador. / Bacterial biodiversity in mineromedicinal waters of spa “Urauco”. Pichincha. Ecuador

La presencia de manantiales de aguas mineromedicinales en Ecuador se encuentra en relación con el gran número de volcanes que existen en el país, los cuales se han venido utilizando desde épocas remotas como medicamentos por la población. Sin embargo, se desconoce cuál es la biodiversidad bacteriana presente. Por ello, el objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la biodiversidad bacteriana de las aguas mineromedicinales del balneario “Urauco” ubicado en la Provincia de Pichincha. Ecuador. Se tomaron muestras de agua de un volumen de 1 litro en dos punto del balneario. Los muestreos se realizaron en 2 ocasiones durante un periodo de dos año. Para la toma y transporte de las muestras se siguieron las normas ecuatorianas INEN 2 176-98 y INEN 2 169-98. Para la determinación de la biodiversidad bacteriana se utilizó las técnicas de siembra, selección e identificación de bacterias indicados por Barrow y Feltan (2004) y MacFfadin (2004), complementadas con las pruebas bioquímicas contenidas en las galerías API (BioMérieux) y galería Microgen (Microgen corp.). Los resultados señalan un población de bacterias heterótrofas en las aguas del balneario de 3,1 x 102 UFC/mL, con la prevalencia de las bacterias Gram negativa de la clase Gamma Proteobacterias. Se pudo aislar e identificar 64 colonias de bacterias. Los géneros de bacterias encontrados fueron Acidovorax, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Budvicia, Citrobacter, Corynebacterium, Ed- wardsiella, Enterococcus, Ewingella, Flavobacterium, Kurthia, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Ralstonia, Staphylococcus, Vibrio y Yokonella. La biodiversidad bacteriana observada fue alta, aunque escasa en número de individuos. (AU)

The presence of mineromedicinal water springs in Ecuador is related to the large number of volcanoes that exist in the country, which have been used since ancient times as medicines by the population. However, it is unknown what bacterial biodiversity is present. Therefore, the objective of these work was to determine the bacterial biodi- versity of the mineromedicinal waters of “Urauco” spa located in Pichincha Provinces of Ecuador. Water samples of a volume of 1 liter were taken at two points in each spa studied. Sampling was done 2 times over a period of two year. To take and transport the samples, the Ecuadorian standards INEN 2 176-98 and INEN 2 169-98 were followed. For the determination of bacterial biodiversity, the techniques of planting, selection and identification of bacteria indicated by Barrow and Feltan (2004) and MacFfadin (2004) were used, complemented with the bio- chemical tests contained in the API (BioMérieux) galleries and Microgen (Microgen corp.). The results indicate a population of heterotrophic bacteria in the spa waters of 3.1 x 102 CFU / mL, with the prevalence of Gram negative bacteria of the Gamma Proteobacteria class. It was possible to isolate and identify 64 colonies of bacteria. The genera of bacteria were Acidovorax, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Budvicia, Citrobacter, Corynebacterium, Edwardsiella, Enterococcus, Ewingella, Flavobacterium, Kurthia, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Ralstonia, Staphylococcus, Vibrio and Yokonella. The bacterial biodiversity observed was high, although low in number. (AU)

External quality assessment of laboratory performance in bacteriology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2011-2019.

Background: Since 2007, national public health laboratories in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) have participated in a regional external quality assessment scheme in bacteriology to improve testing proficiency. Aims: To assess laboratory performance in bacteriology in the EMR between 2011 and 2019 using the regional external quality assessment scheme. Methods: We analysed the accuracy of participant-reported data in bacterial identification, Gram stain microscopy, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For each category, we assessed the performance over time, the performance on multiple organisms, and whether a laboratory repeatedly failed to attain satisfactory results. Results: Between 2011 and 2019, 70% of laboratories achieved satisfactory performance for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and 85% performed satisfactory Gram stain microscopy. Testing did not improve on multiple organisms and results were consistently low for some pathogens and test categories. Twenty-nine percent of laboratories underperformed throughout the study period. Conclusion: The unchanged performance over time and underperformance of laboratories highlight the need for improvements in the regional external quality assessment scheme. Participating laboratories and WHO need to work more actively to strengthen the problem areas.

Bacteriology & bivalves: Assessing diagnostic tools for geographically remote bivalve populations.

Two sampling approaches for the growth of common or dominant bacteria from bivalve haemolymph were compared: (1) samples processed in the field immediately after collection (field samples), and (2) samples processed in the laboratory at least 24 h after collection (laboratory samples). The sampling approaches were compared on 210 marine bivalve molluscs Paphies subtriangulata and P. australis from two shallow intertidal sites in North Island New Zealand. The approaches were evaluated for the amount of bacterial growth, type of growth, and diversity of growth. Differences in amount and type of growth between the two sampling approaches were observed. Samples processed in the field from P. subtriangulata had significantly more bacterial growth, and a higher diversity of bacteria, including more common or dominant bacterial species. Laboratory samples had a higher proportion of samples with no growth, however common or dominant bacteria were still isolated from these samples. For P. australis, field samples more often had no bacterial growth and laboratory samples had a significantly higher number of common or dominant growth present. Field samples did however contain a higher diversity of bacteria. By conducting bacteriology on bivalves in either the field or the laboratory only, there may be limitations to determining the significance of a bacterial agent isolated. Sampling of both field and laboratory samples should be carried out where possible to optimise detection of important bacteria.

[Influence of donor profile on pre and post-pasteurization bacteriology of donated human milk]. / Influencia del perfil de las donantes en la bacteriología pre- y pospasteurización de la leche humana donada.

Introduction: Introduction: breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant's nutrition. Human milk bank is an essential tool to guarantee availability and safety in those situations when breastfeeding is not an option. The manipulation during the extraction of the human milk by the donors is a critical point to ensure an adequate microbiological safety. Therefore, knowing the bacterial flora that prevails in donated milk is essential to draw conclusions that can lead to taking measures in the management of the bank. Objectives: to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms in milk samples donated to the milk bank and how the bacterial flora behaves according to the profile of the donors and the donor milk circuits. Methods: the present work is a retrospective descriptive observational study that analyzes characteristics and the positive microbiological results within our milk bank samples from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. All milk bank donors voluntarily signed an informed consent that authorizes the use of data to investigation. Results: during the study period, a total of 1,587 liters of raw milk were donated by 266 women, highlighting that, despite the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, 2020 has been the year in which more volume of milk has been dispensed. The results show that 221 batches had at least one positive microbiological isolation (149 of them were before and 46 after pasteurization). Pre and post-pasteurization rate varies over the years with a decrease in the pre-pasteurization discard rate (3,9%) and increase in the post-pasteurization rate (5,3%). The most frequently isolated germs found in pre-pasteurization cultures were gram positive cocci and Enterobacter and a decrease in the positivity to S. aureus after establishing an eradication protocol. In post-pasteurization cultures, the most commonly found germs are Bacillus. Regarding the donor's profile, it was found a non statistically significant way that those women with the highest donation volume and/or admission of their offspring in Neonatology were associated with higher frequency of positive cultures. Conclusions: bacteriological analysis of milk samples is an essential part of quality control for a milk bank. Our results reflect a good extraction system and transportation, as well as good training from the bank's professionals. Nevertheless, improvement of processes is necessary to reduce the rate of contamination and the amount of discarded milk.

Introducción: Introducción: la leche humana es el patrón oro en la nutrición de los neonatos. Por ello, los bancos de leche se convierten en elementos esenciales para garantizar su disponibilidad y seguridad cuando la leche materna no está disponible. La manipulación que se realiza de la leche es un punto crítico para asegurar la seguridad microbiológica de las muestras. Por ello, analizar la flora de la leche donada es fundamental para tomar medidas de mejora de los bancos de leche. Objetivos: analizar los resultados microbiológicos positivos en un banco de leche humana entre las muestras de leche cruda donadas y tras su pasteurización y evaluar si existe relación entre los aislamientos, el perfil de la donante y los circuitos de leche donada. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo que analiza las características de la leche donada y los resultados microbiológicos positivos de muestras de leche donadas en nuestro banco desde junio de 2016 hasta diciembre de 2020. Todas las donantes firmaron un consentimiento informado. Resultados: durante el período de estudio fueron donados 1587 litros de leche cruda por 266 mujeres destacando que, a pesar de la pandemia, 2020 ha sido el año en el que más volumen se ha dispensado (280 L). Se obtuvieron 221 lotes de leche con al menos un aislamiento microbiológico positivo (14,2 % total), de ellos 149 previos y 46 posteriores a la pasteurización. La tasa de descarte pre y pospasteurización es variable a lo largo de los años con descenso en 2020 prepasteurización (3,9%) e incremento pospasteurización (5,3%). Los gérmenes más frecuentemente aislados fueron cocos grampositivos, seguidos por Enterobacterias prepasteurización detectándose un descenso en la positividad a S. aureus tras establecerse un protocolo de erradicación. En las muestras pospasteurización predomina el género Bacillus. Se ha encontrado una relación aunque no estadísticamente significativa (p > 0,05) entre mujeres con mayor volumen de donación y/o ingreso de su hijo/a en Neonatología y una mayor frecuencia cultivos positivos. Conclusiones: el análisis bacteriológico de las muestras es parte fundamental del control de calidad. Nuestros resultados traducen una buena sistemática de extracción y transporte, así como un buen entrenamiento de los profesionales del banco. No obstante, es necesario mejorar los procesos para reducir la tasa de contaminación y la cantidad de leche desechada.

Epidemiology and Early Bacteriology of Extremely Severe Burns from an LPG Tanker Explosion in Eastern China.

The incidence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-related accidents in China has increased over the recent years. In addition, infection remains a big challenge in cases of severe burns. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide valuable information for a better control of infections in the event of such disasters. In this study, a total of 16 patients who suffered extremely severe burns after an LPG tanker explosion were included. Thereafter, bacteriological culture results were collected within a week. Of 16 patients, 13 (81.25%) were male and the average age of all patients was 60.63 years. In addition, the mean burned area was 83.03% TBSA. Additionally, a total of 553 organism cultures were conducted out of which 287 isolates (51.90%) showed positive results. Notably, 38.52% were Gram-negative bacteria, 7.59% were Gram-positive bacteria and 5.79% were fungi. Moreover, the most prevalent Gram-negative bacteria were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (28.97%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (28.53%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.02%). On the other hand, the three most predominant Gram-positive bacteria were Enterococcus faecalis (33.33%), Staphylococcus aureus (28.89%) and Staphylococcus sciuri (17.78%). Furthermore, the most common fungi included Candida (38.24%), Fusarium (20.59%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (14.71%). With regard to the bacterial resistance patterns, carbapenem-resistant organisms included Acinetobacter baumannii (97.80%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (67.57%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (75.56%). In addition, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus were identified to be methicillin-resistant. This study revealed that there was a high incidence of infection in victims of severe burns as a result of mass burn accidents, accompanied by early fungal infection.

Influencia del perfil de las donantes en la bacteriología pre- y pospasteurización de la leche humana donada / Influence of donor profile on pre and post-pasteurization bacteriology of donated human milk

Introducción: la leche humana es el patrón oro en la nutrición de los neonatos. Por ello, los bancos de leche se convierten en elementos esenciales para garantizar su disponibilidad y seguridad cuando la leche materna no está disponible. La manipulación que se realiza de la leche es un punto crítico para asegurar la seguridad microbiológica de las muestras. Por ello, analizar la flora de la leche donada es fundamental para tomar medidas de mejora de los bancos de leche. Objetivos: analizar los resultados microbiológicos positivos en un banco de leche humana entre las muestras de leche cruda donadas y tras su pasteurización y evaluar si existe relación entre los aislamientos, el perfil de la donante y los circuitos de leche donada. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo que analiza las características de la leche donada y los resultados microbiológicos positivos de muestras de leche donadas en nuestro banco desde junio de 2016 hasta diciembre de 2020. Todas las donantes firmaron un consentimiento informado. (AU)

Introduction: breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant’s nutrition. Human milk bank is an essential tool to guarantee availability and safety in those situations when breastfeeding is not an option. The manipulation during the extraction of the human milk by the donors is a critical point to ensure an adequate microbiological safety. Therefore, knowing the bacterial flora that prevails in donated milk is essential to draw conclusions that can lead to taking measures in the management of the bank. Objectives: to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms in milk samples donated to the milk bank and how the bacterial flora behaves according to the profile of the donors and the donor milk circuits. Methods: the present work is a retrospective descriptive observational study that analyzes characteristics and the positive microbiological results within our milk bank samples from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. All milk bank donors voluntarily signed an informed consent that authorizes the use of data to investigation. (AU)

Control of non-conformities in the pre-analytical phase at the Bacteriology Laboratory of the Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat (Morocco).

INTRODUCTION: The errors in the pre-analytic phase are at the origin of 60 to 85% of the errors in the results proceeded from laboratory. AIM: To evaluate the impact of the pre-analytical phase on the received bacteriology samples received at the medical bacteriology laboratory of Ibn Sina UH in Rabat Morocco in order to propose corrective actions. METHODS: A descriptive and quantitative study of the non-conformities of the pre-analytical phase identified in the central laboratory of medical bacteriology of the Ibn Sina hospital in Rabat over a period of 6 months (from January 01 to July 01, 2020). It concerned samples from various clinical services and care units of Ibn Sina Hospital, as well as external samples. In order to act on these various dysfunctions, we used quality tools such as the Pareto chart and from Ishikawa. RESULTS: We counted 424 cases of pre-analytical NC on 14468 samples received to the Central Laboratory of Bacteriology or 2.93%. These are mainly errors of sample identification and patient identity (59.66%), quality and quantity of samples (25.02%) and problem of conditions of transport and packaging (15.32%). CONCLUSION: Its mastery requires firstly, a close collaboration between the various services, prescribers, samplers and biologists and secondly the respect of each stage of this phase by the hospital staff.

Bovine salpingitis: Histopathology, bacteriology, cytology and transcriptomic approaches and its impact on the oocyte competence.

The present study was performed to examine the histopathology, cytology, bacteriology and expression pattern of a targeted set of genes of cytokines in the oviduct of cows with inflammation (Experiment 1). In addition, the effects of oviductal fluid from cows with salpingitis on the oocyte maturation and fertilization in vitro were examined (Experiment 2). The most frequent bacterial co-infection was Escherichia coli and Fusobacterium necrophorum, which was always associated with severe histopathologic salpingitis. Out of 15 cows with histologically healthy uterus, only one cow (6.7%) displayed the histologic signs of mild salpingitis, whereas from 50 cows with endometritis, 48 cows (96%) showed histologically different grades of salpingitis. The mRNA expression of IL1ß, CD14, IL8 and CASP3 was significantly different among all groups of salpingitis (P < 0.05) with the highest level of mRNA expression in the sever grade of salpingitis. Results of experiment 2 showed a significant decline in the oocytes with peripheral free mitochondria and fertilization rate in the salpingitis group than the no- salpingitis group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that histologically detected salpingitis is in most cases associated with histologic and cytologic endometritis. The pattern of the gene expression of chemokines and cytokines was altered in association with different grades of salpingitis. Further, we observed a decline in the peripherally located mitochondria and lower fertilization rate in oocytes following addition of oviductal fluid collected from the cows with sapingitis to the maturation media.

Cultivo primario de Helicobacter pylori a partir de biopsias gástricas obtenidas por endoscopia / Primary culture of Helicobacter pylori from endoscopic gastric biopsies

Objetivo: Determinar la viabilidad del cultivo de la bacteria Helicobacter pylori en Costa Rica por medio de la documentación de toma de muestras, la comparación del diagnóstico histopatológico y la descripción de los diagnósticos asociados a los aislamientos obtenidos con los resultados de la ureasa rápida. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva que involucró a pacientes de entre los 35 y 70 años, de ambos sexos, que asistieron al Servicio de Endoscopia Digestiva del Hospital Clínica Bíblica entre febrero y junio del 2019 para estudio gastroscópico. Se obtuvieron biopsias gástricas para diagnóstico histopatológico, prueba de ureasa rápida y cultivo de Helicobacter pylori. Para este último, se transportaron las biopsias en un medio de transporte semisólido, se maceró el tejido y se cultivó enagar Skirrow y agar selectivo para Helicobacter; una placa de cada medio se incubó a 37 °C en microaerofilia entre 48 horas y 10 días. La positividad del cultivo se realizó por observación de la morfología colonial y la bacteria se identificó por análisis microscópico al fresco, tinción de Gram y pruebas bioquímicas (catalasa, ureasa y oxidasa). Resultados: Se incluyó a 44 pacientes (edad: 50.6 ± 10.0, 54.5% masculinos). Se recuperó Helicobacter pylori en biopsias de 27 pacientes (61.4% de éxito). La recuperación de la bacteria fue similar en el medio Skirrow y en el selectivo para Helicobacter. El porcentaje de éxito de recuperación semanal aumentó durante el estudio hasta alcanzar un éxito del 100% en la semana 11. Se comparó el cultivo con la ureasa rápida en 27 pacientes y la concordancia entre ambos métodos fue de un coeficiente kappa de Cohen de 0.48. El cultivo detectó la bacteria en un 56% de los pacientes, la ureasa rápida en un 37% y la combinación de ambas técnicas permitió la detección en un 60%. El diagnóstico endoscópico más frecuente en los pacientes con cultivo positivo fue la gastritis eritematosa y gastritis crónica superficial y el diagnóstico histopatológico predominante fue gastritis crónica con atrofia gástrica. El diagnóstico por cultivo coincidió con la detección por azul de toluidina en un 80.4% de los casos. Conclusiones: Se puede implementar el cultivo de Helicobacter pylori en Costa Rica. Este estudio tuvo un porcentaje de recuperación de la bacteria de 61.4%. La combinación del método de cultivo con la prueba de ureasa rápida y la detección histológica contribuye a un diagnóstico certero y oportuno. Recomendamos que, con base en protocolos descritos en esta investigación, cada laboratorio estandarice las condiciones que le permitan un buen porcentaje de recuperación y una implementación adaptada a sus actividades de rutina.

Aim: To document the recent experiences on the implementation of sampling and culturing Helicobacter pylori in Costa Rica, to compare it with other diagnostic methods: rapid urease test and histopathology and to describe the diagnoses associated with the obtained isolates. Methods: Descriptive research involving patients who visited the digestive endoscopy department of the Clínica Bíblica hospital in San José, Costa Rica between February and July of 2019 for gastroscopy. Gastric biopsies were obtained and histopathological analysis, rapid urease test, and bacteriological culture for Helicobacter pylori were performed. For culture techniques, the sample was transported in an in-house semi-solid medium. Biopsy fragments were macerated and plated on Skirrow agar and Helicobacterselective in-house agar, and incubated in microaerophilic atmosphere for 48 hours to 10 days. Culture positivity was determined by observation of the colonial morphology and microscopic observation; Gram staining and biochemical tests (urease, catalase, and oxidase) were used for bacterial identification. Results: 44 patients (mean aged 50.6 ± 10.0 years old, 54.5% male) were included in the study. Helicobacter pylori was recovered in biopsies from 27 patients (61.4% success rate). Bacterial growth was similar regardless the culture medium, but the physiological state of the bacteria was better in the Helicobacter-selective agar than in Skirrow. The weekly recovery rate increased to reach a 100% recovery plateau on week 11. Culture was compared with the rapid urease test in 27 patients, and the concordance between both methods using Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.48. Whilst the culture detected Helicobacter pylori in 56% of the patients, and the rapid urease test in 37%, the combination of both allowed a 60% rate. The most frequent endoscopic diagnosis in patients with positive cultures were erythematous gastritis and chronic superficial gastritis, and the predominant histopathological diagnosis was chronic atrophic gastritis. Culture-based diagnosis was consistent with the histopathology detection of Helicobacter pylori in 80.4% of the cases. Conclusions: The implementation of H. pylori culture in Costa Rica is possible. This study had a 61.4% recovery rate. The combination of culture with rapid urease test and histopathology increases the probability of an accurate and timely diagnosis. We recommend that, based on previously described protocols such as ours, each laboratory adjusts the conditions to allow a good recovery rate and implement H. pylori diagnostic methods most suitable to their routine activities.