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Background and Aim: Lactobacilli are known for their probiotic activities and potential to combat pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus strains isolated from various sources against pathogenic bacteria, to identify potential bacteriocin producers. Materials and Methods: A total of 140 samples were collected from different sources. Samples were cultured on selective media such as MRS and SL agar for isolation of Lactobacillus spp. under anaerobic conditions. The suspected bacteria appeared Gram-positive, diploid bacilli or coccobacilli. The isolates were subjected to various biochemical tests such as catalase, and oxidase, also hydrolysis test was done by growing on MRS containing 1% calcium carbonate. The antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin was screened by using three methodsincluding (Agar-plug diffusion method, Filter paper disc method, and agar-wells diffusion method). Molecular identification of the best bacteriocin producer was achieved using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: The study found that L. helveticus DF isolated from feces exhibited the highest bacteriocin production efficiency. Concentrated bacteriocin from L. helveticus DF demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria, with 80 AU/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 40 AU/ml against Enterococcus faecalis. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of Lactobacillus bacteriocins as effective antibacterial agents, offering a promising alternative to combat antibiotic resistance. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and assess the safety and efficacy of bacteriocins for their use as bio-therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rapid increase in the world population might lead to the need for new food resources. Ostrich meat remains an exotic food product, although it is characterized by high nutritional value. However, to secure food safety, good monitoring and control programs have to be implemented. Furthermore, standard data concerning the general microbiological status of meat, its evolution in time, and aspects influencing the different parameters have to be assessed in order to provide current information. Thus, production, slaughter, and processing procedures may be improved. For this purpose, the microbiological status, prevalence of zoonotic pathogens, and presence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms were assessed. The results will provide baseline data that can be used for future official specific hygiene control procedures and monitoring programs for producing ostrich meat. Ostrich meat is characterized by high nutritional value; however, it remains an exotic product in most countries worldwide. In Europe, only few data are available regarding its microbial contamination, prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and safety. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the microbiological quality and safety of ostrich meat samples (n = 55), each from one animal, produced in Bavaria, Germany. The provided microbiological status of ostrich meat included mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteria, and mesophilic yeast and molds. In terms of food safety, all meat samples were negative for Salmonella spp. and Trichinella spp. Additionally, meat samples and a further 30 stool samples from 30 individuals were investigated for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli genes, with two meat samples that were qPCR-positive. Antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium strains were from meat and stool samples also analyzed; 13 potentially resistant Enterobacteriaceae (meat samples) and 4 Enterococcus faecium (stool samples) were isolated, and their susceptibility against 29 and 14 antimicrobials, respectively, was characterized. The results of this study provide an overview of microbial loads and food safety aspects that may be used as baseline data for the ostrich meat industry to improve their hygienic quality. However, the implementation of monitoring programs is recommended, and microbiological standards for ostrich meat production should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the practicability of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in adults in terms of marginal adaptation of restorations and microbiological changes in residual carious dentin. Materials and methods: The occlusal dentin caries of 25 permanent molar teeth were removed with hand instruments. The total counts of bacteria (TCB) and the facultative anaerobic bacteria (FAB), mutans streptococci (MS), and Lactobacillus spp. (LB) counts in the affected dentin were evaluated quantitatively. The weights of the samples were measured with an electronic balance (Shimadzu, Type AX200, Japan). The cavities were restored with glass ionomer cement (KetacTM Molar Easymix, ESPE Dental AG, Seefeld, Germany). Twenty replicas of randomly selected ART restorations were prepared and marginal adaptation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 6 months, the same protocols were repeated. Data were analyzed with paired sample t-tests, Wilcoxon t-tests, Pearson and Spearman correlations, and chi-square tests (p<0.05). Results: In the sixth month, restoration loss and pulpitis were not observed. The mean weight of samples removed from the cavity floor was less than the baseline (0.014±0.009 and 0.023±0.013 g, respectively) (p<0.01), and the counts of total bacteria, FAB, MS, and LB significantly decreased compared to baseline (p<0.01). The frequency of marginal gaps was increased (p< 0.01). Conclusions: ART showed that the counts of microorganisms decreased after 6 months although the marginal gap rates of restorations increased. Clinical relevance: ART can be a reliable treatment approach in adults for 6 months due to the decrease in microorganism counts, although gaps exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for close contacts of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases is recommended in most countries to avoid secondary cases by eradicating supposed meningococcal colonization. Currently, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone are recommended in many countries including Germany. Azithromycin has been shown to eradicate meningococcal colonization.Objectives: To assess the azithromycin susceptibility of invasive Neisseria meningitidis isolates.Methods: A subset of German invasive meningococcal isolates from 2006-18 was selected for this study. Azithromycin MIC was determined using broth microdilution and agar gradient diffusion.Results: Azithromycin MICs as determined by broth microdilution ranged from <0.003 to 2 mg/L (median 0.50 mg/L, Q75 1 mg/L). All isolates were susceptible to azithromycin according to the CLSI breakpoint (95% CI 0.0%-1.5%). There was no significant correlation between MICs determined by broth microdilution and agar gradient diffusion. Nevertheless, the two methods were consistent regarding the categorization of all isolates as susceptible.Conclusions: Azithromycin is an eligible antibiotic for PEP of IMD close contacts. It is approved for adults as well as children and may even be used in pregnancy. Because of easier application and lower toxicity, it might be an alternative to rifampicin and ciprofloxacin, as we found no resistant isolates. Since a gonococcal gene associated with elevated azithromycin MICs has been reported in N. meningitidis, careful monitoring of the emergence of resistant strains is nevertheless necessary for meningococci. Lack of concordance of MICs between broth microdilution and agar gradient diffusion needs to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare, genetic disorder which involves the overproduction of endogenous oxalate, leading to hyperoxaluria, recurrent urolithiasis and/or progressive nephrocalcinosis and eventually resulting in kidney failure and systemic oxalosis. The aim of this trial was to investigate whether treatment involving an oxalate-metabolising bacterium ( Oxalobacter formigenes) could reduce urinary oxalate excretion in PH patients. Methods: The efficacy and safety of O. formigenes (Oxabact® OC5; OxThera AB, Stockholm, Sweden) was evaluated in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study for 8 weeks. The primary objective was reduction in urinary oxalate excretion (Uox). Secondary objectives included faecal O. formigenes count and decrease in plasma oxalate concentration (Pox). Results: Twenty-eight patients randomised 1:1 to the treatment group (OC5) or the placebo group completed the study. After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in the change in Uox (mmol/24 h/1.73 m) between the groups (OC5: +0.042, placebo: −0.140). Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant increase in Uox per urinary creatinine excretion in the OC5 group (OC5: +5.41, placebo: −15.96; p = 0.030). Change in Pox from baseline was not significantly different between groups ( p = 0.438). The O. formigenes cell count was significantly increased in OC5-treated patients ( p < 0.001) versus placebo. The treatment response to O. formigenes was related to individual stage of kidney deterioration, and Pox was directly correlated to kidney function, even for early-stage patients (chronic kidney disease stage 1). No safety issues were observed. Conclusions: Treatment with OC5 did not significantly reduce Uox or Pox over 8 weeks of treatment. The treatment was well tolerated and successfully delivered to the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Characterization of Proteus mirabilis isolates harbouring bla OXA-58 with emphasis on the genetic environment of this resistance determinant.Methods: Strains of P. mirabilis ( n  =   37) isolated from different patients were tested for the presence of bla OXA-58 . The genetic context of bla OXA-58 was determined by WGS of two strains and Sanger sequencing. Clonality of the strains was assessed by PFGE. Susceptibility testing was performed by microdilution according to EUCAST.Results: Four strains isolated in different geographical regions of Germany were positive for bla OXA-58 , and WGS showed that this resistance gene was harboured on a plasmid. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of two nearly identical plasmids, 6219 and 6208 bp in size, in all four strains. Upstream of bla OXA-58 an IS Aba 3-like transposase gene was located. The P. mirabilis strains were not clonally related according to PFGE. MICs of meropenem for three of the strains were only just above the EUCAST breakpoint and the Carba NP test was positive for only two of the strains.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first description of bla OXA-58 in the species P. mirabilis . The resistance gene is harboured by almost identical plasmids in strains not clonally related and from different geographical regions. Apart from an IS Aba 3-like transposase gene upstream of bla OXA-58 the genetic context is different from bla OXA-58 harboured on plasmids in the genus Acinetobacter . With MICs of meropenem well below the EUCAST breakpoint or only just above it and equivocal or false negative results from the Carba NP test, bla OXA-58 can be easily overlooked in P. mirabilis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The former uranium mine Königstein (Saxony, Germany) is currently in the process of remediation by means of controlled underground flooding. Nevertheless, the flooding water has to be cleaned up by a conventional wastewater treatment plant. In this study, the uranium(VI) removal and tolerance mechanisms of the gram-negative betaproteobacterium Acidovorax facilis were investigated by a multidisciplinary approach combining wet chemistry, flow cytometry, and microscopy. The kinetics of uranium removal and the corresponding mechanisms were investigated. The results showed a biphasic process of uranium removal characterized by a first phase where 95% of uranium was removed within the first 8 h followed by a second phase that reached equilibrium after 24 h. The bacterial cells displayed a total uranium removal capacity of 130 mg U/g dry biomass. The removal of uranium was also temperature-dependent, indicating that metabolic activity heavily influenced bacterial interactions with uranium. TEM analyses showed biosorption on the cell surface and intracellular accumulation of uranium. Uranium tolerance tests showed that A. facilis was able to withstand concentrations up to 0.1 mM. This work demonstrates that A. facilis is a suitable candidate for in situ bioremediation of flooding water in Königstein as well as for other contaminated waste waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Footrot is an infectious hoof disease in sheep, caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus. The antigentic variation of the fimbrial proteins resulted in the description of up to ten serogroups (A–I and M). Vaccines against footrot target these fimbrial variants. Commercial vaccines are covering nine serogroups but have low efficacy compared to vaccines based on two serogroups. Therefore, our study investigated the prevalence and distribution of the nine serogroups A–I in German sheep flocks with the aim to detect the predominant serogroups guiding optimized vaccines based on two serogroups. Serogroup A was most common in our study, followed by serogroups B, H and C. More than one-third of the animals showed more than one serogroup. In flocks, we found, on average, 3.10 serogroups in a range of one to six. The nine serogroups were widely distributed across the flocks, with 50 different combinations across the 83 flocks investigated. The lack of two predominant serogroups in Germany impairs the nationwide protection against footrot by the usage of more efficient vaccines based on two serogroups and requires tailor-made flock-specific vaccines. Footrot is one of the major causes of lameness in sheep and leads to decreased animal welfare and high economic losses. The causative agent is the Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus. The prevalence of D. nodosus in 207 sheep flocks across Germany was 42.9%. Based on the sequence variation in the type IV fimbrial gene fimA, D. nodosus can be subdivided into ten serogroups (A–I and M). There are commercially available vaccines covering nine serogroups, but the efficacy is low compared to bivalent vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of serogroups in Germany at the flock and animal levels. In total, we detected at least one serogroup in 819 samples out of 969 D. nodosus-positive samples from 83 flocks using serogroup-specific singleplex PCR for the serogroups A–I. Serogroup A was most prevalent at the animal level, followed by serogroups B, H and C. At the flock level, serogroups A and B had the highest prevalence, each with 64%, but only 40% of flocks had both. The average number of serogroups per animal was 1.42 (range one to five) and, per flock, 3.10 (range one to six). The serogrouping showed within-flock specific clusters but were widely distributed, with 50 different combinations across the flocks. The factors associated with the number of serogroups per animal and single serogroups were the load of D. nodosus, footrot score, sheep breed and flock. Our results indicate that efficient vaccination programs would benefit from tailor-made flock-specific vaccines and regular monitoring of circulating serotypes in the flock to be able to adjust vaccine formulations for nationwide progressive control of footrot in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The presence of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs (AAPs) has been repeatedly reported from various marine environments, but their distribution in freshwater lakes was neglected until recently. We investigated the phylogenetic composition of AAP communities in 10 lakes in Northeastern Germany with different trophic status including oligotrophic Lake Stechlin and humic matter rich Lake Grosse Fuchskuhle. The AAP community was composed by members of Alpha- and Betaproteobacteria, but their contribution varied largely among the studied lakes. Our results show that AAP community composition in the studied lakes was affected mostly by pH and humic matter content. While alkaline lakes were mostly composed of Betaproteobacteria, the acidic and humic matter rich south-west (SW) basin of Lake Grosse Fuchskule was dominated (87%) by Alphaproteobacteria. The most frequent group within Betaproteobacteria was a cluster of pufM genes which was phylogenetically related to Rhodoferax representing 38.5% of all retrieved sequences. Alphaproteobacteria-related sequences had a broader phylogenetic diversity including six different taxa dominated by Sphingomonas- and Rhodobacter-like bacteria in lakes with alkaline to neutral pH. In the acidic and humic matter-rich SW basin of Lake Grosse Fuchskuhle, however, Methylobacterium-related sequences dominated the AAP community. We suggest that the variable AAP community structure might reflect the potential of these bacteria to cope with the contrasting conditions in freshwater environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the susceptibility of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria of the family Bacteroidaceae from hospitalized patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) to moxifloxacin and other antimicrobial agents with known activity against anaerobes. Methods Four hundred and thirty anaerobic bacterial isolates of the family Bacteroidaceae obtained from patients with IAIs were collected from 32 centres in Germany in 2007. MICs were determined using microbroth dilution for the following antimicrobials: ampicillin/sulbactam; ertapenem; meropenem; levofloxacin; moxifloxacin; clindamycin; and metronidazole. EUCAST and CLSI guidelines (for moxifloxacin) were used for interpretation. Results Overall, metronidazole exhibited the lowest resistance rates against the study isolates (four isolates, 0.9%), while the resistance rate was 4.9% for ampicillin/sulbactam, 5.3% for ertapenem and 4.9% for meropenem. Moxifloxacin showed good activity against most Bacteroides species. Resistance rates ranged between 10% and 22% for the various species except Bacteroides vulgatus, with 59% of isolates being resistant. Clindamycin had only poor activity, with 9%–56% of Bacteroides isolates being resistant. Conclusions Resistance among Bacteroides spp. involved in IAIs to antimicrobials with known activity against anaerobes does occur and the resistance rate observed for the carbapenems is a cause of concern. These data emphasize the need not only for periodic monitoring of the susceptibility of anaerobic pathogens to guide empirical treatment but also for species identification and susceptibility testing in selected patients with severe infections involving anaerobic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

16S ribosomal RNA gene clone libraries were generated to assess the prokaryotic diversity within a laminated tufa stromatolite core, obtained from the hardwater rivulet Westerhofer Bach, Lower Saxony, Germany. Libraries were obtained from the biofilm and six tufa layers, each about 4 to 8 mm thick and 2,351 partial sequences were analyzed. Cyanobacteria and other aerobic organisms dominated the 500 μ m thick biofilm and the first layer, represented by 112 and 154 phylotypes, respectively. DGGE and UniFrac analyses revealed that these two layers were clearly separated from the deeper layers which showed a higher diversity than the tufa surface with less than 350 phylotypes. The species richness of deeper layers was dominated by a broad range of phyla, predominantly of acidobacterial, bacteroidetes and alpha-, beta- and gammaproteobacterial phylotypes. In total, sequences belonging to 26 phyla were detected. Sequences related to anaerobes, including photosynthetic Proteobacteria, are present in low numbers in the deeper layers but their metabolic activities in the dark and water-aerated core remain unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest part of the Earth's microbial biomass is stored in cold environments, which represent almost untapped reservoirs of novel species, processes, and genes. In this study, the first metagenomic survey of the metabolic potential and phylogenetic diversity of a microbial assemblage present in glacial ice is presented. DNA was isolated from glacial ice of the Northern Schneeferner, Germany. Pyrosequencing of this DNA yielded 1,076,539 reads (239.7 Mbp). The phylogenetic composition of the prokaryotic community was assessed by evaluation of a pyrosequencing-derived data set and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The Proteobacteria (mainly Betaproteobacteria), Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the predominant phylogenetic groups. In addition, isolation of psychrophilic microorganisms was performed, and 13 different bacterial isolates were recovered. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates revealed that all were affiliated to the predominant groups. As expected for microorganisms residing in a low-nutrient environment, a high metabolic versatility with respect to degradation of organic substrates was detected by analysis of the pyrosequencing-derived data set. The presence of autotrophic microorganisms was indicated by identification of genes typical for different ways of carbon fixation. In accordance with the results of the phylogenetic studies, in which mainly aerobic and facultative aerobic bacteria were detected, genes typical for central metabolism of aerobes were found. Nevertheless, the capability of growth under anaerobic conditions was indicated by genes involved in dissimilatory nitrate/nitrite reduction. Numerous characteristics for metabolic adaptations associated with a psychrophilic lifestyle, such as formation of cryoprotectants and maintenance of membrane fluidity by the incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids, were detected. Thus, analysis of the glacial metagenome provided insights into the microbial life in frozen habitats on Earth, thereby possibly shedding light onto microbial life in analogous extraterrestrial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundances and activities of aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) were compared in depth profiles of littoral and profundal sediments of Lake Constance, Germany. Abundances were determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the pmoA gene and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and data were compared to methane oxidation rates calculated from high-resolution concentration profiles. qPCR using type I MOB-specific pmoA primers indicated that type I MOB represented a major proportion in both sediments at all depths. FISH indicated that in both sediments, type I MOB outnumbered type II MOB at least fourfold. Results obtained with both techniques indicated that in the littoral sediment, the highest numbers of methanotrophs were found at a depth of 2 to 3 cm, corresponding to the zone of highest methane oxidation activity, although no oxygen could be detected in this zone. In the profundal sediment, highest methane oxidation activities were found at a depth of 1 to 2 cm, while MOB abundance decreased gradually with sediment depth. In both sediments, MOB were also present at high numbers in deeper sediment layers where no methane oxidation activity could be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During September–November 2014, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) was notified of five New York state residents who had tested seropositive for Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. All five patients had symptoms compatible with Q fever (e.g., fever, fatigue, chills, and headache) and a history of travel to Germany to receive a medical treatment called "live cell therapy" (sometimes called "fresh cell therapy") in May 2014. Live cell therapy is the practice of injecting processed cells from organs or fetuses of nonhuman animals (e.g., sheep) into human recipients. It is advertised to treat a variety of health conditions. This practice is unavailable in the United States; however, persons can travel to foreign locations to receive injections. Local health departments interviewed the patients, and NYSDOH notified CDC and posted a report on CDC’s Epidemic Information Exchange to solicit additional cases. Clinical and exposure information for each patient was reported to the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, which forwarded the information to local health authorities. A Canada resident who also received live cell therapy in May 2014 was diagnosed with Q fever in July 2014. Clinicians should be aware of health risks, such as Q fever and other zoonotic diseases, among patients with a history of receiving treatment with live cell therapy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 24 bacterial strains, including 15 facultative anaerobes and 9 strictly anaerobic sulfate reducers, were isolated under anoxic conditions from an intertidal mudflat of the northwest German coast and analysed for temperature-induced changes in their whole cell fatty acid (FA) patterns. The strains represented 10 different genera within the Alpha, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon subgroups of the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. The strains differed with respect to variation in FA patterns with changing growth temperature. For most strains, decreasing growth temperature resulted in an increase in monounsaturated FAs and a decrease in saturated straight chain FAs, as expected from literature data. Often these changes did not occur gradually over the whole temperature range. Changes in branched FAs, reported to be involved in adaptation to low temperature, increased with decreasing temperature in Bacillus and Shewanella spp., whereas in Desulfovibrio spp. an opposite effect was observed. Only minor changes in chain length or in the ratio of anteiso to iso FAs were observed in the entire set of isolates. Surprisingly, several strains did not show any change at all in FA pattern over the temperature range tested (10–30 °C). Moreover, significant differences in the way the isolates adjusted membrane fluidity to changing temperature were not only found between members of different phyla, but also among strains of a single genus (e.g. Shewanella and Desulfovibrio). The results therefore indicate that there is no unequivocal way as to how bacteria change their membrane FA composition in response to changing temperature and that it is virtually impossible to predict potential changes. Consequently, using the FA composition for taxonomic resolution is problematical. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Over the last 20 years, a number of medical innovations with impact on the incidence of bacterial and fungal bloodstream infections (BSIs) in children have been developed and implemented. Although appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy is a prerequisite to the successful treatment of BSIs, to date, epidemiological data on long-term microbiological trends in BSIs of hospitalized children have not been available.Methods: Two cohorts of pediatric patients who were hospitalized in a single-center tertiary care hospital in Germany over a 20-year time span (period A from 1985 to 1995 vs. period B from 1997 to 2006) were retrospectively analyzed and compared with respect to the epidemiology and microbiology of BSIs.Results: A total of 1,646 cases of monomicrobial BSIs were detected. The rate of positive blood culture results dropped from 4.5% in period A to 2.0% in period B. The proportion of gram-positive vs. gram-negative pathogens recovered from blood cultures remained stable. Among gram-positive pathogens, an increase in enterococci (3.3% vs. 8.2%) and in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (22.9 vs. 28.2%) was observed. In contrast, BSIs caused by Staphylococcus aureus (16.4% vs. 11.7%), Streptococcus agalactiae (4.9% vs. 2.1%), Haemophilus influenzae (7.3% vs. 0.7%), and Neisseria meningitidis (1.9% vs. 0.5%) diminished. In analyzing subgroups, an increase of enterococcal and CoNS infections was noted among patients with immunosuppression and neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS), while a decrease was found among late-onset sepsis (LOS) cases with S. viridans. Notably, aminopenicillin-resistant enterococci and aminopenicillin- and fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae all increased over time, while the overall resistance pattern was still favorable. The overall mortality rate of BSIs decreased (5.2% vs. 2.6%).Conclusions: Over the 20-year study period, the spectrum of specific microorganisms among BSIs shifted, with opportunistic pathogens becoming predominant. Despite an increase in the proportion of antibiotic-resistant organisms, however, the mortality rate decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the potential for blood cell concentrates (BCCs) from pigs as an ingredient in food. Sausages were made for this study according to a basic recipe for a type of blood sausage that is common in Germany. First, sausages were produced with rind and kettle broth only, and different amounts (2.5 to 31%) of standardized blood cell concentrate (s-BCC) were added (15% table salt [NaCl] and 25% protein content). Then, sausages were made with whole blood and compared with s-BCC sausages; both the BCC and blood had been pretreated either with NaCl or curing salt (nitrite). The impact of BCC and blood on the color (La*b*) of these rind sausages was determined. Finally, blood sausages were made with 12% s-BCC and either natural spices or spice extracts. These sausages were investigated microbiologically and compared to customary commercial blood sausage products (with whole blood) in terms of aerobic plate count (APC), Enterobacteriaceae, sulfite-reducing anaerobic bacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and spore-forming bacilli. The de- sired color parameters (L, 34.5; a*, 17.8; and b*, 10.6) were obtained with the addition of about 12% s-BCC. Curing the blood or BCC beforehand had no significant (P > 0.05) influence on the color. The microbial counts of both the blood (APC, 4.4 log CFU/g) and the natural spices (APC, 6.6 log CFU/g) were relatively high. The spices were responsible for the relatively high microbial counts in the sausages, particularly the bacilli (6.4 log CFU/g). However, these counts were comparable to those found in commercial blood sausages. The bacteria introduced into the sausage by the blood had no significant impact on the bacterial counts of the end product. The bacterial loads of the sausages produced with 12% s-BCC and spice extracts were significantly lower (APC and bacilli, 2.0 log CFU/g) than those of the other blood sausages (APC, ∼4.4 log CFU/g; bacilli, 3.2 to 4.0 log CFU/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three pig abattoirs in northeastern Germany were visited for examination of flexible plastic doors at the access to the chilling room. Swabs were taken from the front and back of the doors and were examined for aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. The aerobic plate count was within the range of 1.2 to 4.1 log CFU/cm² on the front. On the back, between 0.9 and 3.5 log CFU/cm² were obtained. In all three abattoirs, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, and Campylobacter were detected. The highest contamination was found at the bottom of the door wings. Transfer of pathogens via contact of carcasses and doors must be considered possible. As a consequence, this contact surface should be integrated into the control program of cleaning and disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives National guidelines for monitoring the bacterial contamination rate of blood components were introduced in Germany in 1997. The objective of this study was to present and evaluate the results of sterility testing of platelet concentrates (PCs) prepared by different methods. Materials and Methods The analysis of results of sterility testing of blood component production from transfusion medicine centres in Germany in 1998 and 2001 was based on information collected using standardized questionnaires. Results The bacterial contamination rates for single-donor PCs derived from whole blood and apheresis (0·210% vs. 0·156%) were comparable and showed no significant difference. However, pooled PCs produced from four buffy coats using the sterile docking procedure showed a significantly higher bacterial contamination rate compared with single-donor PCs derived from whole blood and apheresis (0·184% vs. 0·604%). Conclusions Use of standardized methods for sterility monitoring is sufficient to assess collection and production processes in terms of hygiene and yields reliable data on bacterial contamination rates of blood components. The methods described are suitable for using to analyse the efficiency of newly introduced methods to reduce bacterial contamination rates of blood components (e.g. diversion, bacteria screening and pathogen inactivation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• At the EUCAST susceptibility breakpoint of ≤ 2 mg/L, cefiderocol inhibited 97.2% of 213 randomly selected isolates from intensive care patients with nosocomial infections (set I) and 52 of 59 (88.1%) selected carbapenemase-producing isolates (set II). • Cefiderocol showed potent in vitro activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (highest MIC, 0.25 mg/L). • Cefiderocol also showed good activity against Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , with about one third of carbapenemase-producing strains of each group requiring concentrations of > 1 mg/L for inhibition. • Among the Enterobacterales, ESBL-positive isolates were less susceptible to cefiderocol than ESBL-negative isolates. • Overall, cefiderocol inhibited 259/272 (95.2%) Gram-negative bacilli at ≤ 2 mg/L. Objectives: Cefiderocol (CID), also known as S-649266, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, possesses potent activity against multidrug-resistant aerobic Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). This study aimed to determine the in vitro activity of CID against two different sets of GNB: i) a random sample of 213 clinical isolates, including 17 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers, obtained from intensive care unit patients with nosocomial infections collected during a multicentre surveillance study (set I); and ii) a group of 59 challenge GNB producing various types of carbapenemases (CP; set II). Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the microdilution method according to the standard ISO 20776-1. Iron-depleted medium was used for testing CID. Results: CID inhibited 97.2% of set I isolates at the EUCAST susceptibility breakpoint of ≤ 2 mg/L. The concentrations of CID inhibiting 50% and 90% (MIC 50/90) of the Enterobacterales isolates (n = 146) were 0.12/1.0 mg/L, with ESBL-positive isolates tending to exhibit higher MICs than ESBL-negative isolates to CID. MIC 50/90 values of CID for isolates of the Acinetobacter baumannii group (n = 13) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 54) were 0.06/0.12 mg/L and 0.12/0.5 mg/L, respectively. Further, CID inhibited 88.1% of set II CP-producing isolates at ≤ 2 mg/L. All seven class D CP-producing Acinetobacter baumannii were inhibited at ≤ 0.25 mg/L. MIC 50/90 values for CP-producing Enterobacterales (n = 30) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 22) were 1/4 mg/L and 0.5/2 mg/L, respectively. Conclusion: CID showed potent activity against Acinetobacter baumannii , Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , including CP-producing isolates. Overall, CID inhibited 259 of 272 (95.2%) GNB at ≤ 2 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achromobacter xylosoxidans (AX) is known for intrinsic resistance to disinfectants. Our laboratory routine surveillance system detected an unexpected rise in AX bloodstream infections in a 2200-bed hospital. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to find the source and disrupt further transmission.Methods: Outbreak cases were defined as patients with at least one positive blood culture positive for AX from May 2014 to May 2015. Medical records were reviewed, affected wards, as well as the microbiology laboratory were audited. Additionally, microbiologic culture and biofilm staining for suspected antiseptic reusable tissue dispensers were performed, and isolated AX strains were typed using RAPD PCR and PFGE.Results: During the outbreak period, AX were isolated from blood cultures from 26 patients. The retrospective cohort study did not reveal common risk factors. The clinical features of the case patients suggested a pseudobacteremia. The reusable tissue dispensers containing Incidin® Plus solution product were found to be contaminated with biofilm-forming AX. Typing of the isolates revealed that blood culture isolates were identical with the strains found in the dispensers.Conclusions: After changing the usage of the product to single-use and educating staff, the outbreak was terminated. Contamination of dispensers occurred due to insufficient reprocessing, since biofilm disrupting steps were not included in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the genome sequence of Fibrisoma limi strain BUZ 3, a Gram-negative bacterium, isolated from coastal mud from the North Sea in Germany. The genome of the bacterium was sequenced at the Functional Genomics Center Zurich in Germany. The final genome sequence of the bacterium consists of 11 scaffolded contigs which represent the chromosome, a large plastmid, and two small plasmids.