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The study of how micro-organisms detect and respond to different stresses has a long history of producing fundamental biological insights while being simultaneously of significance in many applied microbiological fields including infection, food and drink manufacture, and industrial and environmental biotechnology. This is well-illustrated by the large body of work on acid stress. Numerous different methods have been used to understand the impacts of low pH on growth and survival of micro-organisms, ranging from studies of single cells to large and heterogeneous populations, from the molecular or biophysical to the computational, and from well-understood model organisms to poorly defined and complex microbial consortia. Much is to be gained from an increased general awareness of these methods, and so the present review looks at examples of the different methods that have been used to study acid resistance, acid tolerance, and acid stress responses, and the insights they can lead to, as well as some of the problems involved in using them. We hope this will be of interest both within and well beyond the acid stress research community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Understanding transmission pathways of important opportunistic, drug-resistant pathogens, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, is essential to implementing targeted prevention strategies to interrupt transmission and reduce the number of infections. To link transmission of ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) between two sources, single-nucleotide resolution of E. coli strains, as well as E. coli diversity within and between samples, is required. However, the microbiological methods to best track these pathogens are unclear. Here, we compared different steps in the microbiological workflow to determine the impact different pre-enrichment broths, pre-enrichment incubation times, selection in pre-enrichment, selective plating, and DNA extraction methods had on recovering ESBL-EC from human stool samples, with the aim to acquire high-quality DNA for sequencing and genomic epidemiology. We demonstrate that using a 4-h pre-enrichment in Buffered Peptone Water, plating on cefotaxime-supplemented MacConkey agar and extracting DNA using Lucigen MasterPure DNA Purification kit improves the recovery of ESBL-EC from human stool and produced high-quality DNA for whole-genome sequencing. We conclude that our optimized workflow can be applied for single-nucleotide variant analysis of an ESBL-EC from stool.IMPORTANCEDrug-resistant infections are increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. Preventing infections is thus highly beneficial. To do this, we need to understand how drug-resistant bacteria spread to take action to stop infection and transmission. This requires us to accurately trace these bacteria between different sources. In this study, we compared different laboratory methods to see which worked best for detecting extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract or bloodstream infections, from human stool samples. We found that enriching stool in a nutrient broth for 4 h, then plating the bacterial suspension on antibiotic-selective MacConkey agar, and finally extracting DNA from the bacteria using a specific DNA purification kit resulted in improved recovery of ESBL E. coli and high-quality DNA. Sequencing multiple isolates from stool allowed us to distinguish unambiguously and at high resolution between different variants of ESBL E. coli present in stool.

The main identification tasks of the commodity expertise of natural honey are to establish its authenticity, quality and assessment of compliance with the requirements of standards. To achieve these objectives, experts conduct a number of analyses and determinations, including determining the authenticity of honey, determining the botanical and geographical origin of honey, determining the composition and quality, determining compliance with quality standards, and determining the content of impurities and antioxidants. By carrying out these identification tasks, the examination helps ensure quality and safety of honey on the market and protects consumer rights. Defects in honey can occur for a variety of reasons and are usually the result of deficiencies in honey production, storage or transportation. The scientific article describes the peculiarities of classification of natural honey during forensic commodity examination, reveals the methodological aspects of forensic commodity examination of honey, identifies theoretical and practical problems of commodity research of honey, reveals the commodity characteristics of honey and its defects, instrumental methods of honey examination, in particular gas and liquid chromatography, spectroscopy, solid-phase microextraction, describes the main microbiological methods that can be used in the study of honey, offers a systematisation of information data on the peculiarities of forensic examination of honey with regard to its characteristic defects. The stages of conducting a forensic commodity examination of honey are presented. Recommendations regarding honey quality assessment for expert organizations and consumers are given.

Disinfectants play a crucial role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and spore-forming organisms. Bacteria and spores can persist on surfaces and in the environment for extended periods, posing a significant risk to public health. Disinfectants are designed to inactivate or kill these microorganisms by disrupting their cellular structures and functions. Effective disinfectants are essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in hospitals, laboratories, food processing facilities, and other settings where the risk of contamination is high.This study evaluated the effectiveness of a disinfectant called “MultiDez” on Y.pestis bacteria and Bacillus anthracis spores using microbiological and electron microscopic methods. Results showed that after exposure to a 0.5 % solution of the disinfectant, the death of all Y.pestis bacteria was achieved after 90 min, while the death of Bacillus anthracis spores was achieved after 240 min. Electron microscopy revealed that the disinfectant caused complete destruction of both bacterial cells and spores by enveloping their outer surfaces with polymer molecules, disrupting the structure and function of their membranes, and destroying their cytoplasm and nucleode. The mechanism of action of the disinfectant on bacteria and spores involved different processes, with the disinfectant causing rapid hydration of dehydrated spores and blocking the functions of spore membranes in the case of bacterial spores.

9.4 million People have swallowing problems in the US. In special needs populations, routine oral hygiene procedures such as tooth brushing can result in aspiration of microbial laden fluids leading to a significant systemic challenge. Aspiration may lead to pneumonia in susceptible populations. These circumstances indicate the need for innovative approaches to oral hygiene for special needs, convalescent, the elderly populations, and young children learning to brush who can ingest excess fluoride which causes mottled enamel. Methods include describing some of the design considerations of the new prototype fabrication and microbiological evaluation of this new device, as well a comparison study of the versions 2 and 3 of the oral care device. Results concluded that version 3.0 regarding patient ease of use was better in comparison to version 2, which was the major difference, and 90% in both groups said they would recommend the new toothbrush. In the microbiological evaluation no growth was seen on any plates containing samples from either the experimental or the control after 48 h of incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

9.4 million People have swallowing problems in the US. In special needs populations, routine oral hygiene procedures such as tooth brushing can result in aspiration of microbial laden fluids leading to a significant systemic challenge. Aspiration may lead to pneumonia in susceptible populations. These circumstances indicate the need for innovative approaches to oral hygiene for special needs, convalescent, the elderly populations, and young children learning to brush who can ingest excess fluoride which causes mottled enamel. Methods include describing some of the design considerations of the new prototype fabrication and microbiological evaluation of this new device, as well a comparison study of the versions 2 and 3 of the oral care device. Results concluded that version 3.0 regarding patient ease of use was better in comparison to version 2, which was the major difference, and 90% in both groups said they would recommend the new toothbrush. In the microbiological evaluation no growth was seen on any plates containing samples from either the experimental or the control after 48 h of incubation.

Background: Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina and vulva. Infection can result in discharge, itching and pain. The present study was conducted to assess vaginal infections in pregnant women. Materials & Methods: 76 pregnant women reporting to Obstetric & Gynaecology department for vaginal infection. A detailed obstetric examination was carried out as well. Per speculum examination was carried out and the vaginal mucosa was inspected for the presence of erythema, lesions, and discharge. Vaginal and cervical swabs samples were obtained and sent to microbiology laboratory. Results: There were 10 in first trimester, 26 in second and 40 in third trimester. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Clue cells in wet mount was positive in 8 and negative in 68, Nugent's score >7 was positive in 12 and negative in 64. Amsel's criteria was positive in 14 and negative in 62. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Gram's stain was positive in 5 and negative in 71 and culture was positive in 11 and negative in 65. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis was seen in 14 and candidiasis in 11 cases. Diagnosis of vaginal infections was done using both clinical and microbiological methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents future trends in research using microbiological methods to intensify bioprocesses for biogas production. The pretreatment by combinations of physical and chemical methods, such as cavitation and electrolysis, is considered. The approach of the article involved reviewing the residual area on the intensification technologies of anaerobic digestion with current methods to improve the quality and quantity of biogas. The most valuable reported positive results of the pretreatment of biological raw materials in the cavitation process were reviewed and are presented here. A model of the effect of electrolysis on the species diversity of bacteria in anaerobic digestion was developed, and changes in the dominance of the ecological and trophic systems were revealed on the basis of previous studies. The stimulating effect on biogas yield, reduction in the stabilization period of the reactor, and inactivation of microorganisms at lower temperatures is associated with different pretreatment methods that intensify anaerobic digestion. More research is recommended to focus on the electrolysis treatment of different types of waste and their ratios with optimization of regime parameters, as well as in combination with other pretreatments to produce biomethane and biohydrogen in larger quantities and in better qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with infectious endocarditis are limited by the high frequency of cases with an unknown etiology and imperfection of microbiological (cultural) methods. To overcome these problems new approaches to the identification of infectious endocarditis pathogens were introduced, which allowed achieving certain positive results. However, it should be noted that despite the wide variety of diagnostic tools currently used, there is no ideal method for etiological laboratory diagnosis of infectious endocarditis. The article discusses the features and place of immunochemical, molecular biological (MALDI-TOF MS, real-time PCR, sequencing, in situ fluorescence hybridization, metagenomic methods, etc.), immunohistochemical methods, and their advantages and limitations.

The Wumaying Fault Zone is located in the northeast of the Dengmingsi Fault Tectonic Zone in China. A large number of faults are developed in this area, most of them are distributed in nearly east-west and north-east directions, and a few are distributed along the northwest or north-south direction. In this study, the oil and gas microbial exploration technology combined with seismic data was used to deploy the MPOG survey network. On this basis, the natural gas distribution range and its reserves in the study area were analyzed. The results show that the microbial natural gas anomaly in this study area is relatively weak, and it is a background value. This reflects that the natural gas distribution area in this study area is small and the reserves are limited. In this study area, a total of 8 microbial abnormalities were displayed, and the abnormal areas were graded. Through the research results of microbial anomalies in this study area, it is recommended that the structural interpretation of Wumaying area should focus on the study of secondary faults, especially the secondary faults along the direction of W19-W21, so as to identify lithologic-fault block traps. Along the direction of W19-W21, multiple oil-bearing fault blocks are on the same oil and gas migration channel and have strong correlation. It is recommended to design an overall evaluation and development plan. The only abnormally high value of microbial gas in the study area is in the W31 block, and the remaining oil potential of the W28 block needs to be further determined. The lithology-fault block traps and hydrocarbon-bearing conditions of the two blocks in the south, the two blocks in the north, and the two blocks in the west of the study area need to be further confirmed to increase the reserves in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in probiotics has increased rapidly the latest years together with the global market for probiotic products. Consequently, establishing reliable microbiological methods for assuring the presence of a certain number of viable microorganisms in probiotic products has become increasingly important. To assure adequate numbers of viable cells, authorities are enquiring for information on viability rates within a certain shelf-life in colony forming units (CFU). This information is obtained from plate count enumeration, a method that enables detection of bacterial cells based on their ability to replicate. Although performing plate count enumeration is one manner of assessing viability, cells can still be viable without possessing the ability to replicate. Thus, to properly assess probiotic viability, further analysis of a broader group of characteristics using several types of methods is proposed. In addition to viability, it is crucial to identify how well the cells in a probiotic product can survive in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and thus be able to mediate the desired health benefit while passing through the human body. A broad spectrum of different assay designs for assessing probiotic gastric tolerance have been used in research and quality control. However, the absence of any consensus on how to assess these qualities makes it difficult to compare between laboratories and to translate the results into in vivo tolerance. This review presents and discusses the complexity of assuring that a probiotic is suitable for beneficial consumption. It summarizes the information that can be subtracted from the currently available methods for assessment of viability and stress tolerance of a probiotic, hereby altogether defined as "activity." Strengths and limitations of the different methods are presented together with favorable method combinations. Finally, the importance of choosing a set of analyses that reveals the necessary aspects of probiotic activity for a certain product or application is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents future trends in research using microbiological methods to intensify bioprocesses for biogas production. The pretreatment by combinations of physical and chemical methods, such as cavitation and electrolysis, is considered. The approach of the article involved reviewing the residual area on the intensification technologies of anaerobic digestion with current methods to improve the quality and quantity of biogas. The most valuable reported positive results of the pretreatment of biological raw materials in the cavitation process were reviewed and are presented here. A model of the effect of electrolysis on the species diversity of bacteria in anaerobic digestion was developed, and changes in the dominance of the ecological and trophic systems were revealed on the basis of previous studies. The stimulating effect on biogas yield, reduction in the stabilization period of the reactor, and inactivation of microorganisms at lower temperatures is associated with different pretreatment methods that intensify anaerobic digestion. More research is recommended to focus on the electrolysis treatment of different types of waste and their ratios with optimization of regime parameters, as well as in combination with other pretreatments to produce biomethane and biohydrogen in larger quantities and in better qualities.

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The reference method for the detection and enumeration of L. monocytogenes in food (Standards EN ISO 11290-1&2) has been validated by inter-laboratory studies in the frame of the Mandate M381 from European Commission to CEN. In this paper, the collaborative studies led in 2013 on 5 matrices (cold-smoked salmon, milk powdered infant food formula, vegetables, environment, and cheese) to validate the recently revised Standard EN ISO 11290-Part 1 are reported. According to the results obtained, the revised Standard EN ISO 11290-1 can be considered as a good method for the detection of L. monocytogenes in foods and food processing environments, in particular for the matrices included in the study. According to the matrices, the sensitivity rate varied from 91.1% to 100%, and the specificity rate varied from 97.6% to 100%. Positive samples were most often detected after 24 h half-Fraser enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The reference method for the detection and enumeration of L. monocytogenes in food (Standards EN ISO 11290-1&2) have been validated by inter-laboratory studies in the frame of the Mandate M381 from European Commission to CEN. In this paper, the inter-laboratory studies led in 2013 on 5 matrices (cold-smoked salmon, milk powdered infant food formula, vegetables, environment, and cheese) to validate Standard EN ISO 11290-2 are reported. According to the results obtained, the method of the revised Standard EN ISO 11290-2 can be considered as a good method for the enumeration of L. monocytogenes in foods and food processing environment, in particular for the matrices included in the study. Values of repeatability and reproducibility standard deviations can be considered satisfactory for this type of method with a confirmation stage, since most of them were below 0.3 log 10 , also at low levels, close to the regulatory limit of 100 CFU/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian reference method for the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes (Health Canada method MFLP-74) was modified by the addition of a layer of non-selective tryptone soy agar (TSA) to the Oxford, Palcam, and (or) Rapid'L.mono selective agars, to improve the recovery of stressed L. monocytogenes from frozen foods. The performance of the standard selective agars versus the selective agars with an additional TSA agar layer (TAL agars) showed that for each of the frozen food items tested (vegetables, shrimp and meatballs), as well as for all data combined, L. monocytogenes counts were significantly higher (up to 20% higher) in TAL agars in relation to the standard agars ( p < 0.0001, α = 0.05). A selectivity assessment showed that the 50 inclusivity L. monocytogenes strains tested produced true positive reactions on the TAL agars, and the 30 exclusivity bacterial strains tested produced true negative results on the TAL agars, indicating that the specificity of the selective agars was not altered by the additional non-selective TSA layer. In light of the 2016 Listeria outbreak linked to frozen fruits and vegetables in the USA, the results of this method investigation seem to be timely and particularly important for the regulatory testing of frozen foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and reliable identification of Bacillus anthracis is of great importance, especially in the event of suspected deliberate release of anthrax spores. However, the identification of B. anthracis is challenging due to its high similarity to closely related species. Since Amerithrax in 2001, a lot of effort has been made to develop rapid methods for detection and identification of this microorganism with special focus on easy-to-perform rapid tests for first-line responders. This article presents an overview of the evolution of B. anthracis identification methods from the time of the first description of the microorganism until the present day.

The contemporary state and main problems of chemical and microbiological technology for processing mineral resources are analyzed. The main problems are given for the use of technogenic raw material. Results are analyzed for pilot plant work using physicochemical geotechnology for opening up deposits of hard economic minerals. Promising areas are considered for development of technology using achievements of chemistry and microbiology for innovative development of the mining and metallurgical complex in the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic residues when present in animal tissues, through food chain, can enter human body, causing allergic reactions or facilitating the development of resistant bacterial strains. In order to determine the presence of antibiotics in animal tissues, it is appropriate to use convenient, reliable and sensitive methods. Microbiological methods applied for the detection of antibiotic residues in primary products of animal origin are based on the sensitivity of specific bacterial strains to a particular group of antibiotics. Regulatives on the amount of pesticides, metals and metalloids and other toxic substances, chemotherapeutics, anabolics and other substances which can be found in food ("Off. Gazette", No. 5/92, 11/92 - corr. and 32/02), state that milk and milk products can be used in commercial purposes only if not contain antibiotics in quantities that can be detected by reference methods. The applied method is modified STAR (Screening test for detection of antibiotics) protocol, regulated by the CRL (Community Reference Laboratory) Fougeres, France, in which the initial validation of the method had been carried out. In accordance with the demands of Regulative Commission EC No657/2002, the sensitivity of modified STAR protocol for beta lactam antibiotics group was examined , that is, there was carried out a contracted validation of the method, which initial validation had been performed at CRL. In a couple of series of experiments, 20 blank samples of raw cow milk originating from animals not treated by antibiotics, had been examined. By the beginning of the experiment samples were stored in a freezer at -20ºC. Samples of raw cow milk enriched by working solutions of seven beta-lactam antibiotics, in order to obtain concentrations at the level of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 MRL (Maximmum Residue Limit) for each given antibiotic (Commission Regulation EC No. 37/2010). For detection of beta-lactam antibiotics, there was used Kundrat agar test with previously inoculated G.stearothermophilus ATCC 10149 strain. Aliquots of 30 _l of working solution at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 MRL concentration level, for each antibiotic, were inflicted on two paper disks placed on inoculated Kundrat agar surface. Petri plates with Kundrat agar previously inoculated with G.stearothermophilus , on which the samples were deposited, were incubated for 12-15h at 55oC. The obtained width of microorganisms growth inhibition zone, that is supposed to be at least 2.0 mm, measured from the disc edge, demonstrated the capability to detect all the tested 7 antibiotics from the beta lactam group at a level below the MRLs. Consequently, this proves that use of this method it is possible to meet the demands of Regulative Commission EC No. 37/2010. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III-46009]

Today microbiology is based on pure cultures and separate microorganisms, pure cultures really do not exist in nature, because that microorganism are combined into large colonies slimy (biofilms) in which the various individuals establish relationships and dependencies. Only in the United State of America is estimated that biofilms cause billions of dollars in energy losses, equipment damage, product contamination and medical infections. This paper presents the results of the isolation of microorganisms by microbiological and molecular methods, from biofilms located in the Castle of Chapultepec in Mexico City. In the biofilm coexist different genres of filamentous fungi such as Cladosporium, Mucor, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Rhodotorula and others in those biofilms; besides bacterial genera as Bacillus, Pantoea, Kokuria, etc. Many of these microbial genera have been widely reported as a participating in biodeterioration processes to monuments and others are reported as contributing to its restoration, so this work opens the door to future researches that allow biological restoration of monuments, conservation and development of new biotechnological processes. Keywords: Microbiology; pure cultures; biofilms; isolation of microorganism; microbiological methods; biodeterioration processes.

During the past six years, new species of the genus Listeria have been isolated from foods and other environmental niches worldwide. The Standard method EN ISO 11290-1 that is currently under revision will include in its scope all Listeria species in addition to L. monocytogenes . The objective of this project was to evaluate the ability of the Standard EN ISO 11290-1 method to detect and identify the newly discovered Listeria spp., and to assess potential over-growth effects of the new species in mixed cultures with L. monocytogenes during each step of the enrichment process. This objective was addressed by the generation of necessary data on the behavior of the new species during the pre-enrichment and the enrichment steps of the reference method as well as data on their phenotypic characteristics on rich and selective media used for isolation and identification. Most of the new Listeria species developed well on selective agar media for Listeria , however the recovery of some species was difficult due to poor growth in Half Fraser and Fraser broth. Good results (consistently positive) were obtained for confirmation at the genus level via the catalase test, the Gram test and the blueish appearance test on non-selective medium, but not with the VP test, as most of the new species yielded a negative result. In the light of results obtained in co-culture experiments and inhibition tests, and considering the growth rates in Half Fraser and Fraser broths, the new species do not seem to interfere with the detection of L. monocytogenes . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is recognised as a serious foodborne pathogen in humans. However, food products are usually contaminated at low levels (i.e. <100 CFU/g) and there is still no adequate enumeration method for testing food. Much research has been carried out to improve Listeria enumeration methods, leading to several proposed alternative methods such as the most probable number technique, molecular-based methods and bacterial cell concentration techniques. Here, we catalogue the current knowledge concerning L. monocytogenes enumeration, with a particular focus on the problem of enumerating low level contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottled water can be contaminated by coliforms and/or Escherichia coli ( E. coli). These bacteria are considered as indicators of faecal pollution, and their detection in bottled water indicates the potential contamination by pathogenic enteric microorganisms. In recent decades, different methods were developed for the detection of coliforms and E. coli in drinking water and in bottled water including mineral water. Since 1976, the Italian regulation has defined microbiological methods to evaluate microbiological characteristics of mineral waters. Three different methods for the detection of coliforms and E. coli in bottled water were compared in this study: the Italian reference method, according to the 'Italian Ministerial Rule,' the ISO 9308-1:2002 method, and a new rapid method. The results have demonstrated that the ISO method 9308-1:2002 and the new rapid method are as sensitive and specific as Italian reference method, and that both could be used to evaluate the contamination level of coliform and E. coli in drinking water and in bottled water including mineral water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of Clostridium botulinum spores in 59 honey samples originating from different regions of the Republic of Serbia was studied. In addition to microbiological methods, after enrichment, centrifugation and membrane filtration, molecular methods (PCR methods) were utilized. The number of spores in PCR positive samples was estimated by the most probable number (MPN) method. PCR confirmed C. botulinum spores in 5 (8.47%) honey samples. MPN of spores varied from 20/kg to 204/kg honey. PCR was more sensitive than cultural methods. Natural honey contamination with C. botulinum spores is low-level and not homogeneous, and therefore, PCR methods require multiple sub-sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes ( L. monocytogenes ) in food, a sensitive enumeration method has been recently developed. This method is based on a membrane filtration of the food suspension followed by transfer of the filter on a selective medium to enumerate L. monocytogenes . An evaluation of this method was performed with several categories of foods naturally contaminated with L. monocytogenes . The results obtained with this technique were compared with those obtained from the modified reference EN ISO 11290-2 method for the enumeration of L. monocytogenes in food, and are found to provide more precise results. In most cases, the filtration method enabled to examine a greater quantity of food thus greatly improving the sensitivity of the enumeration. However, it was hardly applicable to some food categories because of filtration problems and background microbiota interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The urinary microbiome of healthy individuals and the way it alters with ageing have not been characterized and may influence disease processes. Conventional microbiological methods have limited scope to capture the full spectrum of urinary bacterial species. We studied the urinary microbiota from a population of healthy individuals, ranging from 26 to 90 years of age, by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, with resulting amplicons analyzed by 454 pyrosequencing. Mid-stream urine (MSU) was collected by the "clean-catch" method. Quantitative PCR of 16S rRNA genes in urine samples, allowed relative enumeration of the bacterial loads. Analysis of the samples indicates that females had a more heterogeneous mix of bacterial genera compared to the male samples and generally had representative members of the phyla Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Analysis of the data leads us to conclude that a "core" urinary microbiome could potentially exist, when samples are grouped by age with fluctuation in abundance between age groups. The study also revealed age-specific genera Jonquetella, Parvimonas, Proteiniphilum, and Saccharofermentans. In conclusion, conventional microbiological methods are inadequate to fully identify around two-thirds of the bacteria identified in this study. Whilst this proof-of-principle study has limitations due to the sample size, the discoveries evident in this sample data are strongly suggestive that a larger study on the urinary microbiome should be encouraged and that the identification of specific genera at particular ages may be relevant to pathogenesis of clinical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the present study was to determine whether the commercial microbiological and tracer assays for the detection of antibiotics in the food were also useful and sensitive enough for testing water samples. Diffusion tests Delvotest® SP-NT and BRT-AiM showed the similar sensitivity to tested antibiotics in spiked water samples. Both tests showed the similar sensitivity to examined antibiotics in water as it was published in milk, while tracer assay BetaStar showed slightly higher minimum detection levels for penicillin and ampicillin but not for cloxacillin. The previous concentration of the samples by lyophilization took place to detect concentrations of antibiotics 100-fold lower than there were the minimum detection limits of the assays. The presence of inhibitory substances in surface and well samples was detected in 16 (16.3 %) cases out of 98 with both ampoule diffusion methods. The positive results were obtained at 15.0 % of surface water samples, while in well water the residues were found also in 16.9 % and 13.6 % samples, using Delvotest SP-NT and BRT-AiM, respectively. The β-lactams were detected with BetaStar in 7.5 % of surface water samples. The 12 wastewater samples from hospitals were contaminated with inhibitory substances in 45.5 % (Delvotest SP-NT) or in 36.4 % (BRT-AiM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are efficiency substances for the treatment and improvement of animal production yields. However, their irrational and non-moderate using can cause serious problems for the consumer and the manufacturer. The aim of this study is to check their presence in the poultry meat by conventional microbiological methods (four boxes) recommended and approved by French Agency of Food Safety (AFSSA). For this purpose, 145 poultry meat samples were taken from various breeding farms and tested by Plates Agar diffusion at different pH (6, 7.2 and 8), seeded by two references strains: Bacillus subtilis (BGA spores) and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341). The results revealed that 124 out of 145 poultry meat samples were positive to antibiotic residues with the percentage of 85.51%. However, most of them contained 75.81% of β-lactams and/or Tetracyclines against 44.35% for Macrolides and/or β-Lactams and 36.29% for Sulfonamides. Conversely, 13.71% of samples were positive to aminoglycosides. The study confirms the misuses and non compliance of the withdrawal period between the administration of antibiotic in animal and its slaughter. Therefore, control of antibiotic residues should be a future concern for both producers and processor in order to protect health's consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food used to be and is still one of the key factors of human adaptation to surroundings. Human need for food is tightly connected with soil fertility, climate and finally with sources of nourishment. However, besides man, other living creatures, like microorganisms, insects, as well as other animals, know about available sources of nourishment on Earth. Human beings are the only species from the animal world that tend to adapt the surroundings to their particular needs. Apart from milk, the most appreciated foodstuff in nutrition, meat is very significant as well, because it is a source of easily digestible and biologically and energetically valuable ingredients. Therefore, meat is one of the most frequent foodstuffs in human nutrition and it is necessary to control it especially in places where people often eat. The results of the microbiological analysis of meat samples taken in 10 different fast food restaurants are shown in this study. The selected samples were analyzed using the standard microbiological method, and the results of the analysis show that all samples were microbiologically sound since the total number of bacteria in 1g of the sample was within acceptable limits. In favor to this is the fact that the pathogenic microorganisms harmful to human health were not found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in cold-smoked salmon, a sensitive enumeration method, based on membrane filtration followed by transfer of the filter on a selective medium, has been recently developed. An evaluation of this method was performed with several categories of foods likely to be contaminated with L. monocytogenes. The results obtained with the technique were compared with those from the reference EN ISO 11290-2 method and found to provide more precise results in the enumeration of L. monocytogenes from both artificially and naturally contaminated products. In most cases, the filtration method enabled a greater quantity of food to be examined (from around 0.5 to 14 g, instead of 0.01 to 0.1 g with the reference EN ISO 11290-2 method), thus greatly improving the sensitivity of the enumeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]