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Nodari R, Arghittu M, Bailo P, Cattaneo C, Creti R, D’Aleo F, Saegeman V, Franceschetti L, Novati S, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Verzeletti A, Farina C, Bandi C. Forensic Microbiology: When, Where and How. Microorganisms 2024; 12:988. [PMID: 38792818 PMCID: PMC11123702 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Forensic microbiology is a relatively new discipline, born in part thanks to the development of advanced methodologies for the detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms, and also in relation to the growing impact of infectious diseases of iatrogenic origin. Indeed, the increased application of medical practices, such as transplants, which require immunosuppressive treatments, and the growing demand for prosthetic installations, associated with an increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, have led to a rise in the number of infections of iatrogenic origin, which entails important medico-legal issues. On the other hand, the possibility of detecting minimal amounts of microorganisms, even in the form of residual traces (e.g., their nucleic acids), and of obtaining gene and genomic sequences at contained costs, has made it possible to ask new questions of whether cases of death or illness might have a microbiological origin, with the possibility of also tracing the origin of the microorganisms involved and reconstructing the chain of contagion. In addition to the more obvious applications, such as those mentioned above related to the origin of iatrogenic infections, or to possible cases of infections not properly diagnosed and treated, a less obvious application of forensic microbiology concerns its use in cases of violence or violent death, where the characterization of the microorganisms can contribute to the reconstruction of the case. Finally, paleomicrobiology, e.g., the reconstruction and characterization of microorganisms in historical or even archaeological remnants, can be considered as a sister discipline of forensic microbiology. In this article, we will review these different aspects and applications of forensic microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nodari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Arghittu
- Analysis Laboratory, ASST Melegnano e Martesana, 20077 Vizzolo Predabissi, Italy
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology, Section of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Creti
- Antibiotic Resistance and Special Pathogens Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Aleo
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, GOM—Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Veroniek Saegeman
- Microbiology and Infection Control, Vitaz Hospital, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Franceschetti
- LABANOF, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology, Section of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Novati
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Amparo Fernández-Rodríguez
- Microbiology Department, Biology Service, Instituto Nacional de Toxicología y Ciencias Forenses, 41009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Verzeletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi Paediatric Research Centre, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Görlitz M, Justen L, Rochette PJ, Buonanno M, Welch D, Kleiman NJ, Eadie E, Kaidzu S, Bradshaw WJ, Javorsky E, Cridland N, Galor A, Guttmann M, Meinke MC, Schleusener J, Jensen P, Söderberg P, Yamano N, Nishigori C, O'Mahoney P, Manstein D, Croft R, Cole C, de Gruijl FR, Forbes PD, Trokel S, Marshall J, Brenner DJ, Sliney D, Esvelt K. Assessing the safety of new germicidal far-UVC technologies. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:501-520. [PMID: 37929787 DOI: 10.1111/php.13866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the crucial importance of enhanced indoor air quality control measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory pathogens. Far-UVC is a type of germicidal ultraviolet technology, with wavelengths between 200 and 235 nm, that has emerged as a highly promising approach for indoor air disinfection. Due to its enhanced safety compared to conventional 254 nm upper-room germicidal systems, far-UVC allows for whole-room direct exposure of occupied spaces, potentially offering greater efficacy, since the total room air is constantly treated. While current evidence supports using far-UVC systems within existing guidelines, understanding the upper safety limit is critical to maximizing its effectiveness, particularly for the acute phase of a pandemic or epidemic when greater protection may be needed. This review article summarizes the substantial present knowledge on far-UVC safety regarding skin and eye exposure and highlights research priorities to discern the maximum exposure levels that avoid adverse effects. We advocate for comprehensive safety studies that explore potential mechanisms of harm, generate action spectra for crucial biological effects and conduct high-dose, long-term exposure trials. Such rigorous scientific investigation will be key to determining safe and effective levels for far-UVC deployment in indoor environments, contributing significantly to future pandemic preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Görlitz
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lennart Justen
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patrick J Rochette
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manuela Buonanno
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - David Welch
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Norman J Kleiman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ewan Eadie
- Photobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Sachiko Kaidzu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Japan
| | - William J Bradshaw
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emilia Javorsky
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Future of Life Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nigel Cridland
- Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, Didcot, UK
| | - Anat Galor
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Miami Health System Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Martina C Meinke
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Schleusener
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Jensen
- Final Approach Inc., Port Orange, Florida, USA
| | - Per Söderberg
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nozomi Yamano
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Chikako Nishigori
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Japanese Red Cross Hyogo Blood Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Paul O'Mahoney
- Optical Radiation Effects, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, UK
| | - Dieter Manstein
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rodney Croft
- International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), Chair, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Curtis Cole
- Sun & Skin Consulting LLC, New Holland, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frank R de Gruijl
- Department of Dermatology, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stephen Trokel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, New York, USA
| | - John Marshall
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - David Sliney
- IES Photobiology Committee, Chair, Fallston, Maryland, USA
- Consulting Medical Physicist, Fallston, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin Esvelt
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- SecureBio, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Tartari E, Bellissimo-Rodrigues F, Pires D, Fankhauser C, Lotfinejad N, Saito H, Suchomel M, Kramer A, Allegranzi B, Boyce J, Sax H, Stewardson AJ, Pittet D. Updates and future directions regarding hand hygiene in the healthcare setting: insights from the 3rd ICPIC alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) task force. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:26. [PMID: 38424571 PMCID: PMC10905912 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01374-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose threats to global health. Effective hand hygiene is essential for preventing HAIs and the spread of AMR in healthcare. We aimed to highlight the recent progress and future directions in hand hygiene and alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) use in the healthcare setting. In September 2023, 42 experts in infection prevention and control (IPC) convened at the 3rd International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) ABHR Taskforce in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of this meeting was to provide a synthesis of recent evidence and formulate a research agenda on four critical areas for the implementation of effective hand hygiene practices: (1) ABHR formulations and hand rubbing techniques, (2) low-resource settings and local production of ABHR, (3) hand hygiene monitoring and technological innovations, and (4) hand hygiene standards and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermira Tartari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Infection Prevention and Control Technical and Clinical Hub, Department of Integrated Health Services, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniela Pires
- National Institute of Health and Care Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Nasim Lotfinejad
- Infection Control Program and WHO Collaborating Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hiroki Saito
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, . Mariana University Yokohama Seibu Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Miranda Suchomel
- Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Axel Kramer
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Benedetta Allegranzi
- Infection Prevention and Control Technical and Clinical Hub, Department of Integrated Health Services, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - John Boyce
- J.M. Boyce Consulting, LLC, Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Hugo Sax
- Infection Prevention and Control Technical and Clinical Hub, Department of Integrated Health Services, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J Stewardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Didier Pittet
- Clean Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine & Clean Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Vindenes HK, Drengenes C, Amin H, Irgens-Hansen K, Svanes C, Bertelsen RJ. Longitudinal analysis of the skin microbiome in association with hand eczema, hand hygiene practices and moisturizer use. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38419413 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The skin microbiota maintains a physical and immunological barrier to the environment. Little is known about how the microbiome changes over time or the effect of hand hygiene practices and moisturizer use. OBJECTIVES To assess sex-specific changes in skin bacteria over time, and how the microbiome is related to self-reported hand eczema, hand hygiene practices and use of moisturizers. METHODS Swab samples from the dorsal hand were collected at baseline and 6.5 years later during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 168 participants from the RHINESSA study in Bergen, Norway. The skin samples were analysed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS The alpha diversity of the hand microbiome increased from baseline to follow-up, and beta diversity differed by sex at both time points. The relative abundance increased for several bacteria from baseline to follow-up, with sex-specific differences. Current hand eczema and aggravating hand eczema during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with an increase in Staphylococcus. High hand washing frequency at home was associated with lower alpha diversity and with higher abundance of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Finegoldia, and Pseudomonas and lower abundance of Propionibacterium and Pelomonas. The alpha diversity increased with increasing time passing between hand washing and sampling, whereas more frequent moisturizer use was associated with significantly lower alpha diversity, and a change in abundance for some bacteria, such as more Pseudomonas. CONCLUSIONS This longitudinal study revealed an overall increase in skin microbial diversity over a 6-year period, which was unexpected since follow-up was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic when vigorous hand hygienic practices were introduced. Sex-specific differences were identified at both time points. Individuals with hand eczema seem to develop a more dysbiotic skin bacterial community over time. Hand washing and use of moisturizers, with typically gender-specific habitual patterns, may lead to change in bacterial composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Vindenes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Drengenes
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - H Amin
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - K Irgens-Hansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Svanes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - R J Bertelsen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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McKay JA, Crown M, Bashton M, Pearce D, Entwistle JA, Sangal V. Environmental microbiome in the home and daycare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential risk of non-communicable disease in children. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13233. [PMID: 38217304 PMCID: PMC10866607 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
An exposure to diverse microbial population early in life is important for the development of immunity against various non-communicable diseases including asthma, childhood leukaemia and other cancers. Social mixing in daycare settings helps with exposure to a variety of microbes. However, social isolation and a high emphasis on workplace hygiene during the COVID pandemic may have affected children's exposure to diverse microbiota. The structure of microbial communities and their role in developing immunity to various diseases are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the structure of microbial communities in daycare and home settings during the pandemic. Interestingly, microbial diversity was relatively higher in dust samples collected from homes, with human-associated taxa being more prevalent compared to those from daycare settings. Environmental microbes were more abundant in dust samples from daycare providers. These results potentially suggest that cleaning practices during the pandemic may have influenced the diversity and microbial abundance of the daycare samples. Several bacterial taxa detected in both the environments are known to induce anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses, conferring protection from various diseases. Therefore, exposure to diverse microbial population in early childhood may play an important role in developing immunity against various non-communicable and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A. McKay
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Matthew Crown
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Matthew Bashton
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - David Pearce
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Jane A. Entwistle
- Faculty of Environment and EngineeringNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Vartul Sangal
- Faculty of Health and Life SciencesNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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Russo E, Bellando-Randone S, Carboni D, Fioretto BS, Romano E, Baldi S, El Aoufy K, Ramazzotti M, Rosa I, Lepri G, Di Gloria L, Pallecchi M, Bruni C, Melchiorre D, Guiducci S, Manetti M, Bartolucci GL, Matucci-Cerinic M, Amedei A. The differential crosstalk of the skin-gut microbiome axis as a new emerging actor in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:226-234. [PMID: 37154625 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We characterized the microbiota in SSc, focusing on the skin-oral-gut axis and the serum and faecal free fatty acid (FFA) profile. METHODS Twenty-five SSc patients with ACA or anti-Scl70 autoantibodies were enrolled. The microbiota of faecal, saliva and superficial epidermal samples was assessed through next-generation sequencing analysis. GC-MS was used to quantify faecal and serum FFAs. Gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated with the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument (UCLA GIT-2.0) questionnaire. RESULTS The ACA+ and anti-Scl70+ groups displayed different cutaneous and faecal microbiota profiles. The classes of cutaneous Sphingobacteriia and Alphaproteobacteria, the faecal phylum Lentisphaerae, the levels of the classes Lentisphaeria and Opitutae, and the genus NA-Acidaminococcaceae were significantly higher in faecal samples from the ACA+ patients than in samples from the anti-Scl70+ patients. The cutaneous Sphingobacteria and the faecal Lentisphaerae were significantly correlated (rho = 0.42; P = 0.03). A significant increase in faecal propionic acid was observed in ACA+ patients. Moreover, all levels of faecal medium-chain FFAs and hexanoic acids were significantly higher in the ACA+ group than in the anti-Scl70+ group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the ACA+ group, the analysis of the serum FFA levels showed an increasing trend in valeric acid. CONCLUSION Different microbiota signatures and FFA profiles were found for the two groups of patients. Despite being in different body districts, the cutaneous Sphingobacteria and faecal Lentisphaerae appear interdependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edda Russo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Carboni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Khadija El Aoufy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Ramazzotti
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Leandro Di Gloria
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Pallecchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
- Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Melchiorre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Bartolucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Machado ACHR, Marinheiro LJ, Benson HAE, Grice JE, Martins TDS, Lan A, Lopes PS, Andreo-Filho N, Leite-Silva VR. A Novel Handrub Tablet Loaded with Pre- and Post-Biotic Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Combining Virucidal Activity and Maintenance of the Skin Barrier and Microbiome. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2793. [PMID: 38140133 PMCID: PMC10747770 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a holobiont tablet with rapid dispersibility to provide regulation of the microbiota, virucidal activity, and skin barrier protection. METHODS A 23 factorial experiment was planned to define the best formulation for the development of the base tablet, using average weight, hardness, dimensions, swelling rate, and disintegration time as parameters to be analyzed. To produce holobiont tablets, the chosen base formulation was fabricated by direct compression of prebiotics, postbiotics, and excipients. The tablets also incorporated solid lipid nanoparticles containing postbiotics that were obtained by high-pressure homogenization and freeze-drying. The in vitro virucidal activity against alpha-coronavirus particles (CCoV-VR809) was determined in VERO cell culture. In vitro analysis, using monolayer cells and human equivalent skin, was performed by rRTq-PCR to determine the expression of interleukins 1, 6, 8, and 17, aquaporin-3, involucrin, filaggrin, FoxO3, and SIRT-1. Antioxidant activity and collagen-1 synthesis were also performed in fibroblast cells. Metagenomic analysis of the skin microbiome was determined in vivo before and after application of the holobiont tablet, during one week of continuous use, and compared to the use of alcohol gel. Samples were analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS A handrub tablet with rapid dispersibility was developed for topical use and rinse off. After being defined as safe, the virucidal activity was found to be equal to or greater than that of 70% alcohol, with a reduction in interleukins and maintenance or improvement of skin barrier gene markers, in addition to the reestablishment of the skin microbiota after use. CONCLUSIONS The holobiont tablets were able to improve the genetic markers related to the skin barrier and also its microbiota, thereby being more favorable for use as a hand sanitizer than 70% alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Henriques Ribeiro Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Translacional, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 720, Sao Paulo 04039-002, SP, Brazil; (A.C.H.R.M.); (V.R.L.-S.)
| | - Laís Júlio Marinheiro
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
| | | | - Jeffrey Ernest Grice
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Tereza da Silva Martins
- Laboratório de Materiais Híbridos, Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, 2° Andar, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil;
| | - Alexandra Lan
- Shanghai Pechoin Daily Chemical Corporation, Shanghai 200060, China;
| | - Patricia Santos Lopes
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
| | - Newton Andreo-Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Vania Rodrigues Leite-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Translacional, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 720, Sao Paulo 04039-002, SP, Brazil; (A.C.H.R.M.); (V.R.L.-S.)
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil; (L.J.M.); (P.S.L.)
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
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Mishra T, Vuppu S. Toxicity of chemical-based hand sanitizers on children and the development of natural alternatives: a computational approach. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:572-599. [PMID: 37916473 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2270496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The unintended exposure of children to hand sanitizers poses a high risk of potentially fatal complications. Skin irritation, dryness, cracking, peeling, hypoglycemia, apnea, and acidosis are examples of unintended consequences of hand sanitizer. The sanitizer reportedly kills normal microbial flora on hands, which usually promotes innate immunity among children under 12. Children are more susceptible to the toxicity associated with the chemical constituents of marketed chemical-based hand sanitizers; however, the studies to develop sanitizer formulations for children are rudimentary. The adverse events limit the use of hand sanitizers specifically in children because of their sensitive and delicate skin. Additionally, it is reported that many chemical-based hand sanitizer formulations, especially alcohol-based ones may also contain contaminants like methanol, acetaldehyde, benzene, isopropanol, and ethyl-acetate. These contaminants are found to be hazardous to human health exhibiting toxicity on ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure, especially in children. Therefore, it is important to design novel, innovative, safer sanitizer formulations for children. The study aims to discuss the toxic contaminants in chemical-based sanitizer formulations and propose a design for novel herbal formulations with minimal toxicity and adverse effects, especially for children. The review focuses on ADMET analysis of the common contaminants in hand sanitizers, molecular docking, Lipinski's rule of five analysis, and molecular simulation studies to analyze the efficacy of interaction with the receptor leading to anti-microbial activity and drug-likeness of the compound. The in silico methods can effectively validate the potential efficacy of novel formulations of hand sanitizers designed for children as an efficient alternative to chemical-based sanitizers with greater efficacy and the absence of toxic contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshika Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, Science, Innovation, and Society Research Lab 115, Hexagon (SMV), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Suneetha Vuppu
- Department of Biotechnology, Science, Innovation, and Society Research Lab 115, Hexagon (SMV), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
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9
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Oh J, Lee M, Lee H, Yang H, Park J, Rahmati M, Koyanagi A, Smith L, Fond G, Boyer L, Kim MS, Lee SW, López Sánchez GF, Dragioti E, Woo HG, Yon DK. Hand and Oral Hygiene Practices of South Korean Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2349249. [PMID: 38147331 PMCID: PMC10751599 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Only a few studies have examined the long-term trends of hand and oral hygiene, especially among adolescents. Objective To investigate the 15-year trends in frequency of handwashing and toothbrushing and examine the factors associated with hand and oral hygiene, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study, performed from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2022, used general population-based data from 963 644 individuals in a national representative survey (Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey [KYRBS]). Exposure COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcomes and Measures Trends in hand and oral hygiene practices were measured by how frequently adolescents washed their hands and whether they fulfilled the recommended guidelines for toothbrushing. An interrupted time series analysis using linear and logistic regression models was performed to assess any associations with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hand and oral hygiene behaviors before and during the pandemic in each sociodemographic subgroup were also compared. Results In the 963 644 adolescents (495 697 [51.4%] male; mean [range] age, 15.01 [12-18] years) who participated in the KYRBS from 2008 to 2022, a 73.3% (95% CI, 59.4%-97.4%; P < .001) immediate increase was seen in overall hand hygiene behavior at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the prepandemic period, with a sustained decrease thereafter (β = -0.018; 95% CI, -0.022 to -0.015; P < .001). Meanwhile, no immediate increase was observed in terms of overall oral hygiene behavior (0.1%; 95% CI, -0.9% to 1.1%; P = .82); however, there was a sustained decrease during the pandemic (β = -0.018; 95% CI, -0.020 to -0.016; P < .001). Older age, female sex, nonsmoking status, alcohol use, low household economic level, and poor school performance were significantly associated with poor hand hygiene during the pandemic. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of South Korean adolescents, an increase in the prevalence of hand hygiene was observed during the early pandemic; however, this prevalence decreased over time. Meanwhile, the decrease in the prevalence of oral hygiene was more pronounced during the pandemic. This study recommends stronger guidelines for adolescent health coaches, such as teachers or public health advisers, regarding hygiene behaviors, even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Oh
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeongcheol Lee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hojae Lee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hwi Yang
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jaeyu Park
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-E-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume Fond
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Guillermo F. López Sánchez
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families, and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ho Geol Woo
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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10
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Bonaccorsi R, Glass B, Moreno-Paz M, García-Villadangos M, Warren-Rhodes K, Parro V, Manchado JM, Wilhelm MB, McKay CP. In Situ Real-Time Monitoring for Aseptic Drilling: Lessons Learned from the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation and Application to the Icebreaker Mars Life Detection Mission. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1303-1336. [PMID: 38133823 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) project field-tested an autonomous rover-mounted robotic drill prototype for a 6-Sol life detection mission to Mars (Icebreaker). ARADS drilled Mars-like materials in the Atacama Desert (Chile), one of the most life-diminished regions on Earth, where mitigating contamination transfer into life-detection instruments becomes critical. Our Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation (CCSI) for the Sample Handling and Transfer System (SHTS) hardware (drill, scoop and funnels) included out-of-simulation protocol testing (out-of-sim) for hardware decontamination and verification during the 6-Sol simulation (in-sim). The most effective five-step decontamination combined safer-to-use sterilants (3%_hydrogen-peroxide-activated 5%_sodium-hypochlorite), and in situ real-time verification by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Signs of Life Detector (SOLID) Fluorescence Immunoassay for characterization hardware bioburden and airborne contaminants. The 20- to 40-min protocol enabled a 4-log bioburden reduction down to <0.1 fmoles ATP detection limit (funnels and drill) to 0.2-0.7 fmoles (scoop) of total ATP. The (post-cleaning) hardware background was 0.3 to 1-2 attomoles ATP/cm2 (cleanliness benchmark background values) equivalent to ca. 1-10 colony forming unit (CFU)/cm2. Further, 60-100% of the in-sim hardware background was ≤3-4 bacterial cells/cm2, the threshold limit for Class <7 aseptic operations. Across the six Sols, the flux of airborne contaminants to the drill sites was ∼5 and ∼22 amoles ATP/(cm2·day), accounting for an unexpectedly high Fluorescence Intensity (FI) signal (FI: ∼6000) against aquatic cyanobacteria, but negligible anthropogenic contribution. The SOLID immunoassay also detected microorganisms from multiple habitats across the Atacama Desert (anoxic, alkaline/acidic microenvironments in halite fields, playas, and alluvial fans) in both airborne and post-cleaning hardware background. Finally, the hardware ATP background was 40-250 times lower than the ATP in cores. Similarly, the FI peaks (FImax) against the microbial taxa and molecular biomarkers detected in the post-cleaned hardware (FI: ∼1500-1600) were 5-10 times lower than biomarkers in drilled sediments, excluding significant interference with putative biomarker found in cores. Similar protocols enable the acquisition of contamination-free materials for ultra-sensitive instruments analysis and the integrity of scientific results. Their application can augment our scientific knowledge of the distribution of cryptic life on Mars-like grounds and support life-detection robotic and human-operated missions to Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Bonaccorsi
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Brian Glass
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Mercedes Moreno-Paz
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Kimberley Warren-Rhodes
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Victor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Manchado
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Celoria V, Rosset F, Pala V, Dapavo P, Ribero S, Quaglino P, Mastorino L. The Skin Microbiome and Its Role in Psoriasis: A Review. PSORIASIS (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2023; 13:71-78. [PMID: 37908308 PMCID: PMC10614657 DOI: 10.2147/ptt.s328439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The skin microbiome is made of various microorganisms, most of which have the function of protecting individuals from harmful pathogens, and they are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. The skin acts as a physical and immunological barrier against external stimuli, including pathogens and physical damage. Changes in the composition of the skin microbiome can trigger inflammatory processes leading to inflammatory skin diseases in susceptible individuals. Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a multifactorial etiology, where breakdown of immune tolerance to cutaneous microorganisms is implicated in its pathogenesis. Dysregulation of the microbiome due to genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in the development of psoriatic disease. Dermatologic conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and rosacea have been associated with intestinal dysbiosis. The skin microbiota composition is crucial for the development of appropriate immune responses, and alterations in the skin microbiome can contribute to changes in physiology and susceptibility to skin diseases or inflammatory conditions. Understanding the microbial settlement of the skin and the network of interactions that occur throughout life is essential for comprehending the pathogenesis of skin diseases and developing innovative treatments. With this article we tried to explore the relationship between the human microbiome and psoriatic disease, shedding light on the functions of the microbiome and the inflammatory disease processes to identify additional therapeutic targets. This review aims to highlight the relationship between skin and gut microbiome functions and inflammatory processes in skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The goal is to facilitate future studies on the skin microbiome to identify potential novel therapies for patients with psoriatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Celoria
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francois Rosset
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pala
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Dapavo
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Mastorino
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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12
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Simon LM, Flocco C, Burkart F, Methner A, Henke D, Rauer L, Müller CL, Vogel J, Quaisser C, Overmann J, Simon S. Microbial fingerprints reveal interaction between museum objects, curators, and visitors. iScience 2023; 26:107578. [PMID: 37664629 PMCID: PMC10469763 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities reside at the interface between humans and their environment. Whether the microbiome can be leveraged to gain information on human interaction with museum objects is unclear. To investigate this, we selected objects from the Museum für Naturkunde and the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin, Germany, varying in material and size. Using swabs, we collected 126 samples from natural and cultural heritage objects, which were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. By comparing the microbial composition of touched and untouched objects, we identified a microbial signature associated with human skin microbes. Applying this signature to cultural heritage objects, we identified areas with varying degrees of exposure to human contact on the Ishtar gate and Sam'al gate lions. Furthermore, we differentiated objects touched by two different individuals. Our findings demonstrate that the microbiome of museum objects provides insights into the level of human contact, crucial for conservation, heritage science, and potentially provenance research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas M. Simon
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cecilia Flocco
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Franziska Burkart
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anika Methner
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - David Henke
- Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luise Rauer
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christian L. Müller
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Vogel
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Quaisser
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Simon
- Rathgen-Forschungslabor, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, 14059 Berlin, Germany
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13
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Ma Y, Yi J, Ma J, Yu H, Luo L, Wu W, Jin L, Yang Q, Lou T, Sun D, Cao M. Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products. TOXICS 2023; 11:687. [PMID: 37624192 PMCID: PMC10459210 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Hand hygiene is a crucial measure in the prevention and control of infections, and there is a growing awareness among individuals who are making a conscious effort to maintain hand cleanliness. With the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for hand hygiene products has also gradually shifted towards those with antimicrobial properties. Among these products, hand sanitizer gels (HSGs) have gained considerable popularity as an efficient method of hand cleaning, due to their rapid drying and sustained antimicrobial efficacy. Concurrently, there has been a growing interest in novel HSGs that offer additional functions such as skin whitening, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects. These novel HSGs effectively address concerns associated with the ingestion of antimicrobial ingredients and demonstrate reduced skin irritation, thereby alleviating hand dermatological issues. This review provides an extensive overview of the application scenarios, classification, and challenges associated with HSGs while emphasizing the emergence of novel components with biological functions, aiming to contribute to the advancement of hand hygiene practices and offer novel insights for the development of novel HSGs with outstanding antimicrobial properties with other multiple biological functions and desirable biosafety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jia Yi
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Li Luo
- Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523059, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ting Lou
- Yiwu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yiwu 322000, China;
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Min Cao
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
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14
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Kaesler T, Kirkbride KP, Linacre A. Persistence of touch DNA on commonly encountered substrates in different storage conditions. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111728. [PMID: 37209547 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of touch DNA deposited after realistic handling of items typically encountered in forensic investigations has been the subject of few studies. Understanding the long-term persistence of touch DNA on different substrates in varying conditions can be central to the effective triage of samples for further processing. As the time between an alleged incident and collection of evidence may vary from a few days to years after an alleged event, this study assessed three different common substrates for the persistence of touch DNA over a time span up to 9 months. These substrates included fabric, steel, and rubber, each of which were handled in a way to imitate what may happen during a criminal act. The three substrates were exposed to two different environments for up to 9 months: inside a dark cupboard with no traffic to act as a control and an outside semi-exposed environment. Ten replicates from each of the 3 substrates were tested at 5 time points to create 300 samples. All samples were processed using a standard operating workflow to provide genotype data after exposure to different environments. It was found that the fabric samples produced informative STR profiles (defined here as 12 or more alleles) up to the 9 month timepoint for either environment. The rubber and steel substrates for the inside condition produced informative STR profiles up to the 9 month timepoint, but only generated informative STR profiles for the outside condition up to 3 and 6 months, respectively. These data add to our understanding of the external factors that affect DNA persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Kaesler
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia.
| | - K Paul Kirkbride
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia
| | - Adrian Linacre
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia
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15
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Hoisington AJ, Stamper CE, Bates KL, Stanislawski MA, Flux MC, Postolache TT, Lowry CA, Brenner LA. Human microbiome transfer in the built environment differs based on occupants, objects, and buildings. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6446. [PMID: 37081054 PMCID: PMC10116103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to microbiomes on other skin sites, the bacterial microbiome of the human hand has been found to have greater variability across time. To increase understanding regarding the longitudinal transfer of the hand microbiome to objects in the built environment, and vice versa, 22 participants provided skin microbiome samples from their dominant hands, as well as from frequently and infrequently touched objects in their office environments. Additional longitudinal samples from home environments were obtained from a subset of 11 participants. We observed stability of the microbiomes of both the hand and built environments within the office and home settings; however, differences in the microbial communities were detected across the two built environments. Occupants' frequency of touching an object correlated to that object having a higher relative abundance of human microbes, yet the percent of shared microbes was variable by participants. Finally, objects that were horizontal surfaces in the built environment had higher microbial diversity as compared to objects and the occupants' hands. This study adds to the existing knowledge of microbiomes of the built environment, enables more detailed studies of indoor microbial transfer, and contributes to future models and building interventions to reduce negative outcomes and improve health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hoisington
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), VISN 19, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Military and Veteran Microbiome Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, US Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, 45433, USA.
| | - Christopher E Stamper
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), VISN 19, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Katherine L Bates
- Department of Biology, US Air Force Academy, USAF Academy, CO, 80840, USA
| | - Maggie A Stanislawski
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Veterans Affairs, Denver, CO, 80220, USA
| | - Michael C Flux
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Teodor T Postolache
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), VISN 19, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Veterans Health Administration, Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Baltimore VA Annex, VISN 5, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), VISN 19, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Center for Microbial Exploration, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Lisa A Brenner
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), VISN 19, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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16
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Lin F, Li WT, Fuentes-Rivera L, Parvizi J. Superficial mycosis, at the site or distant to the surgical site, appears to predispose patients to bacterial periprosthetic joint infections. Hip Int 2023; 33:203-206. [PMID: 34510963 DOI: 10.1177/11207000211037316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is traditionally believed that presence of fungal infection in the nail or skin of patients is a risk factor for subsequent infection. The literature is devoid of any evidence to confirm or refute this belief. This study examined a possible relationship between the presence of superficial skin or nail mycoses and subsequent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS This is a single-centre, retrospective study of patients who underwent primary TJA between 2000 and 2018. 55 patients with superficial mycoses of skin or nail, at the time of arthroplasty were identified and a variable number matching with up to a 1:5 ratio was performed with 182 patients undergoing TJA who had no superficial mycosis. The groups were further divided into knee and hip TJA. The outcome of TJA in the cohorts was compared. RESULTS Preoperative demographics were similar between the 2 groups. The incidence of PJI in patients undergoing TKA within a year was significantly higher in patients with superficial mycosis at 8.6% (3/35) compared to 0% (0/120) in patients without mycosis. However, all infections were caused by bacterial species and none were fungal. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of superficial mycosis had a strong correlation with development of PJI postoperatively in our TKA cohort. CONCLUSIONS Identification of fungal infection (mycosis) of skin and nail in patients awaiting TJA is important. These patients appear to have a higher risk for developing bacterial PJI than those without fungal infections. Further study is needed to determine if treatment of these patients prior to arthroplasty stands to reverse the high risk for PJI that these patients carry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feitai Lin
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Joint Surgery, Fuzhou Second Hospital affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - William T Li
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lorena Fuentes-Rivera
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Javad Parvizi
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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17
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Egner P, Pavlačková J, Sedlaříková J, Pleva P, Mokrejš P, Janalíková M. Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitiser Gels with Mandelic Acid and Essential Oils. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043855. [PMID: 36835267 PMCID: PMC9961504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial hand gels have become extremely popular in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent use of hand sanitising gel can lead to dryness and irritation of the skin. This work focuses on the preparation of antimicrobial acrylic acid (Carbomer)-based gels enhanced by non-traditional compounds-mandelic acid and essential oils-as a substitute for irritating ethanol. Physicochemical properties (pH and viscosity), stability and sensory attributes of the prepared gels were investigated. Antimicrobial activity against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts was determined. The prepared gels with mandelic acid and essential oil (cinnamon, clove, lemon, and thyme) proved to have antimicrobial activity and even better organoleptic properties than commercial ethanol-based antimicrobial gel. Further, results confirmed that the addition of mandelic acid had a desirable effect on gel properties (antimicrobial, consistency, stability). It has been shown that the essential oil/mandelic acid combination can be a dermatologically beneficial hand sanitiser compared to commercial products. Thus, the produced gels can be used as a natural alternative to alcohol-based daily hand hygiene sanitisers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlína Egner
- Department of Fat, Surfactant and Cosmetics Technology, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 275, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (P.E.); (M.J.)
| | - Jana Pavlačková
- Department of Fat, Surfactant and Cosmetics Technology, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 275, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sedlaříková
- Department of Fat, Surfactant and Cosmetics Technology, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 275, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Pleva
- Department of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 275, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Mokrejš
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 275, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Magda Janalíková
- Department of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 275, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (P.E.); (M.J.)
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18
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Folayan MO, Abeldaño Zuniga RA, Abeldaño GF, Quadri MFA, Jafer M, Yousaf MA, Ellakany P, Nzimande N, Ara E, Al-Khanati NM, Khalid Z, Lawal F, Roque M, Lusher J, Popoola BO, Khan ATA, Ayanore MA, Gaffar B, Virtanen JI, Aly NM, Okeibunor JC, El Tantawi M, Nguyen AL. Is self-reported depression, HIV status, COVID-19 health risk profile and SARS-CoV-2 exposure associated with difficulty in adhering to COVID-19 prevention measures among residents in West Africa? BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2057. [PMID: 36357851 PMCID: PMC9648438 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14429-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine whether self-reported depression, coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) health risk profile, HIV status, and SARS-CoV-2 exposure were associated with the use of COVID-19 prevention measures. METHODS This survey collected data electronically between June 29 and December 31, 2020 from a convenient sample of 5050 adults 18 years and above living in 12 West African countries. The dependent variables were: social distancing, working remotely, difficulty obtaining face masks and difficulty washing hands often. The independent variables were self-reported depression, having a health risk for COVID-19 (high, moderate and little/no risk), living with HIV and COVID-19 status (SARS-CoV-2 positive tests, having COVID-19 symptoms but not getting tested, having a close friend who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and knowing someone who died from COVID-19). Four binary logistic regression models were developed to model the associations between the dependent and independent variables, adjusting for socio-demographic variables (age, gender, educational status, employment status and living status). RESULTS There were 2412 (47.8%) male participants and the mean (standard deviation) age was 36.94 (11.47) years. Respondents who reported depression had higher odds of working remotely (AOR: 1.341), and having difficulty obtaining face masks (AOR: 1.923;) and washing hands often (AOR: 1.263). People living with HIV had significantly lower odds of having difficulty washing hands often (AOR: 0.483). Respondents with moderate health risk for COVID-19 had significantly higher odds of social distancing (AOR: 1.144) and those with high health risk had difficulty obtaining face masks (AOR: 1.910). Respondents who had a close friend who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (AOR: 1.132) and knew someone who died of COVID-19 (AOR: 1.094) had significantly higher odds of social distancing. Those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had significantly lower odds of social distancing (AOR: 0.629) and working remotely (AOR: 0.713). Those who had symptoms of COVID-19 but did not get tested had significantly lower odds of social distancing (AOR: 0.783) but significantly higher odds of working remotely (AOR: 1.277). CONCLUSIONS The study signifies a disparity in the access to and use of COVID-19 preventative measures that is allied to the health and COVID-19 status of residents in West Africa. Present findings point to risk compensation behaviours in explaining this outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.416197.c0000 0001 0247 1197Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuniga
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,Postgraduate Department, University of Sierra Sur., Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Giuliana Florencia Abeldaño
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,School of Medicine, University of Sierra Sur., Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Mir Faeq Ali Quadri
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Mohammed Jafer
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.411831.e0000 0004 0398 1027Division of Dental Public Health, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Muhammad Abrar Yousaf
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.444943.a0000 0004 0609 0887Department of Biology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Passent Ellakany
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.411975.f0000 0004 0607 035XDepartment of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ntombifuthi Nzimande
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Economic and Human Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, University of Szeged, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eshrat Ara
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.411678.d0000 0001 0941 7660Department of Psychology, Government College for Women, MA Road Srinagar Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Nuraldeen Maher Al-Khanati
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.449576.d0000 0004 5895 8692Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Zumama Khalid
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, GE Italy
| | - Folake Lawal
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.9582.60000 0004 1794 5983Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mark Roque
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.412892.40000 0004 1754 9358Maternity and Childhood Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Joanne Lusher
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.449469.20000 0004 0516 1006Regent’s University London, London, UK
| | - Bamidele O. Popoola
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.9582.60000 0004 1794 5983Department of Child Oral Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abeedha Tu-Allah Khan
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.11173.350000 0001 0670 519XSchool of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-E-Azam Campus, Lahore, 54590 Pakistan
| | - Martin Amogre Ayanore
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.449729.50000 0004 7707 5975Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Balgis Gaffar
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.411975.f0000 0004 0607 035XDepartment of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jorma I. Virtanen
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Nourhan M. Aly
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Joseph Chukwudi Okeibunor
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,World Health Organisation, AFRO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Annie Lu Nguyen
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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19
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He J, Shen X, Zhang N, Sun C, Shao Y. Smartphones as an Ecological Niche of Microorganisms: Microbial Activities, Assembly, and Opportunistic Pathogens. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0150822. [PMID: 36040152 PMCID: PMC9603676 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01508-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Smartphone usage and contact frequency are unprecedentedly high in this era, and they affect humans mentally and physically. However, the characteristics of the microorganisms associated with smartphones and smartphone hygiene habits remain unclear. In this study, using various culture-independent techniques, including high-throughput sequencing, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), the ATP bioluminescence system, and electron microscopy, we investigated the structure, assembly, quantity, and dynamic metabolic activity of the bacterial community on smartphone surfaces and the user's dominant and nondominant hands. We found that smartphone microbiotas are more similar to the nondominant hand microbiotas than the dominant hand microbiotas and show significantly decreased phylogenetic diversity and stronger deterministic processes than the hand microbiota. Significant interindividual microbiota differences were observed, contributing to an average owner identification accuracy of 70.6% using smartphone microbiota. Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 1.75 × 106 bacteria (2.24 × 104/cm2) exist on the touchscreen of a single smartphone, and microbial activities remain stable for at least 48 h. Scanning electron microscopy detected large fragments harboring microorganisms, suggesting that smartphone microbiotas live on the secreta or other substances, e.g., human cell debris and food debris. Fortunately, simple smartphone cleaning/hygiene could significantly reduce the bacterial load. Taken together, our results demonstrate that smartphone surfaces not only are a reservoir of microbes but also provide an ecological niche in which microbiotas, particularly opportunistic pathogens, can survive, be active, and even grow. IMPORTANCE Currently, people spend an average of 4.2 h per day on their smartphones. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure may still be increasing. The high frequency of smartphone usage may allow microbes, particularly pathogens, to attach to-and even survive on-phone surfaces, potentially causing adverse effects on humans. We employed various culture-independent techniques in this study to evaluate the microbiological features and hygiene of smartphones, including community assembly, bacterial load, and activity. Our data showed that deterministic processes drive smartphone microbiota assembly and that approximately 1.75 × 106 bacteria exist on a single smartphone touchscreen, with activities being stable for at least 48 h. Fortunately, simple smartphone cleaning/hygiene could significantly reduce the bacterial load. This work expands our understanding of the microbial ecology of smartphone surfaces and might facilitate the development of electronic device cleaning/hygiene guidelines to support public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao He
- Max Planck Partner Group, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Shen
- Max Planck Partner Group, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Max Planck Partner Group, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Analysis Center of Agrobiology and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongqi Shao
- Max Planck Partner Group, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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20
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AlGhobaishi A, Alzabin H, Alhazmi A, Mousa AH, AlThagafi H, Alghamdi M, Khawaji A, Albenayan E, Zailaie R, Almaghrabi RH, Garout MA. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on hand hygiene adherence among pediatric physicians, in Saudi Arabia. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 82:104518. [PMID: 36092858 PMCID: PMC9444314 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The hand hygiene practice (HHP) is the most effective and simplest preventive measure to reduce the risk of infection. HHP is more relevant among pediatric physicians in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic since, children are more vulnerable to infection. Therefore, assessment of the COVID-19 impact on HHP could be useful in minimizing lethal virus transmission from pediatric physicians to patients and vice versa. Method The present cross-sectional, electronically self-administered supplement based survey study was conducted among different professional levels of pediatric physicians involving consultants, specialists, and residents. The supplement includes information related to demography, knowledge, awareness, preventive measures, demonstration and practice of HHP. The information was collected and summarized on a Microsoft excel sheet before being imported to SPSS for statistical analysis. Results Of the total (N = 404) pediatric physicians, 56.68% male, 43.06% belongs to 25–35 years, 42.32% were consultants, 98.01% respondents were familiar with five moments of HHP. Further, HHP immediately before touching patients (99.26%), clean/aseptic procedure (95.04%), after body fluid exposure (72.28%), after touching patients (98.01%), after touching surrounding of patients (74.75%) may prevent germ transmission to patients whereas HHP after touching patients (98.27%), before clean/aseptic procedure (67.57%), after exposure to immediate surroundings of patients (97.02%) may prevent germ transmission to pediatric physicians. Rubbing hands is preferred before palpation of abdomen (74.25%), before giving injection (56.68%), after removing gloves (61.88%), after making a patient's bed (47.80%), while washing of hands preferred after emptying bedpan (67.82%) and after visible exposure to blood (84.40%), 92.57% believed gloves can't replace HHP, posters display at point of care as reminders (95.30%), received frequent HHP education (82.92%), 50.49% do not need HHP reminder, 51.73% preferred alcohol based sanitizer, 53.46% facilitate daily morning huddle, HHP >10 times per day before COVID-19 (24.62%) while in COIVID-19 (56.44%). HPP is the most effective way to prevent the spread (98.01%) of microbes because it kills germs (90.35%), health care associated infections is the major (38.06%) cause of germ transmission, 86.88% will be remains committed to HHP even after pandemic. In comparison to residents and specialists, consultants gave more importance (p = 0.02) to HHP and were more adherent during (p = 0.007) and even after (p = 0.001) COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Assessing knowledge of pediatric physician, awareness, and adherence to hand hygiene measures could be helpful to reduce the contact transmission of lethal viruses to patients and vice versa. Further increase in the awareness, knowledge and education of HHP are required in order to maximize its utilization. The hand hygiene practice (HHP) is the most effective and simplest preventive measure to reduce the risk of infection. Of the total (N = 404) pediatric physicians, 56.68% male, 43.06% belongs to 25–35 years, 42.32% were consultants, 98.01% respondents were familiar with five moments of HHP. Assessing knowledge of pediatric physician, awareness, and adherence to hand hygiene measures could be helpful to reduce the contact transmission of lethal viruses to patients and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah AlGhobaishi
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author. Pediatric intensivist Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Haifa Alzabin
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Alhazmi
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hafez Mousa
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine and Surgery, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Children's Health Center, Department of Pediatrics, International Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem AlThagafi
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alghamdi
- Emergency Department, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adeeb Khawaji
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eyad Albenayan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Armed Forces, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roaa Zailaie
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Disease, King Fahad Armed Forces, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed A. Garout
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) Control Leader, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Price L, Gozdzielewska L, Matuluko A, Pittet D, Allegranzi B, Reilly J. Comparing the effectiveness of hand hygiene techniques in reducing the microbial load and covering hand surfaces in healthcare workers: Updated systematic review. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:1079-1090. [PMID: 35167898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), examined the effectiveness of the WHO 6-step hand hygiene (HH) technique in reducing microbial load on hands and covering hand surfaces, and compared its effectiveness to other techniques. METHODS Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest, Web of Science, Mednar, and Google Scholar were searched for primary studies, published in English (1978-February 2021), evaluating the microbiological effectiveness or hand surface coverage of HH techniques in healthcare workers. Reviewers independently performed quality assessment using Cochrane tools. The protocol for the narrative review was registered (PROSPERO 2021: CRD42021236138). RESULTS Nine studies were included. Evidence demonstrated that the WHO technique reduced microbial load on hands. One study found the WHO technique more effective than the 3-step technique (P = .02), while another found no difference between these 2 techniques (P = .08). An adapted 3-step technique was more effective than the WHO technique in laboratory settings (P = .021), but not in clinical practice (P = .629). One study demonstrated that an adapted 6-step technique was more effective than the WHO technique (P = .001). Evidence was heterogeneous in application time, product, and volume. All studies were high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Eight studies found that the WHO 6-step technique reduced microbial load on healthcare workers' hands; but the studies were heterogeneous and further research is required to identify the most effective, yet feasible technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Price
- SHIP Research Group, Research Centre for Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucyna Gozdzielewska
- SHIP Research Group, Research Centre for Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ayodeji Matuluko
- SHIP Research Group, Research Centre for Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Center on Patient Safety, The University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benedetta Allegranzi
- Infection Prevention and Control Technical and Clinical Hub, Department of Integrated Health Services, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jacqui Reilly
- SHIP Research Group, Research Centre for Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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22
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Szczesny G, Leszczynski P, Sokol-Leszczynska B, Maldyk P. Identification of human-dependent routes of pathogen's transmission in a tertiary care hospital. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2022; 33:330-337. [PMID: 35852191 PMCID: PMC9361096 DOI: 10.52312/jdrs.2022.556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of the study was to validate the risk of patients' exposure to pathogenic flora carried on hands of students, visitors, and patients themselves, analyzing its density and genera and to compare them with the microflora of healthcare workers (HCWs). Patients and methods
Between May and June 2018, five groups of participants were included. Each group consisted of eight individuals. Palmar skin imprints were obtained from dominant hands of doctors, nurses, students, visitors, and patients in orthopedics ward. Imprints were incubated at 37°C under aerobic conditions, and colony-forming units (CFU) on each plate were counted after 24, 48, and 72 h. Microorganisms were identified. Results
Hands of doctors were colonized more often by Gram - positive non-spore-forming rods bacteria than hands of nurses (p<0.05). A higher number of Staphylococcus epidermidis CFUs was observed on doctors’ than on nurses’ hands (p<0.05), whereas Staphylococcus hominis was isolated from doctor’s and patients’ imprints, but was not from nurses’ and students’ imprints (p<0.05). Micrococcus luteus colonized patients’ hands more often than students’ (p<0.05), visitors’ hands than doctors’ (p<0.05), students’ than nurses’ (p<0.05), visitors’ than nurses’ (p<0.05) and patients’ hands (p<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was isolated only from one doctor and one nurse (203 and 10 CFUs/25 cm2 ). Imprints taken from the hands of patients, students and visitors were S. aureus-free. No methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, nor expanded spectrum betalactamase-positive or carbapenemase-positive rods were isolated. The number of Gram-negative rods was the highest on visitors' hands, significantly differing from the number on patient’s, doctor’s, nurse’s, and student’s hands. Spore-forming rods from genus of Bacillus were isolated from representatives of all tested groups. Bacillus cereus occurred more commonly on visitors’ hands than doctors’ hands (p<0.05). Conclusion
Patients, students, and visitors may play the causal role in the spread of pathogenic bacteria, particularly spore-forming rods. Our study results confirm the effectiveness of educational activities, that is the hospital's hand hygiene program among HCWs, patients, and visitors. Hand hygiene procedures should be reviewed to put much more effort into reducing the impact of all studied groups on the transmission of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Szczesny
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
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23
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Annashr NN, Yunianto AE, Muharry A, Abdurrahmat AS, Laksmini P, Atmadja TFAG, Supriyani T, Gustaman RA, Kushargina R, Lusiana SA, Triatmaja NT, Rusyantia A, Ratnasari RDH, Betaditya D, Listyawardhani Y, Fauziyah A, Lubis A. Lifestyle Changes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Java Province, Indonesia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: West Java is ranked 4th as the province with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia up to December 1, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on human health, lifestyle changes, and economic life.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes among the community of West Java.
METHODS: The study was conducted in September 2020 using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 2502 people aged ≥12 years living in West Java were involved in this study as a sample, willing to fill out a questionnaire in the form of a Google form that was distributed online through social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram).
RESULTS: The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on lifestyle changes in the people of West Java. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of West Java became more frequent to wash their hands, do regular exercise, sunbathe in the morning, consume more vegetables and fruits, and consume vitamins or supplements to increase endurance (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Based on the result, the community should continue to improve the COVID-19 prevention practices in breaking the chain of transmission.
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24
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Abela AG, Fava S. Prenatal and early life factors and type 1 diabetes. Endocrine 2022; 77:48-56. [PMID: 35484448 PMCID: PMC9049652 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is increasing worldwide, suggesting that unknown environmental factors are becoming increasingly important in its pathogenesis. AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the possible role of a number of prenatal and perinatal factors in the aetiology of type 1 diabetes. METHODS Mothers of patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (cases) and mothers of children born on the same day and of the same sex as type 1 diabetes patients (controls) were interviewed on a number of prenatal and perinatal factors of interest. RESULTS Hand washing prior to eating, frequency of bathing and total stress score were found to be positively associated with the development of type 1 diabetes on univariate analyses. Hand-washing prior to eating and frequency of house cleaning were independently associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes, whilst getting dirty was associated with a reduced risk in multivariate analyses. There was no association of type 1 diabetes to removing of outdoor shoes indoors or to the age of first attendance to school or pre-school. There were also no significant associations to parental smoking, parental age, birth order, infant feeding, antibiotic use, mode of delivery or birth weight. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that factors that affect the skin or gut microbiome might be more important than infections or factors affecting the microbiome at other sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Fava
- University of Malta Medical School & Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
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25
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Ozkan J, Willcox M, Coroneo M. A comparative analysis of the cephalic microbiome: The ocular, aural, nasal/nasopharyngeal, oral and facial dermal niches. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Dorotíková K, Kameník J, Bogdanovičová K, Křepelová S, Strejček J, Haruštiaková D. Microbial contamination and occurrence of Bacillus cereus sensu lato, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli on food handlers’ hands in mass catering: Comparison of the glove juice and swab methods. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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27
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Rajawardana DU, Fernando PC, Biggs PJ, Namali Hewajulige IG, Nanayakkara CM, Wickramasinghe S, Lin XX, Berry L. An insight into tropical milk microbiome: Bacterial community composition of cattle milk produced in Sri Lanka. Int Dairy J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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28
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Figueiredo G, Gomes M, Covas C, Mendo S, Caetano T. The Unexplored Wealth of Microbial Secondary Metabolites: the Sphingobacteriaceae Case Study. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 83:470-481. [PMID: 33987687 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01762-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Research on secondary metabolites (SMs) has been mostly focused on Gram-positive bacteria, especially Actinobacteria. The association of genomics with robust bioinformatics tools revealed the neglected potential of Gram-negative bacteria as promising sources of new SMs. The family Sphingobacteriaceae belongs to the phylum Bacteroidetes having representatives in practically all environments including humans, rhizosphere, soils, wastewaters, among others. Some genera of this family have demonstrated great potential as plant growth promoters, bioremediators and producers of some value-added compounds such as carotenoids and antimicrobials. However, to date, Sphingobacteriaceae's SMs are still poorly characterized, and likewise, little is known about their chemistry. This study revealed that Sphingobacteriaceae pangenome encodes a total of 446 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which are distributed across 85 strains, highlighting the great potential of this bacterial family to produce SMs. Pedobacter, Mucilaginibacter and Sphingobacterium were the genera with the highest number of BGCs, especially those encoding the biosynthesis of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), terpenes, polyketides and nonribosomal peptides (NRPs). In Mucilaginibacter and Sphingobacterium genera, M. lappiensis ATCC BAA-1855, Mucilaginibacter sp. OK098 (both with 11 BGCs) and Sphingobacterium sp. 21 (6 BGCs) are the strains with the highest number of BGCs. Most of the BGCs found in these two genera did not have significant hits with the MIBiG database. These results strongly suggest that the bioactivities and environmental functions of these compounds, especially RiPPs, PKs and NRPs, are still unknown. Among RiPPs, two genera encoded the production of class I and class III lanthipeptides. The last are associated with LanKC proteins bearing uncommon lyase domains, whose dehydration mechanism deserves further investigation. This study translated genomics into functional information that unveils the enormous potential of environmental Gram-negative bacteria to produce metabolites with unknown chemistries, bioactivities and, more importantly, unknown ecological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Figueiredo
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Gomes
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Claúdia Covas
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sónia Mendo
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Caetano
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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29
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Ripanda A, Miraji H, Sule K, Nguruwe S, Ngumba J, Sahini Mtabazi G, Hamad Vuai S. Evaluation of potentiality of traditional hygienic practices for the mitigation of the 2019-2020 Corona Pandemic. Public Health Nurs 2022; 39:867-875. [PMID: 35084056 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus outbreak threatens global well-being, costing thousands of lives and an unstable economy. Traditional hand-washing (HaWa) with clean water and hand-washing sanitizers (HaWaSas) are among WHO recommended practices against the outbreaks. HaWaSa and HaWa lacked proper quality monitoring evaluation that may pose health risks. The current study investigates the potential of traditional hygienic practices adopted to mitigate the 2019-2020 Pandemic. It involved assessing the effectiveness of 15 HaWaSa collected from the Dodoma market. Thirty volunteered participants were subjected to different hygienic practices involving HaWa and HaWaSa. The obtained hand-swabbed samples were subjected to the streak plate technique for inoculation, followed by counting colonies. The results revealed that, among the collected HaWaSa brands, only 33.3% were certified by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). In the setting under no hand-wash, each client had a different number of colony counts. HaWa did not eliminate all colonies since water acted as a secondary source while only one sanitizer proved effective. The p-values obtained in either setting were greater than 0.05, indicating that each variable was independent. Despite global awareness and fighting against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, quality monitoring of all diagnostic tools, preventive HaWaSa, and related drugs should be prioritized for human safeguard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Ripanda
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Hossein Miraji
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Khalfani Sule
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Salvatory Nguruwe
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Julias Ngumba
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Geofrey Sahini Mtabazi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Saidi Hamad Vuai
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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30
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Determination of drug-resistant bacteria in palmar surface and touchscreen cell phones from bystanders in an urban community. Microbiol Res 2021; 256:126958. [PMID: 34998184 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic microbiota of the human palmar surface (PS) is related to the various hygienic habits of humans and can be transmitted or exchanged upon contact with objects of daily use, such as the indispensable touchscreen cell phone (TCP); this interaction could allow the development of drug-resistant bacteria. The objective was to determine the drug-resistant bacterial contamination between PSs and TCPs in an urban community. Among the total bacterial colonies isolated and molecular and phylogenetically characterized based on the V4-V6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene from PSs and TCPs, the genera present in both types of samples were Staphylococcus (53.3 and 43.5 %, respectively), Bacillus (37.8, 37 %), Atlantibacter (2.2, 10.8 %) and Microbacterium (2.2, 4.3 %). The genera present in only one type of sample were Rothia, Paenibacillus, Escherichia and Micrococcus (2.2 % each). Resistance to penicillins (35.6-93.5 %) and nonsusceptibility to cephalosporins (8.9-37 %) and nitrofurantoin (13.3 and 15.2 %) were observed. The percentage of multidrug antibiotic resistance was 15.4 %. The prevalence of drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in PSs and TCPs in the community could give rise to human health problems, and hygiene measures are recommended.
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31
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Lee S, You H, Lee S, Lee Y, Kang HG, Sung HJ, Choi J, Hyun S. Individual Identification with Short Tandem Repeat Analysis and Collection of Secondary Information Using Microbiome Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:85. [PMID: 35052425 PMCID: PMC8774430 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensic investigation is important to analyze evidence and facilitate the search for key individuals, such as suspects and victims in a criminal case. The forensic use of genomic DNA has increased with the development of DNA sequencing technology, thereby enabling additional analysis during criminal investigations when additional legal evidence is required. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to facilitate the generation of complementary data in order to analyze human evidence obtained through short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. We examined the applicability and potential of analyzing microbial genome communities. Microbiological supplementation information was confirmed for two of four failed STR samples. Additionally, the accuracy of the gargle sample was confirmed to be as high as 100% and was highly likely to be classified as a body fluid sample. Our experimental method confirmed that anthropological and microbiological evidence can be obtained by performing two experiments with one extraction. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using these techniques, explore prospects in the forensic field, and highlight suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solip Lee
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea; (S.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Heesang You
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea; (S.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Songhee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yeongju Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Hee-Gyoo Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Korea; (H.-G.K.); (H.-J.S.)
| | - Ho-Joong Sung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Korea; (H.-G.K.); (H.-J.S.)
| | - Jiwon Choi
- Forensic DNA Analysis Division, National Forensic Service, Seoul 08636, Korea;
| | - Sunghee Hyun
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea; (S.L.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.L.)
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32
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Gouello A, Dunyach-Remy C, Siatka C, Lavigne JP. Analysis of Microbial Communities: An Emerging Tool in Forensic Sciences. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 12:diagnostics12010001. [PMID: 35054168 PMCID: PMC8774847 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of forensic sciences is to find clues in a crime scene in order to reconstruct the scenario. Classical samples include DNA or fingerprints, but both have inherent limitations and can be uninformative. Another type of sample has emerged recently in the form of the microbiome. Supported by the Human Microbiome Project, the characteristics of the microbial communities provide real potential in forensics. They are highly specific and can be used to differentiate and classify the originating body site of a human biological trace. Skin microbiota is also highly specific and different between individuals, leading to its possibility as an identification tool. By extension, the possibilities of the microbial communities to be deposited on everyday objects has also been explored. Other uses include the determination of the post-mortem interval or the analysis of soil communities. One challenge is that the microbiome changes over time and can be influenced by many environmental and lifestyle factors. This review offers an overview of the main methods and applications to demonstrate the benefit of the microbiome to provide forensically relevant information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Gouello
- Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, 95037 Cergy-Pontoise, France;
- Bacterial Infection and Chronic Infection, INSERM U1047, Department of Microbiology and Hospital Infection, University Hospital Nîmes, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nimes, France;
| | - Catherine Dunyach-Remy
- Bacterial Infection and Chronic Infection, INSERM U1047, Department of Microbiology and Hospital Infection, University Hospital Nîmes, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nimes, France;
| | | | - Jean-Philippe Lavigne
- Bacterial Infection and Chronic Infection, INSERM U1047, Department of Microbiology and Hospital Infection, University Hospital Nîmes, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nimes, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-466683202
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33
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Dzator J, Acheampong AO, Dzator M, Paolucci F, Yawe BL, Asmah EE, Andoh FK, Kabagenyi A, Gillespie J. Policy Stringency, Handwashing and COVID-19 cases: Evidence from Global dataset. HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 11:100574. [PMID: 34786329 PMCID: PMC8574075 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2021.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective : Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments globally have introduced policy measures to contain the spread of the virus. Popular COVID-19 containment measures include lockdowns of various forms (aggregated into government response stringency index [GRSI]) and handwashing (HWF). The effectiveness of these policy measures remains unclear in the academic literature. This study, therefore, examines the effect of government policy stringency and handwashing on total daily reported COVID-19 cases. Method : We use a comprehensive dataset of 176 countries to investigate the effect of government policy stringency and handwashing on daily reported COVID-19 cases. In this study, we apply the Lewbel (2012) two-stage least squares technique to control endogeneity. Results : Our results indicated that GRSI significantly contributes to the increase in the total and new confirmed cases of COVI-19. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the 1st, 4th, and 5th quintiles of GRIS significantly reduce total confirmed cases of COVID-19. Also, the result indicated that while the 1st quintile of GRIS contributes significantly to reducing the new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th quintiles of GRSI contribute significantly to increasing the new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results indicated that HWF reduces total and new confirmed cases of COVID-19; however, such effect is not robust to income and regional effects. Nonlinear analysis revealed that while GRSI has an inverted U-shaped relationship with total and new confirmed cases of COVID-19, HWF has a U-shaped relationship. Conclusion : We suggest that policymakers should focus on raising awareness and full engagement of all members of society in implementing public health policies rather than using stringent lockdown measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Dzator
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Australia.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner.,Centre for African Research, Engagement and Partnerships (CARE-P), University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Alex O Acheampong
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Australia.,Centre for African Research, Engagement and Partnerships (CARE-P), University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Michael Dzator
- SAE, Central Queensland University, Mackay, QLD, Australia.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner.,Centre for African Research, Engagement and Partnerships (CARE-P), University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Francesco Paolucci
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Australia.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner
| | - Bruno Lule Yawe
- School of Economics, Makerere University, Uganda.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner
| | - Emmanuel Ekow Asmah
- School of Economics, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner
| | - Francis Kwaw Andoh
- School of Economics, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner
| | - Allen Kabagenyi
- School of Economics, Makerere University, Uganda.,Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner
| | - James Gillespie
- Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Partner.,Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia
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34
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Abstract
Hand hygiene by health care personnel is an important measure for preventing health care-associated infections, but adherence rates and technique remain suboptimal. Alcohol-based hand rubs are the preferred method of hand hygiene in most clinical scenarios, are more effective and better tolerated than handwashing, and their use has facilitated improved adherence rates. Obtaining accurate estimates of hand hygiene adherence rates using direct observations of personnel is challenging. Combining automated hand hygiene monitoring systems with direct observations is a promising strategy, and is likely to yield the best estimates of adherence. Greater attention to hand hygiene technique is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Boyce
- J.M. Boyce Consulting, LLC, 62 Sonoma Lane, Middletown, CT 06457, USA.
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35
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Cho HW, Eom YB. Forensic Analysis of Human Microbiome in Skin and Body Fluids Based on Geographic Location. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:695191. [PMID: 34458160 PMCID: PMC8388931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.695191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have facilitated the in silico forensic analysis of human microbiome. Specific microbial species or communities obtained from the crime scene provide evidence of human contacts and their body fluids. The microbial community is influenced by geographic, ethnic, lifestyle, and environmental factors such as urbanization. An understanding of the effects of these external stressors on the human microbiome and determination of stable and changing elements are important in selecting appropriate targets for investigation. In this study, the Forensic Microbiome Database (FMD) (http://www.fmd.jcvi.org) containing the microbiome data of various locations in the human body in 35 countries was used. We focused on skin, saliva, vaginal fluid, and stool and found that the microbiome distribution differed according to the body part as well as the geographic location. In the case of skin samples, Staphylococcus species were higher than Corynebacterium species among Asians compared with Americans. Holdemanella and Fusobacterium were specific in the saliva of Koreans and Japanese populations. Lactobacillus was found in the vaginal fluids of individuals in all countries, whereas Serratia and Enterobacter were endemic to Bolivia and Congo, respectively. This study is the first attempt to collate and describe the observed variation in microbiomes from the forensic microbiome database. As additional microbiome databases are reported by studies worldwide, the diversity of the applications may exceed and expand beyond the initial identification of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Won Cho
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Yong-Bin Eom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
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36
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Procopio N, Lovisolo F, Sguazzi G, Ghignone S, Voyron S, Migliario M, Renò F, Sellitto F, D'Angiolella G, Tozzo P, Caenazzo L, Gino S. "Touch microbiome" as a potential tool for forensic investigation: A pilot study. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 82:102223. [PMID: 34343925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human skin hosts a variety of microbes that can be transferred to surfaces ("touch microbiome"). These microorganisms can be considered as forensic markers similarly to "touch DNA". With this pilot study, we wanted to evaluate the transferability and persistence of the "touch microbiome" on a surface after the deposition of a fingerprint and its exposure for 30 days at room temperature. Eleven volunteers were enrolled in the study. Skin microbiome samples were collected by swabbing the palm of their hands; additionally, donors were asked to touch a glass microscope slide to deposit their fingerprints, that were then swabbed. Both human and microbial DNA was isolated and quantified. Amelogenin locus and 16 human STRs were amplified, whereas the V4 region of 16 S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. STR profiles were successfully typed for 5 out of 22 "touch DNA" samples, while a microbiome profile was obtained for 20 out of 22 "touch microbiome" samples. Six skin core microbiome taxa were identified, as well as unique donor characterizing taxa. These unique taxa may have relevance for personal identification studies and may be useful to provide forensic intelligence information also when "touch DNA" fails. Additional future studies including greater datasets, additional time points and a greater number of surfaces may clarify the applicability of "touch microbiome" studies to real forensic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Procopio
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Flavia Lovisolo
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Giulia Sguazzi
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Istituto per La Protezione Sostenibile Delle Piante - SS Torino - Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, C/o Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, V.le P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125 Turin, Italy.
| | - Samuele Voyron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, V.le P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125 Turin, Italy.
| | - Mario Migliario
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Filippo Renò
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Federica Sellitto
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Gabriella D'Angiolella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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Rinaldi F, Giuliani G, Pinto D. Importance of preserving the resident microflora of the skin to improve immunological response. J Investig Med 2021; 69:1386-1387. [PMID: 33972384 PMCID: PMC8485132 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-001823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Rinaldi
- Human Microbiome Advanced Project (HMAP), Giuliani, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Pinto
- Human Microbiome Advanced Project (HMAP), Giuliani, Milan, Italy
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Spontaneous face- and eye-touching: Infection risk versus potential microbiome gain. Ocul Surf 2021; 21:64-65. [PMID: 33940169 PMCID: PMC8086376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has piqued interest in spontaneous face-touch as a possible route of microbial infection, with eye-touch of particular importance since the ocular surface is a likely portal of human Coronavirus infection. Spontaneous face-touching is a poorly understood, ingrained habit for humans, who engage in this activity on average between 9 to 162 times per hour. Nearly half of spontaneous face-touches involve mucous membranes, and one third of those involve the eyes. The infective sequelae of self-touch are well documented in ophthalmological conditions such as infectious conjunctivitis, with risks for ocular surface disease beyond primary infection from pathogens such as human papillomavirus. Through tear film conveyance via the nasolacrimal duct, ocular surface pathogens may furthermore have access to the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and respiratory/gastrointestinal systems beyond. Ocular surface and face self-touch therefore represent a concerning possible method of not only local, but also systemic, self-inoculation. Conversely, microbial diversity in the mutualistic microbiome is being increasingly implicated as integral for developing immunity, and protecting against endocrinological and neurodegenerative disease, including those that affect the eye. Spontaneous face-touch brings the hands, the part of the body most in contact with the external world and with the highest temporal diversity, into direct contact with the body’s multiple microbiomes. The authors hypothesise that spontaneous self-touch may represent an important mechanism by which the skin, ocular surface, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts maintains microbial diversity and prevents dysbiosis. It may be that whilst the eyes are at risk of infection through self-touch, they may paradoxically benefit through the acquisition of a mutualistic microbiome, protective not only for the eyes, but for the body as a whole.
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Skowron K, Bauza-Kaszewska J, Kraszewska Z, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Grudlewska-Buda K, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Wałecka-Zacharska E, Radtke L, Gospodarek-Komkowska E. Human Skin Microbiome: Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Skin Microbiota. Microorganisms 2021; 9:543. [PMID: 33808031 PMCID: PMC7998121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it protects the body from the external environment. It has become the topic of interest of researchers from various scientific fields. Microorganisms ensure the proper functioning of the skin. Of great importance, are the mutual relations between such microorganisms and their responses to environmental impacts, as dysbiosis may contribute to serious skin diseases. Molecular methods, used for microorganism identification, allow us to gain a better understanding of the skin microbiome. The presented article contains the latest reports on the skin microbiota in health and disease. The review discusses the relationship between a properly functioning microbiome and the body's immune system, as well as the impact of internal and external factors on the human skin microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Justyna Bauza-Kaszewska
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, UTP University of Science and Technology, 85-029 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Zuzanna Kraszewska
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Ewa Wałecka-Zacharska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Consumer Health, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 C.K. Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Laura Radtke
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Al. prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
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Mason MR, Morawski BM, Bayliss RL, Noor FM, Jama SH, Clabots CL, Johnson JR. Prevalence, Characteristics, and Epidemiology of Microbial Hand Contamination Among Minnesota State Fair Attendees (2014). Front Public Health 2020; 8:574444. [PMID: 33392128 PMCID: PMC7772179 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.574444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many antimicrobial-resistant infections are community-acquired, yet community carriage of microorganisms by healthy individuals is poorly characterized. We assessed microorganism carriage on the hands of Minnesota State Fair attendees and explored associated factors. Methods: Minnesota State Fair attendees (in 2014) from households with ≥2 members (≥1 member being <19 years old [a child]) were eligible to participate. Participants provided biological samples via a hand plating technique and completed a questionnaire on factors potentially related to microorganism carriage. Using presumptive taxonomic identifications and disk-diffusion-determined resistance phenotypes, hand-culture isolates were classified by microbial type; types were grouped into four broad categories based on inferred pathogenicity and consistency with the skin microbiota. Descriptive statistics, X2 tests, and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to explore associations between survey and culture data. Results: We enrolled 206 participants from 82 households during 2 days; 50% of subjects were children. Overall, 99.5% (205/206) of hand samples yielded microorganisms. Most were non-pathogenic, whether skin microbiota (98.5% of participants) or non-skin microbiota (93.2% of participants). Only 2.4% (5/206) of samples yielded antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Children were more likely than adults to carry potentially pathogenic (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.66–7.93) and presumably non-pathogenic (OR = 6.61, 95% CI: 1.67–26.15) non-skin microorganisms. Conclusions: Large community gatherings can serve as efficient sites for estimating the prevalence of microorganism carriage. A small proportion of participants carried antimicrobial-resistant pathogens on their hands; most carried non-pathogenic microorganisms, and no exposures specific to the state fair were associated with microorganism carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan R Mason
- Public Health Department, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN, United States.,Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Bozena M Morawski
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ruby L Bayliss
- Public Health Department, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Fatuma M Noor
- Public Health Department, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Sagal H Jama
- Public Health Department, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Connie L Clabots
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - James R Johnson
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Balasubramaniam A, Adi P, Tra My DT, Keshari S, Sankar R, Chen CL, Huang CM. Repurposing INCI-registered compounds as skin prebiotics for probiotic Staphylococcus epidermidis against UV-B. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21585. [PMID: 33299009 PMCID: PMC7725810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78132-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Repurposing existing compounds for new indications may facilitate the discovery of skin prebiotics which have not been well defined. Four compounds that have been registered by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) were included to study their abilities to induce the fermentation of Staphylococcusepidermidis (S. epidermidis), a bacterial species abundant in the human skin. Liquid coco-caprylate/caprate (LCC), originally used as an emollient, effectively initiated the fermentation of S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and provoked robust electricity. Application of LCC plus electrogenic S. epidermidis ATCC 12228 on mouse skin significantly reduced ultraviolet B (UV-B)-induced injuries which were evaluated by the formation of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), and skin lesions. A S. epidermidis S2 isolate with low expressions of genes encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase (pdh), and phosphate acetyltransferase (pta) was found to be poorly electrogenic. The protective action of electrogenic S. epidermidis against UV-B-induced skin injuries was considerably suppressed when mouse skin was applied with LCC in combination with a poorly electrogenic S. epidermidis S2 isolate. Exploring new indication of LCC for promoting S. epidermidis against UV-B provided an example of repurposing INCI-registered compounds as skin prebiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Balasubramaniam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Prakoso Adi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Do Thi Tra My
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sunita Keshari
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Raman Sankar
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Lung Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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42
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Kim M, Park T, Yun JI, Lim HW, Han NR, Lee ST. Investigation of Age-Related Changes in the Skin Microbiota of Korean Women. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101581. [PMID: 33066632 PMCID: PMC7602415 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota of human skin is influenced by host and environmental factors. To determine if chronological age influences the composition of the skin microbiota on the forehead and hands, 73 Korean women were sorted into one of three age groups: (1) 10-29 years (n = 24), (2) 30-49 years (n = 21), and (3) 50-79 years (n = 28). From the 73 women, 146 skin samples (two skin sites per person) were collected. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was then conducted to analyze the skin microbiota. The overall microbial distribution varied on the forehead but was similar on the hands across the three age groups. In addition, the composition of the skin microbiota differed between the forehead and hands. Commensal microbiota, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium, which contribute to maintaining skin health via dominant occupation, were affected by increasing age on forehead and hand skin. Alpha diversity indices increased significantly with age on forehead skin. This study indicates that older people may be more susceptible to pathogenic invasions due to an imbalanced skin microbiota resulting from age-related changes. The results of our study may help develop new strategies to rebalance skin microbiota shifted during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minseok Kim
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
| | - Tansol Park
- US Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-ARS, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | | | - Hye Won Lim
- Shebah Biotech Inc., Chuncheon 24398, Korea;
| | - Na Rae Han
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
| | - Seung Tae Lee
- KustoGen Inc., Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
- Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-250-8638
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43
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Vargas-Robles D, Gonzalez-Cedillo C, Hernandez AM, Alcaraz LD, Peimbert M. Passenger-surface microbiome interactions in the subway of Mexico City. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237272. [PMID: 32813719 PMCID: PMC7437895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between hands and the environment permits the interchange of microorganisms. The Mexico City subway is used daily by millions of passengers that get in contact with its surfaces. In this study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the microbiomes of frequently touched surfaces and compare regular and women-only wagons. We also explored the effect of surface cleaning on microbial resettling. Finally, we studied passenger behavior and characterized microbial changes after traveling. Most passengers (99%), showed some type of surface interaction during a wagon trip, mostly with the hands (92%). We found microbiome differences associated with surfaces, probably reflecting diverse surface materials and usage frequency. The platform floor was the most bacterial diverse surface, while the stair handrail and pole were the least diverse ones. After pole cleaning, the resettling of microbial diversity was fast (5–30 minutes); however, it did not resemble the initial composition. After traveling, passengers significantly increased their hand microbial diversity and converged to a similar microbial composition among passengers. Additionally, passenger hand microbiomes resembled subway surfaces in diversity. However, microbial fingerprints were preserved within passengers after traveling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Vargas-Robles
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carolina Gonzalez-Cedillo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Apolinar M. Hernandez
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis D. Alcaraz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mariana Peimbert
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
- * E-mail:
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44
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Shetty R, Jayadev C, Chabra A, Maheshwari S, D'Souza S, Khamar P, Sethu S, Honavar SG. Sanitizer aerosol-driven ocular surface disease (SADOSD)-A COVID-19 repercussion? Indian J Ophthalmol 2020; 68:981-983. [PMID: 32461409 PMCID: PMC7508141 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1308_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an advisory for regular and thorough cleaning of hands besides other measures such as social distancing and self-isolation. The rationale for the same is to prevent the transfer of the virus from hands that have come in contact with fomites. While both alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) or washing with soap and water are claimed to have been effective, hand sanitizers have gained more popularity due to the ease of use. The increased frequency of ABHR use and the aerosols generated pose a potential threat to the skin and exposed mucosal surfaces, especially that of the eye due to the proximity of use. The adverse effects of alcohol in these sanitizers can be manifold. An allergic or inflammatory response can occur depending on the predisposing or preexisting conditions. This article describes the risks, underlying mechanisms, and preventive measures for sanitizer aerosol-driven ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Shetty
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chaitra Jayadev
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Aishwarya Chabra
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sonia Maheshwari
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharon D'Souza
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Pooja Khamar
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Swaminathan Sethu
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Santosh G Honavar
- Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, 121/C, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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45
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Qureshi SS, Kedo M, Berthrong ST. Gender-neutral bathroom surfaces recolonized by microbes more quickly than single-gender bathrooms. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 71:134-137. [PMID: 32410293 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As humans become increasingly urban and spend more time inside the built environment, there will be increased interactions between humans and shared public surface microbiomes. Recent cultural changes in the United States have led to increased numbers of gender-neutral bathrooms. Given that bathroom surfaces are frequently sanitized, we used this increased availability of gender-neutral bathrooms to examine how single-gender or gender-neutral surfaces are recolonized with microbes. Given that male and female microbiomes vary, we hypothesized that rates of recolonization would differ between male, female and gender-neutral bathroom surfaces. We collected swabs from common hand-contacted surfaces in bathrooms and cultured microbes on selective and rich media to determine microbial abundance after cleaning. Recolonization was dominated by Gram-positive bacteria and was slowest on male, intermediate on female and fastest on gender-neutral surfaces. These results imply that gender-neutral surfaces approach normal climax microbial communities more quickly than single-gender bathrooms. SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Humans now spend substantial amount of time within the built environment, and as a consequence the human microbiome interacts frequently with indoor surfaces. Social changes are making gender-neutral public bathrooms more common, so it is important to study how humans and microbiomes interact with these bathroom surfaces. We found that the gender-neutral bathroom surfaces recolonize more quickly than single-gender, which suggests that there are more potential human-surface microbiome connections in these public spaces. These results will potentially add a new layer to our understanding of the interactions of humans, our microbiomes and how we design our built environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Qureshi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - M Kedo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - S T Berthrong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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46
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Alzyood M, Jackson D, Aveyard H, Brooke J. COVID-19 reinforces the importance of handwashing. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:2760-2761. [PMID: 32406958 PMCID: PMC7267118 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mamdooh Alzyood
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Debra Jackson
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Helen Aveyard
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Brooke
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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47
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Assenmacher DM, Fields SD, Crupper SS. Comparison of Commercial Kits for Recovery and Analysis of Bacterial DNA From Fingerprints. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1310-1314. [PMID: 31985836 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In forensic science, fingerprints are a common source of evidentiary information. However, latent examination is not always successful and trace human DNA cannot always be obtained. Thus, examining the fingerprint microbiome may offer a suitable alternative to more traditional methods of forensic identification. The Zymo Research ZR Bacterial/Fungal DNA MicroPrep™ Kit, Qiagen QIAmp® DNA Mini Kit, Promega Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit, and the MPBio FastDNA® Spin Kit were compared for their ability to yield a sufficient amount of bacterial DNA for next-generation sequencing in order to obtain a microbiome profile. Prints were deposited onto slides, allowed to sit for up to 1 month, and total DNA isolated and quantified using each kit. The kit from Zymo Research yielded the most concentrated DNA sample (0.0084 ng/µL) in the least amount of time as compared to other kits examined. Although this amount of DNA was far below the recommended DNA concentration threshold recommended for next-generation sequencing, a microbiome profile was successfully obtained. As interest in using the microbiome of an individual as a forensic tool continues to increase, there is the possibility that the microbiome of a fingerprint could complement traditional human DNA profiling in the future. This study provides evidence that trace amounts of bacterial DNA from fingerprints is quantifiable and sufficient for microbiome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Assenmacher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Masters of Science in Forensic Science Program, Emporia State University, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS, 66856
| | - Stephen D Fields
- Department of Biological Sciences, Masters of Science in Forensic Science Program, Emporia State University, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS, 66856
| | - Scott S Crupper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Masters of Science in Forensic Science Program, Emporia State University, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS, 66856
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48
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Sanjar F, Weaver AJ, Peacock TJ, Nguyen JQ, Brandenburg KS, Leung KP. Temporal shifts in the mycobiome structure and network architecture associated with a rat (Rattus norvegicus) deep partial-thickness cutaneous burn. Med Mycol 2020; 58:107-117. [PMID: 31041451 PMCID: PMC6939685 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With a diverse physiological interface to colonize, mammalian skin is the first line of defense against pathogen invasion and harbors a consortium of microbes integral in maintenance of epithelial barrier function and disease prevention. While the dynamic roles of skin bacterial residents are expansively studied, contributions of fungal constituents, the mycobiome, are largely overlooked. As a result, their influence during skin injury, such as disruption of skin integrity in burn injury and impairment of host immune defense system, is not clearly delineated. Burn patients experience a high risk of developing hard-to-treat fungal infections in comparison to other hospitalized patients. To discern the changes in the mycobiome profile and network assembly during cutaneous burn-injury, a rat scald burn model was used to survey the mycobiome in healthy (n = 30) (sham-burned) and burned (n = 24) skin over an 11-day period. The healthy skin demonstrated inter-animal heterogeneity over time, while the burned skin mycobiome transitioned toward a temporally stabile community with declining inter-animal variation starting at day 3 post-burn injury. Driven primarily by a significant increase in relative abundance of Candida, fungal species richness and abundance of the burned skin decreased, especially in days 7 and 11 post-burn. The network architecture of rat skin mycobiome displayed community reorganization toward increased network fragility and decreased stability compared to the healthy rat skin fungal network. This study provides the first account of the dynamic diversity observed in the rat skin mycobiome composition, structure, and network assembly associated with postcutaneous burn injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sanjar
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration Directorate, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alan J Weaver
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration Directorate, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Trent J Peacock
- Office of Research Compliance, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Jesse Q Nguyen
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration Directorate, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth S Brandenburg
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration Directorate, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kai P Leung
- Dental and Craniofacial Trauma Research and Tissue Regeneration Directorate, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
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Lange SL, Barnard TG, Naicker N. Effect of a simple intervention on hand hygiene related diseases in preschools in South Africa: research protocol for an intervention study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030656. [PMID: 31862738 PMCID: PMC6936989 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hand hygiene (HH) related illnesses such as diarrhoea and respiratory diseases, contribute to the burden of disease and are included in the top five causes of mortality in children under 5 years in South Africa. Children attending preschools are more susceptible to these infections due to the higher number of children in preschools. HH interventions have shown to reduce HH-related diseases by improving HH practices. In South Africa, there are no documented HH interventions or studies in children under 5 years. The purpose of the study is to determine whether an HH intervention can reduce HH-related diseases among 4-5-year-old preschool children and to improve HH practices in these children, their caregivers and their parents. METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS This is a protocol for a controlled intervention study to be conducted at preschools in Kempton Park, City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. Preschools will be randomly distributed into control and experimental groups (n=70). The intervention includes interactive simulation learning, educational emails and education and poster reminders obtained from the WHO and the Global Handwashing Day website. Data collection, including the intervention, will take place during the calendar year as this coincides with the school year. Data will be analysed both preintervention and postintervention in the experimental group as well as between the experimental and control group. Data collected by means of questionnaires, observations, disease registers, hygiene inspections, semi-structured interviews and hand swabs will be analysed to determine these outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Permission has been obtained from the University of Johannesburg Ethics Committee and Ministerial Consent for Non-Therapeutic Research on Minors from the Department of Health National Ethics Research Council. Permissions for use of copyright protected materials has been obtained. Results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, and feedback within relevant structures through conference proceedings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Louise Lange
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Tobias George Barnard
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Nisha Naicker
- Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Section, National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Masuda-Kuroki K, Murakami M, Tokunaga N, Kishibe M, Mori H, Utsunomiya R, Tsuda T, Shiraishi K, Tohyama M, Sayama K. The microbiome of the "sterile" pustules in palmoplantar pustulosis. Exp Dermatol 2019; 27:1372-1377. [PMID: 30281856 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The skin microbiome influences skin pathophysiology. Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin disease characterized by infectious-like pustules on the palms and soles. These pustules are thought to be sterile because bacterial cultures obtained from the pustules are negative. However, culture methods are limited in their ability to identify all bacteria on the skin. We hypothesized that the "sterile" pustules of PPP do not lack bacteria, but rather contain a microbiome. To test this hypothesis, we identified bacteria in "sterile" pustules using non-culture methods. We conducted Sanger and 16S rRNA sequencing using primers specific to the V1-V2 region in PPP-pustulovesicles (PVs) (n = 43) and pompholyx vesicle fluids (n = 15). Sanger sequencing identified some Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus and Pyrinomonas species in PPP-PVs but failed to identify any bacteria in most of the pompholyx vesicles. 16S rRNA sequencing of PPP-PVs indicated the presence of a microbiome that included various phyla, including Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, smokers had higher levels of Staphylococcus in PPP-PVs compared with non-smokers. These results indicate that a microbiome exists in "sterile" pustules of PPP and that PPP smokers had higher levels of Staphylococcus in pustules. It is therefore necessary to reconsider the pathogenesis of PPP from the perspective of the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Masuda-Kuroki
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masamoto Murakami
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Naohito Tokunaga
- Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Mari Kishibe
- Department of Dermatology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hideki Mori
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ryo Utsunomiya
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Teruko Tsuda
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ken Shiraishi
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tohyama
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
| | - Koji Sayama
- Department of Dermatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime, Japan
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