1
|
Pérez-Sancho M, Cerdá I, Fernández-Bravo A, Domínguez L, Figueras MJ, Fernández-Garayzábal JF, Vela AI. Limited performance of MALDI-TOF for identification of fish Aeromonas isolates at species level. J Fish Dis 2018; 41:1485-1493. [PMID: 30105821 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the MALDI-TOF MS to identify 151 isolates of Aeromonas obtained mostly from diseased fish. MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified all isolates to the genus level but important differences in the percentage of isolates correctly identified depending on the species were observed. Considering exclusively the first identification option, Aeromonas bestiarum, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas sobria were the best identified with results >95%. However, considering the first and second identification options, the only species that showed values >90% was A. hydrophila. Overall, when the database was supplemented with 14 new spectra, the number of accurate identifications increased (41% vs. 55%) and the number of inconclusive identifications decreased (45% vs. 29%), but great differences in the success of species-level identifications were found. Species-distinctive mass peaks were identified only for A. hydrophila and A. bestiarum (5003 and 7360 m/z in 95.5% and 94.1% of their isolates, respectively). This work demonstrates the utility of MALDI-TOF MS for Aeromonas identification to the genus level, but there is no consistency for the accurate identification of some of the most prevalent species implicated in fish disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Pérez-Sancho
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Cerdá
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Fernández-Bravo
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Microbiología, IVSPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - L Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Department, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad de Microbiología, IVSPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - J F Fernández-Garayzábal
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Department, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - A I Vela
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Department, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rusiñol M, Fernandez-Cassi X, Timoneda N, Carratalà A, Abril JF, Silvera C, Figueras MJ, Gelati E, Rodó X, Kay D, Wyn-Jones P, Bofill-Mas S, Girones R. Corrigendum to "Evidence of viral dissemination and seasonality in a Mediterranean river catchment: implications for water pollution management" [J. Environ. Manag. 159 (2015) 58-67]. J Environ Manage 2018; 223:1100. [PMID: 29807682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Rusiñol
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - X Fernandez-Cassi
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - N Timoneda
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Carratalà
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - J F Abril
- Computational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - C Silvera
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, University Rovira and Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, University Rovira and Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - E Gelati
- Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences (IC3), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - X Rodó
- Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences (IC3), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - D Kay
- Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences (IGES), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - P Wyn-Jones
- Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences (IGES), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - S Bofill-Mas
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - R Girones
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Department of Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Figueras
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 43201 Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - J. Guarro
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 43201 Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Figueras MJ, Latif-Eugenín F, Ballester F, Pujol I, Tena D, Berg K, Hossain MJ, Beaz-Hidalgo R, Liles MR. 'Aeromonas intestinalis' and 'Aeromonas enterica' isolated from human faeces, 'Aeromonas crassostreae' from oyster and 'Aeromonas aquatilis' isolated from lake water represent novel species. New Microbes New Infect 2016; 15:74-76. [PMID: 28050251 PMCID: PMC5192473 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2016.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Four Aeromonas strains from clinical and environmental samples differed from known species on the basis of rpoD gene sequence. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed them as four new species even though their 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with their closest relatives was >98.7%, as occurred for other Aeromonas spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - F Latif-Eugenín
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - F Ballester
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Cataluña Sud. Hospital Universitario St. Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - I Pujol
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Cataluña Sud. Hospital Universitario St. Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - D Tena
- Section of Microbiology, University Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - K Berg
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - M J Hossain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - R Beaz-Hidalgo
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - M R Liles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Figueras MJ, Pérez-Cataluña A, Salas-Massó N, Levican A, Collado L. ' Arcobacter porcinus' sp. nov., a novel Arcobacter species uncovered by Arcobacter thereius. New Microbes New Infect 2016; 15:104-106. [PMID: 28070334 PMCID: PMC5219630 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arcobacter thereius is a species associated with human disease. A group of A. thereius pork strains (represented by strain LMG 24487) clustered separately from the type strain (LMG 24486T) in the 16S rRNA and multilocus phylogenetic trees. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity results between their genomes (93.3 and 51.1%) confirmed ‘Arcobacter porcinus’ (LMG 24487T) as a new species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - A Pérez-Cataluña
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - N Salas-Massó
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - A Levican
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - L Collado
- Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain; Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fernandez-Cassi X, Silvera C, Cervero-Aragó S, Rusiñol M, Latif-Eugeni F, Bruguera-Casamada C, Civit S, Araujo RM, Figueras MJ, Girones R, Bofill-Mas S. Evaluation of the microbiological quality of reclaimed water produced from a lagooning system. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:16816-33. [PMID: 27194016 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of lagooning as a complementary natural method of treating secondary effluents of wastewater treatment plants has been employed as an affordable and easy means of producing reclaimed water. However, using reclaimed water for some purposes, for example, for food irrigation, presents some risks if the effluents contain microbial pathogens. Classical bacterial indicators that are used to assess faecal contamination in water do not always properly indicate the presence of bacterial or viral pathogens. In the current study, the presence of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), heterotrophic bacterial counts (HBC), pathogens and opportunistic pathogens, such as Legionella spp., Aeromonas spp., Arcobacter spp., free-living amoeba (FLA), several viral indicators (human adenovirus and polyomavirus JC) and viral pathogens (noroviruses and hepatitis E virus) were analysed for 1 year in inlet and outlet water to assess the removal efficiency of a lagooning system. We observed 2.58 (1.17-4.59) and 1.65 (0.15-3.14) log reductions in Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE), respectively, between the inlet and outlet samples. Genomic copies of the viruses were log reduced by 1.18 (0.24-2.93), 0.64 (0.12-1.97), 0.45 (0.04-2.54) and 0.72 (0.22-2.50) for human adenovirus (HAdV), JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and human noroviruses (NoV GI and GII), respectively. No regrowth of opportunistic pathogens was observed within the system. FLA, detected in all samples, did not show a clear trend. The reduction of faecal pathogens was irregular with 6 out of 12 samples and 4 out of 12 samples exceeding the EC and IE values, specified in the Spanish legislation for reclaimed water (RD 1620/2007). This data evidences that there is a need for more studies to evaluate the removal mechanisms of lagooning systems in order to optimize pathogen reduction. Moreover, surveillance of water used to irrigate raw edible vegetables should be conducted to ensure the fulfilment of the microbial requirements for the production of safe reclaimed water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Fernandez-Cassi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Silvera
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - S Cervero-Aragó
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Water Hygiene, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- ICC Water and Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Rusiñol
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Latif-Eugeni
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - C Bruguera-Casamada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Civit
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R M Araujo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - R Girones
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Bofill-Mas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Figueras MJ, Levican A, Pujol I, Ballester F, Rabada Quilez MJ, Gomez-Bertomeu F. A severe case of persistent diarrhoea associated with Arcobacter cryaerophilus but attributed to Campylobacter sp. and a review of the clinical incidence of Arcobacter spp. New Microbes New Infect 2014; 2:31-7. [PMID: 25356338 PMCID: PMC4184587 DOI: 10.1002/2052-2975.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Although rarely, Arcobacter spp. have been associated with diarrhoea and bacteraemia. We report a persistent case in a healthy 26-year-old Spanish male of bloody diarrhoea, which was attributed to Campylobacter but in fact was caused by Arcobacter cryaerophilus, as determined by sequencing of the rpoB gene. The isolate was re-identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and genotyped for five putative virulence genes and for seven genes included in the Arcobacter multilocus sequence typing database. The low score obtained by MALDI-TOF indicates the need to complement the database with more isolates. Only the ciaB gene, which encodes for an invasin, was detected. Despite the isolate belonging to a new sequence type, three of the alleles (glnA, pgm and tkt) had been found previously in isolates from faeces of patients with diarrhoea. This study, together with the reviewed literature, indicates that Arcobacter can produce bacteraemia and that the isolation from patients with diarrhoea range from 0.11% to 1.25%. This study also demonstrates that Arcobacter species are confused with Campylobacter spp., as previously suggested. This is one of the factors that leads to underestimation of their incidence together with the use of inappropriate detection and identification methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Cièancies Mediques Básiques, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili Sant Lorenzo 21, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - A Levican
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Cièancies Mediques Básiques, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili Sant Lorenzo 21, 43201, Reus, Spain ; Laboratorio de Patología de Organismos Acuáticos y Biotecnolog\xEDa Acuícola, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicasl, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andrés Bello Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - I Pujol
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Cièancies Mediques Básiques, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili Sant Lorenzo 21, 43201, Reus, Spain ; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus Reus, Spain, Tarragona, Spain
| | - F Ballester
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Cièancies Mediques Básiques, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, IISPV, Universidad Rovira i Virgili Sant Lorenzo 21, 43201, Reus, Spain ; Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus Reus, Spain, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | - F Gomez-Bertomeu
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital Universitari Joan XXII Tarragona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beaz-Hidalgo R, Figueras MJ. Aeromonas spp. whole genomes and virulence factors implicated in fish disease. J Fish Dis 2013; 36:371-388. [PMID: 23305319 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that Aeromonas infections produce septicaemia, and ulcerative and haemorrhagic diseases in fish, causing significant mortality in both wild and farmed freshwater and marine fish species that damage the economics of the aquaculture sector. The descriptions of the complete genomes of Aeromonas species have allowed the identification of an important number of virulence genes that affect the pathogenic potential of these bacteria. This review will focus on the most relevant information derived from the available Aeromonas genomes in relation to virulence and on the diverse virulence factors that actively participate in host adherence, colonization and infection, including structural components, extracellular factors, secretion systems, iron acquisition and quorum sensing mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Beaz-Hidalgo
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciènces Médiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alperi A, Figueras MJ. Human isolates of Aeromonas possess Shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2) highly similar to the most virulent gene variants of Escherichia coli. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 16:1563-7. [PMID: 20219084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Strains producing Shiga toxins, encoded by stx1 and stx2 genes, can cause diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome. PCR screening of 80 clinical Aeromonas strains showed that 19 were stx1-positive and only one was positive for both stx1 and stx2. PCR bands were very faint for some strains and negative results were obtained after subculturing. The obtained sequences of Aeromonas stx1 and stx2 genes were highly similar to those of the most virulent stx gene variants of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. These results may lead to a better understanding of the potential pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of Aeromonas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Alperi
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Figueras MJ, Alperi A, Beaz-Hidalgo R, Stackebrandt E, Brambilla E, Monera A, Martínez-Murcia AJ. Aeromonas rivuli sp. nov., isolated from the upstream region of a karst water rivulet. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2011; 61:242-248. [DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.016139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two freshwater isolates (WB4.1-19T and WB4.4-101), sharing 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, were highly related to Aeromonas sobria (99.7 % similarity; 6 bp differences). A phylogenetic tree derived from a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis (MLPA) of the concatenated sequences of five housekeeping genes (gyrB, rpoD, recA, dnaJ and gyrA; 3684 bp) revealed that both strains clustered as an independent phylogenetic line next to members of Aeromonas molluscorum and Aeromonas bivalvium. The DNA–DNA reassociation value between the two new isolates was 89.3 %. Strain WB4.1-19T had a DNA–DNA relatedness value of <70 % with the type strains of the other species tested. Phenotypic characterization differentiated the two novel strains from all other type strains of species of the genus Aeromonas. It is concluded that the two new strains represent a novel species of the genus Aeromonas, for which the name Aeromonas rivuli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain WB4.1-19T (=CECT 7518T=DSM 22539T=MDC 2511T).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. IISPV. Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - A. Alperi
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. IISPV. Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - R. Beaz-Hidalgo
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. IISPV. Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - E. Stackebrandt
- DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - E. Brambilla
- DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - A. Monera
- Molecular Diagnostics Center and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Orihuela, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Four Aeromonas strains (S1.2(T), EO-0505, TC1 and TI 1.1) isolated from moribund fish in Spain showed a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern related to strains of Aeromonas salmonicida and Aeromonas bestiarum but their specific taxonomic position was unclear. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping genes rpoD, gyrB, recA and dnaJ confirmed the allocation of these isolates to an unknown genetic lineage within the genus Aeromonas with A. salmonicida, A. bestiarum and Aeromonas popoffii as the phylogenetically nearest neighbours. Furthermore, a strain biochemically labelled as Aeromonas hydrophila (AH-3), showing a pattern of A. bestiarum based on 16S rDNA-RFLP, also clustered with the unknown genetic lineage. The genes rpoD and gyrB proved to be the best phylogenetic markers for differentiating these isolates from their neighbouring species. Useful phenotypic features for differentiating the novel species from other known Aeromonas species included their ability to hydrolyze elastin, produce acid from l-arabinose and salicin, and their inability to produce acid from lactose and use l-lactate as a sole carbon source. A polyphasic approach using phenotypic characterization, phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and of four housekeeping genes, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization studies and an analysis of the protein profiles by MALDI-TOF-MS, showed that these strains represented a novel species for which the name Aeromonas piscicola sp. nov. is proposed with isolate S1.2(T) (=CECT 7443(T), =LMG 24783(T)) as the type strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Beaz-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Figueras MJ, Alperi A, Guarro J. On the identification of clinical Aeromonas by a new restriction fragment length polymorphism of 16S rDNA method. Lett Appl Microbiol 2007; 45:692-3; author reply 694-5. [PMID: 17916125 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2007.02245.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
13
|
Figueras MJ, Horneman AJ, Martinez-Murcia A, Guarro J. Controversial data on the association of Aeromonas with diarrhoea in a recent Hong Kong study. J Med Microbiol 2007; 56:996-998. [PMID: 17577068 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.47062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unit of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Rovira and Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - A J Horneman
- Department of Medical and Research Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Martinez-Murcia
- Molecular Diagnostics Centre (MDC), University Miguel Hernández, Orihuela, Spain
| | - J Guarro
- Unit of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Rovira and Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Recent phylogenetic studies of the genus Aeromonas based on gyrB and rpoD gene sequences have improved the phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene sequences first published in 1992, particularly in the ability to split closely related species. These studies did not include the recently described species Aeromonas simiae and Aeromonas molluscorum and only a single strain of Aeromonas culicicola was available for analysis at that time. In the present work, these Aeromonas species and newly isolated strains of A. culicicola were examined. Sequence analysis indicates that A. simiae and A. molluscorum belong to non-described phylogenetic lines of descent within this genus, which supports the original description of both species. The most closely related species are Aeromonas schubertii and Aeromonas encheleia, respectively, which is consistent with 16S rRNA gene sequencing results. However, while the five strains of A. molluscorum showed nucleotide differences in their gyrB and rpoD gene sequences, the only two known A. simiae strains exhibited identical gene sequences, suggesting that they are isolates of the same strain. On the basis of the rpoD gene sequence phylogeny, A. culicicola strains from the original description and new isolates from drinking water and ornamental fish clustered within the species Aeromonas veronii, suggesting inconsistencies with previous results. Other strains with previously controversial taxonomy and new isolates from other studies were included in this study in order to clarify their phylogenetic affiliation at the species level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Saavedra
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, CECAV-University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Molecular Diagnostics Center (MDC), Biomolecular Technologies S.L. and Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03300 Orihuela, Alicante, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Unidad de Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - A J Martínez-Murcia
- Molecular Diagnostics Center (MDC), Biomolecular Technologies S.L. and Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03300 Orihuela, Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ulfig K, Guarro J, Cano J, Gené J, Vidal P, Figueras MJ, Lukasik W. A preliminary study of the occurrence of actidione-resistant fungi in sediments of Catalonian river mouths (Spain). I. Keratinolytic fungi and related Onygenales. Mycopathologia 2005; 141:143-51. [PMID: 16284860 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006978032246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sediments from eight river mouths along the Catalonian coast (Spain) were surveyed for keratinolytic fungi and related Onygenales. The actidione plating technique was employed. Of 532 actidione-treated sediment samples, 268 (50.3%) were positive for the fungi. Altogether, 384 fungal strains from 35 species were isolated from the samples. Narasimhella marginospora, Aphanoascus fulvescens, Neoarachnotheca keratinophila with its anamorph Myriodontium keratinophilum, Narasimhella hyalinospora, Beauveria alba, Sporothrix schenckii, Chrysosporium lobatum and Gymnoascus littoralis were the predominant species in sediments. Abundance of N. marginospora was clearly correlated with the degree of water pollution with sewage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Ulfig
- Institute for Ecology of Industrial, Areas, ul. Kossutha 6, 40-832, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Figueras MJ, Suarez-Franquet A, Chacón MR, Soler L, Navarro M, Alejandre C, Grasa B, Martínez-Murcia AJ, Guarro J. First record of the rare species Aeromonas culicicola from a drinking water supply. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:538-41. [PMID: 15640231 PMCID: PMC544204 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.1.538-541.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the recovery of the rare species Aeromonas culicicola, so far known only in mosquitoes in India, from a drinking water supply in Spain. Typing, using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR, revealed that the 27 new isolates belonged to 3 very closely related strains. These strains were genetically identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Spanish strains differed from the mosquito strains in three nucleotide positions. The AHCYTOEN gene was present in these water strains, which may have a public health significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Soler L, Yáñez MA, Chacon MR, Aguilera-Arreola MG, Catalán V, Figueras MJ, Martínez-Murcia AJ. Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Aeromonas based on two housekeeping genes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2005; 54:1511-1519. [PMID: 15388703 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.03048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylogenetic relationships of all known species of the genus Aeromonas, and especially Aeromonas bestiarum and Aeromonas salmonicida, were investigated on 70 strains using the rpoD sequence, which encodes the sigma70 factor. This analysis was complemented with the sequence of gyrB, which has already proven useful for determining the phylogenetic relationships in the genus. Nucleotide sequences of rpoD and gyrB showed that both genes had similar substitution rates (< 2 %) and a similar number of variable positions (34 % for rpoD versus 32 % for gyrB). Strain groupings by analysis of rpoD, gyrB and a combination of both genes were consistent with the taxonomic organization of all Aeromonas species described to date. However, the simultaneous analysis of both clocks improved the reliability and the power to differentiate, in particular, closely related taxa. At the inter-species level, gyrB showed a better resolution for differentiating Aeromonas sp. HG11/Aeromonas encheleia and Aeromonas veronii/Aeromonas culicicola/Aeromonas allosaccharophila, while rpoD more clearly differentiated A. salmonicida from A. bestiarum. The analysis of rpoD provided initial evidence for clear phylogenetic divergence between the latter two species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Soler
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Reus, E-43201 Tarragona, Spain
| | - M A Yáñez
- Labaqua, S.A., Alona, 33, E-03007 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra Beniel Km 3, E-03312 Orihuela (Alicante), Spain
| | - M R Chacon
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Reus, E-43201 Tarragona, Spain
| | - M G Aguilera-Arreola
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 11340 México Distrito Federal, Mexico
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Reus, E-43201 Tarragona, Spain
| | - V Catalán
- Labaqua, S.A., Alona, 33, E-03007 Alicante, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Reus, E-43201 Tarragona, Spain
| | - A J Martínez-Murcia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra Beniel Km 3, E-03312 Orihuela (Alicante), Spain
- Molecular Diagnostics Center, Ctra Ncnal, 340, Km 29 Aptdo, 169, E-03300 Orihuela (Alicante), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
We have identified the genes ascF and ascG, which encode components of a putative type III secretion system (TTSS) in AEROMONAS: We investigated the distribution of these and other TTSS genes in 84 clinical isolates and found hybridizing sequences in 50% of the strains, with a higher prevalence in Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii than in Aeromonas caviae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Chacón
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Soler L, Marco F, Vila J, Chacón MR, Guarro J, Figueras MJ. Evaluation of two miniaturized systems, MicroScan W/A and BBL Crystal E/NF, for identification of clinical isolates of Aeromonas spp. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 41:5732-4. [PMID: 14662969 PMCID: PMC309027 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.41.12.5732-5734.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifty-two clinical strains and 22 type and reference Aeromonas strains, previously genetically characterized by 16S rRNA gene restriction fragment length polymorphism, were identified in parallel with the MicroScan Walk/Away and BBL Crystal Enteric/Nonfermenter systems. The former identified only 14.8% of the isolates correctly, and the latter identified only 20.3% correctly, which indicates that neither of these systems is useful for this purpose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Soler
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chacón MR, Figueras MJ, Castro-Escarpulli G, Soler L, Guarro J. Distribution of virulence genes in clinical and environmental isolates of Aeromonas spp. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2004; 84:269-78. [PMID: 14574104 DOI: 10.1023/a:1026042125243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The distribution and phenotypic activity of the genes encoding for serine protease, glycerophospholipid-cholesterol acyltransferase, lipases, aerolysin/hemolysin and DNases were investigated in 234 isolates identified by 16S rDNA-RFLP representing all the species of Aeromonas. The former three genes were found to be highly conserved among the genus. Aerolysin/hemolysin and DNase genes and beta-hemolytic activity were significantly more frequent in clinical than in environmental isolates. Aerolysin/hemolysin and serine protease genes were present in all beta-hemolytic strains supporting serine protease as possibly important for the activation of the former gene. The high prevalence of virulence factors in clinical isolates indicates that they may play a role in the mechanisms of pathogenesis of these microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Chacón
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, San Lorenzo 21, Reus 43201, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Park TS, Oh SH, Lee EY, Lee TK, Park KH, Figueras MJ, Chang CL. Misidentification of Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria as Vibrio alginolyticus by the Vitek system. Lett Appl Microbiol 2003; 37:349-53. [PMID: 12969502 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2003.01410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To find the cause of misidentification of aeromonads when using the Vitek system. METHODS AND RESULTS Two Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria isolates were misidentified as Vibrio alginolyticus by the Vitek system. Both strains' identification was confirmed by biochemical testing, API 20E/20NE kits and/or 16S RFLP analysis. Thirty-one known Aeromonas species were tested by the Vitek system using 0.45 and 0.85% saline in the suspension medium. It was not clear whether low salinity causes misidentification of Aeromonas species more frequently. CONCLUSIONS The specified reaction time may be inappropriately short for some critical biochemical tests of some strains. An ingenious reading strategy regarding incubation time is necessary to improve identification of Aeromonas species by the Vitek system. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY To our knowledge, this is the first report of misidentification of A. veronii biovar sobria as V. alginolyticus in the Vitek system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T S Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Castro-Escarpulli G, Figueras MJ, Aguilera-Arreola G, Soler L, Fernández-Rendón E, Aparicio GO, Guarro J, Chacón MR. Characterisation of Aeromonas spp. isolated from frozen fish intended for human consumption in Mexico. Int J Food Microbiol 2003; 84:41-9. [PMID: 12781953 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1605(02)00393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A total of 82 strains of presumptive Aeromonas spp. were identified biochemically and genetically (16S rDNA-RFLP). The strains were isolated from 250 samples of frozen fish (Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus niloticus) purchased in local markets in Mexico City. In the present study, we detected the presence of several genes encoding for putative virulence factors and phenotypic activities that may play an important role in bacterial infection. In addition, we studied the antimicrobial patterns of those strains. Molecular identification demonstrated that the prevalent species in frozen fish were Aeromonas salmonicida (67.5%) and Aeromonas bestiarum (20.9%), accounting for 88.3% of the isolates, while the other strains belonged to the species Aeromonas veronii (5.2%), Aeromonas encheleia (3.9%) and Aeromonas hydrophila (2.6%). Detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of genes encoding putative virulence factors common in Aeromonas, such as aerolysin/hemolysin, lipases including the glycerophospholipid-cholesterol acyltransferase (GCAT), serine protease and DNases, revealed that they were all common in these strains. Our results showed that first generation quinolones and second and third generation cephalosporins were the drugs with the best antimicrobial effect against Aeromonas spp. In Mexico, there have been few studies on Aeromonas and its putative virulence factors. The present work therefore highlights an important incidence of Aeromonas spp., with virulence potential and antimicrobial resistance, isolated from frozen fish intended for human consumption in Mexico City.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Castro-Escarpulli
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 11340 México Distrito Federal, México
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kozińska A, Figueras MJ, Chacon MR, Soler L. Phenotypic characteristics and pathogenicity of Aeromonas genomospecies isolated from common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). J Appl Microbiol 2003; 93:1034-41. [PMID: 12452960 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2002.01784.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the relationship between the genomospecies, phenotypic profile and pathogenicity for carp of 37 motile Aeromonas strains. METHODS AND RESULTS Aeromonas strains were identified to genomospecies level by the 16S rDNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method and characterized phenotypically by the API 20E and API Zym systems and by conventional tube or plate methods. 16S rDNA RFLP analysis showed that the strains belonged to five species, Aeromonas bestiarum (5), Aerom. salmonicida (13), Aerom. veronii (11), Aerom. sobria (6) and Aerom. encheleia (2). Most strains of Aerom. bestiarum (80%) and Aerom. salmonicida (85%) could be separated by growth at 4 and 42 degrees C, autoagglutination after boiling, reaction for lipase (C14) and naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase. All strains of Aerom. veronii corresponded to Aerom. veronii biotype sobria and could be separated from Aerom. sobria by citrate utilization, growth at 37 and 42 degrees C, amygdalin and cellobiose fermentation. All strains of Aerom. bestiarum and most strains of Aerom. salmonicida (76.9%) and Aerom. veronii (63.6%) were pathogenic for carp. CONCLUSIONS The biochemical identification of carp Aeromonas strains is not entirely clear. Some association between Aeromonas species, phenotypic profile and specific disease signs was observed. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results will be useful for ichthyopathology laboratories in the diagnosis of motile aeromonad septicaemia in carp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kozińska
- Department of Fish Disease, National Veterinary Research Institute, Putawy, Poland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yáñez MA, Catalán V, Apráiz D, Figueras MJ, Martínez-Murcia AJ. Phylogenetic analysis of members of the genus Aeromonas based on gyrB gene sequences. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2003; 53:875-883. [PMID: 12807216 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.02443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylogenetic relationships of all known species of the genus Aeromonas were investigated by using the sequence of gyrB, a gene that encodes the B-subunit of DNA gyrase. Nucleotide sequences of gyrB were determined from 53 Aeromonas strains, including some new isolates, which were also characterized by analysis of the 16S rDNA variable regions. The results support the recognition of the family Aeromonadaceae, as distinct from Plesiomonas shigelloides and other enteric bacteria. This phylogenetic marker revealed strain groupings that are consistent with the taxonomic organization of all Aeromonas species described to date. In particular, gyrB results agreed with 16S rDNA analysis; moreover, the former showed a higher capacity to differentiate between species. The present analysis was useful for the elucidation of reported discrepancies between different DNA-DNA hybridization sets. Additionally, due to the sequence diversity found at the intraspecies level, gyrB is proposed as a useful target for simultaneous identification of species and strains. In conclusion, the gyrB gene has proved to be an excellent molecular chronometer for phylogenetic studies of the genus Aeromonas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Yáñez
- Labaqua SA, Alona 33, E-03007 Alicante, Spain
- Unidad de Diagnóstico Molecular, EPSO, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra Beniel Km 3, E-03312 Orihuela (Alicante), Spain
| | - V Catalán
- Labaqua SA, Alona 33, E-03007 Alicante, Spain
| | - D Apráiz
- Labaqua SA, Alona 33, E-03007 Alicante, Spain
| | - M J Figueras
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Reus, E-43201 Tarragona, Spain
| | - A J Martínez-Murcia
- Unidad de Diagnóstico Molecular, EPSO, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ctra Beniel Km 3, E-03312 Orihuela (Alicante), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Members of the genus Aeromonas are important enteropathogens. Commercial identification systems are often unable to correctly identify Aeromonas strains and misidentification as Vibrio spp. is common. A digoxigenin-DNA probe based on a 237 bp of the glycerophospholipid-cholesterol acyltransferase gene has been tested in a colony hybridization assay. The probe hybridized with all Aeromonas species tested (n = 16) but not with strains of other enteropathogenic bacteria (n = 20). The probe allowed the unequivocal identification of Aeromonas in primary isolation media within 36 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Chacón
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, San Lorenzo 21, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fortuño-Mar A, Mayayo E, Guiral H, Figueras MJ, Castillo A. [Synovial sarcoma of the tongue. Case report and review of the literature]. An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am 2001; 27:323-31. [PMID: 11105333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Primary synovial sarcoma of the head and neck is a rare entity, nevertheless the literature count on 80 published cases, among them 7 linguals. We contribute with another case: a synovial sarcoma of the tongue, in a 26-year-old man; having a biphasic tumor pattern, with two malignant constituents, epithelial and sarcomatous, similar to other of the same location. Laboratory tests: histochemical, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic were done in order to state the tumor's histogenesis. Our results suggest a pluripotential mesenchymal origin instead of a synovial origin, because the epithelial character of one of the tumor constituents was obviously epithelial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Fortuño-Mar
- Hospital Universitario Joan XXIII de Tarragona, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Rovira i Virgili de Reus
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Figueras MJ, Soler L, Chacón MR, Guarro J, Martínez-Murcia AJ. Extended method for discrimination of Aeromonas spp. by 16S rDNA RFLP analysis. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2000; 50 Pt 6:2069-2073. [PMID: 11155981 DOI: 10.1099/00207713-50-6-2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A previously described molecular method, based on 16S rDNA RFLP analysis, for the identification of Aeromonas spp. was unable to separate the species Aeromonas salmonicida, Aeromonas bestiarum and the recently described Aeromonas popoffii. In this study, the method has been extended with endonucleases AIwNI and PstI for the identification of these species. A molecular frame for the identification of all known Aeromonas spp. is presented.
Collapse
|
28
|
Martínez-Murcia AJ, Borrell N, Figueras MJ. Typing of clinical and environmental Aeromonas veronii strains based on the 16S-23S rDNA spacers. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 2000; 28:225-32. [PMID: 10865175 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2000.tb01481.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic relationships of Aeromonas veronii strains isolated from human and environmental sources were investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the polymerase chain reaction-amplified intergenic spacer region (ISR) flanked by the 16S and 23S rRNA genes. When using endonucleases AluI, HinfI and CfoI the 16S-23S rDNA-RFLP patterns showed considerable overall similarity, although most strains yielded specific profiles. Several intra-specific lines of descent comprised clinical strains linked to isolates from environmental sources. Strains having identical patterns may be individuals derived from highly similar, if not the same, microorganism. Results suggest that the ISR sequence-based method can be used to demonstrate colonization of a public water supply with a particular microorganism. In addition it could be very useful for tracing recurrent episodes of diarrhea and Aeromonas infection outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Martínez-Murcia
- Division de Microbiologia, EPSO, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Alicante, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Guarro J, Vieira LA, De Freitas D, Gené J, Zaror L, Hofling-Lima AL, Fischman O, Zorat-Yu C, Figueras MJ. Phaeoisaria clematidis as a cause of keratomycosis. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:2434-7. [PMID: 10835025 PMCID: PMC86834 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.6.2434-2437.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first case of human infection by Phaeoisaria clematidis. This fungus caused a corneal ulcer in a Brazilian man who had previously suffered an eye injury. Diagnosis was established by positive direct examination and repeated cultures. The isolate was clearly resistant in vitro to the six antifungal agents tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Guarro
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201-Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Figueras MJ, Guarro J, Martínez-Murcia A. Use of restriction fragment length polymorphism of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene for the identification of Aeromonas spp. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:2023-5. [PMID: 10866546 PMCID: PMC86659 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.5.2023-2025.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
32
|
Polo F, Figueras MJ, Inza I, Sala J, Fleisher JM, Guarro J. Prevalence of Salmonella serotypes in environmental waters and their relationships with indicator organisms. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 1999; 75:285-92. [PMID: 10510715 DOI: 10.1023/a:1001817305779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of serotypes of Salmonella in three types of environmental water (sea, river and fresh reservoirs) from north-east Spain was investigated. The study was performed at specific sampling locations during the summer for a period of five years (1992-1996). A total of 823 strains were isolated and 55 different serotypes were identified, 42 were recovered from sea water, 32 from river water and 12 from freshwater reservoirs. The most frequently isolated serotypes coincided with those involved in clinical cases in the area studied. Salmonella enteritidis was the most common (111 isolates), it was found in all types of water, although most predominantly in sea water (16.1% of the isolates). This serotype, together with S. hadar, significantly increased in frequency during the five year study period. The most frequent serotypes in river water and freshwater reservoirs were S. virchow (9.5%) and S. mikawasima (23.8%) respectively. Significant differences were assessed in the indicator organism densities between the samples with serotypes of clinical significance (S. enteritidis, S. infantis, S. typhimurium, S. virchow and S. paratyphi B) and those without clinical significance. Therefore their presence in all environmental waters may be of epidemiological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Polo
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gimeno G, Alcolea M, Arana M, Bartolomé N, Cruspinera A, Figueras MJ, Mas T, Peregrín A, Ventura R. [Are all sedation scales equally useful for nursing assessment?]. Enferm Intensiva 1999; 10:3-12. [PMID: 10350694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The usefulness of three clinical scales for monitoring sedation in intensive care units was compared. The Ramsay scale, Cook modification of the Glasgow scale, and combined Ramsay-Cook scale were evaluated. Thirty-five patients with continuous intravenous sedation were monitored using all three clinical scales. The scores were collected simultaneosly with a two-observer method carried out by the nurse in charge of the patient and a second observer (nurse or physician). The three scales were considered valid and reproductible, with "good" agreement for the Ramsay scale and "very good" agreement for the Cook modified coma scale and the combined Ramsay-Cook scale. In conclusion, since the Cook modified Glasgow scale was the most reproducible, it is preferred for use in research and daily practice. The Ramsay scale is more subjective, but may be useful for daily nursing activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Gimeno
- Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital de Barcelona, 08034, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Figueras MJ, Inza I, Polo F, Guarro J. Evaluation of the oxolinic acid--esculin--azide medium for the isolation and enumeration of faecal streptococci in a routine monitoring programme for bathing waters. Can J Microbiol 1998; 44:998-1002. [PMID: 9933917 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-44-10-998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
m-Enterococcus agar (m-Ent) has been generally considered the reference medium for faecal streptococci in bathing waters. However, it shows several shortcomings, and therefore it is important to test newly developed media that can guarantee more precise results. In this sense, the recently described oxolinic acid--esculin--azide agar medium (OAA) and m-enterococcus agar (m-Ent) were comparatively evaluated for the detection of faecal streptococci from seawater and fresh water. The OAA medium showed a significantly higher relative recovery percentage and specificity for both types of water than m-Ent. A similar spectrum of species was recorded from both media, Enterococcus faecium being predominant in fresh water and Enterococcus faecalis, in seawater. The superior performance of the OAA medium in both types of bathing waters, added to the fact that it does not require the use of complementary confirmative tests, makes this medium an excellent candidate to be employed for monitoring programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Figueras MJ, Inza I, Polo F, Guarro J. Evaluation of the oxolinic acid - esculin - azide medium for the isolation and enumeration of faecal streptococci in a routine monitoring programme for bathing waters. Can J Microbiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1139/w98-096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
m-Enterococcus agar (m-Ent) has been generally considered the reference medium for faecal streptococci in bathing waters. However, it shows several shortcomings, and therefore it is important to test newly developed media that can guarantee more precise results. In this sense, the recently described oxolinic acid - esculin - azide agar medium (OAA) and m-enterococccus agar (m-Ent) were comparatively evaluated for the detection of faecal streptococci from seawater and fresh water. The OAA medium showed a significantly higher relative recovery percentage and specificity for both types of water than m-Ent. A similar spectrum of species was recorded from both media, Enterococcus faecium being predominant in fresh water and Enterococcus faecalis, in seawater. The superior performance of the OAA medium in both types of bathing waters, added to the fact that it does not require the use of complementary confirmative tests, makes this medium an excellent candidate to be employed for monitoring programmes.Key words: faecal streptococci, water, monitoring, oxolinic acid - esculin - azide medium, m-enterococcus medium.
Collapse
|
36
|
Polo F, Figueras MJ, Inza I, Sala J, Fleisher JM, Guarro J. Relationship between presence of Salmonella and indicators of faecal pollution in aquatic habitats. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1998; 160:253-6. [PMID: 9532745 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1998.tb12919.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of Salmonella and its relationship with indicators of faecal pollution was investigated in aquatic habitats. The highest frequency was obtained in rivers (58.7% of samples) followed by freshwater reservoirs (14.8%) and sea water (5.9%). The sporadic presence of Salmonella (< 30%) on beaches with low concentrations of faecal streptococci (mean 25 CFU (100 ml)-1) may represent a potential risk for bathers in agreement with data found in previous epidemiological studies. Absence of Salmonella was observed only on beaches with very low densities (CFU (100 ml)-1) of indicator organisms (25 total coliforms, 13 faecal coliforms and 17 faecal streptococci).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Polo
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
A collection of 983 Aeromonas isolates from environmental and clinical sources have been identified to the genomospecies level. A phenotypic method identified 93% of the strains. The use of citrate and the production of acid from sorbitol enabled the members of the Aeromonas hydrophila complex to be separated. The most common genomospecies from intestinal sources were Aeromonas veronii biotype sobria and Aeromonas caviae. The former, together with A. hydrophila, was the most frequently isolated species of extraintestinal origin. Most pathogenic species were very prevalent in environmental samples, with A. veronii biotype sobria being the most common in lakes and reservoirs (41.5%) and in treated drinking water (25.0%), and A. caviae was the most common in sea water (26.0%) and milk products (35.5%). Aeromonas hydrophila (18.1%) was the second most prevalent species isolated in untreated drinking water. Since Aeromonas infections are generally regarded as a water- and food-borne diseases, the high environmental prevalence of these pathogenic genomospecies should be regarded as an important threat to public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Borrell
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciencies Mediques basiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, Universitat Rkovira i Virgili, Reus, E43201, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Borrego JJ, Figueras MJ. Microbiological quality of natural waters. Microbiologia 1997; 13:413-26. [PMID: 9608515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several aspects of the microbiological quality of natural waters, especially recreational waters, have been reviewed. The importance of the water as a vehicle and/or a reservoir of human pathogenic microorganisms is also discussed. In addition, the concepts, types and techniques of microbial indicator and index microorganisms are established. The most important differences between faecal streptococci and enterococci have been discussed, defining the concept and species included. In addition, we have revised the main alternative indicators used to measure the water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Borrego
- Dpto. de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, España.
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
The elements present in the fungal structures produced by Piedraia hortae in vivo and in vitro have been investigated using electron microscopy X-ray microanalysis. Phosphorus, sulphur and calcium were detected in the nodules which developed on hair and on colonies on culture. These elements belong to the extracellular material that compacts the pseudoparenchymatous organization of the fungus. They may be present due to the capacity of melanin-like pigments to sequester ions and/or they may form part of the sulphates and phosphates of the polyanionic mucopolysaccharides that constitute the extracellular material. Environmental contaminants such as aluminium, silicon and iron were detected exclusively on the surface of the nodule. They were deposited or linked to the residual molecules produced during the breakdown of the cuticular keratin. The advantages of these techniques for elucidating the chemical nature of fungal structures are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Espanya
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Borrell N, Acinas SG, Figueras MJ, Martínez-Murcia AJ. Identification of Aeromonas clinical isolates by restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes. J Clin Microbiol 1997; 35:1671-4. [PMID: 9196171 PMCID: PMC229819 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.35.7.1671-1674.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of Aeromonas species, emergent pathogens for humans, has long been controversial due to their phenotypic and genomic heterogeneities. Computer analysis of the published 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that restriction fragment length polymorphism of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene is a good and rapid way of assessing the identities of all known species of Aeromonas. The method was evaluated with the reference strains of all species (or DNA homology groups) and 76 clinical isolates of diverse origin. Most results from the two approaches were in agreement, but some discrepancies were discerned. Advantages over previous phenotypic and genetic methods are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Borrell
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
The ultrastructural pattern of human hair infection by Piedraia hortae in vivo has been studied. The fungus destroyed the cuticular layers of the hair and was able to penetrate deeply into the cortex. The course of destruction of human hair is described and compared with that produced by other fungi. Two well-defined types of cortex digestion were characterized. The slow rate of keratin degradation at the cortex together with the compacted stromatic organization of the nodules are argued as the main reasons that guarantee the long survival of the fungus, and therefore the chronic course of the disease. The data provided in this paper may help to understand the mechanisms that regulate the pathogenicity of this fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicino i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Espanya
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Figueras MJ, Guarro J, Zaror L. New findings in black piedra infection. Br J Dermatol 1996; 135:157-8. [PMID: 8776394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
43
|
Abstract
M-Enterococcus medium, used for the detection and enumeration of fecal streptococci from different types of water, demonstrated a very low specificity. We propose the transfer of membrane filters to bile-esculin medium as a confirmation technique. It has proved to be more reliable, faster to perform, and more effective than the random selection of colonies, which is recommended for confirmation in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (A.E. Greenberg, L.S. Clesceri, and A.D. Eaton, ed., 1992).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unit of Microbiology, Medical School, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Processes of anamorph cell replication in Trimmatostroma abietis are described. Growth and conidiation are delimited on the basis of morphological, ultrastructural and ecological criteria. Cellular expansion shifts from bidirectional intercalary in exponential phase cells to isodiametric in late stationary phase cells, in the latter case with endogenous asexual reproduction. Ultrastructural similarities to dothideaceous black yeasts are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Figueras MJ, Cano JF, Guarro J. Ultrastructural alterations produced by sertaconazole on several opportunistic pathogenic fungi. J Med Vet Mycol 1995; 33:395-401. [PMID: 8683408 DOI: 10.1080/02681219580000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sertaconazole is a new synthetic antifungal which has shown promising activity against numerous fungi. The morphological changes induced by the drug at two concentrations, the MIC and 10 times the MIC, during 24 and 48 h on the filamentous opportunistic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Chaetomium atrobrunneum and Scedosporium prolificans indicated that the intensity of the ultrastructural breakdown depended on the dose and not on the time of exposure. Common severe alterations of many fungal cells, which could be considered beyond repair, were seen at the cell wall, plasmalemma and cytoplasm levels. The results obtained underline the drug efficacy for those fungi and suggest its applicability as therapeutic agent in the human infections produced by them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Figueras
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Espanya
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Singh SM, Agrawal A, Naidu J, de Hoog GS, Figueras MJ. Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora richardsiae and the effect of topical clotrimazole in its treatment. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 1992; 61:51-5. [PMID: 1575467 DOI: 10.1007/bf00572122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A 15-year-old girl and her 50-year-old mother from Jabalpur, India, were found to have phaeohyphomycotic skin lesions due to Phialophora richardsiae. Among the antimycotics tested in vitro, clotrimazole was found to be most active. Topical application of clotrimazole cream cured the lesions completely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
The course of the destruction of human hair in vitro by three species of the genus Aphanoascus (A. keratinophilus, A. fulvescens and A. verrucosus) was studied with light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained show that all the three species develop keratinolytic activity. A. fulvescens and A. verrucosus have similar sequences of degradation, invading the hair through the cuticula, but without the presence of specialized erosive organs. A. keratinophilus, however, shows a different way of invasion, and the keratinolytic activity was mainly located in the cortex and from that point on expanded to the cuticula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Cano
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
We studied the changes produced in Candida albicans yeast cells after treatment in vitro with sertaconazole, with light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Four different concentrations were evaluated (10(-6) M, 10(-5) M, 10(-4) M, 10(-3) M) and two times of action (12 and 17 h) for each concentration. This new antimycotic agent shows a considerable destructive effect in C. albicans cells. The alterations produced by sertaconazole were already manifested after 12 h at the concentration of 10(-6) M and a strong fungicidal activity recorded at 10(-4) M.
Collapse
|
49
|
|
50
|
Abstract
Human cataractous lenses from patients of advanced age (101 & 85 year) were investigated by SEM. Various aspects of the cataract morphology could be observed. Even when the overall shape of the lens fibres had remained unchanged (although the typical ball and socket interconnections were barely visible) the homogeneous fibre content had changed into fibrillar and/or granular material, or the lens fibres had been (partly) hollowed out. Where there was shrinkage of the originally hexagonally-shaped lens fibres to a more or less rounded form with a wrinkled surface, the contents had changed into granular material with low density. Both granular and fibrillar material could account for a substantial increase in light scattering, resulting in a considerable decrease in vision through the lens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W L Jongebloed
- Centre for Medical Electronmicroscopy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|