The microflora of the reproductive tract in women during intrauterine interventions

The species compositions and persistence factors of the vaginal and cervical microflora of the reproductive tract of women in cases of intrauterine interventions (medical abortion, intrauterine contraception) were studied. Women with inflammatory complications following intrauterine interventions were found to have the same species of bacteria in their vaginal and cervical microflora. In addition, an increase in the values of the persistence factors of vaginal microflora was registered in women practicing intrauterine contraception and a decrease in the persistence potential of vaginal microflora was registered after abortion.     

Persistence of biologically active components of gastrointestinal tract microflora

The article is dedicated to examination and analysis of materials on translocation of microflora and its products from intestine to the internal environment of the macroorganism and persistence of biologically active substances of microflora in the bloodstream. High frequency of translocation and persistence of intestine microflora and its components in system bloodstream is shown. Persistent biologically active substances of endogenous microorganisms take part in human physiology and pathology.     

Effect of normal microflora of female reproductive tract in colonization resistance

The role of female reproductive tract microflora in the maintenance of biotope colonization resistance was described. The role of lactobacilli possessing antagonistic properties in the reproductive tract defense was assessed. Classification of bacterial mechanisms of colonization resistance including block of the adhesion, antagonistic action of normal microflora associated with the production of antibacterial substances and suppression of allochthonous bacteria persistence characteristics was presented. Colonization resistance was considered as a physiological phenomenon of microecological homeostasis being a result of symbiotic relations of a host organism and autochthonous microflora.     

Microbial biocenosis of the nasal mucosa in healthy persons and in Staphylococcus carriers

The normal microflora of the nasal mucosa in man is differentiated into main, complementary and casual microflora, taking into account its isolation rate and characteristics of microbial contamination. The main microflora of adults, in contrast to children, is represented, in addition to coagulaso-negative (CN) staphylococci, by bacteria of the genus Corynebacterium. In staphylococcal carrier state a decrease in the isolation rate and the amount of bacteria belonging to the main and complementary microflora (CN staphylococci, Micrococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus) was observed. Moreover, in carriers the weakening of the degree of association between CN staphylococci, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus in symbiotic pairs was noted. In the absence of S. aureus carrier state the main and complementary microflora was characterized by the combination of the factors of antagonism and persistence, while in carrier state the complex of colonization factors was defective in the main microflora and well pronounced in coagulase-positive staphylococcal strains and enterobacteria.     

Morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria inhabiting the intestinal mucosa of pike (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Esox lucius</Emphasis> L.)

Predominance of gram-negative bacteria belong ing to the class Gammaproteobacteria on the intestinal mucosa of pike was determined. The morphophysiological features of the isolated microorganisms suggest that they belong to symbiotic intestinal microflora. The morphological characteristics of the intestinal symbiotic microflora of pike include the formation of the capsule, pseudovacuoles, and spheroplastic forms of cells. The bacteria that were found can produce hydrolytic enzymes and possess persistence properties. The morphophysiological features that were found contribute to the adaptation of bacteria to environmental conditions and indicate that the intestinal microflora offish is autochthonous.     

The correction of dysbiosis of the female reproductive tract by using an estradiol-containing preparation

The influence of Ovestin, an estradiol-containing preparation, on the vaginal microflora in women of the reproductive age in dysbiosis was studied. As the result of the local application of this preparation, the normalization of microflora was noted in 92% of women, which was manifested by an increase in the number of lactobacteria and indigenous corynebacteria, a decrease in the number, or elimination, of opportunistic microorganisms and the suppression of their capacity for persistence.     

Carbon load in aquatic ecosystems affects the diversity and biomass of water biofilm consortia and the persistence of the pathogen Campylobacter jejuni within them

The influence of carbon load on autochthonous water microflora population distribution and diversity, and on the persistence of Campylobacter jejuni, was examined with a two-stage aquatic biofilm model. Serine was chosen since it is a carbon source utilised by C. jejuni and concentrations were chosen to reflect upper limits of amino acid load reported in surface water. The total viable count of the autochthonous biofilm microflora increased with increasing serine concentration (10-fold and 20-fold with 5 nM and 5 μM serine, respectively), as did the counts of the microflora in the planktonic phase. Differences in biofilm species distribution as determined by culture were small with changes in temperature or the addition of serine; but was markedly affected by serine as determined by light microscopy, becoming more luxuriant and dominated by long filamentous cells. The addition of serine to the water significantly and progressively reduced the persistence of C. jejuni, which decreased by 25% and 50% with serine concentrations of 5 nM and 5 μM respectively. We have demonstrated that carbon load affects the species diversity and density of both the planktonic and biofilm phase of aquatic autochthonous microflora. Although the survival of C. jejuni in water in a culturable form was sufficient for this to be an important vehicle for its transmission, carbon load significantly influenced survival; an increase in serine concentration significantly reduced survival.     

Microflora of the large intestine in patients with connective tissue dysplasia

The specific features of intestinal aerobic and anaerobic intestinal microflora in children with nondifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia were under study. A high rate of dysbiotic disturbances was noted in patients with connective tissue dysplasia in comparison with healthy persons. Profound quantitative and qualitative changes in the biocenosis of the intestine were detected in patients with the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract as well as that of the locomotor system. Changes in the species composition and the persistence properties of the intestinal microflora may serve as pathogenetic factors in the development of connective tissue dysplasia.     

Effect of radio wave-induced hyperthermia on microflora of the prostate in the treatment of prostatitis associated with infertility

The influence of hyperthermia induced by radiowaves on the microflora of the prostate in cases of male sterility was studied. The use of hyperthermia was shown to produce a stable decrease in bacteriospermia and the persistence potential of bacteria isolated from sperm. Hyperthermia produced a bactericidal effect not only on microorganisms contained in sperm but also on the microflora of prostatic tissues 1 cm deep. The study gave grounds for treating male sterility with the use of hyperthermia induced by radiowaves and a subsequent course of antibiotics to achieve the stable decrease of bacteriospermia and the restoration of the reproductive function.     

Significance of hydrobiont persistent properties for symbiotic interactions

Significance of symbiotic relations formed by associative symbiosis type for autochthonous and allochthonous microflora of natural water bodies is shown. Generality of symbiotic interaction mechanisms of symbionts in limnetic and halophilous communities provided by secreted factors of natural resistance from the side of the host, and by factors of persistence from the side of symbionts is proven based on a set of examples. Features of operation of lysozyme-antilysozyme, histon-antihiston, hydrogen peroxide-catalase functional systems in symbiotic interactions of autotrophic and heterotrophic components of hydrobiocenosis with dominant and associative microflora are presented. Associative microflora of allochthonous origin was shown to actively use the ecologically formed system of interaction between hydrobionts that facilitates survival of these microorganisms and preservation of their persistent potential, and as a result leads to biocenosis disorders. The knowledge obtained open new possibilities and perspectives of research of sanitary and ecological aspects of vital activity of aquatic biocenoses.     

Microflora isolated in acute inflammatory pulmonary and pleural diseases

The species composition and biological properties of microflora isolated from 42 patients with acute inflammatory pulmonary and pleural diseases were studied. A wide spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms was detected. Infective agents causing severe course of the infectious process were found to have a high level of persistence properties.     

Viral-bacterial-fungal associations in chronic tonsillitis in children

The microflora of palatal tonsils was studied in 84 children with chronic tonsillitis in comparison with that in the control group of 38 healthy children. In most of the sick children viral-bacterial and less frequently viral-bacterial-fungal associations were detected with the prevalence of reo- and adenoviruses, Epstein-Barr viruses, coagulase negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as peptostreptococci. Adhesive activity and persistence factors among the main bacterial pathogens were shown to be widely prevalent. The depth of the lesion of tonsillar tissue by the infective agents of bacterial and fungal nature, as well as their persistence potential, depended on the taxonomic position of these microorganisms.     

Gut,Microbiome, and Brain Regulatory Axis: Relevance to Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Disorders

It has become apparent that the molecular and biochemical integrity of interactive families, genera, and species of human gut microflora is critically linked to maintaining complex metabolic and behavioral processes mediated by peripheral organ systems and central nervous system neuronal groupings. Relatively recent studies have established intrinsic ratios of enterotypes contained within the human microbiome across demographic subpopulations and have empirically linked significant alterations in the expression of bacterial enterotypes with the initiation and persistence of several major metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, the goal of our review is to highlight potential thematic/functional linkages of pathophysiological alterations in gut microbiota and bidirectional gut–brain signaling pathways with special emphasis on the potential roles of gut dysbiosis on the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses. We provide critical discussion of putative thematic linkages of Parkinson’s disease (PD) data sets to similar pathophysiological events as potential causative factors in the development and persistence of diverse psychiatric illnesses. Finally, we include a concise review of preclinical paradigms that involve immunologically–induced GI deficits and dysbiosis of maternal microflora that are functionally linked to impaired neurodevelopmental processes leading to affective behavioral syndromes in the offspring.     

Taxonomic characteristics and physiological properties of microorganisms from the gut of pike (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Esox lucius</Emphasis>)

The taxonomic composition and distribution of microorganisms differing in the degree of association with the intestinal mucosa of the pike (Esox lucius) has been studied. Microorgansism of the families Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonadaceae, and Vibrionaceae dominate in the gut microflora. Numerically prevailing bacterial species are characterized by high proteolytic and amylolytic enzyme activities as well as by high persistence accounted for by antilysozyme and antihistone activities. The results of this study show that Hafnia alvei, Yersinia ruckeri, Vibrio vulnificus, V. furnissii, Aeromonas salmonicida, and Shewanella putrefaciens may be regarded as normal components of the pike gut microflora.     

Some continuing uncertainties in knowledge of herbicide behaviour in the soil

Recent developments concerned with the variability in the performance of soil- applied herbicides are reviewed with particular reference to phytotoxicity and to factors controlling persistence. It remains questionable that measurements of adsorption and herbicide concentration in the soil solution can adequately predict the phytoxicity of a herbicide in the soil. This is because such an approach ignores the spatial distribution of the herbicide and the parts of the plant through which a herbicide can be taken up. It also ignores the influence of climatic factors on persistence, uptake and plant response. In a general way persistence and the factors which control it are understood but detailed, reliable, quantitative analyses of the phenomena are not yet available. Much remains to be done before the interactions of the soil microflora with its environment and consequent effects on herbicides can be defined. There are still opportunities to improve the precision of use of soil-applied herbicides based on better comprehension of the processes involved in the expression and duration of phytotoxicity.     

Assessing the survival of transgenic plant DNA in the human gastrointestinal tract

The inclusion of genetically modified (GM) plants in the human diet has raised concerns about the possible transfer of transgenes from GM plants to intestinal microflora and enterocytes. The persistence in the human gut of DNA from dietary GM plants is unknown. Here we study the survival of the transgene epsps from GM soya in the small intestine of human ileostomists (i.e., individuals in which the terminal ileum is resected and digesta are diverted from the body via a stoma to a colostomy bag). The amount of transgene that survived passage through the small bowel varied among individuals, with a maximum of 3.7% recovered at the stoma of one individual. The transgene did not survive passage through the intact gastrointestinal tract of human subjects fed GM soya. Three of seven ileostomists showed evidence of low-frequency gene transfer from GM soya to the microflora of the small bowel before their involvement in these experiments. As this low level of epsps in the intestinal microflora did not increase after consumption of the meal containing GM soya, we conclude that gene transfer did not occur during the feeding experiment.     

Non-sexual transmission of Trichomonas vaginalis in adolescent girls attending school in Ndola, Zambia

Objectives

To identify risk factors for trichomoniasis among young women in Ndola, Zambia.

Method

The study was a cross-sectional study among adolescent girls aged 13-16 years in Ndola, Zambia. Study participants were recruited from schools in selected administrative areas that represented the different socio-economic strata in town. Consenting participants were interviewed about their socio-demographic characteristics; sexual behaviour; and hygiene practices. Self-administered vaginal swabs were tested for Trichomonas vaginalis. HSV-2 antibodies were determined on serum to validate the self-reported sexual activity.

Results

A total of 460 girls participated in the study. The overall prevalence of trichomoniasis was 27.1%, 33.9% among girls who reported that they had ever had sex and 24.7% among virgins. In multivariate analysis the only statistically significant risk factor for trichomoniasis was inconsistent use of soap. For the virgins, none of the risk factors was significantly associated with trichomoniasis, but the association with use of soap (not always versus always) and type of toilet used (pit latrine/bush versus flush toilet) was of borderline significance.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of trichomoniasis in girls in Ndola who reported that they had never had sex. We postulate that the high prevalence of trichomoniasis in virgins in Ndola is due to non-sexual transmission of trichomoniasis via shared bathing water and inconsistent use of soap.     

Characteristics of changes in microbiocenosis in patients with chronic nonspecific urethritis

The species composition and the complex of biological characteristics of microflora in the front section of urethra in healthy males and in patients with chronic nonspecific urethritis. The study revealed that in patients with chronic nonspecific nongonococcal urethritis changes in the microbiocenosis of the urethra were observed. These changes were manifested by a decrease in the number of species, the appearance of Grain-negative enterobacterial flora and an increase in the persistence potential of symbiotic bacteria. These disturbances are regarded as the manifestation of urogenital dysbiosis.     

Microbial population profiles of the microflora associated with pre- and postharvest tomatoes contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium or Salmonella montevideo

Aims:  To determine the microflora profiles of pre- and postharvest tomatoes contaminated with Salmonella montevideo or S. typhimurium DT104.
Methods and Results:  Salmonella montevideo or S. typhimurium was inoculated onto the flowers of tomato plants with the microflora of the subsequent fruit examined using a combination of Source Carbon Utilization and 16S rDNA-PCR profiling. From 16S rDNA profiles it was evident that tomatoes derived from Salmonella inoculated plants harboured a different microbial population compared to nontreated controls. The same result was observed for tomatoes inoculated at postharvest and subsequently stored for 14 days at 15°C. From sequencing analysis it was found that tomatoes derived from Salmonella inoculated plants but testing negative for the enteric pathogen, frequently harboured Enterobacter and Bacillus spp. In contrast, both bacterial types were not found associated with tomatoes testing positive for Salmonella.
Conclusions:  Salmonella introduced onto tomatoes at pre- or postharvest alters the composition of the microbial community. The presence of Enterobacter and Bacillus spp negatively affects the persistence of Salmonella on preharvest tomatoes.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Salmonella appears to modify rather than become integrated into the microbial communities associated with tomatoes. Yet, the presence of antagonistic bacteria appears to reduce the persistence of the enteric pathogen.     

Influence of Pythium oligandrum on the bacterial communities that colonize the nutrient solutions and the rhizosphere of tomato plants

The influence exerted by the biocontrol oomycete Pythium oligandrum on the bacterial populations proliferating in the rhizosphere of tomato plants grown in a hydroponic system and in the circulating solutions is studied in the present experiment. Quantitative PCR and single-strand conformation polymorphism were used to investigate the genetic structure and dynamics of the bacterial communities colonizing the root systems and the various circulating solutions. Quantitative PCR assays showed that bacteria heavily colonized the rhizosphere of tomato plants with, however, no significant density changes throughout the cultural season (April-September). Single strand conformation polymorphism fingerprints revealed the occurrence of transient perturbations in the rhizospheric indigenous bacterial communities following P.?oligandrum introduction in the root system of plants. This effect was, however, transient and did not persist until the end of the cropping season. Interestingly, the genetic structure of the bacterial microflora colonizing either the roots or the nutrient solutions evolved throughout the cropping season. This temporal evolution occurred whatever the presence and persistence of P.?oligandrum in the rhizosphere. Evidence is also provided that bacterial microflora that colonize the root system are different from the ones colonizing the circulating solutions. The relationships between these 2 microflora (at the root and solution levels) are discussed.