Pili were recently recognized in Streptococcus pneumoniae and implicated the virulence of this bacterium, which led to proposal using these antigens a future pneumococcal vaccine. However, pili found be encoded by rlrA islet that was not universally distributed species. We examined distribution pilus islet, presence gene as marker for locus, among collection invasive isolates recovered Portugal analyzed its association with capsular serotypes, clusters defined pulsed-field gel...

Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients frequently develop diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) which are generally infected by a community of microorganisms, mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria exhibit multi-drug resistance profile biofilm-forming ability represent hurdle in the treatment infections (DFI). We aimed to evaluate potential Nisin Z, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), as alternative for severe DFI. Z shows antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Gram-negative...

ABSTRACT The availability of a conjugate vaccine has the potential to reduce disease burden pneumococci and alter serotype frequency in disease-causing population through immunoselection. These changes will probably be reflected distributions individual genetic lineages within population. We present characterization collection recent (1999 2002) invasive isolates from Portugal ( n = 465) by macrorestriction profiling with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) multilocus sequence typing....

ABSTRACT Pneumococci of serotype 19A are increasingly found to be the cause infection in various geographic regions. We have characterized isolates ( n = 288) among pneumococci responsible for infections 1,925) and recovered from asymptomatic carriers 1,973) Portugal between 2001 2006. show that despite existence clones a greater potential invasive disease or an enhanced colonization capacity, lineage is increasing as multiresistant clone competent at both. The expanding Denmark 14 -230...

Abstract This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence profiles of 67 Escherichia coli isolates obtained from faecal samples 77 wild mammals 19 different species, admitted in two rescue rehabilitation centers Costa Rica. It was possible classify 48% (n = 32) as multidrug-resistant, while highest levels were found towards commonly prescribed antimicrobials, fluoroquinolones third generation cephalosporins also observed. Isolates rehabilitated animals or...

The pharmaceutical potential of natural analgesic peptides is mainly hampered by their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, BBB. Increasing peptide-cell membrane affinity through drug design a promising strategy overcome this limitation. To address challenge, we grafted ibuprofen (IBP), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, kyotorphin (l-Tyr-l-Arg, KTP), an neuropeptide unable Two new KTP derivatives, IBP-KTP (IbKTP-OH) and IBP-KTP-amide (IbKTP-NH(2)), were synthesized characterized...

Most of surgical site infections (SSI) are caused by commensal and pathogenic agents from the patient's microbiota, which may include antibiotic resistant strains. Pre-surgical asepsis skin is one preventive measures performed to reduce SSI incidence also resistance dissemination. However, in veterinary medicine there no agreement on biocide most effective. The aim this study was evaluate effectiveness two pre-surgical protocols dogs. A total 46 animals were randomly assigned for an protocol...

Background and Aims The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is often exposed to above optimal temperature in the field. Although genomic analysis has been underway for over a decade, studies on chromosome behaviour nuclear topology are scarce. Here, we explore influence of hot-water sanitation treatments, involving immersing dormant canes water at 50°C 45 min or heat exposure 42°C 4 h during reproductive growth, dynamics somatic nuclei meiotic chromosomes. Methods Results Chromatin was analysed by...

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important human opportunistic pathogen responsible for fatal nosocomial infections worldwide, and has emerged as a relevant animal pathogen. Treatment options are dramatically decreasing, due to antimicrobial resistance the microorganism's large versatile genome. Antimicrobial profiles, serotype frequency genomic profile of unrelated P. isolates veterinary origin (n = 73), including domesticated, farm, zoo wild animals mainly from Portugal were studied. The...

<abstract> <p>This review addresses the topic of biofilms, including their development and interaction between different counterparts. There is evidence that various diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, otitis media, diabetic foot wound infections, certain cancers, are promoted aggravated by presence polymicrobial biofilms. Biofilms composed heterogeneous communities microorganisms protected a matrix polysaccharides. The types interactions gives rise to an increased resistance...

Abstract Background Streptococcus pneumoniae can be carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx of its human host but also cause a wide range infections. A role for pneumococcal phase variants different lifestyles this bacterium has been suggested no systematic survey colony phenotypes isolates associated with infections undertaken. Results We report opacity genetically diverse set 304 invasive representing 10 serotypes. Over half (52%) presented opaque phenotype whereas transparent...

Amidated kyotorphin (L-Tyr-L-Arg-NH2; KTP-NH2) causes analgesia when systemically administered. The lipophilic ibuprofen-conjugated derivative of KTP-NH2 has improved analgesic efficacy. However, fast degradation by peptidases impacts negatively in the pharmacodynamics these drugs. In this work, selected derivatives KTP and were synthesized to combine lipophilicity resistance enzymatic degradation. Eight novel structural modifications tested for potential transverse lipid membranes evaluate...

Abstract Background Otitis externa (OE) is one of the most frequently diagnosed dermatological diseases in dogs, having a multifactorial aetiology. Among bacterial agents associated with canine OE, Pseudomonas aeruginosa special concern owing to its frequent multidrug resistance profile and ability form biofilms related infection's chronicity recurrence. Objectives The main objective this study was evaluate compare antibiofilm activity two innovative antimicrobials—an otological gel...

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a promising strategy for modulating the gut microbiome. We aimed to assess effect of oral administration capsules containing lyophilised faeces on dogs with diarrhoea 2 months as well evaluate their long-term influence animals' faecal consistency and intestinal This pilot study included five dogs: two used controls three diarrhoea. Animals were evaluated four by performing monthly samples collection physical examination, which determination using...

To study the effect of ethanol on morphology, lipid production and fatty acid profile Mucor fragilis CCMI 142 cultures.Cell inhibition in shake flask cultures due to alcohol toxicity grew linearly from 0.418 mol x 1(-1) 0.816 corresponding a decrease specific growth rate. The constant took value 2.27 1(-1). germination fungal spores into hyphae is inhibited by concentrations ethanol. In this range, M. form, exclusively, budding yeast-like cells instead filaments. Below 1-1 formation was...