World Congress and Expo on Applied Microbiology August 18-20, 2015 Frankfurt, Germany

Biography:

Chit Laa Poh completed her PhD from Monash University, Australia in 1980 and returned to Malaysia and Singapore to pursue her academic career. Initially trained as an environmental bacteriologist, she started to focus on Medical Virology research since 1999 and worked on the development of rapid molecular diagnostics, novel antivirals and vaccines against Enterovirus 71 which can cause serious hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). She has achieved a Google H-index of 33. She is on the editorial board of Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering (Elsevier) and Austin Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. She has graduated 12 PhDs, 8 MScs and many BSc (Hons) students. She has published 87 papers in reputed journals and co-authored 3 book chapters in books published by ASM and Humana Press. She has served as Ad Hoc reviewers for papers submitted to PLoSOne. After working for 25 years in the National University of Singapore (NUS), she is currently engaged as a Distinguished Professor by Sunway University. In her current role, she hopes to attract good graduate students and provide them with excellent supervision in research. She is often invited by reputable journals to contribute review papers and original research papers.

Abstract:

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is commonly caused by a group of Enteroviruses such as Enterovirus 71(EV71) and Coxsackievirus CVA5, CVA8 and CVA 16. Coxsackieviruses generally cause mild symptoms such as high fever, rashes and vesicles in the hand, foot and mouth but EV71 can produce more severe symptoms such as brainstem encephalitis, leading to cardiopulmonary failure and death. China experienced over 2.7 million cases of HFMD infections with 384 deaths in 2014. The lack of vaccines and antiviral drugs against EV71 highlights the urgency of developing preventative and treatment agents against EV71 to prevent further fatalities. The inactivated vaccine (IV) is well advanced in development and has good clinical trial data to support the use of the vaccine. It is ready for production in China but it remains to be investigated if the immunogenicity of the IV is able to confer protection against all EV71 sub-genotypes. Although there is data to support broad protection for some genotypes/sub-genotypes at varying efficacies, more studies need to be carried out on whether the neutralizing levels induced by IV are sufficient to protect against serious HFMD infections. New developments of experimental vaccines and antivirals are presented.

Biography:

Bruca Maria Isabel has completed her PhD from Buenos Aires a University and postdoctoral studies from Abierta Interamericana University School of Medicineand from Catholic University. She is the coordinator in investigation group of Abierta Interamericana University, and Professor in Buenos Aires University and Abierta Interamericana University .She has published more than 14 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Objective: To determine the prevalence of yeast species in the evolution of patients with breast cancer treated with antiestrogen therapy.

Materials & Methods: 30 postmenopausal patients who attended the Southern OMI Medical Center were included. The following groups were formed: Group 1 patients diagnosed with Breast Ca. treated with anti estrogens for less than one year Group 2 patients diagnosed with Breast Ca. treated with anti estrogen for 1-2 years Group 3 patients diagnosed with Breast Ca. treated with anti estrogen for 2-5 years Group 4 patients diagnosed with Breast Ca., who have completed their treatment with anti estrogen. Patients were surveyed about their symptoms, periodontal indices and then oral mucosa sample were taken. Conventional Microbiological examinations for Candida species as well as the molecular biology study data were performed.

Results: Microbiological findings showed that a greater variety of species of Candida were isolated from patients who used the drug during the first two years (Group 1 and 2). Only 2 species were isolated in patients who used the drug more than two years (Group 3) and those who have completed treatment (Group 4).

Conclusion: The length of intake of anti estrogens influences the growth and species of Candida, having a cumulative beneficial effect on the population studied.

Biography:

Mostafa El-gaffary has completed his MVSc 2010 from Cairo University and his PHD from Cairo University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He is lecturer and director of Clinical pathology Lab in his Faculty; he was Trainer for postgraduate student on Biomedical application of Nanotechnology, Molecular biology and Immunology at Biotechnology center for research located in his Faculty2007 – 2014.

Abstract:

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen of even-toed ungulates; it is endemic in cattle herds in most parts of the world. It belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus. Until now there is no standard lab host for BVDV although some reports mentioned that rabbit could propagate certain strains of BVDV upon intravenous exposure, Lacking of lab host is an obstacle facing most of researcher. Our work aimed to evaluation of rabbits as lab host for BVDV using NADL BVDV strain in white New Zealand rabbits. Successful multiple passages of BVDV in rabbits using mixture of splenic homogenate and buffy coat were achieved followed by re-isolation and molecular identification of the virus from infected animals, later the re-isolated virus have been intravenously administrated in rabbits, animals developed signs of depression and off-food for 3 days followed by diarrhea in some of them also transient leukopenia, lymphocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed. Post-mortem and histo-pathological examination showed typical picture of Pestiviruses transient infection. Demonstration of the viral antigen have been done on splenic tissues using immunohistochemistry, moreover virus propagation have been followed up and confirmed over 10 days using quantitative Real-Time PCR technique on tissue samples on the other hand saliva and feces were virus negative. From our work we discovered that adapted NADL BVDV strain have the capability of induction transient Pestivirus like infection in rabbits which makes rabbits as suitable lab animal for BVDV pathogenicity and virocidal studies.

Biography:

She has completed her Ph.D at the age of 33 years from Supreme Certification Commission of the Republic of Armenia (of Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia). She is the researcher of Yerevan State University, Armenia. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and over 20 participations on scientific meetings.

Abstract:

The ever-increasing demand for herbal medicine requires searching for new sources of biologically active compounds. Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss. is known as a plant with high biological activity. A. orientalis plant callus culture was isolated, antimicrobial activity of its aqueous extracts was studied against a number of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium), Gram-positive (Bacillus mycoides, B. mesentericus, B.megaterium, B.subtilis, Brevibacterium flavum, Enterococcus hirae, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, St. citreus WT, St. roseus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus) bacteria and yeasts (Debaryomyces hansenii, Pichia guilliermondii) by the method of diffusion in the agar. A minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for callus extracts was determined against E. hirae. The extracts with different concentrations (500 μg/ml, 250 μg/ml, 125 μg/ml, 62.5 μg/ml, 31.25 μg/ml and 15.625 μg/ml) had been used. As a positive control, shikonin was used with the same concentrations, as those of the extract. According to our studies, callus extracts possessed marked bacteriostatic activity against Gram-positive bacteria and bactericidal activity - against lacto acid bacteria. MIC was corresponding to 250 μg/ml dry weight of extract in comparison with purified shikonin, which MIC was 31.25 μg/ml. Hence, A. orientalis callus tissues extracts have the rather high antimicrobial activity, which will be useful for development of new medicinal preparations as well as for food industry.

Biography:

Mostafa El-gaffary has completed his MVSc 2010 from Cairo University and his PHD from Cairo University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He is lecturer and director of Clinical pathology Lab in his Faculty; he was Trainer for postgraduate student on Biomedical application of Nanotechnology, Molecular biology and Immunology at Biotechnology center for research located in his Faculty2007 – 2014.

Abstract:

In this study, we evaluated in-vitro cytotoxic eff ect and antiviral properties of gold nanoparticles, which are previously r eported to possess in-vitro antiviral properties against HIV and multi strains of infl uenza virus. To investigate the antiviral activity of gold nanoparticles against cytopathic strain (NADL) bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV): citrated gold nanoparticles of 7±2 nm were prepared and PEG functionalized. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of prepared gold nanoparticles did not show toxic eff ects to MDBK cells with concentration of 2 and 4 ppm. Aft erward the antiviral activity of nanoparticles was evaluated by the inhibition of the cytopathic eff ect on infected MDBK cells by means of (MTT) based colorimetric assay and was found that 4 PPM is the optimum concentration for virus inhibition. Th e results of the in- vitro antiviral activity and cytotoxicity showed that prepared gold nanoparticles has limited in-vitro toxic eff ect at concentration of 4 PPM also has strong affi nity to BVD virus and reasonable inhibitory eff ect on BVDV.

Biography:

Dr ECG Muchaneta –Kubara completed her PhD as a mature student, mother wife and bread winner at Sheffield University in 1998 and has worked as a Senior Scientist in the Department of Chemical Pathology, Lecturer Immunology and Microbiology in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and currently Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology. She has over 21 International publications in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Malnutrition is the condition that results from taking an unbalanced diet which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess (too high an intake), or in the wrong proportions. A number of different nutritional disorders may rise, depending on which nutrients are under overabundant in the diet. In most of the world, malnutrition is present in the form of undernutrition, which is caused by a diet lacking adequate calories and protein. The World Health Organization cites nutrition as the greatest single threat to the world’s public health. Improving nutrition is widely regarded as the most effective form of aid. Nutrition –specific interventions, which address the immediate cause of undernutrition, have been proven to deliver among the best value for money of all development interventions. Malnutrition is responsible directly or indirectly for 54% of the 10.8 million deaths per year in children under five and contributes to every second death (53%) associated with infectious diseases among children under five years of age in developing countries. Infection causes energy loss on the part of the individual, which reduces productivity on the community level and perpetuates the alarming spiral of malnutrition, infection, disease and poverty.

Biography:

O.S. Bolaji started his career in 1990 at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Sciences where he obtained Associate Certifi cate of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AMLSCN- bacteriology option) in 1994. He proceeded to Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria and obtained in 2002 Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science- Microbiology option (PGDMLS), M.Sc. Medical Parasitology and Entomology in 2005 and fi nally Ph.D Medical Parasitology in 2011 from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso-Nigeria. His thesis titled ‘Molecular Epidemiology of Urinary Schistosomiasis among School children in Osun State, Nigeria’. He joined LAUTECH as an Assistant Lecturer in 2006 and is presently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osogbo, Osun State, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,Ogbomoso, Oyo State. He lectures Medical students (MBBS Degree), Medical Laboratory Science students (B.MLS), Nursing students (B.NSc.), PostGraduate Diploma and M.Sc. students in Medical Parasitology. He is a Lecturer, Practising Medical Laboratory Scientist and Research Scientist. He is currently on research activities ‘Genetic Diversity of Schistosoma haematobium among humans in endemic areas of Osun State’. He is presently designated as a Visiting Scholar (Scientist) to Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology for 3months.

Abstract:

Concominant parasitic infections in the developing world are increasing, yet most studies are focused on single parasite. In this study, the extent of co-infections was investigated. Three hundred consenting individuals consisting of 136 males and 164 females participated in this study. Feacal specimens and venous blood were collected from the participants. The formol-ether concentration method were used to screen the feacal samples for helminths and protozoans, while Giemsa-stained blood smears was used for malaria parasite and packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by hematocrit . Demographic information from all the participants and data were analyzed using Chi-square test. The prevalence of Malaria parasite, Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba histolytica were 27.3%, 24.6%, 8.7%, 6.6%, 6.6% respectively. Females (55.0%) were generally more infected with all parasite than the males (45.1%) and it is statistically significance (p=0.000). Co-infection of parasites were observed as follows; Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricodes and Malaria parasite (2.7%), Hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica and Malaria parasite (0.7% histolytica), Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricodes, Malaria Parasite and Entamoeba histolytica (1.3%), Entamoeba and Ascaris lumbricodes (0.7%), Hookworm and Strongyloides stecoralis (2.0%), Ascaris lumbricodes and hookworm (3.3%), Hookworm and Malaria Parasite (3.3%), Ascaris lumbricodes and Malaria (2.7%), Entamoeba histolytica and Malaria (2.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%) and Ascaris , Strongyloides stercoralis and Malaria Parasite (0.7%). The overall Mean Packed cell Volume (PCV) of the population was 29.40±5.16 and it statistically significant (p=0.029). These result showed the existence of polyparasitism in Ajagba community and it is a major public health problem hence there is need for improved environmental condition which includes clean water supplies, periodic de-worming of children in the community should be initiated and action against deficiency in sanitary facilities, poor personal hygiene should be addressed by the government.

Biography:

Diea Abo El-Hassan has been a professor of infectious diseases in, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University since 1987. He received his PhD in Animal infectious diseases at Cairo University, Texas A & M University and Plum Island Institute, USA in 1986, and obtained both his B.V.Sc. and M.V.Sc. degrees at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University in 1979 and 1983 respectively. Professor of Animal Infectious diseases and Clinical laboratory diagnosis in Qassim University Saudi Arabia since 2006 - 2010, Director of Publications and Publishing Center College of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, since 2010. Currently, he is the head of Animal Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases in Cairo University and consultant for many dairy & beef farms. He worked in many international projects in cooperation with Germany, USA and Saudi Arabia as well as other national projects.

Abstract:

Mycobacterium avium subsp. Para-tuberculosis is the etiological agent of a severe gastroenteritis in ruminants, known as Johne’s disease. Johne’s disease is prevalent in domestic animals worldwide and has significant impact on the global economy. It is considered to be one of the most serious diseases affecting cattle, camels, sheep and goats in Egypt and Arab area. Isolation of M. paratuberculosis from intestinal tissue of Crohn’s disease patients has led to concern that it may be pathogenic for humans. Thus, the pathogenic role of M. tuberculosis , early diagnosis and efficient control in animal population are topics of intense debate.

Biography:

Husham Bayazed has completed his PhD from University of Mosul, College of Medicine. He is now Consultant at the Scientific Research Center, University of Zakho / Kurdistan Region, Iraq. He is specialist in Microbiology & Immunology and has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as scientific reviewers of many local and international medical journals. In addition he has a Fellowship of ISC, Infection, Cancer, Immunology Advisory Board Member (EUROMDnet) (Belgium), Membership of World Stroke Organization, Membership of Metabolomics (USA), and Membership of American Association of Science & Technology.

Abstract:

A case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis was diagnosed on clinical and bacteriological grounds. A fifty-five year woman presented with multiple discharging sinuses on both legs since 9 years with slowly progressive course; from rural area in Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Bacteriological study including macroscopical and cultural examination of the discharge and crust taken deep from the lesions, revealed actinomyces as the causative organism. Good response with complete healing was noticed after 4 months of treatment with benzathine penicillin. Primary cutaneous actinomycosis is a rare variety of actinomycosis and this is the first case reported in Iraq. Good awareness of the full clinical spectrum of the disease aided by bacteriological study is needed to minimize the misdiagnosis of the case.

Biography:

V Templier completed his engineering studies at Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse as a biochemical engineer. He is currently a PhD student in the CEA Grenoble (Institut Nanosciences et Cryogénie). His research interests include biosensors with focus on pathogenic bacteria detection.

Abstract:

The presence of viable bacteria in the blood is commonly known as bacteremia. It can be a very localized and transient event with no consequences but for immunosuppressed or seriously wounded people, the most severe cases can develop into sepsis, septic shock and sometimes death. Faced with suspected bacteremia, practician is forced to use a broad spectrum antibiotic treatment while awaiting the results of microbiological analyzes of blood samples which can last 24hrs to 72hrs. Despite numerous efforts to shorten the time required for diagnosis, in most techniques the organism identification begins only after the blood culture turns positive. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent strain causing bacteremia, for this reason, its detection is a major challenge for Health issues. We propose here to carry out the microorganism identification directly from blood culture phase. To achieve this, alive bacteria are detected on an antibody based biochip without any labeling. This approach relies on a simple to operate optical technique named Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi), recently described for pathogen detection in complex samples (ground meat, milk…)1,2. Biological samples are diluted in a media specifically dedicated to this application and in accordance with the recommendations for blood cultures. Then, samples are spiked with a known amount of S. aureus and loaded on the biochip. Interactions are then recorded in real time until a positive signal appears on specific antibody due to antibody-antigen recognition. In general, a few dozen of bacteria are detected in less than ten hours in human serum. We are now focusing on the methicillin resistant strain identification (MRSA versus MSSA) through the recognition of this antibiotic resistance marker, the PBP2a protein, which is anchored at the cell surface and therefore accessible to antibodies.

Biography:

Ms Dana Elhadad is pursuing her PhD at Sheba Medical Center, Egypt. Her work is based on Molecular pathogenicity of S. Paratyphi A.

Abstract:

Human infection with typhoidal Salmonella serovars causes a febrile systemic disease, termed enteric fever. Here we establish that in response to a temperature equivalent to fever (39°C–42°C) Salmonella enteric serovars Typhi, Paratyphi A, and Sendai significantly attenuate their motility, epithelial cell invasion, and uptake by macrophages. Under these fever-like conditions, the residual epithelial cell invasion of S. paratyphi A occurs in a type III secretion system (T3SS) 1–independent manner and results in restrained disruption of epithelium integrity. The impaired motility and invasion are associated with down-regulation of T3SS-1 genes and class II and III (but not I) of the flagella-chemotaxis regulon. In contrast, we demonstrate up-regulation of particular Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 genes (especially spiC) and increased intraepithelial growth in a T3SS-2–dependent manner. These results indicate that elevated physiological temperature is a novel cue controlling virulence phenotypes in typhoidal serovars, which is likely to play a role in the distinct clinical manifestations elicited by typhoidal and non-typhoidal salmonellae.

Biography:

Aminu R F is currently a Post- graduate student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria where she is running a PhD in Medical Microbiology. She has been working in the Kogi State University, Anyigba as a Laboratory Technologist in the Microbiology Department since the year 2000. She has keen interest in academic research and hopes to fully integrate into academics after the completion of her PhD this year.

Abstract:

Resistance of bacteria to antibiotics poses a serious threat to humanity as it is associated with treatment failure. Plasmids provide the machinery for transferring genetically encoded materials such as antibiotic resistance within bacterial populations. Commensal bacteria like Escherichia coli in the gut are likely sources of antibiotic resistance genes, especially, if they harbour resistance genes. To assess the plasmid harbouring profile of commensal E. coli, 40 antibiotic resistant isolates from children (n=10), adult humans (n=10), chicken (n=10), and cattle (n=10) were screened for presence of plasmid DNA using the alkaline phosphatase method and gel electrophoresis. The plasmid carrying rate of the isolates was 60%. All isolates (100%) from chicken harboured plasmids. Occurrence rates of plasmids from other sources were as follows: 70% in isolates from children, 40% in human adult isolates, and 30% in cattle isolates. This result indicates that presence of plasmid in commensal E. coli is significantly associated with source of isolates (X2=12.500; p<0.05). The high plasmid profile of the isolates suggests the potential risk of these commensals to human health.

Biography:

Heavin Hannan has completed her PhD from Aleppo University- Syria. She worked in pharmaceutical faculty of Aleppo - Syria as a Lecturer and also stayed in the University Hospital of Aleppo (ICU) to prepare for her Master’s degree and PhD. In 2008-2012, parallel with her university job she worked as a manager of the microbiology laboratory of Arak Pharma (a pharmaceutical factory). From 2010-2012 she worked as an Assistant Professor in Biochemistry and Microbiology department in Pharmaceutical Faculty of Aleppo- Syria. 2013. Currently she is working as an Assistant Professor in Laboratory Department of Al Majmaah University, KSA

Abstract:

Background: The presence of the bacteria in air indoors is a problem from the view of health protection to estimate the health hazard and to create standards for indoor air quality control, the determination of indoor microorganisms is necessary, and it is especially important in such populated areas like education places and hospitals. In this study we studied the level of microbial contamination in various areas in the buildings of Applied Medical Science/girls department in Al Majmaah University, KSA.

Sampling: The air samples were collected from five different locations during October-November 2014. Air samples were taken twice a day: In the morning and in the afternoon.

The highest level of bacteriological contamination was detected in the cafeteria and in the class rooms after the lectures, corridor, biochemistry laboratory respectively, and before the lessons started the number of microorganisms were much lower. Most frequently isolated bacteria were Gram positive bacilli 36%, Staphylococcus spp. 24%, Gram negative bacilli 21%, and Gram positive cocci 18%.

Biography:

Bita Bakhshi has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and postdoctoral studies from Pasteur Institute of Iran. She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as editor-in-charge and an editorial board member of Infection, Epidemiology and Medicine journal.

Abstract:

Background: Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by C. jejuni and C. coli. cadF gene is considered as a genus-specific gene while other genes are mainly used for discrimination at species level.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a duplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of toxigenic C. coli and C. jejuni, the two commonly encountered campylobacter species.

Materials & Methods: A multiplex PCR optimized with specific primers for detection and differentiation of both species as well as Cytolethal Distending Toxin (CDT) gene was used. To evaluate specificity and sensitivity of test a panel of different Campylobacter spp., they were tested together with several other intestinal bacterial pathogens. The limit of detection of reaction determined using serial dilutions of standard genomes.

Results: The multiplex PCR designed in this study showed that it can simultaneously detect and differentiate both toxigenic and non-toxigenic C. jejuni and C. coli with different product sizes. This assay with 100% specificity and sensitivity has a Limit of Detection (LOD) of about 14 and 0.7 µg/ml for C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively.

Conclusions: Newly designed single-step multiplex-PCR assay could successfully detect and differentiate between toxigenic and non-toxigenic C. jejuni and C. coli with high specificity and sensitivity which can be used as a quick, reliable and powerful diagnostic tool for detection of campylobacteriosis in clinical settings.

Biography:

Abstract:

Aim: To determine whether antibiotics are prescribed appropriately for acute tonsillitis in secondary care, according to the Centre criteria and the recently suggested fever pain clinical score.

Design & Setting: Cross sectional observational study was carried out at Northwick Park Hospital, London North West Healthcare (LNWH) NHS Trust.

Participants: All patients were diagnosed with acute tonsillitis at the emergency department, Northwick Park Hospital over a three month period ending 4th March 2015.

Results: Antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately to 76% (95% CI: 69%-82%) of patients diagnosed with acute tonsillitis presenting with <3 Centro criteria.

Conclusions & Recommendations: The study indicates that the scale of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute tonsillitis in secondary care may be very high. The Centre and fever pain criteria are not being applied and broad spectrum antibiotics are being used to treat acute tonsillitis. The implementation of clinical scoring systems such as centre and fever pain in secondary care needs to be improved. Further research is needed to assess the outcome of using the above clinical scoring systems in secondary care, which is an important point of access for patients.

Biography:

Heavin. S. Hannan has completed her PhD from Aleppo University, Syria, during 1993-2010. She worked in pharmaceutical faculty of Aleppo, Syria as a lecturer. During that period she also stayed in the university hospital of Aleppo (ICU) to prepare her master degree and Ph. D. in 2008-2012 parallel with her university job. She worked as a manager of the microbiology laboratory of Arak Pharma (a pharmaceutical factory). She has also worked as assistant professor in biochemistry and microbiology department in pharmaceutical faculty of Aleppo, Syria from 2010-2012. Since 2013 to until date, she has been working as an assistant professor in laboratory department of Al Majmaah University, KSA.

Abstract:

Nosocomial infections represent a major health problem not only in terms of excess morbidity for patients and doctors, but also contribute to significant economic loss. Among hospital-acquired infections, pneumonia caused by mechanical ventilation is considered to be one of the most important hospital infections and the main cause of death in the intensive care units. This study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Aleppo in Syria during 2005-2012. In this study, Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) occurs approximately in 9-27% of all the intubated patients at least after 48 hours from mechanical ventilation. VAP occurred in the 273 patients, 174 (64%) of them died. The percentage of VAP in our study was 71% among the mechanically ventilated male patients and 29% among females. VAP is divided into two types: Early VAP occuring during the first four days of intubating and its percentage is 35%, while the Late VAP occurs after the four days and its percentage is 65%. The bacteria that are responsible for VAP are varying. The most common are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter SPP. The most common bacteria in our study were Staphylococcus 17.98%, Pseudomonas 13.08%, Streptococcus 11.44%, Acinetobacter 7.79%. Prior antibiotic usage was present for all patients and the most effective antibiotics were Imipenem and Meropenem. To protect patients from VAP, prevention measures such as hand washing, avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics, wearing gowns and gloves and limiting the magnitude of aspiration by placing patients in a semi-upright position should be taken. The typical precaution for VAP, which is mainly dependant on early diagnosis ways and therapeutic programs, is still the issue of discussion all over the international centers.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common infections worldwide. In Egypt, H. pylori prevalence has been reported to be 60% among patients greater than 6 years of age.However the environmental risk factors and sources of infection by this organism have not been extensively studied for this region.

Aim: The primary objective of the present study was to determine, for a population in which H. pylori is common, the potential environmental sources of infection by both filtration PCR and filtration culture PCR for water samples. Also we aimed to study the cagA and vacA genotypes of these strains.

Materials & Methods: In this study, fifty water samples (wells, stored tap water and tap water) were tested to investigate the presence of H. pylori from rural and urban regions in Alexandria. The detection of H. pylori in water was done by PCR using specific primers for urease gene Ure C (294 bp).

Results: In this study, H. pylori ure C gene was detected in 4 (8%) of water samples including 3 tap water (6%), and 1(2%) well water sample. Two of these cases were detected by Filtration PCR and another two were detected by Filtration culture PCR. We could not identify H. pylori DNA in any of the stored tap water. All positive samples were negative for CagA and VacA genes.

Conclusion: The present study confirms the presence of H. pylori in drinking water of Alexandria. Detection of H.pylori in water by both filtration PCR and filtration culture PCR in different samples confirm the presence of H.pylori in different forms in water, viable non culturable and culturable.

Biography:

M El-Gaffary has completed his MVSc 2010 from Cairo University and his PHD from Cairo University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He is Lecturer and Director of Clinical pathology Lab in his Faculty; he was trainer for postgraduate student on Biomedical application of Nanotechnology, Molecular biology and Immunology at Biotechnology center for research located in his Faculty 2007 – 2014.

Abstract:

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen of even-toed ungulates; it is endemic in cattle herds in most parts of the world. It belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus. Until now there is no standard lab host for BVDV although some reports mentioned that rabbit could propagate certain strains of BVDV upon intravenous exposure, Lacking of lab host is an obstacle facing most of researcher. Our work aimed to evaluation of rabbits as lab host for BVDV using NADL BVDV strain in white New Zealand rabbits. Successful multiple passages of BVDV in rabbits using mixture of splenic homogenate and buffy coat were achieved followed by re-isolation and molecular identification of the virus from infected animals, later the re-isolated virus have been intravenously administrated in rabbits, animals developed signs of depression and off-food for 3 days followed by diarrhea in some of them also transient leukopenia, lymphocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed. Post-mortem and histo-pathological examination showed typical picture of Pestiviruses transient infection. Demonstration of the viral antigen have been done on splenic tissues using immunohistochemistry, moreover virus propagation have been followed up and confirmed over 10 days using quantitative Real-Time PCR technique on tissue samples on the other hand saliva and feces were virus negative. From our work we discovered that adapted NADL BVDV strain have the capability of induction transient Pestivirus like infection in rabbits which makes rabbits as suitable lab animal for BVDV pathogenicity and virocidal studies.

Biography:

Umeh E U got her PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Presently she is a Professor of Microbiology and lectures at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. She is a member of the University Senate and University Senate Business Committee. She has headed a Department in her University. She supervises Masters and Doctoral research studies in her University, and is an external examiner and visiting lecturer to a number of universities. Some of the courses she teaches include bacteriology, medical microbiology, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, microbial genetics, etc. She has published articles in peer reviewed local and international journals.

Abstract:

Malaria is endemic in Nigeria, and together with HIV, poses a serious public health problem that result in high morbidity and mortality. Antimalarial drugs and antiretroviral drugs (ARVD) have been combined as a means of reducing frequency of Plasmodium parasitemia in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the prevalence of malaria (Plasmodium) parasitemia in HIV seropositive individuals receiving ARVD was evaluated. A total of 500 HIV seropositive patients (average age=31.4 years; median age=33 years; males=137, females=363) consisting of 400 who were receiving ARVD and 100 who were not receiving any ARVD were used for the study. The bio-data and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained using structured questionnaire. Venous blood collected from each participant was used to evaluate their immune status by the CD4 cell count testing and to determine Plasmodium parasitemia using the Leishman’s staining technique. Parasitemia was more prevalent in patients who were not on ARVD (93.0%) than in those who were receiving the drugs (12.8%) (p<0.05). Parasitemia occurred most frequently in those aged 18 years and below, irrespective of whether they were on ARVD or not. About exposure to ARVDs, older adults above 40 years (92.7%) and rural dwellers used ARVD more than younger peoples (53.2%) and those who came from the cities to receive treatment. Most of those who were not on ARVDs reported that they sought doctors’ prescription in times of sickness, and that they used Lumartem to treat clinical malaria. In contrast, those who were on ARVD most often resorted to self-medication. Bed nets and insecticides were used as malaria preventive measures by both those receiving ARVD and those that were not. This study highlighted some benefits associated with the use of antiretroviral drugs, and has led us to suggest that the drugs be made compulsory for HIV seropositive persons.

Biography:

Dr. S.C.K. Tay earned his MPH in Veterinary Public health, Parasitology, Zoonoses, Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul, U.S.A and his MSc. Vet, Med., D.V.M from the Central University of Timisoara, Romania. He obtained his BSc. from the University of California Davis. Presently, he is a professor in the department of Clinical Microbiology School of Medical Sciences, KNUST. He joined the department in 1989 and served as the head of the department for three years. Committee member special Primary Interest Group for Veterinary Public Health of America Public Health Association for three years. He has published more than twenty (20) papers. He is currently the coordinator for KNUST QWeCI Project, Impact of Climate variability on Human and Animal Health, EU funded project.

Abstract:

Malaria and HIV are two of the most common infections in sub-Saharan Africa and, to a lesser extent, in other developing countries. The determination of malaria and HIV co-infection rate is important because there are hypotheses and even study reports on the possible association between the two infections. This study was therefore carried out at Holy Family Hospital – Techiman between November 2011 and January 2012 with the main objective of determine the prevalence of malaria among HIV sero-positive patients attending anti-retroviral treatment clinic of the hospital. The study design was cross sectional, restricted to randomly selected HIV sero-positive patients attending anti-retroviral treatment clinic of the hospital. All participants were sampled using participant leaflet and consent forms. A total of 400 HIV sero-positive patients between aged1year 8months and 73 years were included in the study. Of these 292 (73%) were females and the rest 108 (27%) were males. A questionnaire was administered and 2 ml of venous blood sample was drowned for detection of malaria parasite, estimation of CD4 count and haemoglobin level. The study revealed that 47 (11.75%) patients were slide positive for malaria parasite. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate for females (12.1%) and males (10.2%), P=0.6047. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) definition for anemia as hemoglobin levels less than 13.0g/dl in adult men and hemoglobin levels less than 12.0g/dl in adult women, an overall prevalence of 67% (268 out of 400) anemia was observed in this study. The prevalence of anemia among the study participants who had malaria was 93.6% (44 out of 47). All patients studied had a CD4 cell count ranging from 3 – 1604 Cells/µl. The mean CD4 cell count of the patients was 386.2 (±274.3) cells/µl. All patients with malaria infection had CD4 cell count ranging from 3 cells/µl to 512 cells/µl with mean CD4 cell count of 186.33 (±133.49) cells/µl. Out of the study participants, 377 (participants above 15 years) were interviewed on knowledge on malaria transmission and prevention in which 328 (87.0%) out of 377 of the participants claimed they had knowledge about malaria infection. Only 32 (8.5%) of the interviewed 377 of the participants interviewed used bed net for the prevention of malaria. Due to high mortality rates associated with malaria infection in an endemic area, it may be necessary that routine malaria screening be adopted as part of the management policy to check HIV and malaria co-infection since only tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B virus are presently screen for.