Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia Case Study Essay

Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia Case Study Essay
Healthcare–associated pneumonia (HAP) is a common complication of being hospitalized,
especially in the elderly. On average, HAP increases the length of stay (LOS) to seven to nine days,
adds $40,000 to $65,000 in cost of care, and is a big contributor to morbidity and mortality risks
(Quinn, et al., 2014). The World Health Organization reports that 1.4 million people die annually
related to pneumonia infections (Driver, 2012). A comparison of community–acquired pneumonia
(CAP) and HAP indicates that it is more likely to contract a multi–drug resistant pathogen to HAP
than it is to CAP (Pássaro, Harbarth, & Landelle, 2016 ). To ensure adequate patient care and to
significantly decrease risks of infections, specifically HAP, it is essential for proper nursing care to
be implemented to clients. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He was formerly a lawyer who resided in Miami, Florida and recently moved to Lexington,
Kentucky. He denies any alcohol, drug, or tobacco use. The client has two–primary nursing
diagnoses. The first was, ineffective airway clearance related to dyspnea, rhonchi bilaterally, older
age, and decreased energy. The second was, impaired gas exchange related to dyspnea and
peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) of 94% with use of a nasal cannula (NC). The client
was admitted to the hospital for healthcare–acquired pneumonia. HAP is an acute infection, caused
by several different organisms, that infects the alveoli of the lungs (Driver, 2012). Once the alveoli
become infected, an inflammatory response is activated causing fibrin–rich exudate that fills the
alveolar space, and if not properly treated, it can cause life–long lung damage (Driver,
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Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Research Paper
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an important Gram–negative opportunistic pathogen that
has the capability to create variable clinical infections including, but not limited to, wound
infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and blood stream infections (BSI), particularly in
hospitalized and immunocompromised patients (1, 2). P. aeruginosa was the second most common
cause of hospital–acquired pneumonia, third and fifth common cause of hospital–acquired UTIs in
USA and Europe, respectively (2– 4). It has been demonstrated that P. aeruginosa due to low
permeability of outer membrane in combination with efflux pump overexpression is intrinsically
resistant to a variety of antibiotics (5). Expression of Different classes of extended–spectrum

Developing Two Bioanalytical Sensing Platforms Essay
The aim of this project is to develop two bioanalytical sensing platforms as a means to study
phenomena in organized 3D cellular microenvironments that appropriately model key aspects of
biological habitats. Three important questions, listed below, will be addressed during this project,
which we discuss in detail in Sections 3.1–3.3.
(1) Can we determine concentrations of cellular biogenic species (NO, H2O2) in organized
microcommunities using T–CUAs?
(2) Can we monitor proximity–dependent cellular behavior in dynamic microcolonies?
(3) Can we perform real–time analyses of cellular behavior in response to in vivo environments?
3.1 T–CUAs for Electrochemical Detection of Cellularly Derived Biogenic Species in Organized 3D
Microenvironments.
The complex environments in which cells interact can have diverse cellular populations and be
susceptible to changes that influence cellular survival, division, differentiation, death and virulence.
Such dynamic responses are often mediated, at least in part, by changes in the concentration of
biogenic signaling molecules. Hence, detection of these chemical species is key to understanding
cellular communication. Using T–CUAs as electrochemical sensors in tandem with µ3DP cell
cultures, we will electrochemically detect two signaling molecules, NO and H2O2, directly from
macrophages and S. gordonii cells, respectively.
Macrophages are immunological (eukaryotic) cells that respond to bacterial infections within in an
organism by secreting

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Essay
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile gram negative bacterium that grows in soil, marshes, and
coastal marine habitats, as well as on plant and animal tissues. People with cystic fibrosis, burn
victims, individuals with cancer, and persons infected with HIV are particularly at risk of disease
resulting from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Unlike many environmental bacteria, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa has a remarkable capacity to cause disease in susceptible hosts. It has the ability to adapt
to and thrive in many ecological niches, from water and soil to plant and animal tissues. The
bacterium is capable of utilizing a wide range of organic compounds as food sources, thus giving it
an exceptional ability to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The abnormality in the CFTR gene alters the CFTR protein in people with cystic fibrosis. As a
result, one hallmark of CF is the presence of a thick mucus secretion which clogs the bronchial
tubes in the lungs and plugs the exit passages from pancreas and intestines, leading to loss of
function of these organs. Progressive lung disease is the predominant cause of illness and death in
people with CF. Mucus blocks the airway passages and results in a predisposition toward chronic
bacterial infections. Although the genetic defect underlying CF has been characterized, exactly how
and why individuals become infected with Pseudomonas is unknown. The lungs of most children
with CF become colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa before their 10th birthday. Chronic
infection with these bacteria reduces an individuals quality of life, causing acute symptoms of
cough, sputum production, and inflammation, which causes repeated exacerbations or episodes of
intense breathing problems. Eventually leading to scarring and destruction of lung tissue and,
ultimately, death. While it is clear that antibiotic therapy directed against these organisms lengthens
the life span of individuals with CF, increasing antibiotic resistance develops. Although antibiotics
can decrease the frequency and duration of these attacks, the bacterium establishes a permanent
residence and can never be completely

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Blood Agar
Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Blood Agar is expected for the color of the media to stay the same.
The colony should be grayish green, and it should produce a beta–hemolysis reaction, which
completely destroys all the red blood cells and clears the Blood Agar. In the Brilliant Green Agar,
the color of the media should stay the same. The colony should be pink, and it should be gram
negative. In the Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, the color of the media should stay the same. There
should be no growth in the colony, and it should be gram negative. In the Hektoen Enteric Agar, the
color of the media should be dark blue. There should be no growth in the colony, and it should be
gram negative. In the MacConkey Agar, the color of the media should stay the same. There should
be no growth in the colony, and it should be lactose negative. In the Mannitol Salt Agar, the color of
the media should be the same, and there should be no growth in the colony. In the Salmonella
Shigella Agar, the color of the media should be the same. There should no growth in the colony, and
it should be gram negative.
From the results of the lab for P. aeruginosa in the Blood Agar, the color of the media stayed the
same. The color of the colony was cream, and it produced an alpha–hemolysis reaction instead,
which only partially destroyed the red blood cells in the Blood Agar. In the Brilliant Green Agar, the
media was red and yellow. The color of the colony was cream, and there was lactose fermentation.
In the

Avibactam Vs Carbapenems
The evaluation of Ceftazidime–Avibactam vs Carbapenems Background Gram–Negative infections
are a major cause of mortality in the hospital, intensive care unit and healthcare system. For years
the Carbapenems have been a major last line player in eliminating infections. Carbapenem
resistance is now increasing. Two drugs Avycaz and Zerbaxa are available to fight against those
microbes with Carbapenem resistance. The newly approved combination drug Avycaz is composed
of Ceftazidime and Avibactam. Ceftazidime is a 3rd generation cephalosporin. It inhibits bacterial
cell wall synthesis by binding to the penicillin binding protein. Avibactam is a non– Beta lactam
Beta Lactamase Inhibitor. It is essential in increasing the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
In this study, Avycaz (Ceftazidime/Avibactam) is an alternative option for treatment in complicated
intraabdominal infections with metronidazole and in complicated urinary tract infections. 476
patients completed the study and received Ceftazidime–Avibactam and metronidazole. 477 patients
completed the study and received meropenem. Patients with normal renal function received 2000
mg of Ceftazidime and 500mg Avibactam as a 2–hour intravenous infusion every 8 hours. This was
followed by metronidazole 500 mg IV infusion every 8 hours. The meropenem group received
1000mg as a 30–minute intravenous infusion every 8 hours. Dosage adjustments were made for
patients with a creatinine clearance30 to 50 ml/min. Patients requiring renal adjustments received
1000mg Ceftazidime plus 250 mg of Avibactam in a 2–hour intravenous infusion every 12 hours.
Patients receiving meropenem with renal impairment received 1000mg, 30 minute infusions every
12 hours. The duration of treatment with meropenem was 8.3 days and for Ceftazidime–Avibactam
plus metronidazole it was 8.0

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a motile, rod–shaped, gram–negative organism. It is an opportunistic,
nosocomial pathogen. P. aeruginosa is reported to affect around 3700 to 4000 people per year.
Although P. aeruginosa is ubiquitous in the environment in things such as soil, water, and plants, it
is also commonly acquired in hospitals; especially in intensive care units. It rarely occurs in a
healthy person. The infection occurs in people who are already hospitalized or have a weak immune
system. An example includes, how a patient who is receiving chemotherapy for cancer, has an
increased risk of contracting the infection. It can be contracted through simply breathing it in
through breathing machines. If it affects the lungs, it will cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is associated
with difficulty of breathing.
P. aeruginosa may enter into the patient's bloodstream in a few ways. It starts when health workers
who are working with the patients do not wash their hands. It is then passed to the patients through
breathing machines, intravenous tubes, cuts or wounds. Once it has entered the body, is adheres to
tissue surfaces using its flagellum ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The most common medium is blood agar. P. aeruginosa has very simple nutritional requirements.
When grown on blood agar, it is known to form round colonies with a fluorescent greenish color
under ultraviolet light due to the production of pyocyanine. It also gives off a sweet odor and shows
a B–hemolysis. P. aeruginosa is known to produce acid, but no gas when in glucose. It is not an
active fermenter of carbohydrates. The optimal growth is 37˚ C. It is oxidative and non
fermentative. Although an aerobic atmosphere is necessary for optimal growth, it sometimes can be
grown anaerobically if nitrates are present in the medium. It is easily differentiated from other
bacteria when grown properly with no

Comorbidity In ICU
Introduction: Infections are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the intensive care unit
(ICU). More than 50% of patients admitted to ICU were infected, 71% of these patients received
antibiotic Infections increase with long stays in the ICU. The infection rates more than 70% in
patients stay more than 7 days. (1)
ICU patients have high risks Nosocomial gram negative bacterial infections, which associated with
high mortality and morbidity rates. The most common bacteria isolated from ICU are Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Entreobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and
Acinetobacter spp. (1–3) S. Maltophilia classified as Pseudomonas (previously or Xanthomonas
maltophilia) is an aerobic, glucose ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
maltophilia infections, exhibiting high susceptibility in vitro study. In this study, we described the
response of different doses of TMP/SXZ against S. maltophilia in 209 patient. Our findings
demonstrate that high dose of TMP/SMX associated with a significant reduction in 30 day mortality
with increase in cure rate. Although the study reported high susceptibility of TMP/SXZ against S.
maltophilia. Consistent with previous recommendation of dose (15–20 mg/kg/day) of TMP/SXZ in
treatment of S. maltophilia for prevent the resistance.(21) we observed improvement of all clinical
and microbiological response with increase the dose of TMP/SMX. This outcome is contrary to that
of Dao et al who found no difference in attainment serum peak SMX concentration range between
Patients receiving low–dose TMP/SMX therapy (TMP 15 mg/kg/day).(22) It's the first study to
evaluate the clinical outcome of TMP/SMX against S. maltophilia at different dose. These results
are consistent with data obtained in previous study which evaluate efficacy of treatment options
used average dose of TMP lower than the normally recommended dose of 15 mg/kg body weight
per day. The mortality rate in this study was 11% with No differences in outcomes were observed
with respect to the use of different TMP/SMX

Exploring Oral Biofilm
Biology 229 Section 003 A Laboratory Class Exploring Oral Biofilms and the Contamination of
Toothbrushes Meghan Shaulis 02/24/2017 Samantha Coy "Effects of Oral Biofilms on Hygiene"
Abstract Collecting and analyzing the growth of over the two different aspects of oral biofilms.
Biofilms are one of the most common and abundant species in nature and have both beneficial and
harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans. Reasons for studying biofilms range from medically
to industrially and hit home to us in our very mouths. For this experiment we collected two types of
environment that are nutrient rich for biofilms to grow in and then observed them over eight types
of media selecting for different components. Our results ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The blue bars are for group one's values, tend to be the highest. Red is for group two, with gray
being for group Pooja, and yellow being for group Bob. No groups had any growth for Pseudocel
media. There was no growth for group two in the Columbian sheep agar, as well as none for
mannitol salt. The only growth in Mannitol salt was for Pooja. Blood agar was the only to have
growth for all three, with Wilkin–Chalgren that selected for anaerobes to only have growth in group
one and two. The standard deviation for each group is applied to the bars. For the hypotheses group
two and four claimed that they used mouth wash regularly and group one and three never used

Major Characteristics Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
I. Description of P. aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is characterized by aerobic, gram negative, motile, non–spore forming
bacilli (rods).1 A trait that differentiates P. aeruginosa from other gram–negative bacteria is the fact
that it produces indophenol oxidase, which is an enzyme that renders them positive in an oxidase
test.1 The type of flagella this organism is known to possess is called a polar flagella, meaning a
single flagellum at one pole of the rod.1 This means the motility of the organism is quite limited and
can travel only in one direction. In spite of this, the single flagellum, as well as the presence of pili,
are major contributions to the motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.1 The Pseudomonas genus, the
genus from which P. aeruginosa originates from, is known to be an environmental bacteria; hence
why this organism is very common in soil, water, and even fresh fruits and vegetables.1 A common
characteristic of environmental bacteria, P. aeruginosa being of no exception, is the ways in which
they grow. P. aeruginosa grows and thrives in biofilms which are groups of adhering bacteria in
aqueous environments. These biofilms eventually begin to produce a slimy substance resembling
glue which allows them to spread and stick to other materials/locations. Not only does P. aeruginosa
require minimal nutritional requirements, but the entire Pseudomonas genus type does as well.1 Due
to P. aeruginosa (usually) only needing acetate as carbon and ammonia as nitrogen,

A Study On The Absorbance Measured At 440 Nm Within 2 Min...
for 2 min. The absorbance was measured at 440 nm within 2 min stirring period. The results were
compared against standard curve developed using a concentration gradient of Na2So4 with BaCl2
(De Zoysa et al., 2007).
3.15. FTIR of purified polysaccharide
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectra of the partially purified SP were
determined using FTIR spectrophotometer model 5700 (M/S Thermo electron Corporation, USA).
Polysaccharide powder (2–3 mg) was mixed with KBr and pressed into a disk. The whole IR
spectrum was analyzed with a scan range of 4000–400 cm–1. Thirty scans were taken with 4 cm–1
resolution. CO2 and H2O corrections were incorporated. Reproducibility of the normalized spectra
was ±2%. (Shanthi et al., 2014).
3.16. Testing isolates probiotic properties
3.16.1. Blood hemolysis
Hemolysis test was performed according to the method described by Guttmann and Ellar (2000).
Overnight cultures of isolated Enterococcus durans and Enterococcus hirae were streaked on blood
agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Blood agar plates were examined for signs of hemolysis. Blood
hemolysis test was performed in duplicates.
3.16.2. Resistance to low pH
Isolates Enterococcus durans and Enterococcus hirae were tested for their ability to resist low pH
values as follow, 25 ml of sterile MRS broth adjusted to pH 6.4, 4, 3 and 2 was inoculated using 1%
(v/v) of an overnight culture, then incubated at 37ºC for 6 h. The absorbance at 620 nm was
monitored using

The Effects Of Arsenic Contamination On Soil Quality,...
Kerosene contamination affected soil physicochemical properties such as pH, total phosphorus and
microbial biomass which are important indicators for assessing soil quality, fertility and
productivity. Findings show that the soil used was a loamy soil and is know to belong to the alfisol
series of the USDA soil taxonomic system of classification (Ibia et al., 2002). The study shows that
the higher kerosene contamination levels, significantly delayed emergence and inhibited the
germination of some seeds. The poor emergence obtained at higher pollution levels of the oil
treatment can be attributed to poor aeration. In addition, the inhibition of germination may be due to
the absorption of the oil by the seeds, which caused them to be swollen ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
The decrease in the relative growth rate of Zea Mays in this study due to kerosene oil treatment of
soil shows that the oil interrupted the growth of the plant. According to Kathirvelan and Kalaiselvan
(2007) the leaf surface area determines in large part the amount of carbon gained through
photosynthesis and the amount of water lost through transpiration and ultimately the crop yield.
Reduction in the leaf and plant height as was observed in this study implies that there would be low
photosynthetic efficiency of the plant as much of the solar energy emitted by the sun would not be
absorbed by plant for photosynthesis. This definitely leads to low yield of the plant with subsequent
low availability of food and poor economy due to low sales of such plant's products. Since the
relative growth rate measures the efficiency of seedling (Brand, 1991), the reduction in the relative
growth rate of Zea mays reported in this study imply that kerosene oil reduces the efficiency of the
plant.
This study also shows that Zea mays did better in the polluted soil left for six months than in the
polluted soil left for three months and than the soil polluted and immediately planted on. This
confirms that with time, natural biodegradation occur and the kerosene polluted environment has
ability to purify itself, if and only if the source of pollutant is not intermittent.
Figure 1 to 6 shows that the lower kerosene contaminated soil did better than the

Mixed Culture Report
Introduction The purpose of this experiment was to allow each student to perform certain
procedures and utilize the skills accumulated over the semester in order to interpret and identify two
unknown organisms within a mixed culture. Each student was given a mixed culture containing one
Gram negative organism and one Gram positive organism. I received unknown mixed culture #15.
The possible Gram negative organisms within the mixed culture include: Enterobacter aerogenes,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria perflava, Proteus vulgaris, and Moraxella catarrhalis. The
possible Gram positive organisms within the mixed culture include: Corynebacterium xerosis,
Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Clostridium
perfringens.
Methods
Using the mixed culture given, each student performed two Gram stains, which is described in the
lab manual Microscopy And A Survey Of Microorganisms in Exercise 6 (McPherson pg. 53).
During each procedure, every student followed aseptic technique in order to minimize
contamination. This process is explained in Exercise 4 (pg. 37). Following the two Gram stains,
each slide was viewed using a bright light microscope in order to find out the initial morphologies
and different Gram ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
66). The two TSA plates were incubated both aerobically and anaerobically because it displayed
how oxygen affected the growth of each organism. Both aerobically and anaerobically incubated
plates displayed identical white, convex elevated isolated colonies with entire margins and glossy,
convex elevated isolated colonies with entire margins. Therefore, this procedure did not eliminate
any of the possible organisms due to the fact that S. aureus, S. epidermis, E. faecalis, E. aerogenes,
P. vulgaris, and P. aeruginosa all grow under aerobic and anaerobic

Role Of Lec A / Gb-3 In Engulfment Of Bacteria
Role of Lec A/ Gb–3 in engulfment of bacteria By Mashael Alanazi
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids plays an important role in engulfment of bacteria. The study done demonstrates
that interaction between Lec A and that of glycosphingolipid Gb3, termed as Lipid Zipper triggers
the bending of plasma membrane in bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro, cellulo
experiments and theoretical model confirms the study that lipid zipper is enough for the triggering
and bending of plasma membrane and the absence of Lec A or depletion of Gb3 reduces the uptake
of P. aeruginosa. Thus our study provides new targets for drugs research.
Introduction
Lipid rafts involves in the signal transduction across ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
As glycolipid is the main component, so the whole mechanism was given the name as lipid zipper, a
mechanism which helps in the engulfment of bacteria and plays a role in uptake of P.aeurginosa.
Actin polymerization role in engulfment of bacteria was not required for the process to trigger
(Eierhoff et al., 2014).
Experiment done to show the role of LecA and Gb3 interaction
To study the role of Lec A and Gb3 interaction, model system was used with Gb3 containing GUv's
(giant unilamellar vesicles) to shows the effect of Lec A and Gb3 interaction on curvature of lipid
bilayer without role of actin. P.aeruginosa PA01 WT Strain was incubated with GUVs and on other
side GUVs was incubated with Lec A mutant strain as shown in Fig1, no difference was notice in
growth rates. PAOI WT Strain incubated with GUVs shows at meeting point of Lec A and Gb3
curved GUV membrane along with cluster of lipids which leads to the engulfment of bacteria. Out
of 82 ± 6.5%, 45 ± 6.4% was engulfed and in other strain of Lec A mutant only 1 out of 102 showed
membrane engulfed bacterium. Role of Gb3 was clearly stated by lowering of Gb3 which showed
decrease in engulfed bacterium (Eierhoff et al., 2014).
Experiment was done to see the role of cholesterol in engulfment of bacteria; it was found that in the
absence of it or reduction of efficiency by 65 %, decrease in

Colistin Essay
Colistin is a type of polymyxin, which are cyclic lipopeptides typically with the structure below.
Each type of polymyxin is characterized by distinct amino acid residues present at positions 6 and 7.
In colistin, also known as polymyxin E, a D–leucine is present at position 6 while position 7
contains a leucine residue. Colistin contains 13 stereocenters.11
Colistin is produced in Bacilius colistinus Koyama via fermentation.12 These cells can be grown in
a 1% glucose medium, and then harvested midway, during the logarithmic growth phase. The cells
are then washed with saline, and suspended in a pH 7.6 Tris–HCl buffer, which consists of either
10mM KCl and 1mM 2–mercaptoethanol or 0.2mM dithiothreitol. Cells retrieved from the
sonicated ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Firstly, it is an older drug, and so has not been subjected to the same guidelines and rigorous testing
for new drugs. Secondly, the little information there is on the pharmacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics of colistin is very unreliable.39 Colistin is commercially available in its prodrug
form CMS. However, CMS hydrolyses over time and leads to a higher than normal levels of colistin
in blood samples. This led to pharmacokinetics studies on humans that were performed prior to
2003 to be invalid. The problem is that dosing guidelines were developed when colistin first entered
the market, and was therefore based on faulty data.39 Thirdly, the pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics of CMS and colistin are different, and this makes it very difficult dosing CMS
in order to get the desired colistin plasma concentration.11
Studies over the years have also provided inconsistent results for colistin, in terms of both efficacy
and safety. In addition, the labelling for each colistin product is different, with Colomycin being
described in terms of CMS, and Coly–Mycin M in terms of colistin base activity. To make things
more confusing, the recommended dosing guidelines can also be given in terms of milligrams of
CMS, millions of international units of CMS, or milligrams of colistin base

A Study On Blood Hemolysis Essay
A portion of (2–3 mg) from the partially purified polysaccharide powder was mixed with KBr then
pressed into a disk. The whole infrared spectrum was analyzed at a scan range of 4000–400 cm–1.
Thirty scans were taken with 4 cm–1 resolution. CO2 and H2O corrections were incorporated.
Reproducibility of the normalized spectra was ±2%. (Shanthi et al., 2014).
monitored using spectrophotometer (Unico, USA) at hourly intervals (Nawaz et al., 2011).
3.16.3. Bile salts tolerance
The selected isolates were examined for their ability to grow in presence of different concentrations
of bile salts. The two concentrations 0.1% and 0.3% (w/v) were used for this purpose. An aliquots of
20 ml sterile MRS broth supplemented with 0, 0.1% and 0.3% bile salts were inoculated with

Glucose / Meltrose, Lactose, And Sucrose Experiment?
For the Glucose/Dextrose, Lactose, and Sucrose test, we tested to see if the unknown microorganism
could ferment with the specific carbohydrate that was being tested (Phenol). In doing so, we had
received three test tubes with the specific carbohydrate in it, and aseptically inoculate each of the
three test tubes with our specific unknown organism with a positive test showing a yellow liquid and
a negative test staying red as it was in the beginning (Phenol). My results were positive for the
glucose and negative for both Lactose and sucrose. The Catalase test tested for the ability of the
organism to convert hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas (Catalase). To test this a drop of
hydrogen peroxide was placed on a slide then an isolated colony was placed in the drop, and a
positive test would cause bubbles to occur, and a negative test would have no bubbles (Catalase).
My result was positive with bubbles. The Oxidase test was testing the presents of Cytochrome
Oxidase, which transfers electrons to oxygen, by placing a colony of the organism on a sterile swab
and then placing a drop of oxidase reagent on it (Oxidase). If the colors of the swab change to a
purple color, this indicated a positive test because electrons are being removed, and a negative test
will have no color change (Oxidase). My results were positive with a color change to purple. The
Sulfate Indole Motility tested for two things, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Indole. Some
microorganisms will use indole to

Self Reflection
When I was young, I came to understand that a person's creativity cannot be constrained to their
situation. I learned that everything we do is based off the choices in our life. While someone can
offend, discourage or harm you, they cannot force your response. As a decision maker, this taught
me a lot about how I need to approach choices; that is, I cannot rely solely on instinct to choose a
correct path. Mentors, friends, and family are needed to guide decisions, because they will weigh
options based on unique experiences that they have, which will offer a more direct insight to make
the correct choice. This is hard for me, however, since I am not one to create mentors or friends,
which leads me to rely on family. A family can be supportive if necessary, but they default to
positions when placed under new experiences. For example, when a child in my family has broken a
lamp, the mother is the one to chastise while the father is responsible for cleaning up the mess. Like
everyone else, my personality is derived from some sort of solution mixed between my parents.
Introspectively in his corner is my father, a gray–haired book lover who studies adolescent drug use,
and I seem to have taken most of my personna from his (yet I seem to be missing the book–loving
part). He is a sociologist, which is pretty much the epitome of the term "researcher." Though not
wanting to study people's societal trends, I do want to study human disease trends, specifically in
the

Examples Of Selective Media In Microbiology
Microbiology Lab Report
"Use of Differential, Selective, and Enriched Media in Microbiology"
BIO 3150–700
Dr. Marilu Santos
Introduction:
The purpose of this experiment is to display the numerous special media used to isolate bacterial
types, the differences between closely related groups of bacteria, the practice of sanitation and
aseptic technique in microbiology, the assessment of naturally occurring antibiotics and other
substances, and to correctly pinpoint the characteristics of bacteria and the changes that occur when
placed in different media.
Three different types of media were used in this experiment. Selective media allows for the growth
of one type of bacteria while preventing the growth of another type. An example of selective media
that was used in this experiment is the Eosin Methylene–Blue agar used for the growth of
Escherichia coli. These bacteria are commonly found in places of fecal contamination (CDC). A
control group of Escherichia coli was used as well as swabs from the student's phone and hand.
Another type of media used in this experiment is Differential/Selective media. This media makes
detection easier after the incubation period has occurred. An example of differential/selective media
used in this experiment was Mannitol Salt agar used to isolated the bacterium Staphylococcus
aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The Mannitol Salt agar was streaked with these two control
groups as well as a swab obtained from the student's forehead using a wet cotton swab.
Another type of differential/selective media is the Mueller–Hinton agar plate. In this experiment
three Mueller–Hinton plates were used to compare the antibiotic resistance of different types of
bacteria. The first plate was streaked with Escherichia coli, the second plate was streaked with
Staphylococcus aureus, and the third plate was streaked with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The final type of media used in this experiment was an enriched media agar plate. Enriched media is
used to provide an environment in which bacteria is able to grow. These mediums contain nutrients
that other agar plates lack, making growth difficult for certain types of bacteria. A blood agar plate
was used to obtain a swab of the Streptococcus bacteria

Slime Mold-Term Paper
Dictyostelium discoideum––also known as slime mold––is an amoeba, whose natural habitat is soil
and decaying leaves found in the deciduous forest (key paper). This organism's life cycle consists of
a unicellular phase and a multicellular phase. During the unicellular phase, the amoeba feeds on
bacteria and yeast, and reproduces through binary fission. Upon starvation conditions, D.
discoideum amoeba collect into aggregates. Cell differentiation would occur at this point to
eventually create a multicellular fruiting body. There are several factors that make D. discoideum an
ideal model organism to study host–pathogen interactions. By using the amoeba, host–pathogen
interactions can be observed with only the two organisms present. This is most likely not possible
when higher organisms, such as C. elegans or Drosophila, are used as hosts. In ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
discoideum (SOURCE). P. aeruginosa is a Gram–negative pathogen that causes life–threatening
infections in people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or
those with cycstic fibrosis. The bacteria is commonly seen in nosocomial infections (hospital–
acquired infections), such as pneumonia, UTIs, and sepsis. First, it was tested whether or not P.
aeruginosa could infect D. discoideum. P. aeruginosa strain PA14 was grown in LB, collected
through centrifugation, and resuspended in SorC buffer (16.7 mM Na2H/KH2PO4/50 microM
CaCl2, pH 6.0). D. discoideum was added to the bacterial suspension to create final concentration of
500 cells/ml. 0.2 ml of the mixture was pipetted on to SM/5 plates containing 1/5 of a SM stock
solution (1% glucose/1% Bacto peptone/0.1% Bacto yeast extract/4.2 mM MgSO4). As a control, D.
discoideum was also plated with Klebsilla aerogenes, which was known to be non–pathogenic
towards D. discoideum. This first assay showed that the strain PA14 could infect D.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection Summary
In this article "Piperacillin–Tazobactam for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection: Clinical
Implications of an Extended–Infusion Dosing Strategy," (2007), Thomas P. Lodise, Jr., Ben
Lomaestro, and George L. Drusano evaluate the clinical outcomes among critically ill patients with
pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection, to examine if extended infusion of piperacillin–
tazobactam produced results superior to the standard intermittent administration of these drug by
using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. In this retrospective cohort study, 194 patients consist of
the two study groups, 102 patients received extend infusion of piperacillin–tazobactam (4 hours of
3.375 g intravenously infusion every 8 hours), and 92 patients ... Show more content on
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On the other hand, when the MIC was higher (T>MIC), extended infusion is better. This is just
theoretical evidence leads to better clinical outcomes. 4– From the results, the level of evidence in
the clinical outcomes in favor of extended piperacillin–tazobactam is moderate. 5– The outcomes of
the study were limited to objective endpoint 6– What if they use a continuous infusion of
piperacillin–tazobactam! Maybe we will get more improvement in the clinical outcomes over
extended and intermittent dosing form. Actually, that is difficult to apply in clinical practice because
usually critically ill patients in the ICU received multiple drugs that make it hard for the nurse to
give a continuous infusion of specific drug therapy and in the same time she has to give the other

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram–negative, catalase, citrate, and oxidase positive, recognized by
producing a blue green fluorescent pigment that commonly isolated from soil and water, water
containing these bacteria can also contaminate food, and pharmaceutical products (Walker et al.,
2004). It was reported that water with suboptimal levels of chlorine can collaborate the survival of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Shrivastava and Upreti, 2004). Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen
capable of infecting both animals and humans , it is responsible for about 28% of bacteremia
episodes, also a main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (Al–Daraghi
and Wathiq Abbas , 2013) . P. aeruginosa has a virulence

The Effect Of Standard Curve Developed Using A...
period. The results were compared against standard curve developed using a concentration gradient
of Na2So4 with BaCl2 (De Zoysa et al., 2007).
3.15. FTIR of purified polysaccharide
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectra of purified PS fractions were determined
using FT–IR spectrophotometer model 5700 (M/S Thermo electron Corporation, USA).
Polysaccharide powder (2–3 mg) was mixed with KBr and pressed into a disk. The whole IR
spectrum was analyzed with a scan range of 4000–400 cm–1. Thirty scans were taken with 4 cm–1
resolution. CO2 and H2O corrections were incorporated. Reproducibility of the normalized spectra
was ±2%. (Shanthi et al., 2014).
monitored using spectrophotometer (Unico, USA) at hourly intervals (Nawaz et al., 2011).
3.16.3. Bile

P. Aeruginosa Research Paper
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative, rod–shaped bacteria, almost all strains of P. aeruginosa
are motile (single polar flagella). The bacteria is capable of adapting to and therefore thriving in
many different ecological environments (from water and soil to plant and animals) it also can utilize
a variety of organic compounds as food sources, giving it the ability to colonize in places where
nutrients are limited. It can cause a range of infections from pneumonia to the most serious cystic
fibrosis. P. aeruginosa can form a biofilm that allows the bacteria to form a resistance to antibiotics.
To this day there are conferences, websites, and microbiologists committed to the research and
discovery of P. aeruginosa in the fight to discover and learn more about the bacteria and ways to
fight its biofilm. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
aeruginosa has a large genome at 6.26 Mb, which codes for 5,697 genes, the bacteria measures 0.5
to 0.8 µm by 1.5 to 3.0 µm. It can often be found growing were nutrients are limited, like distilled
water, it can use more than seventy–five different organic compounds. P. aeruginosa is one of the
top three nosocomial infections, resulting in almost 10% of all hospital–acquired infections, with a
blood poisoning mortality rate of nearly 50%. This opportunistic pathogen can cause pneumonia,
urinary tract infections, and blood poisoning in wounded patients. The most serious complication of
P. aeruginosa is cystic fibrosis, a respiratory tract

Antibiotic Resistance And How We Can Develop Better...
Introduction
This article explores the exciting effects of antibiotic resistance and how we can utilize this
knowledge to create better treatments against bacterial infections. It is necessary to know how
resistant a strain of bacteria is to a specific antibiotic so that treatment can be changed to better treat
the patient. In this study, 200 strains of the Gram–negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.
pneumoniae), were tested for resistance against thirteen different antibiotics by the method of disk
diffusion. K. pneumoniae was chosen for its emergence in hospital–acquired infections and the fact
that it is involved in a variety of diseases, including pneumonia, bacteremia, septicemia, diarrhea,
and infections of the urinary tract, bones, and central nervous system (1).
Strains that produced the enzyme extended–spectrum beta–lactamase (ESBL) and aminoglycoside–
modifying enzymes (AME) had their genes amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Aminoglycosides are antibacterial therapeutic agents used against Gram–negative bacteria. ESBLs
are enzymes that are produced in some bacteria that can increase a bacteria's resistance to
antibiotics. Specifically, CTX–M β–lactamases (a type of ESBL) were tested because they are the
most prevalent type of ESBLs worldwide (1). The hypothesis was that K. pneumoniae bacteria
strains with ESBLs and AME producing genes would have a higher antibiotic resistance than the
strains that did not express these genes.
Literature

What Is The Characteristics Of Gram Positive Or Gram...
Introduction:
There are two major classes of bacteria that contain peptidoglycan, Gram–positive and Gram–
negative. Gram positive bacteria will stain dark purple due to their thick peptidoglycan cell wall,
while Gram negative will stain pink due to their thin peptidoglycan cell wall. Many Gram positive
and negative bacteria are considered pathogens because they are capable of causing disease in
humans. In order to treat properly individuals who are infected with a pathogenic Gram positive or
Gram negative bacteria, the identity of the bacteria must be found. In this experiment numerous,
differential and selective media, as well as chemical test, were used to evaluate the growth patterns
and characteristics of clinically relevant bacteria. Data collected from the specific results was used
to create a chart that was used to identify an unknown Gram–positive and Gram negative bacteria.
The genus Staphylococcus is a Gram–positive cocci that is commonly arranged in grapelike
clusters. They are universally present in large numbers on the mucous membranes and skin of
humans and other warm–blooded animals. They are non spore forming, nonmotile, facultative
anaerobes. Many species of staphylococcus can be pathogenic. Staphylococcus aureus is the most
common pathogen. It can be recovered from skin lesions, abscesses, and wound infections. It can
move from these sites to the bloodstream and urine, where it then has the possibility to cause more
serious conditions in various organs.

The Effects Of Antibacterial Resistance On Bacterial...
Ceftazidime is a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial
infections, particularly Pseudomonas and other Gram negatives, and its activity relies on binding of
essential penicillin–binding proteins (PBPs) (1). Despite its effectiveness against certain bacteria,
there have been reports of rapidly increasing incidences of antibacterial resistance to ceftazidime
caused by extended–spectrum β–lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae (2). Recently, a
new beta–lactam/beta–lactamase inhibitor combination, ceftazidime–avibactam (AVYCAZ) has
shown to have "in vitro activity against Enterobacteriaceae in the presence of some beta–lactamases
and extended–spectrum beta–lactamases" and is FDA–approved for treating complicated intra–
abdominal infections as well as complicated urinary tract infections (1). Due to the resistance
frequency of inpatient Enterobacteriaceae isolates at the University of Washington Medical Center
(4), susceptibility testing of Ceftazidime and Ceftazidime–Avibactam are crucial to ensure antibiotic
treatment efficacy and to take action to reduce the spread of multi–drug resistant bacteria in a
hospital setting. The current primary gold standard method for MIC determination of Ceftazidime in
non–fastidious Gram negative isolates at University of Washington Medical Center, Microbiology
Clinical Laboratory is TREK Sensitre® micro–broth dilution, a diagnostic tool that utilizes
fluorescence technology to monitor the growth of

Pseudomonas Research Papers
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe gram–negative
infections in several body systems. While it rarely infects healthy individuals, this microorganism is
responsible for acute and chronic diseases in patients with compromised immune systems.1–3 Acute
diseases involve pneumonia,4 while chronic infections include cystic fibrosis,5,6 which are
complicated and can often be life–threatening. Numerous factors enabling infections to occur, such
as the biotoxins released by this bacterium, are documented.7–9 However, little is known about
which signals cause Pseudomonas aeruginosa to acquire a pathogenic character. Monitoring the
production of these signals could provide further understanding about the opportunistic ... Show
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Additionally, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) are frequently employed approaches for detecting PYO.23,24 Although these
chromatographic methods generally yield good detection sensitivities, they require complex
operation procedures and expensive equipment. Unlike these conventional procedures,
electrochemical approaches have demonstrated to be low cost, rapid, sensitive and direct detection
methods for pyocyanin, thus being an increasingly popular alternative to the standard detection
methods.7,25–27 Several studies have successfully used various voltammetric techniques for the
detection and quantification of pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and from human
fluid samples.3,7,25,26 Additionally, a recent study reported an amperometric method for the
selective detection and quantification of pyocyanin.28 Lastly, scanning electrochemical microscopy
(SECM) has been employed to examine pyocyanin at the surface of biofilms in a spatially resolved
fashion.29,30 However, none of the aforementioned electrochemical techniques have demonstrated
the use of an array–based ultramicroelectrode (UMEs) for the detection of

The Effects Of Quorum Sensinging
Introduction
Bacteria regulate their population gene expression by cell–to–cell communication through a process
known as quorum sensing, a 'collective sensing' of molecules that are emitted in the environment,
leading to a collective response (Popat et al., 2015). Quorum sensing is widely used to control
various biological processes for their survival, usually those that are unproductive in an individual
cell (Lixa et al., 2015). Depending on the biological process the bacteria regulates, quorum sensing
undergoes different mechanisms and tight regulatory circuits to communicate with each other and
transmit signals.
General mechanism of quorum sensing Quorum sensing is mediated by autoinducers, signalling
molecules produced by bacterial ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Threshold autoinducer concentration indicates sufficient cell density for coordinated response.
However, autoinducer concentrations can also affected by diffusion, spatial cell distribution and
degradation or production by third parties (Hense et al., 1998).
Therefore, efficiency sensing, the ability for cells to sense cell density, diffusion and spatial cell
distribution, could be an alternative mechanism of quorum sensing as secreted autoinducers allow
cells to evaluate if extracellular diffusible effectors they produce would be beneficial for them (West
et al., 2012). In this case, low diffusion rates and aggregation of cells would induce signalling and
expression of quorum sensing genes (Hense et al., 1998).
Regulation of signal transmission by quorum sensing
Regulation of quorum sensing allows cells to communicate with each other on their metabolic
potential on the environment and their growth phase. If quorum sensing signals are not suited for the
particular cell–density, the growth phase or the environment, quorum sensing signals will be
degraded (Surette & Bassler, 1998) through a process called quorum quenching. Quorum quenching
occurs by secreted enzymes that cleave them, enzymes in the cytoplasm that inactivate their
signalling activity or by quorum sensing regulons (Waters & Bassler, 2005).
Conversely, at suitable conditions, quorum sensing

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Biosurfactants
1. INTRODUCTION Biosurfactants are compounds which are produced by microbial cell surface
or excreted extracellularly. They are amphiphilic in nature that contain both hydrophobic and
hydrophilic moieties. They reduce the surface and interfacial tension (Karanth et al., 1999).
Production of microbial compound and its characterization has been increased due to its property in
which it can used as a agent in enhanced oil recovery properties, and also useful in a broad spectrum
of potential application (Banat et al., 2010). Biosurfactants are effective like other synthetic
surfactants, the main advantage of this compounds are more biodegradable, it reduces the pollutant
load and it is also less sensitive to the extreme pH, temperature, ... Show more content on
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It is mainly used for the detection of fatty acids in the biosurfactant. Fatty acid like hexadecanoic
acid, octanoic acid and decanoic acid are identified by GC–MS analysis (Sadouk et al., 2008). Some
studies revealed the presence of fatty acids like palmitic acid and oleic acid (Bayoumi, 2010). For
GC–MS analysis carbohydrates are subjected to trimethylsilation (TMS) (Dejongh et al., 1969).
Sugars like trehalose, sophorose and glucopyranose are also identified during these analyses.
Colorimetric method was carried out to preliminary analyze chemical compositions of crude
lipopeptides. Total lipid, proteinand sugar contents were determined by sulfo–phospho–vanillintest
(Izard et al,. 2003), Bradford assay (Satpute et al,. 2010) and phenol–sulfuric acid test (DuBois et
al,. 1956) respectively. The fatty acid contents of the lipid in crude lipopep–tides were analyzed by
gas chromatography (GC) after fatty acidmethyl ester (FAME) derivatization (Silva et al,.

The Role of Agarase in Agar-Degrading Bacteria
The Role of Agarase in Agar–Degrading Bacteria
Abstract
Agar–Degrading (agarolytic) Bacteria is physiological class of bacteria capable of utilising agar as a
sole carbon source. This ability is made available by the use of agarases – enzymes which break
down agarose into oligosaccharides. This physiological class branches through genii, regardless of
Gram Stain status or morphology. Through a review of scientific literature we can find identification
methods, optimum conditions and the general function and location of agarolytic bacteria, as well as
methods to culture them in vitro for study and experimentation.
Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from algae and seaweed that has found considerable use in
laboratories as ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In addition, a study of the effects of phosphate limitation on agarase shows that limiting phosphate
increases both intracellular agarase production and extracellular secretion, whereas a magnesium
limitation does not (9). This further highlights the niche which this class of bacteria usually
occupies, as the concentration of glucose or phosphate in the ocean is very low while magnesium
concentration is generally much higher, suiting the agar–degrading bacteria's agarase production;
there is simply no need to use glucose in the ocean, so many organisms can't.
In Vitro Culturing
Knowing the conditions agar–degrading bacteria accommodate in situ, it is possible to approximate
similar conditions in vitro. Leon et al achieved this by spreading samples of sea water on agar plates
containing 0.25% casein hydrolysate, 0.05% yeast extract, 2.5% NaCl, 0.06% NaH2PO4, 0.5%
MgSO4, 0.002% FeSO4∙7 H20, 0.01% CaCl2 and 1.5% Agar with a pH of 7.25 and incubating
them for 48 hours at 25°C(6). After 48 hours, single colonies that had made small pits in the agar
(thus indicating the presence of agarase) were inoculated onto new plates with the same conditions
as above. The aim of this selective and differential process is to ensure a pure culture, as non–
agarolytic bacteria should not be able to survive the first plate, let alone a second one. This
inoculation

Lab Report : Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The bacteria that was contained within Unknown tube #12 is believed to be Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Figure 1. The bacteria tested to be Gram Stain negative, producing a pink, red color
retained from the staining process. When the species of bacteria was plated on nutrient media, the
cells produced an irregular and spreading configuration as shown in Figure 2. This same plating test
provided the margins and elevation, lobate and hilly, respectively. The specimen was stabbed in a
Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (FTM) tube using an inoculated loop of the bacteria. The results of
this experimentation indicate the type of oxygen requirement of the bacteria. The test found the
bacteria to be aerobic as colonies of the bacteria began to form along the top of the FTM tube
(Manual 2017).
A great deal of cultural tests and physiological procedures were performed on the unknown before
the conclusion of P. aeruginosa was made. The first test preformed was Gram's staining which
involves the use of crystal violet, Gram's Iodine, Ethyl Alcohol, and Safranin. Gram staining is
known as a differentiating stain, since it can determine the presence or absence of peptidoglycan in
the cell wall. The unknown bacteria were Gram stain negative. After that the motility of the cell was
tested using a hanging drop slide. The slide was examined, but the results were inconclusive due to
the inability to make a clear distinction between motility and Brownian motion. This test was not

Disadvantages Of Terminalia Arjuna
Terminalia arjuna is also known as Arjuna belongs to the family Combretaceace. Arjuna is a
deciduous tropical woody tree found throughout India especially in the sub Himalayan tracts and
Eastern India. It is known to be one of the most versatile medicinal plants having a wide spectrum
of biological activity. Now days Terminalia arjuna is used for disorders of the heart and blood
vessels (cardiovascular disease), including heart disease, congestive heart failure and related chest
pain, angina, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, blocked coronary arteries, hypercholesterolemia,
Hyper lipidemia and edema. It is also used as "a water pill," and for earaches, dysentery, sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), diseases of the urinary tract, and to increase sexual desire, asthma, bile
duct disorders, scorpion stings, Liver tonic, Urinary tract toner, Cardio modulator and poisonings.
Arjuna is also found to be having antibacterial and antimutagenic property. Arjuna is also known to
relieve symptomatic complaints of essential hypertension viz. ... Show more content on
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arjuna is anti–dysentric, antipyretic, astringent, cardiotonic, lithotriptic and tonic wheras its bark
power possesses diuretic in cirrhosis of liver, prostaglandin enhancing and coronary risk factor
modulating properties (Chatterjee,

A Short Note On Classification Of Β -lactamases
1.6.1 Classification of β–lactamases
Two major schemes for classification of β–lactamases are currently in use. The molecular
classification of β–lactamases is based on the amino acid sequence homology dividing them into
four classes A through D. The enzymes belonging to class A, C and D utilize serine residue for
substrate hydrolysis while class B enzymes (metallo–β–lactamases) utilize divalent zinc ions for β–
lactam hydrolysis [Ambler R. P. et al, 1991]. The functional classification is based on the substrate
and inhibitor profiles of the enzymes [Bush K. et al, 1995; Bush & Jacoby, 2010]. The inhibitors
used in this scheme are Clavulanic acid, tazobactam and EDTA. The β–lactamases can be loosely
identified based on their substrate ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
However with the advent of each new class of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, new β–
lactamases emerged that caused resistance to that particular class of drug. It is assumed that the
overuse of new antibiotics in the treatment of patients created a selective pressure eventually
selecting for new variants of β–lactamase.
One of the new classes of antibiotics introduced was the oximino–cephalosporins which owing to
their excellent activity became widely used for the treatment of serious infections due to gram
negative bacteria in the 1980s. Not surprisingly, resistance due to production of β–lactamases
against this expanded spectrum β–lactam antibiotics soon emerged. These β–lactamases were named
as extended–spectrum β–lactamases (ESBLs) because of their increased spectrum of activity
especially against the oximino–cephalosporins. The first ESBL capable of hydrolyzing the newer β–
lactams was SHV–2 found in a strain Klebsiella ozaenae in

Dangers Of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Dangers of Cystic Fibrosis
For centuries, genetic diseases have raided the planet growing stronger and mutating faster every
day. Scientists have been working hard to develop concoctions to reduce the crippling effects of
these diseases; if not eradicate the harsh effects of these potentially deadly genetic conditions
altogether. Among these numerous life threatening genetic diseases is cystic fibrosis (CF), an
inherited lifelong condition that promotes the production of thick sticky mucus causing lung
infections from the entrapment of various bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), their 2012 patient registry polling indicated
cystic fibrosis as a genetic disease affecting over 30,000 ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In regards to the digestive tract, organs such as the liver, small and large intestines, gallbladder,
mouth, stomach, esophagus, and pancreas are prime locations of complications pertaining to mucus
blockage. The pancreas, which is responsible for secreting enzymes assisting in food digestion and
insulin for maintaining blood sugar levels, is mainly affected by cystic fibrosis. Thick mucus
production creates a blockage within the pancreas ducts and creates a decline in the pancreas' ability
to secrete digestive enzymes to aid in digestion.
With the body's inability to appropriately secrete the necessary digestive enzymes for proper
function, young patients with CF usually have problems with absorbing fats, certain proteins, and
fat–soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Digestive problems can lead to conditions such as diarrhea,
malnutrition, poor growth, and weight loss. In adolescence or adulthood, insulin shortage can cause
a form of diabetes known as cystic fibrosis–related diabetes mellitus, which consumes
approximately 35% of adolescent population with cystic fibrosis (Cystic Fibrosis). Mucus plays a
huge role in the reproductive systems as well, but due to the harsh mutated texture of the mucus in
patients with cystic fibrosis, problems in male and female patients appear slightly differently.
In male patients the risk of forming a benign condition known as a hydrocele, which is the
accumulation of

Inhibiting Pathogenic Infections: A Polypheno
Inhibiting Pathogenic Infections: A Polyphenol and Carotenoid Based
Approach
Background Research
This research focuses on the effects of polyphenols and carotenoids found in Green tea and Cloves
on inhibiting and treating pathogenic infections. The number of people who are infected with
pathogenic infections is on the rise and cases are being reported from around the world with a
mortality rate of 60%–65% [1,2]. It is suspected that the number of people infected with pathogenic
infections will upsurge by 10%–15% within the next two decades [2]. Most pathogenic infections
such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus are antibiotic
resistant towards levofloxacin–based medications, which are the most commonly ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
6. Liu X, Li J, Yang Y, Chen X. "Exposure of pathogens to green tea polyphenols enhances the
tolerance to certain environmental stress" World J Microbial Biotechnol, 3374–3378, 2012.
7. Yi SM, Zhu JL, Fu LL, Li JR. "Tea polyphenols inhibit P. aeruginosa through damage to cell
membrane" International Journal of Food Microbiology, 112–118, 2010.
8. Brennan BP, Rauch SL, "Oxidative stress and depressive symptoms upon adults: A nuclear
magnetic resonance study" Journal of Affective Disorders, 29–35, 2005.
9. Jeon J, Kim JH, Lee CK, Ow CH. "Antimicrobial activity of the green tea polyphenol (–)–
epigallocatechin–3–gallate (EGCG) against clinical Pseudomonas and Escherichia Isolated from
skin wounds" University of Seoul Journal, 564–587, 2014.
10. Keeler J. "NMR and energy levels and Nuclear spin state" Journal of spectroscopy, 2–17,
2002.
11. Liu JH, Tian SF, Ju Y, Li Y. "Apparent diffusion coefficient measurement by diffusion– weighted

magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool in differentiating renal tumors" BMC Cancer Journal,
322–327,

Pseudomonas Is A Key Opportunistic. Pathogen Characterized...
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a key opportunistic pathogen characterized by high–level antibiotic
resistance and biofilm formation (1).Biofilm is a structured community of bacterial cells enclosed in
a self–produced polymeric matrix adherent to an inert or living surface. Biofilmproducing
organisms are more antimicrobial resistant than organisms without biofilm. In some extreme cases,
the concentrations of antimicrobials required to kill biofilm positive organisms can be three– to
four–fold higher than for biofilm negative bacteria, depending on the species and drug combination
(2).
Biofilms have great importance for public health as they are the main cause of nosocomial
infections, especially implant–based and chronic infections (3).
Antibiotic resistance in biofilms is due to a combination of many factors that act together to result in
a level of resistance that is much higher than that of planktonic bacteria (4,5).
One factor of these is the altered expression of specific genes involved in the biofilm. Some of these
genes may function to protect biofilm cells from antibiotics. NdvB gene, encodes the
glucosyltransferase enzyme that responsible for the formation of cyclic glucans (6). The glucans are
cyclic polymers of 12 to 15 β– (1 →
3) –linked glucose molecules with phosphoglycerol substitutions (7). Inactivation of ndvB gene
blocked glucan synthesis without affect the kinetics of biofilm formation, the architecture of the
biofilms or growth of bacteria (6). However, ndvB

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Essay
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen and one of the leading causes of
nosocomial infections worldwide [1]and causes a variety of infections especially in
immunocompromised patients such as burned patients. Infections caused by P. aeruginosa are
associated with significant morbidity and mortality [2, 3]. The organism exhibits a high level of
intrinsic resistance and only a limited number of antimicrobial agents are active against it [4]. In
addition, P. aeruginosa has acquired multiple mechanisms of resistance against all available anti
pseudomonal agents [4, 5]. Fluoroquinolones(FQ) are one of the major classes of antibiotics used in
the treatment of infections caused by P. aeruginosa [1] and Large–scale surveillance studies ... Show
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aeruginosa. In this study the resistance due to overexpression of the efflux system was evaluated by
phenotypic test using efflux pump inhibitor carbonyl cyanide 3–chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP).
CCCP is a known proton motive force and RND efflux pump inhibitor [13, 14], that can be added in
Mueller–Hinton agar during its preparation. This phenotypic test is useful to detect efflux pump
overexpression that contributes to or determines Fluoroquinolone and multi drug resistance in the
study isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics for strains
overexpressing an efflux pump are usually 2 or more folds higher than those strains of that species
which didn't have overexpressing an efflux pump.In this study, we hypothesized that the FQ
resistant among P. aeruginosa isolated from burn wound infections (may be due to widespread use
of FQ agents to treat burn wounds) could be in corporate with resistance to other existing
antipseudomonal agents such as Beta–lactams and Aminoglycosides through FQ selected
overexpression of multidrug efflux pumps. The specific aims of our study were to use CCCP as a
screening agent to

The Triumph Of Fleming 's Discovery Of Penicillin Essay
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Overview and Significance
While we have made tremendous advancement in various fields of therapeutics, the triumph of
Fleming's discovery of penicillin is fading away with the rise of antibiotic resistance; we are
pushing ourselves back into the pre–antibiotic era. In the United States 2 million people get infected
with antibiotic resistant bacteria and 23,000 die each year as a result (CDC). The picture is grimmer
in the developing world. This project was initiated to study a new avenue in the search of novel
antimicrobials against bacteria.
In order to identify potential antimicrobials, we focused our attention to Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(P. aeruginosa). It is a pathogenic species of bacteria that causes a broad spectrum of infections,
which are resistant to most conventional antibiotics. It is considered the epitome of pathogenic and
drug resistant bacteria. P. aeruginosa is also an organism that naturally produces an array of
antimicrobials to outcompete and kill other bacteria in order to protect its niche. One such group of
antimicrobials contains the proteinaceous compounds called bacteriocins. This study focuses on a
specific group of bacteriocins called tailocins. These are particles that are evolutionarily related to
tails of bacteriophages (phages) or viruses that infect bacteria. Tailocins fall under two different
groups, F–type and R–type. Both groups target only bacterial cells, and have narrow specificity.
Hence they are predicted to

Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia Case Study Essay

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