Bacteriology Commons^™

Vulnerability Of Pathogenic Biofilms To Micavibrio Aeruginosavorus, Daniel Kadouri, Nel C. Venzon, George A. O'Toole

Dartmouth Scholarship

The host specificity of the gram-negative exoparasitic predatory bacterium Micavibrio aeruginosavorus was examined. M. aeruginosavorus preyed on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as previously reported, as well as Burkholderia cepacia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and numerous clinical isolates of these species. In a static assay, a reduction in biofilm biomass was observed as early as 3 hours after exposure to M. aeruginosavorus, and an ∼100-fold reduction in biofilm cell viability was detected following a a 24-h exposure to the predator. We observed that an initial titer of Micavibrio as low as 10 PFU/well or a time of exposure to the predator as short as 30 …

Prevalence And Serovars Of Salmonella In The Feces Of Free-Ranging White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) In Nebraska, David G. Renter, David P. Gnad, Jan M. Sargeant, Scott E. Hygnstrom

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

To determine the prevalence and serovars of Salmonella in free-ranging deer, we cultured feces from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested by hunters during a regular firearm season in southeastern Nebraska (USA). We recovered Salmonella from 5 (1%; 95% confidence interval: 0.37– 2.20%) of 500 samples and identified four different Salmonella enterica serovars [Litchfield (1), Dessau (1), Infantis (2), and Enteritidis (1)]. Although the prevalence of Salmonella in free-ranging deer appears to be low, the serovars recovered are known to be pathogenic to humans and animals.

Antibiotic Resistant And Coliform Bacteria In The Ohio River; 2002 To 2004, Lisa Marie Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

During 2002 and 2003 samples, collected every five miles along the Ohio River, were analyzed for total cultivable bacteria, ciprofloxacin resistant bacteria, erythromycin resistant bacteria, tetracycline resistant bacteria, and fecal coliforms. During 2004 samples were analyzed for total cultivable bacteria, ciprofloxacin resistant bacteria, sulfamethizole resistant bacteria, tetracycline resistant bacteria, Virginiamycin resistant bacteria, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The objectives of this study were to systematically collect data on fecal coliforms, E. coli, and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the Ohio River and its major tributaries; to determine if antibiotic resistance populations are correlated to each other or to coliforms; and …

Densities Of Fecal Indicator Bacteria In Tidal Waters Of The Ballona Wetlands, Los Angeles County, California, John H. Dorsey

Center for Urban Resilience Scholarship

Densities of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) represented by total coliforms, E. coli and enterococci were measured within tidal channels of the Ballona Wetlands (Los Angeles County) to see if the wetlands act as a sink or source for these bacteria and to measure increases in FIB densities during wet weather. Samples were collected on 10 days over a 1-yr period beginning February 2003 at four sites within the wetlands and one site in Ballona Creek opposite the west tide gate. Incoming flood and outgoing ebb tides were sampled during each sampling event at each station. Water from Ballona Creek may …

The Use Of Antibiotic Resistance Profiles To Access The Source Of Fecal Contamination In The Rowan County, Kentucky Watershed, Logan Harrison Burns

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Logan Harrison Burns on December 15, 2005.

The Effects Of Dams In The Big Sandy Watershed Using A Novel Bacteria-Based Bioindicator Of Water Quality, Kathleen Riha Loughman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

During 2003, water samples from the Big Sandy watershed were collected in conjunction with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Objectives were to determine the effects of dams on bacterial populations and to test a bioindicator of water quality based on antibiotic-resistant and fecal indicator bacteria. Thirty-five samples were taken each season within the Big Sandy Watershed, which includes six USACE dams. Total cultivable, ciprofloxacin-resistant, erythromycin-resistant, tetracycline- resistant, total coliform, and fecal coliform bacteria were enumerated. Data on water chemistry and physical parameters were collected by the USACE in the spring and summer seasons. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fecal …

High-Temperature Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization For Detecting Escherichia Coli In Seawater Samples, Using Rrna-Targeted Oligonucleotide Probes And Flow Cytometry, Ying Zhong Tang, Karina Yew Hoong Gin, Tok Hoon Lim

OES Faculty Publications

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a widely used method to detect environmental microorganisms. The standard protocol is typically conducted at a temperature of 46°C and a hybridization time of 2 or 3 h, using the fluorescence signal intensity as the sole parameter to evaluate the performance of FISH. This paper reports our results for optimizing the conditions of FISH using rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes and flow cytometry and the application of these protocols to the detection of Escherichia coli in seawater spiked with E. coli culture. We obtained two types of optimized protocols for FISH, which showed rapid results with …

Physiology Of The Thermophilic Acetogen Moorella Thermoacetica, Harold L. Drake, Steven L. Daniel

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Moorella thermoacetica (originally isolated as Clostridium thermoaceticum) has served as the primary acetogenic bacterium for the resolution of the acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) orWood–Ljungdahl pathway, a metabolic pathway that (i) autotrophically assimilates CO2 and (ii) is centrally important to the turnover of carbon in many habitats. The purpose of this article is to highlight the diverse physiological features of this model acetogen and to examine some of the consequences of its metabolic capabilities.

Physiology Of The Thermophilic Acetogen Moorella Thermoacetica, Harold Drake, Steven Daniel

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Moorella thermoacetica (originally isolated as Clostridium thermoaceticum) has served as the primary acetogenic bacterium for the resolution of the acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) orWood–Ljungdahl pathway, a metabolic pathway that (i) autotrophically assimilates CO2 and (ii) is centrally important to the turnover of carbon in many habitats. The purpose of this article is to highlight the diverse physiological features of this model acetogen and to examine some of the consequences of its metabolic capabilities.

Oxalate Metabolism By The Acetogenic Bacterium Moorella Thermoacetica, Steven L. Daniel, Christine Pilsl, Harold L. Drake

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Whole-cell and cell-extract experiments were performed to study the mechanism of oxalate metabolism in the acetogenic bacterium Moorella thermoacetica. In short-term, whole-cell assays, oxalate consumption was low unless cell suspensions were supplemented with CO2, KNO3, or Na2S2O3. Cell extracts catalyzed the oxalate-dependent reduction of benzyl viologen. Oxalate consumption occurred concomitant to benzyl viologen reduction; when benzyl viologen was omitted, oxalate was not appreciably consumed. Based on benzyl viologen reduction, specific activities of extracts averaged 0.6 μmol oxalate oxidized min−1 mg protein−1. Extracts also catalyzed the formate-dependent reduction of NADP+; however, oxalate-dependent reduction of NADP+ was negligible. Oxalate- or formate-dependent reduction …

Oxalate Metabolism By The Acetogenic Bacterium Moorella Thermoacetica, Steven Daniel, Christine Pilsl, Harold Drake

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Whole-cell and cell-extract experiments were performed to study the mechanism of oxalate metabolism in the acetogenic bacterium Moorella thermoacetica. In short-term, whole-cell assays, oxalate consumption was low unless cell suspensions were supplemented with CO2, KNO3, or Na2S2O3. Cell extracts catalyzed the oxalate-dependent reduction of benzyl viologen. Oxalate consumption occurred concomitant to benzyl viologen reduction; when benzyl viologen was omitted, oxalate was not appreciably consumed. Based on benzyl viologen reduction, specific activities of extracts averaged 0.6 μmol oxalate oxidized min−1 mg protein−1. Extracts also catalyzed the formate-dependent reduction of NADP+; however, oxalate-dependent reduction of NADP+ was negligible. Oxalate- or formate-dependent reduction …

Microbial Endemism And Biogeography, Brian P. Hedlund, James T. Staley

Life Sciences Faculty Research

The topic of microbial biogeography is almost 100 years old, however, when confronted with questions about the existence and extent of endemism in the microbial world, many microbiologists respond with opinions and theoretical arguments rather than examples of well-conducted studies. We begin this chapter with an overview of this debate as it applies to free-living prokayotes in part because there are relatively few good microbial biogeography studies. Furthermore, the arguments help to frame microbial biogeography in the larger context of biodiversity in that if endemism is common, then many more species exist.

A Survey Of Antibiotic Resistance Among Coliform Bacteria Isolated From The Missouri River, Sara E. Mcdonnell, Amy M. Treonis

Biology Faculty Publications

The prevalence of antibiotic resistant microorganisms in the environment is not well known but could represent a challenge to maintaining public health in the future. Fecal waste from livestock facilities, where antibiotics are routinely used, is recognized as a significant source of pollution to surface waters in the United States. We collected water from the Missouri River across a winter to spring seasonal change in order to survey the density of coliform bacteria. We tested bacterial isolates for resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Coliform density in Missouri River water generally was high throughout the study (0-405 cfu …

Isolation And Characterization Of Thermophilic, Calcium-Precipitating Bacteria Form Calcite Deposits At Yucca Mountain, Terry Ann Else, Curtis R. Pantle, Penny S. Amy, Mark P. Buttner, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

Calcite deposits, composed of a mixture of calcium carbonate and silicon dioxide, were found in fractures and small cavities within the welded tuff of Yucca Mountain. This research investigation involves determining the presence of thermophilic, calciumprecipitating bacteria within these deposits. The possible existence of thermophilic bacteria may help to resolve the issue of whether these calcite deposits formed from precipitation of dissolved calcium carbonate in rain water transported from the overlying soil environment or as a result of upwelling of geothermally-heated waters transported from below the mountain. Evidence for microbially-influenced calcite precipitation in these deposits is indicated by the presence …

Comparison Of Methods For Dna Isolation From Food Samples For Detection Of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli By Real-Time Pcr, Loree C. Heller, Carisa R. Davis, K. Kealy Peak, David Wingfield, Andrew C. Cannons, Philip T. Amuso, Jacqueline Cattani

Bioelectrics Publications

In this study, food samples were intentionally contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, and then DNA was isolated by using four commercial kits. The isolated DNA samples were compared by using real-time PCR detection of the Shiga toxin genes. The four kits tested worked similarly.

Aerobic Biodegradation Of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether By Aquifer Bacteria From Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites, S. R. Kane, H. R. Beller, T. C. Legler, C. J. Koester, Holly C. Pinkart, R. U. Halden, A. M. Happel

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

The potential for aerobic methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) degradation was investigated with microcosms containing aquifer sediment and groundwater from four MTBE-contaminated sites characterized by oxygen-limited in situ conditions. MTBE depletion was observed for sediments from two sites (e.g., 4.5 mg/liter degraded in 15 days after a 4-day lag period), whereas no consumption of MTBE was observed for sediments from the other sites after 75 days. For sediments in which MTBE was consumed, 43 to 54% of added [U-¹⁴C]MTBE was mineralized to¹⁴CO₂. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of these sediments indicated the enrichment of species closely …

Development Of An Electrotransformation Technique For Streptococcus Iniae And Preliminary Characterization Of The Hemolysin Associated With This Bacterium, Kimberly Ann Hahn

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Streptococcus iniae is a gram-positive organism responsible for causing disease in both freshwater as well as saltwater fish. Every year fisheries lose fish by the tons due to diseases caused by this organism. In 1991, the first reported human case of disease associated with this organism was described. Since this initial case, there have been numerous other reported cases of S. iniae infections. This organism is a catalase negative, facultatively anaerobic organism that produces a capsule and when plated onto blood agar demonstrates β-hemolytic activity.

In this study, the relationship between the hemolysin produced by S. iniae and the lactate …

A Comparison Study Of Astm-Ifa (Icr) Method, The Pronetic Method And Dynal Method For Detection And Enumeration Of Giardia And Cryptosproidium In Source Waters In Kentucky, Lisa Curtis Hawkins

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Lisa Curtis Hawkins on November 28, 2000.

Integronlike Structures In Campylobacter Spp. Of Human And Animal Origin, Brigid Lucey, D. Crowley, P. Moloney, B. Cryan, M. Daly, F. O'Halloran, E. J. Threlfall, S. Fanning

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Resistance to antimicrobial agents used to treat severe Campylobacter spp. gastroenteritis is increasing worldwide. We assessed the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacter spp. isolates of human and animal origin. More than half (n = 32) were resistant to sulphonamide, a feature known to be associated with the presence of integrons. Analysis of these integrons will further our understanding of Campylobacter spp. epidemiology.

Bioavailability And Trophic Transfer Of Humic-Bound Copper From Bacteria To Zooplankton, Emile M. Lores, Jonathan Pennock

School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering

ABSTRACT:

The effect of humic acid (HA) on uptake and transfer of Cu by selected marine organisms from the microbial loop was determined. Bacteria grown with and without 15 µg Cu l^-1 and with and without 10 mg Suwannee River Humic Acid (SRHA) l^-1 were fed to Uronema sp. The Uronema were subsequently fed to Acartia tonsa to determine the effect of humic acid on the uptake and transfer of Cu from bacteria to copepods. The presence of 10 mg SRHA l^-1 reduced Cu uptake in A. tonsa by an average of 54% and significantly reduced the …

Pyoveridine Production By Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Exposed To Metals Or An Oxidative Stress Agent, Kim-Hien Thi Dao, Katherine E. Hamer, Christine L. Clark, Lawrence G. Harshman

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Siderophores are low molecular mass compounds used by many microorganisms to scavenge dissolved iron, which is typically rare in environments. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) was exposed to metals and methyl viologen in low-iron medium in order to monitor the abundance of a specific siderophore (pyoverdine) and monitor growth over time. In this study it was discovered that cadmium can stimulate pyoverdine abundance. Cadmium may interact with and sequester the Fur regulatory protein, which represses siderophore synthesis under conditions of iron sufficiency. Mercury did not stimulate pyoverdine production at concentrations that strongly inhibited bacterial growth, suggesting that pyoverdine production is not governed …

Gene Expression In Two Cyanobacteria, Freshwater Synechococcus Sp. Pcc 7942 And Oceanic Synechococcus Sp. Wh 7803, In Response To Ammonium, Nitrate Or Iron, Abbas Sadeghi

Dissertations and Theses

The transcriptional response of freshwater Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 and oceanic Synechococcus sp. WH 7803 to ammonium, nitrate or iron was studied in single or multiple factor limited cultures. Both strains showed maximum production of NiR mRNA when grown in nitrate-containing media. When grown in ammonium-containing medium, they did not show any signal for NiR mRNA synthesis. The influence on the transcription of NiR mRNA by iron as sole limiting nutrient was also evaluated. Iron increased the NiR mRNA whether or not the positive effect of nitrate was already present. The hybridization signal of mRNA for the large subunit of …

An Analysis Of Fecal Coliform Bacteria As A Water Quality Indicator, Janet Heyl Vail

Dissertations

The focus of this study is to assess the efficacy of fecal coliform bacteria as a microbiological water quality indicator. The scientific and educational context of fecal coliform bacteria is explored through analysis of large sets of water quality data, focused field monitoring projects, and review of commonly used resources for school-based and volunteer water-related studies. Analyzed data sets include long term sampling (10 years), multiple sites, daily samples, storm event samples, and other parameters monitored in parallel with bacteria. Special attention is given to data sets from Kent County, Michigan. A background reference site in Michigan unimpacted by humans …

Cellular Responses In Escherichia Coli To Lethal And Sublethal Doses Of Ozone, Indira Ruth Komanapalli

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ozone is a major component of photochemical smog. High levels of this pollutant, sufficient to affect human health are found in many urban areas worldwide. Though limited studies in humans are supported by extensive findings from animal experiments, a difficulty in interpreting the results of these experiments has lead to an ambiguity on the biochemical mechanism of ozone toxicity. To elucidate the mechanism by which ozone causes cell damage and eventual cell death we conducted a comprehensive study using Escherichia coli K-12 as a model.

Studies on the comparative inactivation of bacteriophage lambda (λ), Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans …

A Modified Scheme For The Isolation And Enumeration Of Bacteria In Municipal Sewage Sludge, Kelly Ball

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Because of the potential health hazards associated with the use of sludge for agricultural purposes, Dudley et al (1980) published a scheme for the routine analysis of bacteria in municipal sewage sludge. In this study, the Dudley et al scheme (1980) was modified by updating some of the procedures. Aerobically digested sludge generated by the Bowling Green Wastewater Treatment Plant, Bowling Green, Kentucky, was analyzed using the modified scheme. Sludge samples were collected once every two months over a one-year period from October 1989 to August 1990.

Egg yolk-free tryptose sulfite cycloserine agar in conjunction with the revewrse CAMP test …

Microbial Degradation Of Oxalate In The Gastrointestinal Tracts Of Rats, Steven Daniel

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Rates of oxalate degradation by mixed bacterial populations in cecal contents from wlld rats ranged from 2.5 to 20.6 µmol/g (dry weight) per h. The oxalate-degrading activity in cecal contents from three strains of laboratory rats (Long-Evans, Wistar, and Sprague-Dawley) from four commercial breeders was generally lower, ranging from 1.8 to 3.5 µmollg (dry weight) of cecal contents per h. This activity did not increase when diets were supplemented with oxalate. Wben Sprague-Pawley rats from a fifth commercial breeder were fed an oxalate diet, rates of oxalate degradation in cecal contents increased from 2.0 to 23.1 µmollg (dry weight) per …

Carbon Monoxide-Dependent Chemolithotrophic Growth Of Clostridium Thermoautotrophicum, M. Savage, Zhongren Wu, Steven Daniel, Leon Lundie, Harold Drake

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The acetogen Clostridium thermoautotrophicum was cultivated under CO-dependent chemolithotrophic conditions. CO-dependent growth profiles and energetics indicated that supplemental CO2 was fundamental to efficient growth at the expense of CO. Overall product stoichiometry approximated 6.5CO --> CH3CO2H + 3.5CO2 + 0.6 cell C + 0.5 unrecovered C. Initial CO/CO2 ratios of 2 to 4 yielded optimal doubling times and cell yields. Maximal YCO values approximated 2.5 g of cell dry weight per mol of CO consumed; Y H2 , was considerably lower than Y CO Cross-transfer growth experiments and protein profiles indicated differential expression of genes between CO and methanol cultures.

Carbon Monoxide-Dependent Chemolithotrophic Growth Of Clostridium Thermoautotrophicum, M. Dean Savage, Zhongren Wu, Steven L. Daniel, Leon L. Lundie Jr, Harold L. Drake

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The acetogen Clostridium thermoautotrophicum was cultivated under CO-dependent chemolithotrophic conditions. CO-dependent growth profiles and energetics indicated that supplemental CO2 was fundamental to efficient growth at the expense of CO. Overall product stoichiometry approximated 6.5CO --> CH3CO2H + 3.5CO2 + 0.6 cell C + 0.5 unrecovered C. Initial CO/CO2 ratios of 2 to 4 yielded optimal doubling times and cell yields. Maximal YCO values approximated 2.5 g of cell dry weight per mol of CO consumed; Y H2 , was considerably lower than Y CO Cross-transfer growth experiments and protein profiles indicated differential expression of genes between CO and methanol cultures.

Microbial Degradation Of Oxalate In The Gastrointestinal Tracts Of Rats, Steven L. Daniel

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Rates of oxalate degradation by mixed bacterial populations in cecal contents from wlld rats ranged from 2.5 to 20.6 µmol/g (dry weight) per h. The oxalate-degrading activity in cecal contents from three strains of laboratory rats (Long-Evans, Wistar, and Sprague-Dawley) from four commercial breeders was generally lower, ranging from 1.8 to 3.5 µmollg (dry weight) of cecal contents per h. This activity did not increase when diets were supplemented with oxalate. Wben Sprague-Pawley rats from a fifth commercial breeder were fed an oxalate diet, rates of oxalate degradation in cecal contents increased from 2.0 to 23.1 µmollg (dry weight) per …

Occurrence And Characteristics Of Nonfruiting Myxobacteria Isolated From Pine Forest Soils, Paul M. Kulvi

All Master's Theses

A study was conducted to contribute to the taxonomy of the nonfruiting myxobacteria and to determine the effects of fire on the occurrence and characteristics of nonfruiting myxobacteria isolated from pine forest soil Three years after a prescribed burn, the population of nonfruiting myxobacteria was decreased in the burn site. The organisms isolated were distinct from any of the known species of nonfruiting myxobacteria, and apparently are new species.