Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Sanjib Bhakta
Birkbeck, University of London and UCL, UK
Keynote: Repurposing common Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs) could potentially reverse intrinsic drug
Time : 10:00-11:00
Biography:
Sanjib Bhakta is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Molecular Microbiology and Biochemistry, Strategic Dean (International and Partnership) and Programme Director of MRes Global Infectious Diseases at the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London and UCL .His continued research interest in infectious bacterial diseases (funded by Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, UK and EU) is focussed on developing novel therapeutics as well as repurposing existing drugs to tackle antibiotic resistance and persistence in tuberculosis (TB), a global health emergency. He has published more than 100 original research articles for a number of internationally acclaimed journals including J. Exp. Med., JBC, Tuberculosis, Biochem. J., J. Antimicrob. Chemotherapy, FEBS J, Molecular Microbiology, British Medical Journal, PLOS, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and Nature Sci Report.
Abstract:
The rise of antimicrobial resistance is leading to ever-more untreatable illness. Intracellularly surviving bacterial pathogens have endogenous machinery to evade host defenses as well as antibiotic treatment. Drug efflux and formation of biofilms are the two key fundamental mechanisms of intrinsic resistance which render many antibiotics ineffective against them. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has unique multi-drug transporter protein complexes that allow the pathogen to take up nutrients for survival, while allowing it to extrude deleterious ones so as the signaling molecules for quorum-sensing leading to biofilm formation. Our work has shown that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have anti-bacterial action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most potent NSAID so far, at sub-inhibitory concentrations, inhibited whole-cell efflux pumps activity at par with/better than potent efflux pump inhibitors such as verapamil and chlorpromazine. In addition, the NSAID inhibited mycobacterial biofilm formation significantly. Analysis of the extracellular polymeric substances of treated biofilm showed macromolecular alterations compared to the untreated controls. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed modulation of key metabolic pathways in NSAID-treated M. tuberculosis revealing novel endogenous targets of the drug. The over-the-counter immunomodulatory drug’s new antibiotic action has paved an alternative route for tackling antimicrobial resistance in TB.
- Pediatric, Bacterial and Infectious Diseases | Vector Borne Diseases | Virology and Infectious Diseaes | Pediatric Immunology and Medical Microbiology | Inflammatory and Neurological Infectious Diseases | Neonatal and Congenital Infections
Location: Conference Hall
Chair
Doshen Naidoo
Private Mother and Child Hospital, South Africa
Session Introduction
Martin R Evans
American Society for Microbiology, USA
Title: Proficiency testing/external quality assurance in the microbiology laboratory
Biography:
Dr Evans is a clinical laboratory director with a PhD in medical microbiology and immunology. He currently serves as a senior laboratory and informatics consultant to the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) which is the parent organization of all state and local public health laboratories in the United States. During this time, he has been involved with APHL/CDC projects in Haiti, Kenya, Indonesia, Namibia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. As a microbiology and infectious disease consultant for the American Society for Microbiology, he has participated in CDC antimicrobial resistance surveillance and other programs in Ethiopia, Kenya and Bangladesh. Dr Evans serves on the New York State Board for Clinical Laboratory Technology and was the first chairman of the state board established in 2006. He is the recipient of APHL's Thomas E Maxson Education, Training and Workforce Development Award for significant contributions to Public Health Laboratory Practice. In 2013, Dr Evans concluded 6 years of public health laboratory service as an Associate Director at the New York City Public Health Laboratory.Key responsibilities included Director of Technical Affairs, Acting Manager of the Microbiology Section & LIMS Project Leader. Previously, Dr Evans spent 14 years in the private sector as a clinical laboratory director at Quest Diagnostics and SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories. Prior to his work in the diagnostic laboratory, he was in academia including positions at Temple University and the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine. He is also a New York State licensed medical technologist.
Abstract:
In many countries, the external quality assurance (EQA)/ Proficiency testing (PT) scheme for priority GHSA pathogens still needs to be strengthened, particularly concerning Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance. EQA programs are usually organized by the national professional scientific society, professionals on behalf of government, or by commercial companies. Prior to the commencement of a program, several policy decisions need to be agreed upon such as participation being required or recommended. Another consideration is the organizational structure behind the coordination of the EQA scheme. This includes operating costs for the provision of the material, mailing expenses and clerical and professional time for programmatic administration. Other issues also need agreement such as the frequency of specimen distribution and the degree of interaction between the organizers and participants to ensure an understanding of the scheme’s objectives and report the distribution of interlaboratory comparisons. For EQA programs to be successful in providing independent, objective data and to act as an educational stimulus for improvement, participants must have confidence in the scientific validity of the scheme design as well as the reliability of its operations. One of the issues around the current implementation of AMR surveillance programs is the misidentification of bacterial isolates and the inaccurate performance of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) which must be in place before the country starts reporting AMR data. A national AMR program is expected to organize and conduct EQA for all microbiology laboratories reporting data to WHO covering both quality-assured, standardized identification of bacteria
and AST in patient management. Proficiency testing is essential for conducting high-quality testing, verification of test results and effective antibiotic stewardship. Establishing a national PT program serves as a quality improvement activity and is vital for improving the laboratory’s role in early disease detection, rapid public health response and achieving superior preventive care.
Ana Rita de Toledo Piza
Limace Biotechnologia, Brazil
Title: New antiviral molecules from Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus
Biography:
Ana is the CEO / Scientific Director of Limace Biotecnologia, the first Brazilian company to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from natural molluscan products. PhD in Biotechnology by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo and master in Sciences by the Coordination of Disease Control (SES / SP). Post-doctoral study at the Butantan Institute, combining the study of molluscs with bioprospecting of antiviral compounds. Has experience in the field of macromolecule chemistry and bioprospecting active compounds from molluscs. He also works in the areas of zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, virology and molecular phylogeny.
Abstract:
Terrestrial gastropods exude mucus by the body surface, when traveling, to protect its body from mechanical injury, desiccation or contact with harmful substances. Mucus of mollusks has been studied as a source of new natural compounds with diverse biological activities as its capability of inducing proliferation and remodelling tissue and their antiviral capacity. Fungus and viruses are related to a range of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Viruses cause worldwide outbreaks and pandemics in humans and animals every year with considerable morbidity and mortality. The molecular diversity of secondary metabolites extracted from mollusks is a good alternative for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds with unique structures and diverse biological activities. Phyllocaulis boraceiensis is a hermaphroditic slug that exudes mucus, in which was detected some molecules that exhibited potent antiviral activity against Measles, Influenza, Herpes, Rubella and Zika virus. In order to identify, isolate, purify and sequence molecules present in the mucus of the land slug P. boraceiensis with antiviral action "in vitro" were used fragmentation by chromatography and mass spectrometry in order to determine the active molecules and assay of biological activity, qPCR and Immunofluorescence labelling to determine the biological activity.
Sabine Vakou
Institut Pasteur de Cote d'Ivoire, Cote D'Ivoire
Title: Study of potentially pathogenicity of environmental mycobacteria non-ulcerans isolated in Cote D' Ivoire
Biography:
Sabine N'dri Vakou holds a PhD in Bioscience and is a graduate the Microbiology Laboratory in the Environment and Health Department. She has contributed to
numerous studies on bacteria responsible for skin ulcers, particularly mycobacteria. She has chosen to focus on non-ulcer mycobacteria which could have a role in maintaining the endemicity of Buruli ulcer in Côte d'Ivoire.
Abstract:
Introduction: The natural environment is considered a potential source of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). They are responsible for lung and skin infections. In Cote d’Ivoire, the only recognized etiological agent responsible for ulcerations is M. ulcerans. It is a real public health problem with about 2000 cases reported annually according to the WHO. This ulcerative disease is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, from the environment. It would act in humans under the influence of a toxin,mycolactone. However, some environmental mycobacteria could be involved in its occurrence. The lack of knowledge about the mode of transmission, the ecological niches constitute a real obstacle to the diagnosis and the establishment of an effective treatment. There is very little information on the presence of environmental mycobacteria in Cote d’Ivoire.
Place & Duration of the Study: The analysis of the samples took place in the laboratories of Institute Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan City between June 2014 and December 2015. Sampling was done in some sites of Buruli Ulcer of Côte d’Ivoire.
Materials: Sites (Sokrogbo, Bodo (Tiassalé), Adiopodoumé, Adzopé, loka (Bouaké), Agboville, Aghien) were studied. The biological material consisted of water and sediment samples.
Methods: The techniques of classical bacteriology and biochemistry were used for culture and identification of species, PCR diagnostics using IS2404 and KR were performed on strains, MIRU/VNTR were used for the genetic analyzes.
Results: A total of 473 samples were obtained in this study. A total of 7 fast-growing species were identified. They are: M.peregrinum, M.immunogenicum, M. chelonae, M. mucogenicum, M. abscessus, M. smegmatis, Mycobacterium sp. 20% of the species of rapidly growing mycobacteria isolated were carrying the gene IS2404 found in M. ulcerans. 9.23% of the strains harbor the Ketoreductase (Kr) gene, one of mycolactone synthesis enzymes. At the level of genetic analyzes using MIRU/VNTR, MIRU 1 was the most amplified sequence and the least amplified LOCUS 6, no known profile was identified in this study.
Conclusion: This study allowed the presence of potentially pathogenic rapidly growing mycobacterial species possessing virulence genes previously attributed to M. ulcerans, responsible for Buruli Ulcer. It also confirms the role of water and sediments as a risk factor for the population vulnerable to mycobacterial diseases. This study would be the first step to understand the
origin of the different cutaneous infections encountered in Ivory Coast.
Break: 13:00-14:00
Kelvin Ngongolo
The Nelson Mandel African Institute of Science and Technology, Tanzania
Title: Influence of habitat and agricultural activities on the prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle of Maasai Steppes, Tanzania
Biography:
Kelvin Ngongolo is currently a PhD student, focusing on assessing the association of trypanosome infection prevalence in cattle with human activities, ecological factors and livestock movement in Maasai pastoral communities in the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania. He has extensive experience in conservation biology where his intensive concern has been looking how local communities are interacting with the biodiversity within and surrounding them. He is currently working as an Assistant Lecture at University of Dodoma.
Abstract:
The influence of ecological factors such as habitat and human activities on prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle is less documented. This study aimed at assessing the influence of habitat cultivation as human activities on prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle. The study took place in three village named Sukuro, Kimotorok and Oltukai. Questionnaires to pastoralists in which cattle bloods were collected were addressed. In addition, field visit was conducted to assess the habitats and agricultural activities taking place in the identified grazing areas. The shape file polygon of the grazing areas was
created through Google Earth Pro. In each polygon, proper visualization was made by zooming in and out to identify the cultivated areas and habitat types and estimate the area percentage. The overall prevalence was 13.14%. Cultivation had positive influence in prevalence of trypanosome infection (P<0.05). This is due to livestock being forced to graze in pristine areas
with intact habitat for Tsetse flies vector and wildlife which are reservoirs for trypanosome. Out of five habitat type identified only woodland, grassland and ecotone showed negative association with prevalence of trypanosome infection (P<0.05). The negative association existing between the three habitats and the prevalence of trypanosome infection is tied with the vectors existing in this area as evidenced by previous studies in an area. Control effort for trypanosome infection and their vector(Tsetse flies) should consider the existing influencing ecological and human activities.
Martin R Evans
American Society for Microbiology, USA
Title: Quality indicators in the microbiology laboratory: Establishing, monitoring and evaluation
Biography:
Martin R Evans is a Clinical Laboratory Director with a PhD in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. He currently serves as a Laboratory Consultant to the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) USA and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). He was an Associate Director at the NYC Public Health Laboratory and a Clinical Laboratory Director at Quest Diagnostics and SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories. He also held academic positions at Temple University and the University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Medicine
Abstract:
Quality Indicators (QIs) monitor and evaluate performance throughout critical aspects of all laboratory processes. However, for many public and private laboratories in resource-challenged nations, it is observed that QIs are either not in place or minimally in place. With the implementation of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (AMR) programs driven by WHO and CDC, AMR related measures are required. QIs data is expected to be collected, continuously monitored and evaluated. Practical and meaningful measures are needed that include both quality parameters and laboratory operational efficiency. Since most measures are not yet fully harmonized, once defined there is the opportunity to implement best practices throughout a particular country thereby providing useful comparative data. QIs are required for the ISO 15189- International standard for medical laboratories accreditation, the Quality Management System (QMS) and in keeping with microbiology Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Measures indicate how well a laboratory is performing and provide definitive data for decision making including data that can be used for the justification of additional staff or in support of funding for new equipment. It is appropriate for a national reference laboratory to take the lead in establishing standardized metrics. It is suggested to implement a comprehensive program including not only demographic indicators but also process performance indicators and resource management indicators. The establishment, monitoring, and evaluation of quality indicators are critical to the operations of a microbiology laboratory and with the current focus on AMR surveillance, essential in improving the role of the laboratory in preventive care.
Olatoye Isaac Ajadi
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Title: Investigation of nitric oxide, Proangiogenic and Antiangiogenic factors in serum from HIV infected pre-eclamptic South African women
Biography:
Olatoye Isaac Ajadi is a Medical Doctor from Nigeria with eight years of work experience in clinical medicine both at teaching hospitals and private facilities. He had his Medical training at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital where he later served before joining the medical team at Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital.Due to his strong passion for medicine, he founded Divine Treasure private hospital. As an accolade to his academic achievements, he recently bagged a Master's degree in Health Science with a focus on preeclampsia and HIV pathogenesis at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Abstract:
Pre-Eclampsia (PE) characterized by high blood pressure is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Angiogenic, anti-angiogenic and vasoactive factors have been shown to be linked to placental dysregulation during PE; although, it’s exact pathogenesis is still unclear. It has been proposed that infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may reduce the risk of developing PE even though few studies have tried to study their correlation in pregnancy. Therefore, this study investigated the serum levels of endothelin-1; endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS); soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1); soluble endoglin (sEng) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) in women with HIV associated PE. Serum mRNA expression levels of endothelin-1 and eNOS was measured using real-time PCR. The serum concentrations of sFlt-1, sEng and PlGF were quantified using ELISA kits. Results indicated an up-regulation of sFlt-1 levels in the PE groups
(HIV uninfected 4.39±1.29 ng/ml; HIV infected 5.10±1.10 ng/ml) compared to the normotensive groups (2.59±0.83; 2.20±0.85ng/ml; p≤0.05). There were no significant differences in the mean serum sEng levels across the study groups. The mean PlGF levels was higher in the HIV uninfected PE versus the infected normotensive groups (29.69±4.47 pg/ml vs. 32.86 ±6.46 pg/ml; p=0.002). Meanwhile, elevated expression level of endothelin-1 mRNA was observed in the HIV infected and uninfected PE. This study strongly supports that sFlt-1, an anti-angiogenic factor is a key role player in its pathogenesis and endothelin-1; being a vasopressor, has a substantial contribution to the raised blood pressure which is one of the characteristic features of PE. However, the findings of our study show that HIV infection has no alteration on the levels of the selected biomarkers thus may not have the effect on the incidence or disease progression of PE.
Break: 15:30-16:00
Fahad Alsufayan
National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
Title: Infection control and prevention in NICU
Biography:
Fahad Alsufayan has experience in the field of pediatrics. Currently, he is the Division Head of Pediatric Department, Consultant Neonatology and Pediatrics at
National Guard Health Affairs, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He was the Section Head in Research Office and Physician In-Charge at Al-Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital. He was a Chief of Fellows in Neonatology Section at University of Manitoba, Canada. He was also an Associate Consultant in Al-Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital.
Abstract:
Infections contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in NICU. NICU population is vulnerable for infections because of immaturity of the immune system, need for invasive devices, delayed enteral feeding and multiple encounters with humans. Infections in NICU are classified as; congenital, perinatal, early neonatal sepsis and hospital-acquired infection. Early and
late neonatal and sepsis is preventable and reduceable provided certain measures are strictly and consistently implemented. Causative organisms of NICU infections are either related to the mother birth canal or commensal. Premature babies are in particular susceptible with higher mortality and morbidity rate comparing to term babies. Usage of antibiotics in NICU is high
and mostly for culture negative sepsis or empirical for presence of maternal or newborn risk factor.
- Pediatric Healthcare and Nutrition | Pediatric Nursing and Surgery | Diagnosis, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases | Bacterial Pathogenesis and Microbial Genomics | Epidemiology and Emerging Tropical Diseases | HIV and Breast Feeding | Pharmacology and Nanotechnology in Pediatrics | Zoonotic Diseases and Influenza | Metabolic Disorders
Location: Conference Hall
Chair
Ana Rita de Toledo Piza
Limace Biotechnologia, Brazil
Session Introduction
Martin R Evans
Amerian Society for Microbiology, USA
Title: Establishing a training and competency program in the microbiology laboratory
Biography:
Martin R Evans is a Clinical Laboratory Director with a PhD in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. He currently serves as a Laboratory Consultant to the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) USA and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). He was an Associate Director at the NYC Public Health Laboratory and a Clinical Laboratory Director at Quest Diagnostics and SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories. He also held academic positions at Temple University and the University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Medicine.
Abstract:
Many countries are currently implementing the WHO Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance program which relies upon microbiology laboratories producing accurate patient test results. This in turn, is dependent upon providing testing staff with appropriate training and competency. In many middle or low-income nations, minimal training occurs, documentation is inadequate and competency assessments are often not conducted. Adequate training furthers the knowledge of the organization and develops staff competency which is especially important in situations with insufficient qualified laboratory professionals. Harmonized and comprehensive training programs based on job descriptions are essential and in keeping with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).Additionally, training and competency are essential components of the Quality Management System and meet the international
requirements for ISO 15189 accreditation. Training needs to be test and process specific, thorough, documented and measured to determine if competency has been achieved. Laboratory management is required to establish competency criteria, assess the competence of personnel to perform assigned managerial or technical tasks, provide feedback to persons assessed, schedule retraining based on the assessment outcome and maintain records. Methods to determine competency include one or more of direct observation, monitoring and recording of examination results, review of work records, testing blinded samples, verification of prior PT results, demonstration of
problem-solving skills and review of accumulative Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) results. This needs to occur for every test and process in the laboratory. Documentation may include using an Excel spreadsheet, suitable software or a Word document. This is also an opportunity to promote standardization in-country throughout the network using the same training templates, policies and SOPs. Indeed, training and competency are the foundation of any laboratory upon which all else is built and vital for improving the laboratory’s role in preventive care.
Aminu Mohammed
Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Title: Ellagic acid modulates the oxidative stress profile in various organs of Trypanosoma congolense infected rats
Biography:
Aminu Mohammed has completed his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa at Biomedical Research Lab. His research interest focuses on screening and isolation of potent phytochemicals with antidiabetic or antitrypanosomal potentials from vast wealth of plants located in African region using modern spectroscopic techniques. His interest is also in elucidating the possible mode of actions of extracts or compounds from the plants using various invitro and in vivo models.
Abstract:
Ellagic acid has been found to possess trypano suppressive effects and ameliorated some of the organ pathological complications
but it is unknown whether the effects were mediated through an antioxidant related mechanism. This work, therefore, investigated the effects of ellagic acid on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants profile of Trypanosoma congolense infected rats. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (p˂0.05) across all organs in the ellagic acid treated groups. There was a significant increase (p˂0.05) in glutathione levels in group treated with 200 mg/kg BW ellagic acid across all organs. However, treatment with ellagic acid did not significantly (p˂0.05) change superoxide dismutase level in the liver of rats but an increase was observed in the kidney, spleen and heart of the treated groups. The 100 mg/kg BW of ellagic acid increased catalase levels (p˂0.05) in all organs except the kidney. We therefore concluded that ellagic acid boosted endogenous antioxidant reserves and reduced lipid peroxidation.
- Poster Presentation
Location: Conference Hall
Session Introduction
Iana SS Katz
Instituto Pasteur, Brazil
Title: Studies on the pathogenesis of street rabies virus strains associated with Insectivorous bats
Biography:
Iana Suly Santos Katz has completed her PhD in Immunology at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2012. She is the Scientific Researcher at the Pasteur Institute,
São Paulo, Brazil. She has experience in the area of immunology and virology and particularly she is interested in pathogenesis of the rabies.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Rabies is one of the most important zoonosis that affects the central nervous system of mammals, particularly in the orders Carnivores and Chiroptera. Insectivorous bats are the main reservoirs of Rabies Lyssavirus (RABLV) in various regions of the world. From that decade on, as canine rabies came under control in many municipalities and molecular and antigenic typing were incorporated in surveillance programs, the importance of nonhematophagous bats in the epidemiology of the disease began to be appreciated in these countries. In the present study, we analyzed virulence and
pathogenesis of RABLV associated with insectivorous bats.
Methodology: For evaluation of the pathogenesis, RABLV were inoculated by intradermical route in mice and clinical signs observed for 40 days. All parameters were compared with fixed virus (CVS-31).
Findings: We observed that the insectivorous strain showed a higher replication rate, slowly cell-to-cell spread and lesser pathogenicity in mice when compared to the fixed virus. Our results indicate that the insectivorous strain showed lower virulence and pathogenicity compared with the virus fixed, as well as strains associated with other reservoirs.
Conclusion & Significance: These results can contribute to a better understanding of the RABLV pathogenesis of isolates from insectivorous bats, which is useful for plan strategies to control rabies.
Biography:
Ashok Kumar did his MBBS from LLRM Medical College, Meerut and subsequently MD from the same college in 1992. He has served in AIIMS, New Delhi as a Senior Resident from 1993-1996 in the Centre for Community Medicine. Then he was appointed as a Chief Medical Officer of Farraka Barrage Project Hospital,Farraka, West Bengal under Ministry of Water Resource, Government of India in 1996. He has then joined Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research(PGIMER), Chandigarh, India as a Deputy Medical Superintendent and currently working as a Professor in Department of Hospital Administration and looking after administrative services of Advanced Cardiac Centre.
Abstract:
Infection control practices in the laundry services is an inevitable prerequisite for TQM, HAI prevention, healthcare worker safety, quality cure, cost-effectiveness and marketing triumph in a hospital. Clean healthcare laundry plays a vital role in affecting the psychological perception and satisfaction of healthcare staff, patient and public. Laundry in healthcare include bed sheets, gowns, doctors clothing, blankets, towels, patient apparel, etc. and this linen contamination can be a source of HAIs and pose a risk of disease transmission to the users. Therefore, incorporation of infection control measures are of utmost importance to minimize the contribution of contaminated laundry to the incidence of HAIs. Henceforth, present study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate infection control measures being practiced in laundry in one of the multispecialty tertiary care hospital of North India to provide the clean linen and minimize the infections to patients as well as to healthcare
staff. In pre-wash phase, all linen collected in the different hospital areas is assumed to be contaminated; hence, standard precautions are taken to handle the linen and to minimize the microbial contamination to environment during collection and transportation. There are designated spaces in the wards to keep the soiled linen. In washing phase, there is separate entry for receiving and separate trolleys for carrying linen in the laundry. Established set patterns and pre-fixed time cycle for each step is followed in each wash process i.e. pre-wash, wash, rinse and final rinsing. Also, standards are fixed for water level/usage for each cycle, temperature (for wash cycle, rinse cycle, dryer time and ironing time), bleach usage and chemical usage for each step in the wash process. Ironing machine/bench press machines used for ironing the linen is maintained so as to adequately iron, dry and fold the linen. In post wash, while packaging and storing the linen in laundry, loading on the trucks, shifting
in the linen bank and at user end, adequate care is done to prevent soiling or contamination. To conclude, infection control practices in laundry services are one of the essential requirements to minimize the hospital acquired infections and provide the better care and safety to patients as well as to healthcare providers.
Coulibaly Kalpy Julien
Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire
Title: Microbiological and molecular characterisation of environmental Mycobacterium strains isolated from the buruli ulcer endemic and non-endemic zones in Cote D' Ivoire
Biography:
Kalpy Julien Coulibaly is a Physician Specialist in Microbiology and holds a PhD in Human and Tropical Biology. He is the Head of the Environment and Health
Department of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire. He is specialist in diseases that can be transmitted to humans via the aquatic ecosystem.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), the causative agent of Buruli Ulcer (BU), skin disease, is considered to be an environmental pathogen. The pathogenic virulence of Mycobacterium ulcerans is being linked to the expression of toxin called mycolactone. Genetic analyses have shown the high diversity with Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) and Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units (MIRU) in M. ulcerans and in Mycolactone Producing Mycobacteria (MPMs). The purpose of this study is the molecular characterization of potentially pathogenic environmental mycobacteria strain, apart from the M.ulcerans, from aquatic environments in Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 473 samples were collected comprising of 251 water and 222 sediment based on sampling sites. The sediments were the most contaminated by mycobacteria with 60% as against 43.3% in water samples from the hyperendemic areas. In hypoendemic areas, water was the most contaminated with 53.57% against 43.24% in sediment. Microscopy by Ziehl-Neelsen-staining and PCR diagnostics using IS2404 and ketoreductase (KR) were performed on strains. 20% fast growing isolated mycobacteria species including Mycobacterium mucogenicum, Mycobacterium peregrinum and Mycobacterium sp. was found carrying the IS2404 gene previously found in Mycobacterium ulcerans. 9.23% of strains carry the ketoreductase genes, one of the synthesis of mycolactone enzymes. In terms of genetic analysis using the
MIRU/VNTR, the MIRU1 was the most amplified sequence and LOCUS 6 less amplified; no known profile have been identified in this study. This study is the first step taken in order to understand different skin infections encountered in Côte d’Ivoire.
Ana Rita de Toledo Piza
Limace Biotechnologia, Brazil
Title: Zika virus infection control by Mollusk mucus
Biography:
Ana Rita de Toledo Piza is the CEO/Scientific Director of Limace Biotecnologia, the first Brazilian company to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from
natural molluscan products. She has completed her PhD in Biotechnology from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo and Master in
Sciences by the Coordination of Disease Control (SES/SP). She has experience in the field of macromolecule chemistry and bioprospecting active compounds from
molluscs. She also works in the areas of zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, virology and molecular phylogeny.
Abstract:
Zika virus fever is a disease caused by a virus of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae, transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. Patients may present maculopapular rash, pruritus, low or absence of fever, headache, non-pruritic and non-purulent conjunctival hyperemia, pain and edema in the wrists and ankles. Terrestrial gastropods secrete mucus from the body surface, when they move, to protect the body against mechanical injury, desiccation or contact with harmful substances.Mollusks mucus has been studied as a source of new natural compounds with biological properties, including their antiviral
capacity. Studies involving Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus have elucidated the presence of substances capable of inhibiting the growth of Measles, Influenza, Rubella and Herpes viruses. These molecules act in the disintegration of the viral envelope factor that confers them the antiviral activity. Following this premise, it was determined that these molecules also act to disintegrate the viral envelope of Zika virus, since all viruses have a similar type of viral envelope. The objective of this study is to optimize
the process of obtaining these molecules and others potentially active fractions present in the mucus of P. boraceiensis. Antiviral action was determined “in vitro” using Vero cells infected with Zika virus and analyzed by RT-PCR. Chromatographic and spectrometric processes were proceeded to obtain the molecules in order to be tested.
Ana Rita de Toledo Piza
Limace Biotechnologia, Brazil
Title: Zika virus infection control by Mollusk mucus
Biography:
Ana Rita de Toledo Piza is the CEO/Scientific Director of Limace Biotecnologia, the first Brazilian company to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from
natural molluscan products. She has completed her PhD in Biotechnology from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo and Master in
Sciences by the Coordination of Disease Control (SES/SP). She has experience in the field of macromolecule chemistry and bioprospecting active compounds from
molluscs. She also works in the areas of zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, virology and molecular phylogeny.
Abstract:
Zika virus fever is a disease caused by a virus of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae, transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. Patients may present maculopapular rash, pruritus, low or absence of fever, headache, non-pruritic and non-purulent conjunctival hyperemia, pain and edema in the wrists and ankles. Terrestrial gastropods secrete mucus from the body surface, when they move, to protect the body against mechanical injury, desiccation or contact with harmful substances.Mollusks mucus has been studied as a source of new natural compounds with biological properties, including their antiviral
capacity. Studies involving Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus have elucidated the presence of substances capable of inhibiting the growth of Measles, Influenza, Rubella and Herpes viruses. These molecules act in the disintegration of the viral envelope factor that confers them the antiviral activity. Following this premise, it was determined that these molecules also act to disintegrate the viral envelope of Zika virus, since all viruses have a similar type of viral envelope. The objective of this study is to optimize
the process of obtaining these molecules and others potentially active fractions present in the mucus of P. boraceiensis. Antiviral action was determined “in vitro” using Vero cells infected with Zika virus and analyzed by RT-PCR. Chromatographic and spectrometric processes were proceeded to obtain the molecules in order to be tested.
Mmabatho Peggy Mobo
Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
Title: Isolation and identification of cyanide tolerant bacteria from wastewater discharged from an electroplating plant in Cape town, South Africa
Biography:
Abstract:
The pollution of water sources is one of the major challenges municipalities face worldwide. The industrial wastewater discharged into the municipal sewers often contains toxic substances. Electroplating industries contribute to the pollution of water sources with cyanide, cyanide metal complexes and heavy metals used in metal plating processes. This study aimed to isolate and identify cyanide tolerant bacteria from wastewater discharged from an electroplating plant in the Western Cape,South Africa which was suspected to be disposing its potentially hazardous wastewater into the municipal sewers. Bacteria were isolated from the biofilm and wastewater collected from the electroplating plant. Pure colonies were cultured on nutrient agar supplemented with 400 mg/L cyanide to test for tolerance. The most tolerant isolates (n = 4) were then cultured in nutrient broth supplemented with different concentrations of cyanide (0–200 mg/L) to study their growth patterns. The four isolates
where further characterized by employing the Gram and endospore staining methods. Biochemical tests, selective media and an automated method using the VITEK 2 Compact (Biomerieux) were used to confirm the identity of the isolates. Genomic DNA was extracted and was subsequently used as a template for Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the 16S rRNA gene. The amplified PCR product was purified and used as template for sequence analysis. Two of the isolates were identified as Pseudomonas species and the other two as Bacillus species. The four methods used (biochemical testing, selective media, VITEK 2 compact and sequence analysis) could confirm 100% identity up to the genus level even though a few discrepancies in
identifying the species existed. The 16S rRNA gene was useful in identifying the genus of the unknown bacteria isolated from the wastewater. Further studies are however needed to study more genes to differentiate the species. The most tolerant isolates would in the future be tested for cyanide degradation and possible candidates for bioremediation of cyanide and metal cyanide
complexes from the effluent before discharging into the municipal sewer.