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Not AvailableBrucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic infection affecting livestock and human beings. The disease has been reported worldwide except in few countries where it has been eradicated. The prevalence of brucellosis among cattle from 11 farms having a history of abortions was studied. A total of 481 samples comprising of blood, milk, vaginal swabs, vaginal discharges, placental tissues and fetal tissues were collected from 296 animals. Clinical samples were processed for the isolation of Brucella. Serum samples (n = 296) were tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA. A total of 90 (30.40%) and 123 (41.55%) samples were positive by RBPT and indirect ELISA, respectively. Also 27.02% samples were positive by both the tests. Brucella isolates (n = 8) were recovered from clinical samples using Brucella selective media. All the isolates demonstrated PCR amplification for the bcsp31 and IS711 genes. Amplification of B. abortus specific primer was demonstrated by all the isolates in AMOS PCR indicating isolates to be of either B. abortus biotype 1, 2 or 4. Risk factors for transmission of brucellosis among cattle population were studied by field surveys. It was observed that lack of awareness about brucellosis (OR = 8.739, P = 0.138) and inadequate floor space (OR = 0.278, P = 0.128) were crucial risk factors for transmission of bovine brucellosis.Not Availabl

Biofilm-Forming Abilities of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> Serotypes Isolated from Different Sources

<div><p>A total of 98 previously characterized and serotyped <i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> strains, comprising 32 of 1/2a; 20 of 1/2b and 46 of 4b serotype, from clinical and food sources were studied for their capability to form a biofilm. The microtiter plate assay revealed 62 (63.26%) strains as weak, 27 (27.55%) strains as moderate, and 9 (9.18%) strains as strong biofilm formers. Among the strong biofilm formers, 6 strains were of serotype 1/2a and 3 strains were of serotype 1/2b. None of the strain from 4b serotype exhibited strong biofilm formation. No firm correlation (p = 0.015) was noticed between any serotype and respective biofilm formation ability. Electron microscopic studies showed that strong biofilm forming isolates could synthesize a biofilm within 24 h on surfaces important in food industries such as stainless steel, ceramic tiles, high-density polyethylene plastics, polyvinyl chloride pipes, and glass. Cell enumeration of strong, moderate, and weak biofilm was performed to determine if the number of cells correlated with the biofilm-forming capabilities of the isolates. Strong, moderate, and weak biofilm showed 570±127× 10³ cells/cm², 33±26× 10³ cells/cm², 5±3× 10³ cells/cm², respectively, indicating that the number of cells was directly proportional to the strength of the biofilm. The hydrophobicity index (HI) analysis revealed higher hydrophobicity with an increased biofilm formation. Fatty acid methyl esterase analysis revealed the amount of certain fatty acids such as iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, and anteiso-C17:0 fatty acids correlated with the biofilm-forming capability of <i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i>. This study showed that different strains of <i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> form biofilm of different intensities which did not completely correlate with their serotype; however, it correlated with the number of cells, hydrophobicity, and amount of certain fatty acids.</p></div

Strong, moderate, and weak biofilm-forming capabilities of <i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> isolates from different sources analyzed by microtiter plate assay.

<p>Strong, moderate, and weak biofilm-forming capabilities of <i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> isolates from different sources analyzed by microtiter plate assay.</p

Biofilm formation and growth ability of <i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> strains of different serotypes.

<p><b>(a)</b> OD₅₉₅ of the biofilm after staining with crystal violet, and growth turbidity of the strains belonging to serotype 1/2a; <b>(b)</b> OD₅₉₅ of the biofilm after staining with crystal violet, and growth turbidity of the strains belonging to serotype 1/2b; <b>(c)</b>. OD₅₉₅ of the biofilm after staining with crystal violet, and growth turbidity of the strains belonging to serotype 4b.</p

SEM of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> ILCC306 on different industrially important surfaces.

<p><b>(a)</b><i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> ILCC306 on PVC pipe after 24 h. Multilayered and mat-like biofilms were observed; <b>(b)</b><i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> ILCC306 on ceramic tiles after 24 h. The cells were found to be aggregated all over the surfaces of ceramic tiles; <b>(c)</b><i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> ILCC306 on stainless steel (SS304) after 24 h. Biofilm aggregated near suture; <b>(d)</b><i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> ILCC306 on stainless steel suture (artificially made) after 24 h; <b>(e)</b><i>L</i>. <i>monocytogenes</i> ILCC306 on HDPE plastic after 24 h. The circled area shows biofilm rooted in the sutures; bacterial growth can be seeninside the sutures and aggregates formation toward the surfaces.</p

Fatty acid profile of the strong, moderate, and weak biofilm-forming isolates as analyzed by the FAME analysis.

<p>Fatty acid profile of the strong, moderate, and weak biofilm-forming isolates as analyzed by the FAME analysis.</p

Presence of a widely disseminated Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b clone in India

Details about the members of the Indian Listeria Consortium are provided in the Supplementary Data.Emerging Microbes and Infections (2016) 5, e55; doi:10.1038/emi.2016.55; published online 8 June 201