Quantification of biofilm formation on silicone intranasal splints: An in vitro study

Objectives: Biofilms are associated with persistent infections and resistant to conventional therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantity of biofilm produced on silicone intranasal splints. Methods: Quantity of biofilm formation on silicone splints (SS) was tested on 15 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed in accordance with European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing recommendations. Results: All tested strains formed different amounts of biofilm on SS: 66.7% S. aureus and 93.3% M. catarrhalis were weak biofilm producers and 33.3% S. aureus and 6.7% M. catarrhalis were moderate biofilm producers. S. aureus formed significantly higher quantity of biofilm compared with M. catarrhalis (p  Conclusion: Quantity of biofilm on SS is highly dependent on bacterial species and their resistance patterns. Future studies are needed to ascertain another therapeutic option for prophylaxis prior to SS placement

Long-term analysis of Listeria monocytogenes vaginal carriage frequency in Belgrade, Serbia

In order to gain insight into the frequency of L. monocytogenes vaginal carriage among women of reproductive age in Belgrade, Serbia, we conducted the long-term investigation (January 1992 through August 2006) described herein. The study population of 958 women included 799 patients with spontaneous abortion and 159 patients with infertility. A low rate of L. monocytogenes vaginal carriage of 0.1% was established, since only one strain was recovered from vaginal swab of a woman with spontaneous abortion

Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Against Pathogen and Spoilage Microorganisms

Preliminary examination of the antimicrobial activity of lactic acid against nine bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium) and three yeasts (Rhodotorula sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans) was performed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution method. At a concentration of 321mg/mL, inhibition zones ranged from 24.0mm (Es.coli) to 38.3mm (En.faecalis) for the tested bacteria. The inhibition zones of the yeasts ranged from 11.3mm (Sac.cerevisiae) to 14.0mm (Rhodotorula sp.). Lactic acid minimal inhibitory concentration for bacteria was 1.25mg/mL, while minimal biocide concentration was 2.50mg/mL. Minimal inhibitory concentration for yeasts was 12.50mg/mL, while minimal fungicidal concentration was 25.00mg/mL. The obtained results showed that lactic acid could be used as an efficient natural antimicrobial agent improving the safety of all-natural foods. Practical ApplicationsConsumer perception that synthetic food additives may be associated with potential toxicological problems has recently generated interest for the use of naturally derived compounds in the food industry. The use of lactic acid is considered as a good alternative and may be more acceptable to consumers than synthetic food additives because of its natural origin, potential antimicrobial activity, as well as preservative, antioxidant, flavoring and acidifying properties as well as low cost. For ensuring food safety, combination of lactic acid with other natural antimicrobial agents or other preservation methods should be considered. Therefore, there is a potential for lactic acid usage in the development of eco-friendly technology which ensures food safety