Plant-Derived Antimicrobials Reduce E. coli

This study investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations (SIC) of five plant-derived antimicrobials (PDAs), namely, trans cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, and β-resorcylic acid, on E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) attachment and invasion of cultured bovine colonic (CO) and rectoanal junction (RAJ) epithelial cells. In addition, PDAs’ effect on EHEC genes critical for colonization of cattle gastrointestinal tract (CGIT) was determined in bovine rumen fluid (RF) and intestinal contents (BICs). Primary bovine CO and RAJ epithelial cells were established and were separately inoculated with three EHEC strains with or without (control) SIC of each PDA. Following incubation, EHEC that attached and invaded the cells were determined. Furthermore, the expression of EHEC genes critical for colonization in cattle was investigated using real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction in RF and BICs. All the PDAs decreased EHEC invasion of CO and RAJ epithelial cells (P<0.05). The PDAs also downregulated (P<0.05) the expression of EHEC genes critical for colonization in CGIT. Results suggest that the PDAs could potentially be used to control EHEC colonization in cattle; however follow-up in vivo studies in cattle are warranted

Plant-Derived Antimicrobials Reduce E. coli O157:H7 Virulence Factors Critical for Colonization in Cattle Gastrointestinal Tract In Vitro

This study investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations (SIC) of five plant-derived antimicrobials (PDAs), namely, trans cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, and β-resorcylic acid, on E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) attachment and invasion of cultured bovine colonic (CO) and rectoanal junction (RAJ) epithelial cells. In addition, PDAs’ effect on EHEC genes critical for colonization of cattle gastrointestinal tract (CGIT) was determined in bovine rumen fluid (RF) and intestinal contents (BICs). Primary bovine CO and RAJ epithelial cells were established and were separately inoculated with three EHEC strains with or without (control) SIC of each PDA. Following incubation, EHEC that attached and invaded the cells were determined. Furthermore, the expression of EHEC genes critical for colonization in cattle was investigated using real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction in RF and BICs. All the PDAs decreased EHEC invasion of CO and RAJ epithelial cells (P<0.05). The PDAs also downregulated (P<0.05) the expression of EHEC genes critical for colonization in CGIT. Results suggest that the PDAs could potentially be used to control EHEC colonization in cattle; however follow-up in vivo studies in cattle are warranted

Efficacy of Selenium for Controlling Infectious Diseases

Selenium, an essential micronutrient for both animals and humans, has been documented to possess antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. One of the primary mechanisms by which selenium exerts its antimicrobial activity is through the generation of reactive oxygen species that can damage microbial cells. Besides its direct antimicrobial effects, selenium can enhance the immune response to infections, making it a potential tool in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Given the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and the need for alternative therapeutic options, the antibacterial properties of selenium are of interest to the scientific community. This book chapter will summarize the current state of knowledge on the antibacterial properties of selenium, and its potential clinical applications as a therapeutic agent against infectious diseases. Further, the chapter explores the limitations and challenges associated with the use of selenium as an antibacterial agent

Application of Urine Metabolomics as a Marker in Health and Disease

Advances in metabolomics research have yielded an avenue for utilizing this laboratory-based modality as a platform for clinical diagnosis, identification of novel biomarkers, and longitudinally monitoring the health status of individuals from normal physiological and pathophysiological perspectives. This chapter provides insight on the application of urinalysis in health and disease from the standpoint of deciphering a larger span of metabolite and biomarker identification using metabolomics, specifically focusing on infectious diseases, oncology, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases in humans

Role of proP and proU in Betaine Uptake by Yersinia enterocolitica under Cold and Osmotic Stress Conditions▿ †

Yersinia enterocolitica is a food-borne pathogen with the ability to grow at cold temperatures and tolerate high osmolarity. The bacterium tolerates osmotic stress by intracellular accumulation of osmolytes, such as betaine. The proP gene and proU operon of Y. enterocolitica were sequenced, and single (ProP− ProU+ and ProP+ ProU−) and double (ProP− ProU−) mutants were generated. Upon exposure to osmotic or chill stress, the single and double mutants demonstrated a reduction in betaine uptake compared to that in the wild type, suggesting that proP and proU play a role in betaine uptake during osmotic and chill stress responses of Y. enterocolitica