Effects of Different Preservation Methods on Activity of Recombinant E. coli

[ Objective] To explore different preservation methods of recombinant E. coli and find out the optimal conditions for preservation. [ Method] The recombinant E. coli DH5cx transformed pcDNA.3 were respectively preserved at 4℃ and -70 ℃, and the activity was determined after dif- ferent time. [ Result] The number of living E. coll with high dilutions preserved at 4 ℃ was gradually increased within the first 7 d, peaked on Day 7, and then gradually decreased. The number of living E. coli, which were preserved in 8% glycerol at -70℃ when OD800 at 0.8, were significantly higher than that of other groups after different preservation time. [ Conclusion] The optimal storage time was 7 d for recombinant E. coli at 4 ℃. For preservation at -70 ℃, the bacteria should be in logarithmic growth phase and preserved in 8% glycerol.

Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase in Rats

The distribution of ^(125)I recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase in tissues ororgans and the excretion in urine, feces and bile were studied with in vivo radioactive tracertechnique. The amount of radioactivity excreted in urine, feces and bile within 24 h afterintravenous administration of ^(125)I recombinant E. col L-asparaginase to rats was 68.95% ,4.44%and 5.36% of the dose respectively. ^(125)I recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase in plasma samples wasdetermined. The levels of structural intact molecule in plasma samples were evaluated by SDS-PAGEand bio-imaging analyzer system. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed with a model-dependentmethod. The concentration-time curves of recombinant E. coli L-asparaginase after intravenousinjection at 1 250 IU·kg^(-1), 2 500, IU·kg^(-1), 5 000 IU·kg^(-1) to rats were consistent withthe two-compartment model. The first and terminal elimination t_(1/2) were 0.52 ~ 0.63 h and 2.39 ~2.76 h respectively. AUC was linearly related to the doses. The results of distribution in tissuesor organs and excretion in urine suggested that the metabolites of the enzyme were cleared bymechanisms of urinary excretion. Pharmacokinetics parameters of recombinant E. coli L- asparaginasein rats are warranted for the design of future clinical trials.

重组体pET-28a-alkB/E.coli降解页岩油泥石油烃的功能研究

为了降解页岩油泥中的石油烃,构建基因工程菌,表达石油烃降解关键酶以提高油泥的降解效果。以Pseudomonas qingdaonensis基因组为模板扩增alkB基因,连接至载体pET-28a,转化至E.coli BL21(DE3)中,SDS-PAGE和Western-blot鉴定表达的外源蛋白。pET-28a-alkB/E.coli处理原油和页岩油泥,采用气相色谱法评估降解效果。发现alkB基因在大肠杆菌中能表达外源蛋白,且14 d原油及页岩油泥的降解率分别为47.5%和47.1%,表明重组体pET-28a-alkB/E.coli具备降解页岩油泥石油烃的功能。

Exploring the modulatory role of bovine lactoferrin on the microbiome and the immune response in healthy and Shiga toxin‑producing E.coli challenged weaned piglets

Background Post-weaned piglets suffer from F18+Escherichia coli(E.coli)infections resulting in post-weaning diar-rhoea or oedema disease.Frequently used management strategies,including colistin and zinc oxide,have contrib-uted to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.Novel antimicrobials capable of directly interacting with pathogens and modulating the host immune responses are being investigated.Lactoferrin has shown promising results against porcine enterotoxigenic E.coli strains,both in vitro and in vivo.Results We investigated the influence of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on the microbiome of healthy and infected weaned piglets.Additionally,we assessed whether bLF influenced the immune responses upon Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC)infection.Therefore,2 in vivo trials were conducted:a microbiome trial and a challenge infection trial,using an F18+STEC strain.BLF did not affect theα-andβ-diversity.However,bLF groups showed a higher relative abundance(RA)for the Actinobacteria phylum and the Bifidobacterium genus in the ileal mucosa.When analysing the immune response upon infection,the STEC group exhibited a significant increase in F18-specific IgG serum levels,whereas this response was absent in the bLF group.Conclusion Taken together,the oral administration of bLF did not have a notable impact on theα-andβ-diversity of the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.Nevertheless,it did increase the RA of the Actinobacteria phylum and Bifi-dobacterium genus,which have previously been shown to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis.Furthermore,bLF administration during STEC infection resulted in the absence of F18-specific serum IgG responses.

Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E.coli

Background Our previous study has reported that supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhances gut health and disease resistance of pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E.coli(ETEC)F18 in a manner similar to carbadox.The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of oligosaccharide-based polymer or antibiotic on the host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.Results Multivariate analysis highlighted the differences in the metabolic profiles of serum and colon digesta which were predominantly found between pigs supplemented with oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic.The relative abundance of metabolic markers of immune responses and nutrient metabolisms,such as amino acids and carbohydrates,were significantly differentiated between the oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic groups(q<0.2 and fold change>2.0).In addition,pigs in antibiotic had a reduced(P<0.05)relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae,whereas had greater(P<0.05)Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae in the colon digesta on d 11 post-inoculation(PI)compared with d 5 PI.Conclusions The impact of oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic and microbial profiles of pigs is not fully understood,and further exploration is needed.However,current research suggest that various mechanisms are involved in the enhanced disease resistance and performance in ETEC-challenged pigs by supplementing this polymer.

Minimizing endogenous cryptic plasmids to construct antibiotic-free expression systems for Escherichia coli Nissle 1917

The probiotic bacterium Escherichia coli Nissle 1917(EcN)holds significant promise for use in clinical and biological industries.However,the reliance on antibiotics to maintain plasmid-borne genes has overshadowed its benefits.In this study,we addressed this issue by engineering the endogenous cryptic plasmids pMUT1 and pMUT2.The non-essential elements were removed to create more stable derivatives pMUT1NR△and pMUT2HBC△.Synthetic promoters by integrating binding motifs on sigma factors were further constructed and applied for expression of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron heparinaseⅢand the biosynthesis of ectoine.Compared to traditional antibiotic-dependent expression systems,our newly constructed antibiotic-free expression systems offer considerable advantages for clinical and synthetic biology applications.

Characteristics of β-Lactamase Synthesis in E. coli and K. pneumanie Strains in Nosocomial Infections

Background: Recently micro-organisms that synthesize extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs) were increased. The peculiarities of ESBL synthesis of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that cause nosocomial urinary tract infections, surgical site infections and pneumonia in surgical clinic were studied. ESBL synthesis were observed 38.9% of E. coli strains obtained from urine, 92.3% of strains obtained from surgical site infections, and 50% of strains obtained from sputum. ESBL synthesis were observed 37.5% of K. pneumoniae strains obtained from urine, 85.7% of strains obtained from surgical site infections, and 60% of strains obtained from sputum. Different levels of ESBL synthesize of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains isolated from different pattern is discussed. Conclusion. ESBL synthesis is common in E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains, which cause nosocomial infections. The frequency of occurrence of ESBL s synthesis among of these strains depends on clinical forms of nosocomial infections.

The Transport and Persistence of Escherichia coli in Leachate from Poultry Litter Amended Soils

Fecal coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) are one of the main sources of groundwater pollution. An assessment of the transport and Persistence of E. coli in poultry litter amended Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil was conducted using soil columns and simulated groundwater leaching. Enumeration of initial E. coli was determined to range from 2.851 × 103 to 3.044 × 103 CFU per gram of soil. These results have been used in a batch study to determine the persistence rate of E. coli in Decatur silty Clay soil and Hartsells Sandy soil. Results prove that E. coli survival growth rate increases for clay soil later than and at a higher rate than sandy soil. The column study has determined that E. coli was transported at a rate of 3.7 × 106 CFU for Decatur silty loam and 6.3 × 106 CFU for Hartsells sandy per gram of soil. Further, linear regression analysis predictions show higher porosity and soil moisture content affect transport, and Hartsells sandy soil has higher transport of E. coli due to its higher porosity and lower volumetric water content.

Growth Inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis from Various Types of Honey

Honey has long been considered a wound treatment used to keep cuts and other epidermal injuries clean. This study tested that claim by comparing manuka honey used in medicine today, local unprocessed honey taken straight from a hive, and pasteurized honey found at a store, on strains of E. coli and S. epidermidis. The study evaluated the effects these honeys had on bacterial growth to determine which had the greatest inhibition of bacterial growth. To determine this, plates streaked with strains of E. coli or S. epidermidis bacteria and agar wells filled with one of the honeys were incubated and subsequently the diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured. After 20 trials using each honey and bacteria type, manuka and unprocessed were shown to have a statistically significant advantage over the pasteurized honey at inhibiting the growth of E. coli and S. epidermidis, though it was variable whether manuka had an advantage over the unprocessed honey.

Evaluating the Potential of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin for E.coli UTIs: A Susceptibility Study

This study was designed to find the susceptibility of Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin among urinary isolates of Escherichia.coli.Four hundred(400)urine samples were collected for susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli.All indoor and outdoor patients'urinary samples yielded growth of E.coli.Mid-stream urine specimens were inoculated on blood agar and CLED agar and incubated at 35±2°C.Growth was observed,and Escherichia coli was identified by Gram staining,Catalase,Motility test and API 20E(Bio murex)as per standard procedure.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates for nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin was carried out by the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines ATCC 25922.E.coli was used as a quality control strain.A total of 400 samples were tested susceptibility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin among urinary isolates of E.coli during this period.A total of 400 samples yielded the growth of E.coli,out of which 178(44.5%)were male and 222(55.5%)were female samples.Among males,18(10%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.1%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Among females,9(4.09%)were susceptible to nitrofurantoin while 6(2.72%)were susceptible to fosfomycin.Among age groups below 45 years old,6(4.76%)were tolerant to nitrofurantoin,and 2(1.58%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 46-66 years old,4(2.81%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 3(2.11%)were sensitive to fosfomycin.Between 67-90 years old,17(12.87%)were sensitive to nitrofurantoin,and 4(3.03%)were tolerant to fosfomycin.Fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin showed good susceptibility in urinary isolates of E.coli and can be used empirically in our setup.

禽致病性大肠杆菌HlyE蛋白的免疫原性研究

为评估禽致病性大肠杆菌(APEC)溶血素HlyE蛋白的免疫原性,本研究对APEC溶血素HlyE蛋白进行原核表达和纯化,并对表达的重组蛋白进行SDS-PAGE和western blot分析,将纯化蛋白利用透析袋在4℃透析后,利用血琼脂平板对其溶血活性进行检测。SDS-PAGE和western blot结果显示,表达并纯化到分子量约为36 ku的重组HlyE蛋白(rHlyE),经ND-2000超微量核酸蛋白测定仪测定纯化后蛋白浓度为0.65 mg/mL;溶血活性检测结果显示,rHlyE具有溶血活性。以透析后的rHlyE作为抗原,按照50μg/只的剂量免疫小鼠,对照组于相同时间点注射等量PBS,共免疫3次间隔14 d,并于首免后不同时间采血,采用间接ELISA方法检测两组小鼠血清特异性抗体水平,并于三免后18 d以2 LD_(50)的APEC菌液攻毒小鼠,观察7 d内小鼠的死亡情况;于首免后28 d剖杀各组小鼠取其脾脏制备脾淋巴细胞,采用流式细胞术分别检测CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)T淋巴细胞亚型比率,对rHlyE的免疫原性进行评估。间接ELISA检测结果显示,该蛋白能够诱导机体产生体液免疫应答,分泌高表达量的IgG抗体,抗体水平于三免后15 d达到最高水平。rHlyE免疫攻毒保护试验结果显示,免疫组小鼠基本无明显临床症状,7 d内存活率达80%;而对照组小鼠表现明显临床症状,于攻毒后3 d内全部死亡。流式细胞术结果显示,与对照组相比,免疫组小鼠的CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)和CD8^(+)T淋巴细胞亚型比率均升高。上述结果表明,rHlyE在大肠杆菌BL21中为部分可溶性表达,将其免疫小鼠后可诱导小鼠产生较高水平的体液免疫应答,并且可对小鼠产生较好的免疫保护效果。本研究明确了APEC HlyE蛋白的免疫原性,为APEC免疫保护蛋白的筛选以及疫苗研发提供了借鉴与参考。

rhEGF联合利多卡因与维生素E治疗儿童复发性口腔溃疡的效果

目的探讨重组人表皮生长因子(rhEGF)联合利多卡因与维生素E治疗儿童复发性口腔溃疡(ROU)的临床效果.方法选取2022年7月—2023年6月期间南阳医学高等专科学校第一附属医院口腔科收治的94例ROU患儿为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为对照组及观察组,每组47例.对照组采用维生素E联合利多卡因治疗,观察组在此基础上采用rhEGF治疗.比较两组患儿的症状改善情况、疼痛评分、溃疡面积、炎症指标及总有效率.结果观察组的疼痛缓解时间、溃疡愈合时间、进食改善时间分别为(3.16±1.06)d,(4.37±0.92)d,(3.49±1.04)d,均短于对照组,组间差异有统计学意义(P﹤0.05).治疗3d后,观察组的疼痛评分、白细胞介素-8、肿瘤坏死因子-α水平均低于对照组,溃疡面积小于对照组,组间差异有统计学意义(P﹤0.05).观察组的治疗总有效率为97.87%,高于对照组的82.98%,差异有统计学意义(P﹤0.05).两组的用药相关不良反应总发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P﹥0.05).结论采用rhEGF联合利多卡因与维生素E治疗儿童ROU的效果理想,能促进临床症状消退,降低患儿炎症指标水平,且在加速溃疡愈合及改善其口腔状况方面也有积极作用.

Recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA Vaccination Effectively Inhibits Murine Melanoma Metastasis to Lung by CD8^+T Cells Immunity

Objective： To construct recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA and investigate its tumor metastatic inhibition effect in B16 OVA melanoma challenged mice. Methods： Recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA was constructed and the expression of listeriolysin O （LLO） and ovalbumin （OVA） of the vaccine was determined by coomassie brilliant blue staining and western blotting, After 3 subcutaneous injections of E.coli LLO/OVA, the percentages of CD3^＋CD4^＋T, CD4^＋CD25^＋T, CD3^CD8^＋T and OVA257-264 SIINFEKL specific CD8^＋T cells were determined by flow cytomytry, and the tumor metastatic inhibition effect in B16 OVA melanoma challenged mice was observed. Results： Recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA was successfully constructed, and the expression of LLO and OVA of the vaccine was confirmed. After 3 subcutaneous injections of E.coli LLO/OVA and E.coli OVA in mice, the percentages of CD3^＋CD4^＋T, CD4^＋CD25^＋T and CD3^＋CD8^＋T cells were equivalent in the two groups of mice. However, there were significantly more OVA257-264 SIINFEKL specific CD8^＋T cells in E.coli LLO/OVA vaccinated mice than that in E.coli OVA vaccinated mice. The prophylactic E.coli LLO/OVA vaccination effectively prevented the tumor metastasis to lungs in B16 OVA melanoma challenged mice. Depletion of CD8^＋T cells significantly impaired the tumor inhibition effect of the vaccine in B16 OVA challenged mice. The therapeutic vaccination of E.coli LLO/OVA significantly prevented melanoma metastasis to lungs in B I6 OVA challenged mice too. Conclusion： Recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA vaccination is highly effective in inhibiting murine malignant melanoma metastasis by promoting CD8^＋T cell immunity.

Evidence and Potential Antibacterial Mechanism of Chinese Traditional Medicine Compounds for the Development of E. coli

Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi), Allium sativum (garlic), Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon), and Dolichos lablab L. (white hyacinth bean) are the traditional Chinese herbs that were used in prescriptions in treating diarrhea caused by bacterial infection. These herbs are relatively safe for use and investigation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Allium sativum, Cinnamomum cassia, and Dolichos lablab L. on the metabolism of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The growth rate of E. coli was monitored under the influence of each herb, revealing that Astragalus membranaceus and Allium sativum exhibited significant antibacterial activity, whereas Cinnamomum cassia and Dolichos lablab L. demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects on E. coli growth. Further inhibition zone testing allowed for the evaluation of each herb’s potency and the number of generations required for E. coli to develop resistance. Additionally, the impact of the four herbs on the expression of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in E. coli was examined by using qPCR. The findings revealed that Astragalus membranaceus acted as a sustainable bactericide by inhibiting the growth and metabolism of E. coli MG1655 through the suppression of OmpA expression. These results suggest that Astragalus membranaceus has potential as a natural antimicrobial agent for treating E. coli infections.

Genotyping Characteristics of Human Fecal Escherichia coli and Their Association with Multidrug Resistance in Miyun District, Beijing

Objective To explore the genotyping characteristics of human fecal Escherichia coli(E. coli) and the relationships between antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) and multidrug resistance(MDR) of E. coli in Miyun District, Beijing, an area with high incidence of infectious diarrheal cases but no related data.Methods Over a period of 3 years, 94 E. coli strains were isolated from fecal samples collected from Miyun District Hospital, a surveillance hospital of the National Pathogen Identification Network. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the broth microdilution method. ARGs,multilocus sequence typing(MLST), and polymorphism trees were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing data(WGS).Results This study revealed that 68.09% of the isolates had MDR, prevalent and distributed in different clades, with a relatively high rate and low pathogenicity. There was no difference in MDR between the diarrheal(49/70) and healthy groups(15/24).Conclusion We developed a random forest(RF) prediction model of TEM.1 + baeR + mphA + mphB +QnrS1 + AAC.3-IId to identify MDR status, highlighting its potential for early resistance identification. The causes of MDR are likely mobile units transmitting the ARGs. In the future, we will continue to strengthen the monitoring of ARGs and MDR, and increase the number of strains to further verify the accuracy of the MDR markers.

Escherichia coli Pathotypes in Children with Acute Diarrhea in an Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya

Diarrhea is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children aged Escherichia coli (DEC) accounts for 30% - 40% of childhood diarrhea cases. To identify the pathotypes involved in diarrheal outbreaks in Kenya, we analyzed archived E. coli isolates from children E. coli confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done using the VITEK®2 instrument. Pathotype identification was performed via conventional polymerase chain reaction. Of 175 E. coli isolates, 48 (27%) were DEC pathotypes, with enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) predominating (71%, 34/48). Enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) represented 19% and 10% of isolates, respectively. Enteroinvasive and enterotoxigenic pathotypes were not identified. All DEC isolates were susceptible to amikacin, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem and tigecycline. Conversely, most (>80%) isolates were resistant to ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Half of all EAEC and EPEC strains were resistant to cefazolin while half of EHEC isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin. In total, 18 resistance phenotypes were identified with “ampicillin-cefazolin-ampicillin/ sulbactam-sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim” predominating (33%, 16/48). The majority (81%) of DEC isolates were multidrug-resistant, with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production identified in 8% of these isolates. This study highlights the predominance of Enteroaggregative E. coli and multidrug resistance of DEC pathotypes. Studying the epidemiology of diarrheal disease and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, will aid in identifying dominant etiological agents of diarrhea and newly emerging resistant strains in informal settlements.

Establishment of Cell Free Conversion System With Biotin-labelled Recombinant PrP^(sen) Expressed in E.coli

Objective To report a protocol using biotin-labelled PrP protein in cell free conversion assay instead of isotope. Methods A hamster PrP protein （HaPrP） was expressed in E. coli and purified with HIS-tag affinity chromatograph. After being labelled with biotin, HaPrP was mixed with PrP^sen preparation from scrapie strain 263K. Results Protease-resistant bands were detected after four-day incubation. Conclusion The new conversion model provides a reliable, easily handling, and environment-friendly method for studies of prion and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

2种氟喹诺酮类抗生素与群体感应抑制剂对E.coli的联合毒性效应

抗生素滥用带来严重的细菌耐药性,威胁生态环境和人体健康。群体感应抑制剂(quorum sensing inhibitors,QSIs)作为一种理论上难以引发细菌耐药性的新型潜在抗生素替代品,被建议单独使用或与传统抗生素联合使用。因此,考察抗生素与QSIs联合作用效应及其作用机理对其在环境中可能产生的联合暴露风险评估具有重要的参考意义。以应用较广泛的2种氟喹诺酮类药物氧氟沙星(ofloxacin,OFL)、左氧氟沙星(levofloxacin,LEV)和1种新型抗菌剂群体感应抑制剂4-羟基-2,5-二甲基-3(2H)呋喃酮(4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone,HDMF)为研究对象,运用直接均分法和均匀设计射线法分别设计3个二元和1个三元混合物体系,每个体系包含5条具有不同组分浓度比的射线。应用时间毒性微板分析法测定3种药物及其混合物体系对大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli,E.coli)的毒性,应用拟合归零法分析混合物的毒性相互作用及相互作用强度,采用分子间对接技术来探讨可能存在的作用机理。结果表明,HDMF、OFL、LEV对E.coli均具有浓度、时间依赖毒性,以半数效应浓度负对数为毒性指标,3种药物在同一暴露时间毒性顺序:LEV>OFL>HDMF。3种药物的二元混合物体系相互作用类型有拮抗/协同作用,而三元混合物体系的作用类型为协同作用,且作用类型和强度受混合物组分、暴露时间和浓度影响。氟喹诺酮类药物混合物体系中,因药物竞争结合蛋白点位而呈现出拮抗作用。在氟喹诺酮类药物和QSIs混合体系中,QSIs会破坏细菌的生物膜,使氟喹诺酮类药物更容易接触细菌造成损伤,从而呈现协同作用。但随着暴露时间的延长,氟喹诺酮类药物会对DNA造成损伤进而减少QSIs作用蛋白的产生,呈现出拮抗作用。

Detection of aac(3)IIc, aac(6)Ib, armA Genes Coding for Escherichia coli Resistance to Aminoglycosides in Burkina Faso

Background and Prupose: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern. In addition to the existing data on the prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there are patchy data on bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides in Burkina Faso. In this study, we determined the prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes in E. coli, including aac(3)-IIc, aac(6)-Ib and armA in Ouagadougou, and determined which antibiotics in this class are most affected by resistance. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 216 E. coli strains collected from the biomedical analysis laboratories of Saint Camille and Schiphra hospitals. E. coli strains were isolated from pus and urine samples collected between September 2018 and January 2019. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides. Aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected in strains with at least one aminoglycoside resistance gene using conventional/multiplex PCR. Results: Aminoglycoside resistance was observed in 46.8% (101/216) of strains. The resistance rates were respectively 45.37% for Tobramycin, 32.40% for Gentamicin, 14.81% for Kanamycin, 2.31% for Netilmicin, 1.84% for Neomycin, and 0.46% for Amikacin. PCR showed that 86 strains (85.15%) possessed the aac(3)-IIc gene, 71 strains or 70.30%) possessed the aac(6’)-Ib gene, and nine strains (8.91%) possessed the armA gene. Conclusion: Aminoglycoside resistance in pathogenic E. coli strains is mainly due to the presence of the aac(3’)-IIc and aac(6’)-Ib genes. The presence of armA was first reported in Burkina Faso. Netilmicin, Neomycin and Amikacin are good therapeutic options for treating urinary tract and pus-forming infections.

De Novo Synthesis of Biopaint Using Transformed Bacteria: Analysis of Spectral Intensity Trends and Comparison to Commercial Paint

Background: Commercial paint pigments contain toxic heavy metals that harm humans and pollute the environment. To mitigate these harms, ecologically safe pigments are necessary. Objective: This experiment aims to create a biopaint de-novo using transformed Escherichia coli bacteria and compare it to commercial paint. Methods: Genetically engineered E. coli bacteria producing magenta pigment were grown in petri dishes. The pigment protein was extracted, filtered, and dehydrated into a crystalline powder. This was mixed with acrylic medium to make biopaint. The biopaint and commercial paint were applied on acrylic paper;red, green, blue, and total spectral intensities were measured daily under different testing conditions. Spectral intensity variability was measured and compared using the Coefficient of Variation (CV). Trends in spectral intensity were analyzed using regression analysis. Results: The differences in the CV of biopaint to commercial paint were less than 20% under all testing conditions. Spectral intensities for both biopaint and commercial paint did not show any significant change during the testing period under the conditions of room temperature, heat, and humidity. However, under the cold testing condition, biopaint showed a slight but statistically significant (p-value Conclusion: This experiment proves that E. coli-derived pigments can be used to make biopaint which has a similar durability to commercial paint as measured by the spectral intensities.