Microbiology News

POTENTIAL USES OF GENE THERAPY

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HOW GENE THERAPY WORKS

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EX VIVO DELIVERY FOR GENE THERAPY

POTENTIAL USES OF GENE THERAPY

£5,000 RSTMH Early Career Grants Programme Now Open

HOW GENE THERAPY WORKS

Join the first WHO Antimicrobial Stewardship Coaching Programme

EX VIVO DELIVERY FOR GENE THERAPY

GENE THERAPY

Gene therapy is defined as the specific genetic manipulation and modification of an organism’s genome or genes through the delivery of therapeutic DNA or genes […]

BLOTTING TECHNIQUE

Blotting is used in molecular biology to transfer nucleic acids and proteins from gel to a membrane for identification and analysis. Developed in the 1970s, it combines electrophoresis and immunological methods. There are three main types: Southern (DNA), Northern (RNA), and Western (proteins), each allowing detection and measurement of specific molecules.

SOUTHERN BLOTTING TECHNIQUE

Southern blotting, developed by Sir Edward M. Southern in 1975, is a molecular technique used to detect specific DNA sequences. It involves transferring DNA from a gel to a nitrocellulose membrane, followed by hybridization with radiolabeled probes. This method is pivotal in DNA analysis, forensic science, and paternity testing.

STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE

Streptococcus pneumoniae, prevalent in the human upper respiratory tract, causes various infections including pneumonia, often in vulnerable individuals. Its virulence is linked to its polysaccharide capsule, interfering with phagocytosis. Early detection and treatment with appropriate antibiotics and preventive vaccination are vital, especially for high-risk groups like the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

SHIGELLA DYSENTERIAE

Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative, non-motile bacterium causing bacillary dysentery. It’s transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, requiring a low dose to initiate infection. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Diagnosis involves stool cultures, and treatment may include antibiotics for severe cases. Prevention focuses on hygiene and clean water.

TREPONEMA PALLIDUM

Treponema pallidum, a Gram-negative spirochaete, causes syphilis, a contagious STD spread through direct contact, including mother-to-child transmission. The disease progresses through primary, secondary, and tertiary stages without treatment, potentially causing severe complications. Laboratory diagnosis relies on serological tests, as the bacterium cannot be cultured in vitro. Prevention includes safe sexual practices and treating infected individuals.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium causing peptic and gastric ulcers, linked to stomach cancer. It survives stomach acidity by producing urease, creating an alkaline environment. Spread via fecal-oral route, it induces inflammation in the gastric mucosa. Diagnosis involves invasive and non-invasive tests, treatment includes antibiotics and protein-pump inhibitors. Prevention focuses on hygiene.

SALMONELLA (S. TYPHI)

Salmonella Typhi, a Gram-negative rod, causes typhoid fever in humans, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Non-typhoid strains, like S. Typhimurium, cause gastrointestinal infections. Infections primarily spread via the fecal-oral route, and effective prevention includes good hygiene, proper food handling, and clean water. Treatment involves antibiotics and hydration.

RICKETTSIA PROWAZEKII

Rickettsia prowazekii is an obligate intracellular parasite causing epidemic typhus, primarily transmitted via lice bites. Symptoms include vasculitis, thrombosis, and systemic infections. Diagnosis involves serological tests and cell culture. Treatment includes chloramphenicol and tetracyclines; prevention focuses on vector control and hygiene. RMSF and Q fever are related rickettsial diseases.

STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES

Streptococcus pyogenes, a Group A Streptococcus, is a Gram-positive bacterium causing pharyngitis and various streptococcal diseases like scarlet fever, cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. It produces numerous virulence factors including streptolysins and exotoxins. Diagnosis involves cultural, microscopic, and serological tests. Treatment includes antibiotics like penicillin, and no vaccines exist currently.

STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, is often found in the nose and skin of humans. It causes various infections including pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and toxic shock syndrome, aided by its production of toxins and enzymes. Resistant strains like MRSA are prevalent. Prevention relies on hygiene practices, as vaccines are unavailable.

PROTEUS MIRABILIS

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative, motile, non-capsulated, facultative anaerobic, non-lactose fermenting and pleomorphic bacillus in the genus Proteus and family Enterobacteriaceae. P. mirabilis is mostly […]

Features of probiotics & reported modes of action of probiotics

Microorganisms must meet stringent criteria to be used as probiotics, including being non-pathogenic, non-toxic, and able to survive stomach acid and pancreatic secretions. Probiotics confer health benefits such as enhancing the immune system, producing vitamins, preventing GI infections, and aiding in lactose digestion, potentially treating conditions like IBS and eczema.

Monkeypox (Mpox) infection

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is a viral infection with symptoms like rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Transmitted through contact with infected individuals, animals, or materials, it can be severe, especially for immunocompromised individuals. Preventive measures include vaccination and avoiding physical contact. Diagnosis involves PCR testing, and treatment includes supportive care.

CLOSTRIDIUM TETANI

CLOSTRIDIUM TETANI Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive, motile, anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium found in the genus Clostridium. It is the main causative agent of tetanus […]