An Abiding Affection

This chapter provides a brief outline of Esther Zimmer’s early life. Born in 1922 to immigrant Jewish parents who had moved from Manhattan’s Lower East Side to the South Bronx, she demonstrated a talent for languages at an early age, learning biblical Hebrew from her grandfather and later distinguishing herself in Spanish and French. Despite her professors’ expectations that she become a foreign language teacher, Zimmer chose to become a scientist. Her love affair with microorganisms began in the mycology laboratory of the New York Botanical Gardens, her abiding affection for bacteria, especially E. coli K-12, memorialized in the beach house named Kappa Dodici, Italian for K-12. For Esther, this particular bacterial strain displayed the treasures of bacterial sex uncovered by her research. Esther cherished the joy of discovery far beyond academic tenure or recognition. Like renowned physicist Richard Feynman, her prime motivation for doing laboratory research was “the sheer pleasure of finding things out.”

MALDI-TOF MS in a Medical Mycology Laboratory: On Stage and Backstage

The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS in medical microbiology laboratories has revolutionized practices and significantly reduced turnaround times of identification processes. However, although bacteriology quickly benefited from the contributions of this technique, adjustments were necessary to accommodate the specific characteristics of fungi. MALDI-TOF MS is now an indispensable tool in clinical mycology laboratories, both for the identification of yeasts and filamentous fungi, and other innovative uses are gradually emerging. Based on the practical experience of our medical mycology laboratory, this review will present the current uses of MALDI-TOF MS and the adaptations we implemented, to allow their practical execution in a daily routine. We will also introduce some less mainstream applications, like those for fungemia, or even still under development, as is the case for the determination of sensitivity to antifungal agents or typing methods.

In-vitro effectiveness test of leaf extract of cattapa and derris to control anthracnose in chili

Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum capsici) is one of the main problem in the cultivation of chili. This study was aimed to discover about the extract of leaf extract of cattapa (Terminalia catappa L) and leaf extract of derris (Derris elliptica) against the growth of Colletotrichum capsici causes anthracnosis in chilli. The study was conducted at the Mycology Laboratory of Institute Vegetables Research Indonesia, on July - September 2018. The study used a randomized design complete (CRD) with nine treatments and three replications. The treatment consisted of: leaf extract of derris (0.5%; 1.0%; 1.5%; 2.0%), leaf extract of cattapa (0.5%; 1.0%; 1.5%; 2.0%), and control (without treatment). The result showed that the leaf extract of derris more effective to suppress the conidial production of C. capsici. Development of colonies diameter leaf extract of derris was relatively smaller (3.24-4.31 cm), while for the treatment of leaf extract of cattapa showed larger colony size (6.02-6.82 cm).

Genomics and Phenotypical Characterization of Two New Lytic Bacteriophages for Biocontrol of Salmonella enterica

Aims: To perform the isolation, characterization and sequencing of the bacteriophages. To demonstrate that the bacteriophages can be used for biocontrol of different Salmonella enterica serovars. Study Design: This study was an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory in the Veterinary Hospital at the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Passo Fundo (FAMV/UPF), Biotechnology Center (CBiotec) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Center for Microscopy and Microanalysis at the Faculty of Veterinary of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), between January – September 2016. Methodology: Twelve Salmonella enterica serovars (S. Anatum, S. Agona, S. Brandenburg, S. Bredeney, S. Infantis, S. Lexington, S. Panama, S. Rissen, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Tennessee, S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 and S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028) were selected to be the hosts. We isolate, purify, produce and determine the bacteriophage titers to verify the potential for lysis of these phages against the hosts. Having determined the action of the phages against the hosts, we performed the sequencing of the bacteriophages on the Illumina Mi-Seq platform and the morphology was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: We isolated, characterized and sequenced the genome of two new bacteriophages, Salmonella phage UPF_BP1, belonging to the family Podoviridae and Salmonella phage UPF_BP2, family Myoviridae. UPF_BP1 has lytic action against seven tested Salmonella enterica serovars, while UPF_BP2 has action against the twelve tested serovars. Conclusion: The two new bacteriophages have a lytic action against different Salmonella enterica serovars, feeding our expectations for the development of alternatives for the use of antimicrobials, being possible candidates for use as a biocontrol of Salmonella enterica in food, animals and the environment.

The Prevalence of Dermatophytosis and its Etiologic Agents in Clients of Mycology Laboratory of Yazd Central Laboratory in 2013-2018

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is one of the health problems that may spread from contaminated soil, pets, livestock, and infected humans. Although Tinea capitis is more prevalent in deprived areas, other forms of this disease were also reported in both urban and rural regions. In order to design appropriate strategies to control and treat diseases, the disease prevalence and its effective factors should be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of dermatophytosis and its etiologic agents in patients who referred to the mycology laboratory of Yazd Central Laboratory during 2013-2018. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, samples were collected from suspected dermatophytic lesions of patients who referred to the mycology section of Yazd Central Medical Laboratory during 2013-2018. After completing the demographic information questionnaire, samples were collected from the lesions and examined by direct microscopic culture examination. Moreover, additional tests were performed to determine the genus and species of the etiologic agents. Results: From 900 patients, 112 cases (12.5%) were positive regarding both direct smear and culture. The highest rate of infection was observed in the age group less than 10 years. The most common clinical forms were tinea corporis, capitis, cruris, manuum, pedis, and ungium, respectively. The most commonly isolated etiologic agents were Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton verrucosum. Conclusion: Due to the lack of information about the current status of this disease in Yazd, periodical studies are recommended on dermatophytosis, their sources, and etiologic agents in order to take effective measures to control and prevent the disease.

Improving Confirmatory Testing for the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network in Ethiopia

Background: In July 2017, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) launched an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance network at 4 sentinel laboratories. The National Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory (NRL) at EPHI performs monthly confirmatory testing on a subset of isolates submitted by these sites. We assessed the existing confirmatory testing program to identify gaps and develop solutions, including a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system. Methods: We assembled a technical working group (TWG) of key stakeholders. Laboratory site visits included workflow observation, process mapping, document review, and technologist interviews. Proposed solutions to observed gaps were drafted in formats consistent with their intended application. Feedback from the TWG was incorporated into final drafts. Available AMR network staff members were trained remotely, and they will train remaining staff. Results: Table 1 describes major gaps and solutions identified. Conclusions: Confirmatory testing provides a mechanism to evaluate laboratory testing proficiency, target improvements, and estimate surveillance data quality, yet standardized methods were lacking. Our efforts highlight key components of confirmatory testing programs and provide a model for use in laboratories with similar needs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None