Chemotactic signal transduction and phosphate metabolism as adaptive strategies during citrus canker induction by Xanthomonas citri

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of Xylella fastidiosa genetic diversity by fAFPL markers

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 derivatives on B lymphocyte activation in vivo

The potential sequelae of intestinal infection with Yersinia enterocolitica include reactive arthritis, erythema nodosum, Reiter's syndrome and other autoimmune diseases. The role of the immune response in the pathogenesis of these diseases has not been fully defined, but autoimmune manifestations may be a consequence of the increase in autoantibodies as a result of polyclonal B-cell activation induced by Yersinia. We investigated the effects of Y enterocolitica 0:3 derivatives on B lymphocyte activation in vivo. Groups of five specific pathogen free (SPF) Swiss mice were inoculated with bacterial cell extract, Yersinia outermembrane proteins (Yops) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) obtained from Y enterocolitica 0:3 and their immunoglobulin-secreting spleen cells were detected by isotype-specific protein A plaque assay. The presence of specific anti-Yersinia antibodies and autoantibodies was determined in mouse sera by ELISA. In all experiments a marked increase in the number of secretory cells of different isotypes was observed as early as the third day after inoculation. IgG and IgM anti-Yersinia antibodies were detected in the sera of all inoculated mice, and autoantibodies against myosin in the sera of those inoculated with bacterial cell extract. The sera from animals stimulated with LPS reacted with myelin, actin and laminin, while the sera from mice inoculated with Yops reacted with myelin, thyroglobulin and cardiolipin. These results suggest that SPF Swiss mice inoculated with any one of the Y enterocolitica derivatives tested exhibited polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes as a result of stimulation by various bacterial components and not only LPS stimulation.

Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal strain) induces the expression of TNF-alpha in leukocytes and splenocytes of experimentally infected dogs

Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is characterized by a systemic febrile disease of unknown pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression of cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-10, IFN-gamma, in splenic cells and blood leukocytes during the acute phase of ehrlichiosis and after treatment with doxycycline hyclate in dogs experimentally infected with the E. canis Jaboticabal strain. The study results showed a significant expression of TNF-alpha 18 days post-inoculation, reducing by approximately 70% after treatment. There was a unique peak of expression of IL-10 and IFN-gamma 18 and 30 days post-inoculation, respectively. This study suggests that TNF-alpha plays a role in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of canine ehrlichiosis and that treatment with doxycycline hyclate reduces the systemic effects of this cytokine, possibly by reducing or eliminating parasitemia.

Current advances in antitubercular drug discovery: potent prototypes and new targets

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacterium of the Mycobacterium genus, mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The World Health Organization aims to substantially reduce the number of cases in the coming years; however, the increased number of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug-resistant (XDR) forms of the bacterium and the lack of treatment for latent tuberculosis are challenges to be overcome. In this review, we have identified the most potent compounds described in the literature during recent years with MIC values < 7 µM, low toxicity and a high selective index. In addition, emerging targets in MTB are presented to provide new perspectives for the discovery of new antitubercular drugs. This review aims to summarize the current advances in and promote insights into antitubercular drug discovery.

Biomassa da bactéria Rubrivivax gelatinosus proveniente do tratamento de efluente de piscicultura melhora a saúde dos peixes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influência da infecção por patógenos na escolha química de parceiros em tilápia-do-Nilo

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The genome sequence of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa: The Xylella fastidiosa consortium of the organization for nucleotide sequencing and analysis, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Xylella fastidiosa is a fastidious, xylem-limited bacterium that causes a range of economically important plant diseases. Here we report the complete genome sequence of X. fastidiosa clone 9a5c, which causes citrus variegated chlorosis - a serious disease of orange trees. The genome comprises a 52.7% GC-rich 2,679,305-base-pair (bp) circular chromosome and 'two plasmids of 51,158 bp and 1,285 bp. We can assign putative functions to47% of the 2,904 predicted coding regions. Efficient metabolic functions are predicted, with sugars as the principal energy and carbon source, supporting existence in the nutrient-poor xylem sap. The mechanisms associated with pathogenicity and virulence involve toxins, antibiotics and ion sequestration systems, as well as bacterium-bacterium and bacterium-host interactions mediated by a range of proteins. Orthologues of some of these proteins have only been identified in animal and human pathogens; their presence in X. fastidiosa indicates that the molecular basis for bacterial pathogenicity is both conserved and independent of host. At least 83 genes are bacteriophage-derived and include virulence-associated genes from other bacteria, providing direct evidence of phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer.

Detecção de Histophilus somni (Haemophilus somnus) no sêmen bovino mediante reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR)

The present study evaluated the use of PCR for Histophilus somni detection in bovine semen. Semen samples were experimentally infected with H. somni at dilutions ranging from 107 to 101 bacteria/mL and subjected to DNA extraction by the phenol/chloroform method, followed by PCR amplification. The amplification products were analyzed by electrophoresis in 8% acrylamide gel. The oligonucleotide primers used yielded an amplification fragment of 400 base pairs from the bacterial DNA. Positive amplification was obtained even for the 101 bacteria/mL dilution. PCR proved to be an efficient method for the detection of H. somni. The results obtained in this study have brought relevant information for the diagnosis of H. somni, justifying the need for the diagnosis of this bacterium in bulls, especially in semen samples that should be free of contamination. The PCR method has shown to be a useful tool for the quality control of semen produced in artificial insemination centers.

Distribution of serotype-specific genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitns in Brazilian patients with Down syndrome with different periodontal conditions

Fundação do Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Impact of sub-inhibitory concentrations of amoxicillin on helicobacter pylori virulence factors

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens PV. flaccumfaciens: aspectos epidemiológicos e variabilidade genética

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Purificação da dextranasacarase de L. mesenteroides FT045B, produção de dextrana de massa molar média controlada, produção de ácido ascórbico α-glicosídeo e do composto bromo-dextrana

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Desenvolvimento de técnicas e avaliações de antimicrobianos visando a produção de etanol carburante

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)