Higher alkyl sulfatase activity required by microbial inhabitants to remove anionic surfactants in the contaminated surface waters.

Biodegradation of anionic surfactants, like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are challenged by some bacteria through the function of the enzyme alkyl sulfatases. Therefore, identifying and characterizing bacteria capable of degrading SDS with high alkyl sulfatase enzyme activity are pivotal. In this study, bacteria isolated from surfactant contaminated river water were screened for their potential to degrade SDS.

vanA Gene Harboring Enterococcal and Non-enterococcal Isolates Expressing High Level Vancomycin and Teicoplanin Resistance Reservoired in Surface Waters.

Untreated wastewaters and treated effluents even after final disinfection contain antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes before they are released into surface waters. A correlation between resistant bacteria and antibiotics in surface waters has been found, as have antibiotic resistance genes. Of particular interest are vancomycin-resistant enterococci harboring vanA gene that confers high level of resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics including teicoplanin.

vanA-targeted oligonucleotide DNA probe designed to monitor vancomycin- and teicoplanin-resistant bacteria in surface waters.

The glycopeptide antibiotics teicoplanin and vancomycin are common to treat severe Gram-positive bacterial infections. The gene vanA confers high-level resistance to these antibiotics, and these phenomena have been shown to be transferable. Release of vancomycin- and teicoplanin-resistant bacteria to surface waters is, therefore, of particular concern since they might proliferate and spread in different environments.

Methicillin-Resistant Bacteria Inhabiting Surface Waters Monitored by mecA-Targeted Oligonucleotide Probes.

Part of a 20-60 kb staphylococcal chromosome cassette called mecA encodes low-affinity penicillin-binding protein PBP2a and causes methicillin resistance. Among all methicillin-resistant bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen and main concern worldwide. Although the origin of the mecA is not very well-defined, mecA homologues are also ubiquitous in methicillin-resistant non-staphylococcal bacteria.

Use of cadA-Specific Primers and DNA Probes as Tools to Select Cadmium Biosorbents with Potential in Remediation Strategies.

Biosorption, using cadmium-resistant bacterial isolates, is often regarded as a relatively inexpensive and efficient way of cleaning up wastes, sediments, or soils polluted with cadmium. Therefore, many efforts have been devoted to the isolation of cadmium-resistant isolates for the efficient management of cadmium remediation processes. However, isolation, identification and in situ screening of efficient cadmium-resistant isolates are primary challenges.

Design a cadA-targeted DNA probe for screening of potential bacterial cadmium biosorbents.

Due to their metal removal ability, bacterial biosorbents can be effectively used for the treatment of wastewaters containing heavy metals. Searching for bacterial biosorbents for hazardous heavy metals like cadmium is a pivotal for remediation efforts. The gene cadA, that mediates resistance to cadmium over an ATP-dependent efflux mechanism, provides a good target for the selection of potential cadmium biosorbents.

mecA Gene Dissemination Among Staphylococcal and Non-staphylococcal Isolates Shed in Surface Waters.

Aquatic ecosystems represent important vehicles for the dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. Of particular interest are methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) harboring mecA gene that confers their resistance to β-lactams. Therefore, in this study, water samples collected from different locations of a river impacted by surrounding facilities and domestic effluents were analyzed to learn more about the occurrence of MRS and mecA gene.

Co-occurrence of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance in Kızılırmak River isolates.

Contamination of surface waters with antimicrobials has become an increasing public health concern because of the emergence of multi-resistant pathogens. For this reason, water samples collected from the Kızılırmak River-Kırıkkale, Turkey were analysed to learn more about the co-occurrence of heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Resistant profiles were determined by using 26 antibiotics and 17 heavy metals.

Detection and spread of oxa-48-producing Klebsiella oxytoca isolates in Istanbul, Turkey.

Five OXA-48 producing Klebsiella oxytoca strains isolated in April-July 2010 were analyzed. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion method and VITEK 2 system. Carbapenemase activity was investigated using the Modified Hodge test.

Surface water isolates of hemolytic and non-hemolytic Acinetobacter with multiple drug and heavy metal resistance ability.

Acinetobacter in surface waters are a major concern because of their rapid development of resistance to a wide range of antimicrobials and their ability to persist in these waters for a very long time. Four surface water isolates of Acinetobacter having both multidrug- and multimetal-resistant ability were isolated and identified through biochemical tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. Based on these analyses, two hemolytic isolates were affiliated with Acinetobacter haemolyticus with an accession number of X81662.

Characterization of SDS-degrading Delftia acidovorans and in situ monitoring of its temporal succession in SDS-contaminated surface waters.

Incomplete removal of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in wastewater treatment plants may result in SDS residues escaping and finding their way into receiving water bodies like rivers, lakes, and sea. Introduction of effective microorganisms into the aerobic treatment facilities can reduce unpleasant by-products and SDS residues. Selecting effective microorganisms for SDS treatment is a big challenge.

Surface water-borne multidrug and heavy metal-resistant Staphylococcus isolates characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing.

Four Staphylococcus isolates having both multidrug- and multimetal-resistant ability were isolated from surface water. Further identification of the isolates was obtained through biochemical tests and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. One methicillin-resistant and two methicillin-sensitive isolates were determined as Staphylococcus aureus.

Effects of cypermethrin on Allium cepa.

In this study, toxic effects of the cypermethrin in Allium cepa L. cells were investigated. For this aim, we investigated the changes in pigment contents, antioxidant enzymes, mitotic index and chromosomal abnormalities as indicators of toxicity.