Microbial Warfare on Three Fronts: Mixed Biofilm of and on Primary Cultures of Human Limbo-Corneal Fibroblasts.

Background: Coinfections with fungi and bacteria in ocular pathologies are increasing at an alarming rate. Two of the main etiologic agents of infections on the corneal surface, such as and , can form a biofilm. However, mixed fungal-bacterial biofilms are rarely reported in ocular infections.

Amniotic membrane conditioned medium (AMCM) reduces inflammatory response on human limbal myofibroblast, and the potential role of lumican.

Purpose: Viral infections such as herpetic keratitis (HSK) activate the innate immune response in the cornea triggering opacity and loss of vision. This condition is performed mainly by myofibroblasts that exacerbate secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) reduces ocular opacity and scarring inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines and proliferation of myofibroblasts.

Microscopic characterization of biofilm in mixed keratitis in a novel murine model.

Purpose: To report the characterization and analysis of the biofilm formation in mixed keratitis induced by the coinfection of Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium falciforme in a novel murine model.

Methods: Clinical ocular microbial isolates and female BALB/c mice were used to develop the murine model. Immunosuppression was achieved with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone.

Negative interaction of Staphylococcus aureus on Fusarium falciforme growth ocular isolates in an in vitro mixed biofilm.

The interactions between prokaryotes and eukaryotes are abundant in nature. These microorganisms also interact in the human body. Fungal-bacteria interactions are present in many diseases.

Corneal Biofilm Plaques: A Novel Clinical Presentation.

Purpose: To report a novel clinical presentation of corneal biofilms, consisting of formation of superficial and recurrent corneal plaques.

Methods: Interventional case report. A 9-year-old boy presented with subepithelial, whitish, avascular, and recurrent corneal plaques without any clinical manifestations of active corneal inflammation and/or infection.

Proteome analysis of biofilm produced by a Fusarium falciforme keratitis infectious agent.

Biofilms are structures that confer adaptive ability to and facilitate the virulence of fungal pathogens. Certain multi-functional proteins have been shown to be involved in fungal pathogenesis and these proteins may also be implicated in biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to identify a fungal agent isolated from the human cornea, to analyze the ability of this organism to form biofilms in vitro and to investigate protein expression in this condition.

Characterization of free fatty acid receptors expression in an obesity rat model with high sucrose diet.

Introduction/aims: In recent years, it has been shown that free fatty acids receptors (FFAR) of whose function in the cell surface plays a significant role in the regulation of cell function and nutrition as well are activated by various endogenous ligands, but mainly by fatty acids. Within FFAR of our interest are GPR 41, 43 and 120. The functions of these receptors are varied and dependent on the tissue where they are.

Fibroblasts: The Unknown Sentinels Eliciting Immune Responses Against Microorganisms.

Fibroblasts are present in all tissues but predominantly in connective tissues. Some of their functions include contractility, locomotion, collagen and elastin fiber production, and the regulation and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Also, fibroblasts act as sentinels to produce inflammatory mediators in response to several microorganisms.

Trends in Microbiological and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns in Infectious Keratitis: 10-Year Experience in Mexico City.

Purpose: To report the distribution and trends in microbiological and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of infectious keratitis in a 10-year period at a reference center in Mexico City.

Methods: In this retrospective observational case series, samples were obtained from corneas with a diagnosis of infectious keratitis from January 2002 to December 2011 at the Institute of Ophthalmology "Conde de Valenciana" in Mexico City. Results of cultures, stains, and specific sensitivity/resistance antibiograms for each microorganism were analyzed.

Clinical and microbiological profile of infectious keratitis in children.

Background: Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition for children. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical profile, risk factors and microbiological profile of infectious keratitis in children.

Methods: Retrospective review of clinical records of patients under 16 years of age with history of microbial keratitis seen at a tertiary referral center.