Bacterial DNA signatures in carotid atherosclerosis represent both commensals and pathogens of skin origin.

Infectious agents have been suggested to be involved in atherosclerosis. By using a novel subtraction broad-range PCR approach, we defined bacterial DNA signatures in surgically removed sterile carotid artery endarterectomy plaques of patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Eighty partial bacterial 16S rDNA nucleotide sequences from eight patients were studied.

Bacterial signatures in atherosclerotic lesions represent human commensals and pathogens.

Background: Various studies have suggested the involvement of infectious agents in chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. By using a novel subtraction broad-range PCR approach, we defined bacterial DNA signatures in surgically removed sterile abdominal aorta samples of patients with aortic atherosclerosis.

Methods: Partial bacterial 16S rDNA nucleotide sequences were determined using broad-range PCR from aortic samples of 20 patients, and from appropriate methodological controls.

Changes in Synechococcus population size and cellular ribosomal RNA content in response to predation and nutrient limitation.

A mathematical model of predator-prey interactions was used to predict the relationship between population size and cellular growth rate in a two-tiered trophic system consisting of Synechococcus PCC 6301 and Tetrahymena pyriformis. As predicted, axenic chemostat cultures of Synechococcus responded to increased nutrient availability by expanding the equilibrium population size without a concurrent change in growth rate. Likewise, the addition of the predator Tetrahymena pyriformis decreased the Synechococcus population size by 85% and increased the Synechococcus growth rate.

Methanogenic Archaea and human periodontal disease.

Archaea have been isolated from the human colon, vagina, and oral cavity, but have not been established as causes of human disease. In this study, we reveal a relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and the relative abundance of archaeal small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNA) in the subgingival crevice by using quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the relative abundance of archaeal small subunit rDNA decreased at treated sites in association with clinical improvement.

Bordetella species are distinguished by patterns of substantial gene loss and host adaptation.

Pathogens of the bacterial genus Bordetella cause respiratory disease in humans and animals. Although virulence and host specificity vary across the genus, the genetic determinants of this diversity remain unidentified. To identify genes that may underlie key phenotypic differences between these species and clarify their evolutionary relationships, we performed a comparative analysis of genome content in 42 Bordetella strains by hybridization of genomic DNA to a microarray representing the genomes of three Bordetella species and by subtractive hybridization.