Chromogenic enzyme substrates based on [2-(nitroaryl)ethenyl]pyridinium and quinolinium derivatives for the detection of nitroreductase activity in clinically important microorganisms.

A series of [2-(nitroaryl)ethenyl]pyridinium and quinolinium derivatives have been synthesised as potential indicators of microbial nitroreductase activity. When assessed against a selection of 20 clinically important pathogenic microorganisms, microbial colonies of various colours (yellow, green, red, brown, black) were produced and attributed to nitroreductase activity. Most substrates elicited colour responses with Gram-negative microorganisms.

Automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing of slow-growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in the presence of tetrazolium salt WST-1.

Slow growing, mucoid isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa require adaptation of the protocol used for automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). In the present study we used a water soluble tetrazolium salt WST-1 (4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate) in combination with menadione for possibly improving AST of slow growing and biofilm-forming P. aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Phenotypic and Genomic Variability of Serial Peri-Lung Transplantation Isolates From Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) represents one of the major genetic and chronic lung diseases affecting Caucasians of European descent. Patients with CF suffer from recurring infections that lead to further damage of the lungs. Pulmonary infection due to is most prevalent, further increasing CF-related mortality.

Differences and overlaps between Phd studies in diagnostic microbiology in industrial and academic settings.

Industrial and academic needs for innovation and fundamental research are essential and not widely different. Depending on the industrial setting, research and development (R&D) activities may be more focused on the developmental aspects given the need to ultimately sell useful products. However, one of the biggest differences between academic and industrial R&D will usually be the funding model applied and the priority setting between innovative research and product development.

Fluorogenic 7-azidocoumarin and 3/4-azidophthalimide derivatives as indicators of reductase activity in microorganisms.

A series of fluorogenic heterocyclic azides were prepared and assessed as reductase substrates across a selection of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms. The majority of these azides showed similar activity profiles to nitroreductase substrates. Microorganisms that do not produce hydrogen sulfide reduced the azides, indicating reductase activity was not linked to hydrogen sulfide production.

Identification of Enterococcus faecalis enzymes with azoreductases and/or nitroreductase activity.

Background: Nitroreductases, NAD(P)H dependent flavoenzymes, are found in most of bacterial species. Even if Enterococcus faecalis strains seems to present such activity because of their sensitivity to nitrofurans, no enzyme has been described. Nitroreductases were separated of others reductases due to their capacity to reduce nitro compounds.