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Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay
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[Colonization properties of opportunistic bacteria isolated from children with pneumonia]

G N Kholodok, I N Alekseeva, N V Strel'nikova

    Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
    |July 24, 2014
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Phenotypic traits of opportunistic bacteria like adhesion and anti-lysozyme activity help identify invasive strains in children with community-acquired pneumonia. These factors aid in determining the etiological importance of isolated microorganisms.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Bacterial Pathogenesis

    Background:

    • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children is often caused by opportunistic bacteria.
    • Understanding the virulence factors of these bacteria is crucial for effective treatment and diagnosis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the phenotypes and pathogenicity factors of opportunistic bacteria isolated from pediatric respiratory samples.
    • To differentiate between invasive and non-invasive strains based on specific bacterial activities.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation and identification of opportunistic bacteria from tracheal aspirates and nasopharyngeal swabs of children with and without pneumonia.
    • Quantitative assessment of bacterial phenotypes including adhesion, anti-lysozyme activity, and inherent bactericidal activity.

    Main Results:

    • Opportunistic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter spp. possess adhesive, anti-interferon, anti-lysozyme, and bactericidal activities.
    • Invasive Gram-negative bacterial strains exhibit adhesion indexes below 2.5.
    • Non-invasive strains are characterized by anti-lysozyme activity below 2.14 microg/ml and absence of "anti-interferon" activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Specific phenotypic features of opportunistic bacteria can serve as markers for invasive strains.
    • These identified phenotypic characteristics can aid clinicians in assessing the etiological significance of bacteria isolated from pneumonia patients.

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