Our first works on biosensors dealt primarily with the development of electrochemical type microbial biosensors. The aim of the research was to consider the applied potential of microbial cells and to highlight the results obtained in developing models of analytical devices for detection of readily utilizable useful organic compounds (carbohydrates, alcohols, organic acids) and toxic compounds (hydrocarbons, surfactants). The basis of those biosensors was Clark-type electrodes, electrodes obtained by screen printed techniques and based on field-effect transistors. Then we extended our interest of research; the purposeful application of microorganisms for assessment of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was considered. We used empirically chosen cultures of bacterial and yeast cells to form biosensor receptor elements. During the last several years the aim of the search was to study the

characteristics of the microbial fuel cells, the development of microbial fuel cells not distinctly different from microbial biosensors. This approach yielded several positive results: Fragments of cell membranes (membrane fractions) were intensively used; nanomaterials were applied to develop electrodes; a novel approach based on the converter-based accumulation of electricity was applied for accumulation of electric energy. These topics are considered in the presentation.

Reshetilov Anatoly has completed his PhD at the Institute of Biophysics and Postdoctoral studies at the Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences (both at the Biological Research Center, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia). He is the Head of the Laboratory of Biosensors. His major areas of interest are electrochemical biosensors and microbial fuel cells. He has published more than 120 papers in reputed journals.

Ilknur Tuncer has completed her MSc in Marine Environmental Protection from School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, UK and PhD in Living Marine Resources from Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey. She has several oral and poster presentations published in international and national conference proceedings.

The limited number of studies on relationship between environmental parameters and bacterial community composition in sediments of Eastern Mediterranean Sea include bacterial biomass, nucleic acid concentration and cultivation independent studies. Cultivation based methods, on the other hand, are important for further studies such as production of secondary metabolites

and identification of new species. In the present study, totally nineteen stations with 0-1235 m depths were sampled from sediments of Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The grain size and carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus contents of sediment samples were analyzed. Bacterial isolation was achieved using seven different sediment processing methods and seven isolation media prepared with sterile seawater and then incubation at 20-28 °C up to two months. 16S rRNA gene sequences of 185 strains were deposited into NCBI GenBank database and phylogenetic analysis was performed with 1000 bootstrap neighbor-joining method. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to compare bacterial community composition. Among three phyla Firmicutes with Bacillus the most frequent genus, Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, totally fourteen families were obtained and nine percent of isolates had the probability of representing new taxa. While the chemical contents of sediments reflected the regional variability, latitudinal separation in bacterial diversity was obviously seen in hierarchical cluster analysis. The shallowest sediments affected by continuous terrestrial and anthropogenic inputs had the highest phylogenetic diversity in higher taxa. The deep and oligotrophic stations in North and South Aegean Sea had higher diversity in lower taxa.

Waterborne parasitic protozoa outbreaks are on an increase, although there are better surveillance and reporting systems in several countries. The most prevalent water borne parasitic infections producing diarrhea are cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis; the common waterborne parasitic protozoa that cause human infections are Toxoplasma gondii, Cyclospora, Microspora, Naegleria spp., etc. Pathogenic protozoa have a biologically different shape during their life cycle in the host. Although there are various methods available, detection of pathogenic protozoa is more difficult as compared to other methods. For monitoring of the protozoa in the water source system, we mainly conducted direct microscopic observations. In this study, 6 kinds of the waterborne parasitic protozoa were detected by the PCR method in samples collected from Nakdong River. The results of water quality in this investigation showed an average of total coliforms (TC) 40~4,900 MPN/100 mL and fecal coliforms 0~1,100 MPN/100 mL. The water quality during this survey showed an improvement when compared to results of the previous year (conducted during the same period), but the number of bacteria were temporarily increased due to turbidity caused by rainfall. Parasitic protozoa were not detected in any of the source water samples of the Busan metropolitan city. We confirmed the microbiological safety of drinking water produced by

the treatment system. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the bacteriological load in water, so as to ensure the safety of water supplies. Further studies are required to compare the specificities and sensitivities of several methods to accurately detect parasitic protozoa.

Mahek Merchant is currently a PhD student in Biotechnology at University of Westminster, UK. She has MEng degree in Biochemical Engineering from University of Westminster, UK.

It is well established that productivity of some commercially important fungal products is dependent upon the original number of spores as inoculum. An example of this is the filamentous fungus, Aspergillus niger. Inoculum numbers below 108 spores/ml result in pellet morphology, desirable for citric acid production, above this, is ideal for pectic enzyme production. Therefore morphology and subsequently, productivity, can be manipulated by altering inoculum size. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is of interest, as the number of spores present within a given environment may represent a quorum-sensing event. Quorum sensing is a response and communication mechanism in microbes; it is shown to have an effect on physiological activities. This communication system can be implemented as a strategy for overproduction of microbial products that are of commercial importance. Butyrolactone-I is a known self-regulating agent involved in morphological differentiation and secondary metabolism in some bacteria. In fungi,specifically, Aspergillus terreus, it is classified as a quorum sensing molecule and has proven effects on variety of microbial cultures. This work focused on potential effects of a range of quorum sensing molecules/inducers on spore germination and the development of subsequent cultures in liquid media. Spores were harvested from Aspergillus terreus cultures. Inoculum concentrations of 103 and 107 spores/ml were added to complex and defined media supplemented with various additives, including quorum sensing molecules e.g., butyrolactone-I and other medium composition enhancers. Morphological differences were seen between high and low spore numbers but not between low spore numbers and the additives.

Astrid Helga Paulitsch-Fuchs has expertise in biofilm formation of fungal and bacterial species; especially the response of organisms in those structures to antimicrobial substances. Recently she also focuses on the influence of magnetic and electric fields on the cell envelopes of different species. After completing her PhD at the University of Graz, Austria she moved to the Netherlands and worked as a Post Doctorate and Theme Coordinator at Wetsus, European Center of Expertise for Sustainable Water Technology.

Biofilms often lead to significant problems in clinical settings as they are hard to remove from surfaces (e.g., catheters) and the show increased antimicrobial resistances. Staphylococcus aureus (strain DSM-799 and Newman) biofilms were grown for 48 hours in different concentrations of CuCl2 or CuSO4 in order to establish a copper value giving a breakpoint for cell growth. Electrical

impedance sensing (EIS) was performed using an ECIS Model Z Theta (Ibidi, Germany). Biofilms were grown in eight well arrays with ten electrodes per well. Starting value impedance was measured using 150 μL of LB media and 150 μL of the copper solution in the desired concentration. This step was done for all eight cells and the solution was carefully removed with a pipette after the measurement. Afterwards, again 150 μL of the desired copper concentration were added to the empty cells and inoculated with 150

μL of the diluted ONC (OD600 of 0.5). Impedance was measured directly afterwards and after 24 and 48 hours of incubation at 37 °C and 90 rpm. Additionally typical laboratory measurements for biofilms (polysaccharide and protein content, life/dead cell flowcytometry) were performed. When uninfluenced, biofilms develop on the electrodes of the system, blocking the electrodes, causing the impedance values to drop. When cell growth and biofilm formation becomes inhibited this drop does not take place. These

findings are supported by the data of the other measurement techniques. Future studies will evaluate the feasibility of the presented method for use in routine antimicrobial assessment. Other species and different antimicrobial substances will be used.

Rasih Felek has completed his MD from Hacettepe University School of Medicine and Postdoctoral studies from Ataturk University School of Medicine. He has published more than 14 papers in reputed journals.

This study includes hot meal samples from six hotels (10 samples for each). The food samples were identified by planting into Braid Parker Agar including pre-prepared egg-yolk tellurite emulsion. Isolated S. aureus bacteria were analyzed for enterotoxin via the commercial kit of Reversed Passive Latex Agglutination. 21 out of 60 meal samples were found S. aureus contaminated in 1.0×103- 4.7×104 kob/g. Enterotoxin was found positive in 6 samples out of 12 in which the S. aureus number was detected more than 1.0×103.In the samples of the first hotel, one SEB was found positive. In the samples of the second hotel, one SEC was found positive. In the samples of the third hotel, one SEC was found positive. In the samples of the forth hotel, no enterotoxin was found positive. In the samples of the sixth hotel, one SEA and one SED were found positive. In inspected 21 S. aureus bacteria, enterotoxin A (SEA) was found positive in one of the samples (10%), enterotoxin B (SEB) was found positive in two samples (5%), enterotoxin C (SEC) was found positive in two food samples (5%), enterotoxin D (SED) was also found positive in one food samples (6.7%). In hotels having all inclusive system, hot meals require extra attention for food safety. Heat-processing is not effective in terms of food intoxication.To protect consumer health in a better way, it is vital to pay extra attention to general sanitation rules and to handling food safety like

HACCP and to staff hygiene.

Patrick Fickers has obtained his PhD from University of Liege, Belgium in 2004. He has worked as Post-doctorate at Polytech Lille, France and as a FNRS Fellow at the Centre of Protein Engineering, Liege, Belgium. He was an Associated Professor at Unversité libre de Bruxelles and the Head of the Biotechnology and Bioprocess Unit (2009-014). In January 2015, he has joined as a Professor the Microbial Processes and Interactions Research Unit (MiPI) at Gembloux AgroBiotech, Univerity of Liege. He has published 37 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and 6 book chapters. His researches focus on the development of yeast and bacterial strains by metabolic engineering and on process development in bioreactor for the production of valuable compounds.

In this study, the regulation of the promoter of the acycl-CoA oxidase gene 2 (pPOX2) and of the extracellular lipase 2 (pLIP2) was considered in regard to the medium composition and more precisely to the carbon source used. Promoter induction levels were measured using a reporter system based on a red fluorescent protein (DsRed). Specific fluorescence measurement revealed that pLIP2 is more strongly induced than pPOX2, especially in complex medium. More interestingly, higher levels of induction were obtained when a combination of glucose and oleic acid was used as carbon source compared to an oleic acid based medium. In order to define the optimal ratio of glucose/oleic acid to be used, several ratios of carbon sources have been tested for their induction potential. Highinduction level of pLIP2 was obtained when oleic acid fraction in the culture medium was in the range of 0.6-0.9 C-mol. Indeed, relative fluorescence was significantly increased in this range compared to the use of pure oleic acid. This result suggests that glucose can be considered as the most promising co-substrate to enhance pLIP2 induction and thus expression of any gene controlled by this promoter. In conclusion, this work provides alternative strategies to enhance pLIP2 induction and thus expression of pLIP2 dependent gene in Yarrowia lipolytica which increase the interest in this as a promising recombinant expression system.

Kalyan Koganti has completed his Master’s degree in Internal Medicine from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. Later he was awarded his Post Graduate Certificate in Infectious diseases from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

 

Background: Urinary tract infections are common illness in the community. In India and many other low and middle income countries presumptive antibiotic therapy is given to majority of patients without performing urine cultures. This is leading to alarming antibiotic resistance and significant economic burden to the patients when the initial presumptive antibiotic treatment fails.

 

Objective: To assess antimicrobial resistance pattern of uropathogens in community acquired urinary tract infections.

 

Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a hospital in South India over 12 months from August, 2015 to July, 2016. We collected isolates of E.coli, Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp., from patients with community acquired urinary tract infection. Identification of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on Vitek 2 (automated identification and sensitivity equipment based onCLSI guidelines). Multi drug resistant uropathogens were defined as strains resistant to at least two groups of antibiotics in addition

to extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) positivity.

 

Results: A total of 366 isolates (318 E.coli, 38 Klebsiella spp., and 10 Proteus spp.) were included in the study. Of these 235 (73.8%) E.coli, 26 (68.4%) Klebsiella spp., and 3 (30%) Proteus spp., isolates were ESBL positive. Further 51 (16%) E.coli and 2 (5.2%) Klebsiella spp., isolates were multidrug resistant. The most frequently encountered comorbidity is diabetes, seen in 117 (31.9%) patients.Tigecycline and Colistin appeared to be the most effective antibiotics in multidrug resistant cases.

 

Conclusion: There is an alarming increase of ESBL producing isolates in the last few years. Presumptive antibiotic therapy in urinary tract infections is to be based on regular community acquired resistance pattern analysis within a given centre. Rising multidrug resistance is a serious concern in countries like India due to significant economic burden. Urine cultures must be done in all the patients before starting presumptive antibiotic treatment.

Vikrant Negi is currently a PhD scholar at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences. He has completed his Post-graduation in Medical Microbiology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University. He has published 11 papers in reputed journals. He has won Gold Medal in bacteriology at MICROCON 2010 India, nominated winner of Scientists solution Innovative Student Project Fund Award 2011 and winner of quiz competition in Parasitology at AIIMS Jodhpur, 2016. He has served as a Demonstrator in Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Medical Sciences & Research Institute, Uttarakhand and as a District Microbiologist at Integrated Diseases Surveillance Program, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Staphylococcus aureus are primarily found in human moist squamous epithelium of the anterior nares. The incidence of S. aureus has been increasing emergence of drug-resistant strains called Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Medical students, second year onwards, are posted in various OPDs, wards, ICUs and operation theatres. Students with S. aureus nasal carriage may disseminate S. aureus to patients. This study was conducted to investigate the carrier rate of S. aureus among hospital unexposed & exposed medical students, comparing biofilm forming ability and its correlation with antibiotic resistance. 181 healthy medical students of Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Medical Sciences & Research Institute, Uttarakhand, unexposed (n=74) and exposed (n=107) to the hospital environment volunteered in this study. Nasal swabs were obtained & cultured for the detection of S. aureus. Kirby-Bauers disc diffusion test for antibiotic susceptibility was performed. Beta lactamase production was identified by using Sykes and Mathew’s test tube and agar plate methods. Congo Red Agar (CRA) and 0.1% Crystal Violet Assay (CVA) was done to see ability to form in vitro biofilm by isolated S. aureus. 29.28% medical students were found to be healthy carrier of S.aureus, for unexposed 17.57% and exposed 37.38%. MRSA carriage was observed in one student (exposed group). Prevalence of S.

aureus nasal carriage increases with the duration of exposure to the hospital environment. The nasal carriage of S. aureus in medical students indicates the potential danger of dissemination of S. aureus including MRSA from them to the hospitalized patients. Biofilm producing strains indicates the potential possibility of acquiring implant associated infection.