Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica

Number 36(1), 2020

3-8
Antivirals Effective toward SARS-CoV-2

Authors: Galabov, A.S., Galabov, S.A.

Abstract

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The review presents the basic data on the chemical compounds manifesting pronounced activity against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The compounds are characterized with their chemical structure, and experimental anti-coronavirus activity in vitro (in cell cultures) and in vivo (in laboratory animals). The existing data on their clinical use in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, double-blind trials included, occupies an important place and are object of discussion on the therapeutic effectiveness of antivirals.

9-18
Sensitivity of Escherichia coli strains isolated from pigs in the period 2006 - 2015 to antimicrobial drugs: review

Authors: Dimitrova, A., Yordanov, S.

Abstract

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The paper provides a chronological review and analysis of the sensitivity test results for pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli isolated from pigs to the most commonly used antimicrobial drugs (AMD) in veterinary medicine for the period of 2006 – 2015. The sensitivity of E. coli strains expressed in percentages from 51 to 100% in 2006-2010 was found to be within the range of 9-10 (37.5-47.6%) AMD, and in 2011- 2015 in the range of 5-11 (average 33.3%) AMD. The resistance of E. coli strains expressed in percentages from 51 to 100% in the first 5 years (2006 - 2010) rangedwithin 7-8 (33.3%) AMD, and during the period of 2011-2015 was within the range of 5 to 11 (33.3 - 41.7%) AMD.

19-29
Capacity of fungi for biodegradation of cellulose wastes generated at manned space flight

Authors: Krumova, E., Najdenski, H., Dishlijska, V., Abrashev, R., Stoyancheva, G., Gocheva, Y., Kostadinova, N., Miteva-Staleva, J., Spasova, B., Angelova, M.

Abstract

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Number of views: 227

The amount of waste generated on manned long-duration space missions away from Earth orbit creates the daunting challenge of how to manage the waste through reuse, rejection, or recycling. Microbial degradation, for both economic and ecological reasons, has become an increasingly popular alternative for the treatment of cellulose containing organic waste in the space stations. This approach offers several advantages: low energy, mild operation conditions, control on biological hazard of the wastes, etc. Fungi are the main cellulose-degrading microorganisms in the nature and their cellulolytic features are object of intensive studies. This review describes the ability of anaerobic, aerobic, and microaerophilic fungi to degrade organic wastes generated during manned space flight.

30-35
On the Potential Role of Periodontitis in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Authors: Leblhuber, F., Huemer, J., Steiner, K., Fuchs, D.

Abstract

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Number of views: 189

Neuroinflammation caused by activation of microglial cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease which can be enhanced by low grade upstream systemic inflammation and vice versa. There is growing evidence that age related chronic periodontitis drives systemic inflammation and thus finally Alzheimer’s disease, therefore a causal link might exist between certain oral pathogens and Alzheimer’s disease. In an own pilot study, twenty patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease were investigated. In seven of these pathogenic periodontal bacteria were found. The presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the key pathogen and one of the species involved in chronic periodontitis, was found to be associated with lower cognitive test scores (mini mental state examination scores p <0.05; clock drawing test p = 0.056). Further, association between lower serum concentrations of immune biomarker neopterin and the presence of Treponema denticola (p <0.01). Serum neopterin concentrations correlated highly significantly with kynurenine to tryptophan ratios indicating activity of cytokine interferon-γ. These preliminary findings point to a possible role of an altered salivary microbiome as a causal link between chronic periodontitis and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease.