Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Flavobacterium sp. strain PL002, isolated from Antarctic Porphyra algae. The 4,299,965-bp genome sequence is assembled into 170 contigs, has 32.92% GC content, and 3,734 predicted genes.
This paper describes a new bacterial white spot syndrome (BWSS) in cultured tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. The affected shrimp showed white spots similar to those caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), but the shrimp remained active and grew normally without significant mortalities. The study revealed no evidence of WSSV infection using electron microscopy, histopathology and nested polymerase chain reaction. Electron microscopy indicated bacteria associated with white spot formation, and with degeneration and discoloration of the cuticle as a result of erosion of the epicuticle and underlying cuticular layers. Grossly the white spots in BWSS and WSS look similar but showed different profiles under wet mount microscopy. The bacterial white spots were lichen-like, having perforated centers unlike the melanized dots in WSSV-induced white spots. Bacteriological examination showed that the dominant isolate in the lesions was Bacillus subtilis. The occurrence of BWSS may be associated with the regular use of probiotics containing B. subtilis in shrimp ponds. The externally induced white spot lesions were localized at the integumental tissues, i.e., cuticle and epidermis, and connective tissues. Damage to the deeper tissues was limited. The BWS lesions are non-fatal in the absence of other complications and are usually shed through molting.
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulness of a co-agglutination procedure for the typing of Flavobacterium meningosepticum. The sensitivity and specificity of the co-agglutination test was compared to the slide agglutination test using reference strains of the bacterial species. Antisera were characterized by both technics to determine their titer and working dilution. The specificity of the sera was assessed by performing tests which include strains of other species and serotypes. A collection of 47 strains of F. meningosepticum isolated from clinical specimens were typed by both co-agglutination and slide agglutination methods. Co-agglutination proved to be markedly more specific than the slide procedure although both methods were similar in sensitivity. It was concluded that co-agglutination proved to be an excellent method for the serotyping of F. meningosepticum.
PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of bilateral simultaneous hypopyon corneal ulcer in a contact lens wearer caused by polymicrobial infection with rare organisms.
METHODS: A case report of a 21-year-old soft contact lens wearer, who visited the emergency department with a 3-day history of pain, redness, decreased vision, photophobia, and tearing in both eyes. Examination showed a central corneal ulcer with hypopyon in both eyes. The cultures from corneal scrapings of both eyes, the contact lenses, and the contact lens solution showed heavy growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Alkaligenes species, and Flavobacterium meningosepticum.
RESULTS: The corneal ulcers healed completely with aggressive antibiotic treatment for 4 weeks. The best-corrected visual acuity after 6 months of follow-up was 20/400 in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye.
CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of infectious keratitis should be kept in mind for an acute red eye in contact lens wearers, and appropriate initial management is essential for a successful outcome. It is believed that this is the first report of Flavobacterium meningosepticum as a causative organism in contact lens-related keratitis.