a microbiology newsletter - december, 2021
A newsletter of, by, and for microbiologists. Copyright 2021, rights reserved
The new COVID Omicron Variant

What You Need to Know...

  • Will it evade the vaccines?
  • Is it more infectious?
  • Are the symptoms more severe?
  • Will it come to America?

Fatalities associated with imported product
Aromatherapy Spray
Found to be Deadly
Melioidosis (also called Whitmore’s Disease) is an infectious and potentially fatal bacterial disease affecting approximately 165,000 individuals worldwide.(1) Symptoms of this disease range from mild fever, chest pain, and cough to more severe symptoms such as ulcers, chronic respiratory illness, and even central nervous system infection.(2, 3) Thankfully, person-to-person spread is extremely rare.(4) Yet, Burkholderia pseudomallei has been an ongoing bioterrorism concern because of its high transmissibility through air, water, and soil.(5)

Melioidosis is often difficult to diagnose, in the United States, because it is not a part of routine diagnostic screening and is commonly confused with tuberculosis. Melioidosis is primarily found in tropical climates such as Southeast Asia where Burkholderia pseudomallei, the microorganism causing this infectious disease, is endemic and commonly found in water and soil.(2) For this reason, most Americans have never had to worry about Melioidosis, however, recently four cases of Melioidosis were reported in Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas over a four month time frame. How did the tropical microorganism Burkholderia pseudomallei find its way to the central U.S.?

This was a puzzling question for CDC public health investigators. Approximately, 12 cases of Melioidosis are reported annually in the U.S., almost all exclusively to individuals who recently traveled outside of the country to areas where Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic.(4) However, this was not the case for the most recent outbreak, as all infected individuals had not travelled internationally. Even more puzzling, the four cases emerged in four separate states among both adults and children who became sick months apart from each other.(6)

In order to help narrow down the culprit, investigators performed whole genome sequencing of the Burkholderia pseudomallei strains found in the infected patients.(7) Sequencing showed that all four strains were highly related, indicating a common source of infection among the individuals. Interestingly, the strains were also found to be highly similar to strains found in Southeast Asia.(7) Since travel was out of the equation, investigators suspected that an imported household product may be the common source of infection.

To investigate, CDC officials surveyed the families for common household products and compiled a list of products ranging from cleaning supplies to garden soil.(8) Additionally, blood samples were collected and some family members were found to have antibodies to Burkolderia pseudomallei, although they did not develop serious symptoms.(8) This may be worrisome as Burhkolderia pseduomallei has shown to have a long latency period, with one such reported case of 29 years.(2) 

After months of testing household products, the CDC announced in October 2021 that Burkholderia pseudomallei was identified in a scented room spray from the Georgia patient’s home.(4) The CDC was able to confirm by the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria that the three other cases were also linked to this room spray or at least one of its ingredients.(8) The aromatherapy room spray, “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones,” was sold in over 55 Walmart stores between February and October 2021.(4) Walmart has issued a recall of this product and five other scents in this product line. The CDC is working closely with the manufacturer in India to determine if additional products are at risk.(8) Of the four patients originally infected, two have died and the four-year-old patient from Texas has suffered severe brain damage.(8)

Consumers who still own this product are urged to dispose of it properly by not simply throwing it in the trash or down the sink as this may have detrimental effects on U.S. water and soil.(8, 9) Healthcare providers are being asked to consider Melioidosis for patients who have not travelled outside the U.S. and for those with symptoms similar to tuberculosis and who are not responding to antibiotics.(9)

Culture of B. pseudomallei from any clinical specimen is considered diagnostic for melioidosis. Ideal specimens for culture include blood, urine, throat swab, and, when relevant, respiratory specimens, abscesses, or wound swabs. Serological testing is available at CDC for diagnostic testing but is less sensitive and requires paired sera.

The CDC cautions microbiologists that the MALDI-TOF and Vitek-2 have been noted for misidentifying this dangerous pathogen. Details on how to successfully identify this difficult organism are provided in various articles.(11, 12) Once properly diagnosed, the disease can be successfully treated using ceftazidime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, meropenem, or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.(13)

As this case demonstrates, Melioidosis is a severe bacterial disease that can be difficult to diagnose and identify when discovered in non-endemic regions. Further research into how this organism is spread, how this disease can be treated, as well as increased screening for Burkholderia pseudomallei is needed to ensure another outbreak does not occur again.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

By Allie Malmberg
Technical Support Microbiologist
Hardy Diagnostics
Did you know that Hardy Diagnostics was the first to introduce Chromogenic Media to America in 1996?

Chromogenic media allows the microbiologist to make identifications based on colony color. The principle involves a carbohydrate molecule in the media that is bound to a colorless chromogen. When a specific bacterial enzyme cleaves the bond, the chromogen turns color, thus creating color throughout the bacterial colony.


Want to see the complete list? Just type "HardyCHROM" in the search bar here.

Interested in trying out any of our HardyCHROM plates? Contact your account rep here for evaluation samples.


HardyCHROM Plates

chromo plate
HC MRSA 48 hours
DuraRack
The last Petri Dish Rack
you will ever have to buy!
Hardy's new DuraRack is constructed to last a life-time. Stop using brittle acrylic racks that must often be replaced. DuraRack is made of tough steel with a durable epoxy coating.


Phraseology
"Raising Cain"
This expression means to make a disturbance or cause a ruckus. It originates from the 1840s in America, but soon crossed the Atlantic and was used by the British authors, Rudyard Kipling and Robert Luis Stevenson. This saying alludes to the wicked biblical Cain, who killed his brother, Abel, out of extreme jealousy for making a more pleasing offering to God.(Genesis 4:5). Also, it's somewhat of a euphemism for "raising hell."
CRISPR technology used to control the fourth biggest infectious disease killer...

Will Releasing Genetically Modified Mosquitos Finally Conquer Malaria?
Mosquito
                                                 
Self-Destructing Mosquitoes:
A new way to combat malaria and other mosquito vector diseases.
 
For the first time, scientists have shown that a new kind of genetic engineering, known as a "gene drive," can crash populations of malaria-spreading mosquitoes.

The objective of the study was to alter three species of mosquito most responsible for disease transmission – Anopheles gambiae, A. coluzzii and A. arabiensis. The photo above shows an infected erythrocyte with the characteristic malaria ring form.

Despite years of effort, malaria remains a major health problem. This mosquito-borne parasitic disease infects more than 200 million people every year and kills more than 400,000, many of whom are children.1 Worldwide, it is the fourth biggest infectious disease killer behind tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C.

Dr. Ruth Müeller, PhD, and her colleagues utilized CRISPR to make precise edits to the Anopheles species. CRISPR, shorthanded for CRISPR-Cas9, acts as “molecular scissors” that cut DNA at a specific location when guided by a RNA template. Once snipped, the cell activates a DNA repair mechanism and scientists can use this mechanism to introduce, delete, or mutate a gene of interest.7

In this study, the modification consisted of a mutation in a gene known as “doublesex” which female mosquitoes need for normal development. While genetically female, the transformed insects have distorted mouths, resembling their male counterparts; which prevent them from biting and spreading malaria. In addition, the females’ reproductive organs are deformed preventing them from laying eggs.2 Essentially, the mutated gene converts female mosquitos into males, thus drastically reducing the population of the mosquitos capable of carrying and transmitting the malaria parasite.

“[This] gene drive is like a ‘selfish gene’…. All the mosquito offspring – have this modification,” Müeller says. “The idea and hope is that they would spread their mutation and eventually sterilize all the females. That would crash – or drastically reduce – local populations of the main species of mosquitoes that spreads malaria”.6

To safely test the mosquitoes under more natural conditions, researchers built a special high-security lab in Italy (far away from Africa) designed to keep the mutated mosquitoes from escaping. The researchers then released dozens of the gene-drive mosquitoes into special large cages containing hundreds of wild-type mosquitoes. The gene-driven mosquitoes decimated the natural mosquito populations in less than a year.5, 2

Some researchers are welcoming the advance while others are highly skeptical and say the technology is too dangerous. Dr. Ethan Bier, PhD, noted, “One should never predicate the use of a gene drive…Just like with insecticides, you can expect that the insect will become resistant one way or another. The drive itself [could] create a mutation preventing the drive from going further.”4

Dr. Alekos Simoni, PhD, cautiously noted, “Looking at the roles of Anopheles mosquitoes is crucial in terms of the food web, pollination and the general ecosystem. I think there can be a problem for species that are distributed around the world like the mosquito because it is difficult to constrain in the area”.4

So what does the future hold for gene drives? Whether gene drives will end up being utilized as a tool to control wild populations or remain a tool to be used in the lab, remains to be seen. It is a complex issue, with valid arguments being made for and against the use of the technology. 

by Francisco Pinon
R&D Microbiologist
HARDY DIAGNOSTICS

References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Covid Supplies and Test Kits

Introducing the Genbody...

Covid Rapid Antigen
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  • Specificity - 100%
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  • Includes nasal swabs and positive control


Rapid Covid/Flu Antigen Test Kit
Now you can test simultaneously for Covid and Flu A+B with one rapid test. Results in only 15 minutes. No equipment needed! NP Collection swabs and controls included.
Rapid Covid Antibody Test Kit
Hardy announces a rapid test kit for the detection of Covid antibodies (both IgM for current infection and IgG for long term immunity) from any blood specimen. Read out in only 10 minutes. No equipment required.
AloeSafe
AloeSafe, a better way

Hardy's hand sanitizing gel guards against drying of your skin with Vitamin E, soothes with Aloe Vera, and has a pleasant scent with lavender oil. No harmful ingredients as with the cheap drug store variety! Don't your hands deserve the very best?
DisCide
DisCide Wipes

With Hardy's DisCide Ultra you get 160 towelettes that are soaked with two powerful killing agents, isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium. Effective against bacteria and viruses.
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Viral Transport Medium
Hardy's viral specimen transport is ideal for COVID-19 antigen testing. The shelf life has been increased to 365 days at room temperature. Swabs are sold separately.
N95 Masks
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Face Masks
With adjustable metal nose band.
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Double Action Sanitizer

Hardy's custom produced sanitizer pump bottle gives you double protection...both isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Bugs don't stand a chance!
Comfy Lab Coats

For added protection on the job, Hardy offers disposable lab coats, featuring three pockets, and comfortable knit cuffs and collars.
flocked swab
Specimen Collection Swabs
Hardy offers swabs in the flocked, foam, and spun polyester formats.
Choose from nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, standard, or urethral.

Available for immediate shipping!

WARNING:

PUN ZONE AHEAD
I ate too much Middle Eastern food. Now I FALAFEL.


When is the best time to go to the dentist? Two-Thirty.
   
What drink do you need to steal? Virgin-tea.
    
What drink breaks the ice? Flirt-Tea.
   
What kind of cats like to go bowling? Alley cats!  
   
Why do cows lie down in the rain? To keep each udder dry.

I recently started a business building yachts in my attic. Sails are going through the roof.

Did you know alligators can grow up to 15 feet? But most have 4.


Clinical Microbiology
HardyCHROM Strep A

Are you ready for Strep Season? Hardy's chromogenic medium detects Group A Strep. Colored colonies are easy to see on a white background.


HardyCHROM Candida+auris

Hardy's new chromogenic plate for the detection of Candida spp, now includes C. auris! It creates both a colored and fluorescent colony. Vivid colors stand out against a white background.
PYR Test
Rapid Test Methods

Check out our mini catalog on rapid test kits that includes reagents and test cards. You'll see many "hard to find" products that will save you time and money!
loop
Loops of all kinds!

When it comes to loops, Hardy has it all. Nichrome, platinum, disposable, calibrated, needles, or spreaders. Click below to see our complete mini-catalog on inoculating loops.
MBL organisms
QC Organisms

Hundreds of species are available from Hardy Diagnostics, your MBL distributor. Available in the pellet or stick format. Quantitative or qualitative.
Carba 5 for CRE Detection

With Carba 5 you can test for the 5 major enzymes of carbapenem resistance. Test for gene expression. Read out in only 15 minutes. No equipment needed!
Free Gram Stain Tutorial

Hardy has prepared the best ever Gram stain technique tutorial that you can use for training new Techs....and it's FREE! Check it out below...
StrepPRO
Fast Strep Grouping

Hardy's StrepPRO will identify your streps into the proper Lancefield grouping. Takes only minutes!
AnaeroGRO

Pre-reduced anaerobic culture media, ready-to-use for your set-ups. Pouches are gassed out with nitrogen for superior growth. See our complete anaerobic catalog below...
Dehydrated Media

Hardy manufactures a complete line of powdered media. It is conveniently packaged in five different configurations ready for export.

Seeing is Believing?
Move your eyes side to side and watch it rotate.
Now focus on the center and watch it stop!
"Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see"
~ Edgar Allen Poe
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
HardyVAL Media Fill Test Kits

Hardy offers a complete line of products to help pharmacists with USP <797> <800> and more!
Impact Air Samplers

Hardy offers a complete line of air samplers for your clean room monitoring program. Check out our complete catalog!
Food Microbiology
The Dilugent Shaker

Hardy has a better way of performing serial dilutions! Please click on the link below to learn how you can save time and money...
Compact Dry for Colony Counts - a better way!

Space saving miniplates for performing your colony counts.
Watch a short video to learn why the Compact Dry has many advantages over Petri Film! Don't forget to check out our automated colony counter!

Wisdom to Ponder...
Alexis de Tocqueville

1805 ~ 1859

A French aristocrat, diplomat, political scientist, philosopher, and historian. He is best known for his book, Democracy in America which describes his impressions of America after his travels there.
 
"America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
 
 
"Despotism often presents itself as the repairer of all the ills suffered, the support of just rights, defender of the oppressed, and founder of order."
 
"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults."
 
"Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom."
 
 
"If I were asked ... to what the singular prosperity and growing strength of Americans ought mainly to be attributed, I should reply: To the superiority of their women."

"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money."
 
"I do not know if the people of the United States would vote for superior men if they ran for office, but there can be no doubt that such men do not run."
 
"We can state with conviction, therefore, that a man's support for absolute government is in direct proportion to the contempt he feels for his country."
 
"The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colours breaking through."



"Time is the best teacher, ....but unfortunately, it kills all of its students."

Robin Williams
Brain
Brainteasers

Need to break a mental sweat?
Try this!

Increasing your protection...

How Zinc Ionophores can effectively fight COVID-19

References for utilizing Vitamin D and Zinc supplementation for the adjunct therapy
and prevention of COVID-19.

During our 41 years of serving the microbiology community, we have continually aimed to provide the utmost in "a culture of service" for our valued customers. As a 100% employee owned company, we have even more incentive to please our customers as best we possibly can every day. Do you have a suggestion, comment, or question? Please contact me here.

Jay Hardy, CLS, SM (NRCM)
CEO of Hardy Diagnostics