Microbiology Study on Bacterial Genes in Water

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the study?

To search for enterotoxin-producing bacteria in home tap water, RO drinking water, and home storage tanks of Basrah governorate.

What percentage of bacteria in the study were found to be positive for the sea gene (enterotoxin encoding gene)?

46%

What genetic element carries the sea gene, which encodes enterotoxin A?

Temperate phages.

What are the three major stages of biofilm formation?

Attachment, Maturation, and Dispersion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ica operon encode for?

Intercellular adhesion. Signup and view all the answers

Which genes were tested in the study using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

sea, icaA, and icaD Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the protein encoded by icaA?

N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of icaR?

It is a regulator that controls the transcription of the ica operon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the ica operon in the context of enterotoxins?

The ica operon helps bacteria adhere to surfaces, enhancing their ability to secrete enterotoxins. Signup and view all the answers

The sea gene was found in all the bacterial species tested in the study.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The presence of ica genes in bacteria enhances their ability to cause infections.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

The presence of ica genes was only detected in bacteria isolated from home storage tanks.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The study concluded that RO drinking water is completely free of pathogenic bacteria.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn from the findings of the study regarding the presence of ica and sea genes in bacteria?

The presence of both ica and sea genes in bacteria isolated from various water sources suggests that these bacteria have the potential to cause infections and secrete high concentrations of enterotoxins. Signup and view all the answers

How many bacterial species tested were found positive for both sea and ica genes?

4 Signup and view all the answers

Why is the presence of enterotoxin-producing bacteria in drinking water a concern?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which ica genes enhance bacterial morbidity?

They enhance bacterial adhesion to surfaces. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Title Page

Study on frequency of sea and ica genes in bacteria from watery sources of Basrah governorate.
Research completed for a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology.
Author: Wafiq Yasin Ismael
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Munaff Jawdat Abd-Al Abbas
Date: 2023/2024

Abstract

Study investigated enterotoxin-producing bacteria in home tap water, treated water (RO), and storage tanks in Basrah Governorate.
46% of bacteria in all water sources were positive for the sea gene (enterotoxin encoding gene).
- Home tap water: 55.8%
- RO drinking water: 39.3%
- Home storage tanks: 40.9%
Ica operon (intercellular adhesion) was detected in 14.6% of bacteria.
- Home tap water: 5.8%
- RO drinking water: 15.1%
- Home storage tanks: 27.2%
Four samples showed positive results for both sea and ica genes.
- 32-67A and E. coli from home tap water.
- 51-Acinetobacter junii from RO water
- 17-Kluyvera georgiana from home storage tanks.

Introduction

Exotoxins are soluble proteins secreted by bacteria, responsible for effects on host cells.
Enterotoxins affect intestinal epithelium, causing watery diarrhea and potentially toxic shock syndrome.
Enterotoxins are often carried by temperate phages, potentially transferring between bacterial species.
Enterotoxins are stable to digestion and extreme conditions.
Staphylococcus aureus is a common source of enterotoxins.
Enterotoxin genes can contribute to pathogenicity in non-infectious diseases.

Biofilms

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms adhering to a surface.
Biofilms exhibit survival strategies to evade the host defense system, altering metabolic processes.
Biofilms often resist antimicrobial treatments.
Bacteria in biofilms may cause persistent infections that are difficult to resolve.
The initial stages of biofilm formation involve attachment and microcolony formation.

Methods and Materials

Study involved 89 water samples from different sources in Basrah Governorate analyzed via PCR to detect the presence of particular bacterial genes.
Collected DNA samples were previously identified.
Results analyzed using gel electrophoresis.
Primer sequences and PCR conditions are included.

### Results (Summary)

Sea gene detected in 46% of bacteria in different water sources.
Ica operon detected in 14.6% of bacteria.
Genetic overlap (sea and ica genes) in some bacterial types.

Discussion

Study's findings highlight the presence of enterotoxin-producing bacteria in water sources.
The presence of adhesion genes (icaA and icaD) in bacteria suggests high concentrations of toxins.
The study's practical importance: water used for human consumption should be free of bacteria and their toxins.

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Description

This quiz focuses on a study examining the frequency of the sea and ica genes in bacteria from various water sources in Basrah Governorate. It highlights the prevalence of enterotoxin-producing bacteria in home tap water, treated water, and storage tanks, providing insights into water quality and safety. Test your understanding of microbiological concepts and the implications of bacterial gene presence in water.