a microbiology newsletter - may, 2022
A newsletter of, by, and for microbiologists. Copyright 2022, rights reserved
Can this bacterium prevent weight gain and lower inflammation?

Akkermansia
Miracle in the Mucin...
 
Discovered in 2004, Akkermansia muciniphila is a relative newcomer to microbiology. Akkermansia was named for the microbial ecologist Antoon Akkermans, and muciniphila meaning preferring mucin. This organism in the phylum Verrucomicrobia was the result of a study that used purified mucin as a growth medium, looking for organisms that could use this as their food source. A. muciniphila was the result, a Gram-negative bacterium that uses mucin as its sole carbon and nitrogen source. A photo of normal healthy gut tissue with mucin producing goblet cells is shown above. Since its discovery, the behavior of this organism in vivo has been studied extensively in both mouse models and human subjects, and a correlation between the presence of A. muciniphila and overall health is becoming increasingly clear.

Because chronic diseases like obesity and type II diabetes are linked with a low abundance of A. muciniphila, its role in gut barrier could be important. For example, increased gut permeability is a characteristic of obesity, and this increase is associated with a reduced mucus thickness. However, A. muciniphila can restore the mucus layer and improve gut barrier function. It has been found that people that are lean with normal glucose tolerance have higher levels of Akkermansia than diabetics and obese individuals. (7)

A. muciniphila is integrally linked with the intestinal mucus layer, which serves as both its primary food source and habitat. This layer varies in thickness amongst subjects, but is continually replenished by goblet cells in the epithelia of the intestine. Commensal microorganisms make their home in the outer, less-dense periphery of this layer (3). Studies in Apolipoprotein E knockout mice, a model used to study cardiovascular disease and fat metabolism, show that A. muciniphila supplementation led to overall increases in the mucin layer. This thickening prevents "leaky gut" and reduces overall inflammation.(2) Additional studies also show reduced levels of Akkermansia in Alzheimer, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis patients.(8)

For diabetic patients, the role of the gut microbiome is increasingly of interest. Recent studies have shown that treatment with the common diabetic drug, metformin, led to an increase in mucin-producing goblet cells in the intestinal epithelia, which also led to an increased population of A. muciniphila in mice undergoing treatment (5). This is a tantalizing hint that the moderating effects of A. muciniphila may have an impact on diabetic patients, and more study is warranted to further examine the connection between diabetes treatment and the bacterium. In addition, It has also been found that those suffering from irritable bowel disease have lower levels of gut Akkermansia (8).

A. muciniphila has been featured in multiple supplementation strategies designed to increase the overall abundance of the organism, and evaluate whether supplementation regimens can produce positive outcomes for overall health. Early studies established that regular dosing regimens of up to 1010 bacteria per day were safe and well-tolerated. As part of the normal adult gut microbiota, A. muciniphila makes up around 1 to 3% of all microorganisms. Supplementation regimens have established that a dearth of population can be restored to this level, but that concentrations higher than this aren’t achieved. This may indicate that A. muciniphila reaches its carrying capacity in healthy adults, and that supplementation can’t bring additional benefit. (1, 4)

So how do we encourage the growth of this important bacterium? One of the best ways to increase your levels naturally is by eating plenty of high fiber plant foods that contain prebiotics and polyphenols to feed and grow those good bugs. (8)

As the understanding of the complexity of the human gut microbiota increases, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the balance of this ecosystem has diverse health ramifications. The evidence from the mouse and limited human studies confirm that Akkermansia muciniphila is linked to dramatic impacts in health and physiology. This fascinating microorganism deserves further study to fully understand its place as part of a healthy microbiome.
 
By Weston Mangin
Senior R&D Engineer
 
References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
 
Antibiotic Stewardship
Watch a very funny and entertaining video on Antibiotic Stewardship.

It sums up why antibiotic choices must be made carefully!





By Dr. Glaucomflecken

What is Hardy Diagnostics all about?
Read a short article in Company Week that explains what makes Hardy Diagnostics different...

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 free evaluation samples.

HardyCHROM Plates...
Make Micro Easy!

chromo plate
HC MRSA 48 hours

Ever wonder how shigatoxin and Shigella got its name?

Read about one of microbiology's most famous, yet unsung, heroes of the past...
 
Ever been confused as to how much to tip?

Here is a good guide to help you out.

Phraseology
"TIP"
Many believe that the word TIP is an acronym for "To Insure Promptness," or "To Insure Prompt Service." However, those that study word origins disagree and deem this an urban myth, since the use of acronyms was rare previous to the 1900s.

The first documented usage of “tip” in this way dates back to the early 1700s, in which "tip" was used to to mean "to give or to share" and was not an acronym. It literally meant tipping coins into someone's hand.

At some point within the next century, this sense of the word spread to being used by many as referring to money given as a bonus for service rendered, with the first documented instance of this definition popping up in 1706 in the George Farquhar play, The Beaux Stratagem, “Then I, Sir, tips me the Verger with half a Crown…”
Tutorial Videos
As a free service to all microbiologists, Hardy has produced a series of instructional videos to help you train new technologists. Here is our list...

A global threat to our food supply and public health

Is Bird Flu Only
For The Birds?

In December 2021, Canada reported the first case of the 2021-2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in North America. Subsequently, HPAI H5N1 viruses have been confirmed in wild birds, backyard flocks, and commercial poultry facilities in both Canada and the United States. (1) According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as of April 26, 2022, there have been almost 37 million chickens and turkeys killed by this disease from 239 flocks in 29 states across the United States. (2) Additionally, the CDC announced, there have been 899 wild birds detected with the bird flu in 34 states, including cases of bald eagles being affected. (3) These statistics continue to rise daily.

Avian influenza virus (AIV), also known as bird flu, refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses. Wild aquatic birds are considered reservoirs, or natural hosts, for AIV. (4) These viruses have been found in more than 100 different species of wild birds globally and most infected wild birds are asymptomatic. (4) Unfortunately, AIV can infect the respiratory and digestive tracts of domestic poultry and other domestic birds. Due to this, outbreaks of AVI in domestic poultry can occur worldwide. (5)

The disease is spread through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces of infected animals, which other animals or humans then come into contact with. (5) Infected birds can experience a lack of energy and appetite, diarrhea, a decrease in egg production, paralysis, swelling of the head and eyelids, neurological impairment, and death. (6) Due to the transmissibility of the virus, there is little choice but to cull the entirety of an infected flock.

Some AIVs have infected other mammals but have rarely infected humans; however, high mortality rates occur when humans are infected. (4, 5) Human infection with AVI is a result from direct exposure to infected poultry or their environment. (3) The first human disease caused by H5N1 was reported in Hong Kong in 1997. This outbreak caused 18 cases in humans, of which, six resulted in death. Meanwhile, 1.5 million chickens died, either from infection or from being culled in order to control the outbreak. (7) Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded a total of 863 cases of human infection with H5N1 virus globally, of which 455 were fatal, resulting in a case fatality rate of 53%. (8) A prison inmate in Colorado became the first case of a human being infected by this virus in April of this year. (9).

Though the threat to humans is low, AIV poses a global economic, agricultural, and public health concern. Add this to the list of problems causing prices to rise in the grocery stores, such as inflation and the war in the Ukraine. Nevertheless, outbreaks of AIV must be mitigated before the virus can possibly adapt to transmit more efficiently to humans, making this a continuing potential threat. (7) Additionally, AIV can threaten whole populations of wild migratory birds and cause the death of millions of chickens. (5) AIV outbreaks also cause serious economic implications in the poultry industry, as well as in the upstream and downstream sectors. Therefore, decreasing the exposure of poultry to this virus through improvements in biosecurity, reduction of flock sizes, and avoidance of poultry production in areas habituated with water fowl may be advantageous in reducing AIV outbreaks.

By Makena Brand
Technical Support Microbiologist
Hardy Diagnostics

References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Covid Supplies and Test Kits
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 (such as parabens and propylene glycol) 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.
.
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.
Face Masks
With adjustable metal nose band.
Now available for immediate shipping!
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 had to sell my vacuum cleaner...
it was just gathering dust."



Did you hear about the melon that's not allowed to get married. It's a Cantaloupe.

What does a thesaurus eat for breakfast? A synonym roll.

Breaking news...A man gets hit by a rental car. Said it Hertz!

If your dentist fixed your cavities with different colors...would it be OK, or would you have mixed fillings?

If you boil a funny bone, it becomes a laughing stock...now that's humerus!

Why did the phone wear glasses? Because it lost all its contacts.

Do you know why the French eat snails? Because they don't like fast food.
Clinical Microbiology
Ever wish for an instrument that will quickly identify all the major pathogens in respiratory and stool specimens?

Now it's here!
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. Ask us for samples!
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. See our mini-catalog below or click here to learn about the convenient Loop Caddy.
MBL organisms
QC Organisms

Hundreds of species are available from Hardy Diagnostics, your Microbiologics 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. Tests for gene expression not just gene presence. Read out in only 15 minutes. No equipment needed!
Rapid Bacterial Pneumonia
Detection

Hardy offers a rapid kit that will detect bacterial antigens in the urine in only 15 minutes. Watch a short video here.
StrepPRO
Fast Strep Grouping

Strep season is in full swing! Hardy's StrepPRO will rapidly 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. Click here for a short video. 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. Click here to watch a short video explaining the advantages of CRITERION.

Seeing is Believing!

In which photo does he look thinner?
Actually they are the same.
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
DuraRack for all Petri Plates

Hardy now offers an indestructible rack for 100mm standard and 60mm contact plates. Click here to find out why this will be the last rack you will ever have to buy!
Impact Air Samplers

Hardy offers a complete line of air samplers for your clean room monitoring program. Click here for a short instructional video. Check out our complete catalog!
Food Microbiology
HardyCHROM Campy

Hardy announces a new chromogenic media for Campylobacter. Easily identify colonies based on their red color.
Ask us for samples to evaluate.
The smartest ATP Monitors!

Hardy is your authorized dealer for the Hygiena ATP monitoring system, Ensure Touch. Get results in 10 seconds!
Zinc, zinc ionophores, and Vitamin D are recommended for a robust immune system.
Early Treatment of COVID-19

What are the recent recommendations regarding "home based" treatment of the virus?

Read the resource from The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons...

More outpatient recommendations as published in the American Journal of Medicine...

1) Reduction of re-inoculation - To prevent further spread of the virus, room ventilation measures can be taken.
2) Combination antiviral therapy - Zinc lozenges, zinc ionophores (hydroxychloroquin (HCG)), azithromycin, doxycycline, Favipiravir.
3) Immunomodulation - Corticosteroids to prevent a possible cytokine storm.
4) Antiplatelet/antithrombotic therapy - Low dose aspirin or heparin to prevent blood clots.
5) Administration of oxygen - Blood oxygen can be monitored with a fingertip pulse oximeter, utilizing supervised supplemental oxygen, and self-proning.

Wisdom to Ponder...
William Wilberforce

1759 ~ 1833

British Member of Parliament that campaigned tirelessly for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire for 20 years. In addition, he founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"Let it not be said that I was silent when they needed me."
 
"No matter how loud you shout, you will not drown out the voice of the people!"

"You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know."

"If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large."

"It is the true duty of every man to promote the happiness of his fellow creatures to the utmost of his power."


 
"To live our lives and miss that great purpose we were designed to accomplish is truly a sin. It is inconceivable that we could be bored in a world with so much wrong to tackle, so much ignorance to reach and so much misery we could alleviate."
Vintage public health poster from the 1940s.
Brain
Brainteasers

Need to exercise
the gray matter?
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.

Effective early home treatment protocols


During our 42 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