Abstract
This paper investigates a case of a young woman, complaining of an offensive and fishy-smelling, abnormal vaginal discharge, whose tests and examinations revealed bacterial vaginosis (BV). Next, the author discusses the literature regarding the types of BV, the risk factors, symptoms, the diagnosis, diagnostic tests and treatment. The paper underscores the problems of recurrence, recommends the best approach to prevent this and reviews the problems chronic BV creates with pregnancy.

Table of Contents:
Case Study
Discussion
Vaginal Discharge
Bacterial Vaginosis
Types I and II BV
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Diagnostic Tests
pH Level
Wet Smears
Gram Stain Criteria
Management/Treatment
Recurrence of BV
Tinidazole
Sexual Transmission
Efficacy of Human Lactobacilli
Metronidazole Gel
Best Approach
BV and Pregnancy

From the Paper
'The Centers for Disease and Control or CDC noted the causal links among BV and plasma-cell endometritis, post-partum fever, and posthhysterectomy vaginal-cuff cellulites. They advised treating asymptomatic women before a hysterectomy or termination of pregnancy in order to prevent post-procedure infections. A review on BV and preterm labor suggested that treating high-risk women for preterm birth could reduce chances of low birth weight and preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes.
'A small randomized control study investigated the efficacy of the intake of live L acidophilus culture on women with BV. Only 20 of the respondents had recurrent BV. They were asked to eat yogurt with the cultures. They yielded 50% reduction of BV and an increase in vaginal Lactobacillus. In 2002, the Association of Genitourinary Medicine and the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases issued guidelines on the management of BV. Practitioners should take the patient's detailed history and make sure the clinical findings support the diagnosis. They should listen emphatically to the patient instead of blaming her for the failure. They should take her detailed history again. Then they should conduct another detailed history of her sexual and perineal cleaning habits.'

Tags:metronidazole, differential diagnoses, sexual intercourse, guidelines lactobacilli

Abstract
The paper explores how dental or bacterial plaque cause the conditions of dental caries or tooth decay, calculus or tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis. The paper discusses the specific causes, effects and treatments of these dental diseases.

Outline:
Bacterial/Dental Plaque
Caries/ Tooth Decay
Calculus/ Tartar
Gingivitis
Periodontitis

From the Paper
"Dental or bacterial plaque is a sticky, clear substance, which collects every day around and between teeth (National Library of Medicine 2008). It is made up of microscopic germs always present in the mouth (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services 2008). Recent research recognizes dental plaque as a biofilm (Gurenlian 2007). A biofilm is a highly organized accumulation of communities of microbes on an environmental surface. As a biofilm, the microbes or bacteria are organized to maximize energy, spatial arrangements, communication and sustained community of the microorganisms. The very nature of a biofilm enables the bacteria in it to resist the host's defense system and antimicrobial agents. Unless removed regularly, the biofilm mature and a disease condition can form. The disease condition can be dental caries or tooth decay, gingivitis or periodontitis. Moreover, subgingival plaque, which co-occurs with periodontitis, can develop many systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and diabetes mellitus, or adversely affect pregnancy (Gurenlian)."

Tags:biofilm, tooth, decay, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis

Abstract
This paper will discuss bacterial gingivitis in oral hygiene and explain why bacterial plaque plays a part in this decay. By understanding these dental facts, we can learn their relationships in gingivitis.

Abstract
This paper discusses bacterial endotoxins, explaining what endotoxins are, where they can be found and the potential harm they can cause. It provides a detailed description of their structure and includes information from studies that have reported on occupational health hazards among some workers.


Outline:
Introduction
Endotoxin structure and Mechanism of Action
Occupational Exposure
Conclusion

From the Paper
''The LPS contains a polysaccharide and a lipid Moitey that is commonly known as Lipid A. The Lipid A consists of phosphorylated N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) with 5 or 6 saturated fatty acids. The structure of the Lipid A component is preserved in all species of gram-negative bacteria. It is found that the virulence and of the endotoxins vary vastly based on the changes in the arrangement of the polysaccharides (changes in the oligosaccharide subunits.). The variations in these polysaccharide chains also result in a variety of antigenic types. Therefore, even though humans produce antibodies, they are only restricted to the particular polysaccharide chain, leaving them unprotected to a wide variety of endotoxins. The mechanism of action of endotoxins in humans is complex. The LPS binds to the LBP (lipid binding protein) in the serum, which transfers it to the CD14, which further transfers it to the MD2 protein and finally the Toll Like receptor 4 (TLR4). This association with TLR4 triggers the inflammatory response by the secretion of cytokines and nitrous oxide that further result in the secretion of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This is followed by the activation of the coagulation cascade resulting in the person experiencing inflammation, intravascular coagulation, hemorrhage and shock. [Kenneth Todar]
''Tests for endotoxins are done to ascertain the concentration of endotoxins in the samples. The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test is one of the standard tests for endotoxins. It was observed that Limulus polyphemus, the horseshoe crab, developed intravascular coagulation upon infection by gram-negative bacteria. Later it was discovered by researchers Levin and Bang that this reaction was triggered by the activation of several enzymes located in the blood cells (amebocytes) of the crab by the endotoxins in the gram-negative bacteria. Since then, this test using the LAL reagent extracted from the crab, is found to be the most accurate and sensitive test for endotoxins. Modifications and variations such as the gel clot technique; turbidimetric assay and the chromogenic assays are available.''

Tags:enzymes, virulence, mechanism

Abstract
This paper addresses bacterial meningitis in aged patients in terms of what it tells us of sensorineural deafness. According to the paper, inner ear damage in meningitis affects the eigth cranial nerve, particular cells and may affect the brain's hearing center as well. The paper concludes by suggesting this may be the result of meningitis's high sustained fever and pressure created by inflammation of the meningal lining.

From the Paper
"Bacterial (spinal) meningitis has received much recent attention as a disease of childhood responsible for a percentage of juvenile deafness due to varying damage inflicted on the 8th cranial nerve or the cochla. The disease's inflammation of the meninges as typically features a high, sustained fever can also produce blindness and a list of emotional and neurological effects. Bacterial meningitis tends to be discussed as a pediatric disease..."

Tags:sensorineural, deafness, aged are prone

Abstract
This paper correlates stress to the aggravation and susceptibility of bacterial infections.

Abstract
The paper relates that the experiment results indicate that different types of foods become contaminated and spoil at faster rates than others. The paper reveals that it appears that natural unprocessed products spoil faster than foods that contain a high amount of processing; meats appear to spoil at a faster rate than processed grains, such as rice. The paper noets that one limitation of the experiment is that the food samples did not contain a lot of variation.

From the Paper
"The experiment results indicate that different types of foods become contaminated and spoil at faster rates than others. It appears that natural unprocessed products spoil faster than foods that contain a high amount of processing. Meats appear to spoil at a faster rate than processed grains, such as rice. One limitation of the experiment is the food samples did not contain a lot of variation.
"Introduction: Each year, "76 million people in the United States get sick from..."

Tags:microbes, microorganisms, spoilage

Abstract
This paper focuses on Microbial Source Tracking (MST), asserting that the practice lacks an appropriate methodology for tracing bacterial contamination in the environment, which may negatively affect decision-making in water quality management. However, the paper posits, bacterial source tracking (BST) in measurement of the TMDL is effective and efficient, although it is not well researched at this juncture; thus far uses of BST in measuring the TMDL of fecal coli form shows great promise for reduction of water fecal pollution levels through tracking and targeting host animals and location sites of the pollutants. The paper concludes that problems remain in that the host origins for BST may not be universally applicable, due to geographical limitations; more research is needed and reported in the literature to be forthcoming in the near future. This paper contains illustrative data tables.

Outline:
Introduction
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Summary and Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Water, when contaminated with feces, has the potential to negatively impact humans both in terms of their health as well as having economic impacts. Healthwise, it is understood that water with a high level of fecal bacteria is "likely to contain pathogenic bacteria" which will make human beings very sick. Economically speaking, water that becomes reportedly unclean will impact the economics of individuals residing in or near that area because losses in the tourist industry are severely felt when unclean waters are noted as being such. According to Washington State University - College of Veterinary Medicine in the work entitled: "Microarray Lab-Microbial Source Tracking' that water quality specialist use MST in tracking fecal microbes to the host animal and it is expected that management and mitigation efforts may be effectively designed toward the reduction of fecal flora in surface waters. Additionally, it is hoped that the identification of the "primary sources of fecal contamination may help to refine estimates of the human health risk posed by various sources of fecal contamination." (Soule, Loge, and Gay, 2007) There have been various markers proposed for MST which are classified broadly as either 'library-dependent' methods or library independent methods. These patterns may be utilized in the derivation of a "classification function that I s then used to putatively identify the host animals from which the fecal flora originated." (Soule, Loge, and Gay, 2007) Stated to be inclusive in the library-dependent method challenges is a need for construction of a massive library prior to work actually beginning. (Soule, Loge, and Gay, 2007) Library-independent methods result in the need for markers or microbes or genes that "are specific to a given animal. Assuming these markers are functionally linked to the host animals, then the markers should be spatially and temporally stable. Challenges include the ability to identify suitable markers. Both library-dependent and library-independent methods require thorough validation." (Soule, Loge, and Gay, 2007) Challenges are stated to be inclusive of "....the ability to identify suitable markers. Both library-dependent and library-independent methods require thorough validation." (Soule, Loge, and Gay, 2007) It is stated that no matter which method is appointed for MST there are two basic and inherent assumptions to the effectiveness of these methods which include: (1) Host-specificity exists and is detectable; and (2) The proportion of any given marker is constant in the environment: (a) No differential loss; (b) No significant environmental replication; and (c) No significant environmental reservoirs. (Soule, Loge, and Gay, 2007)"

Tags:impure, germ, contaminated, bacteria, supply

Abstract
This paper discusses the general molecular and cellular aspects of biofilm formation. It describes how bacteria can form mulitcellular communities on solid surfaces that are known as biofilms. This behavior leads to a coordinated control of virulence and biofilm formation. These elements within the biofilm appear to be regulated by density dependant communication called quorum sensing. This paper provides an understanding of how biofilms are built up as well as how they function and develop. It also explains how understanding the way biofilms are built up is pivotal for human health because many diseases that are acquired in hospital environments are based on biofilm forming bacteria that often cannot be counteracted with conventional antimicrobials.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction: A brief overview over biofilm history, structure and formation and the conflicting relationship between humans and biofilms
Discussion: Reasons for the pathogenic potential, resistances and different health issues caused by biofilms and ways to inhibit them
Virulence factors of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeroginosa are controlled by quorum sensing
Staphylococcal infections can be prevented by the use of quorum sensing inhibitors
The lifestyle of Vibrio cholerae depends greatly on quorum sensing
Conclusion: A critical look back on solutions and possible insights which might be achieved in the future
Bibliography

From the Paper
"As indicated above, biofilms are not just bacteria attached to a surface, but stationary colonies with metabolically, morphologically and physiologically distinct features that differ significantly from planktonic bacteria, causing challenges in treating biofilm related diseases. At the same time this opens up therapeutical possibilities to inhibit biofilm formation. First, the role of P. aeroginosa and its biofilms formed by QS in cystic fibrosis pneumonia was discussed. This pathogen can be inhibited by the synthetic QSI C-30 which is an autoinducer antagonist. In the following, I explained the Staphylococcal QS circuit in order to inhibit biofilms by means of inhibiting the virulence factor forming RNAIII with help of the RIP molecule. I finished with QS controlling biofilm formation in V. cholerae which can in contrast to the other examples possibly be counteracted by the use of QS enhancers."

Tags:surface, stationary, physiologically, distinct, colonies

Abstract
The paper analyzes the three categories of conjunctivitis through nine different levels of analysis. The paper explains that these levels are: (1) Signs and Symptoms; (2) Patho-physiology; (3) Etiology; (4) Geriatric Implications; (5) Prevention and Maintenance; (6) Testing; (7) Treatment Options; (8) Patient/Family education and (9) Alternative treatments. This paper concludes with an overall assessment of the disease and the actions that can be taken to decrease the prevalence of conjunctivitis.

From the Paper
"At one point or another all of us have had some kind of eye infection. Whether it is due to our annual bout with allergens or the signs of a broader infection; none of us are strangers to some sort of eye disorder. Throughout life we have heard repeated mentions of the term "pink eye" coupled with the admonishments from our parents and teachers to avoid those infected if at all possible. "Pink Eye" or Conjunctivitis is fairly common in most parts of the country. Given the ease of human contact and interaction; transmission of..."

Tags:conjunctivitis, analysis, evaluation