EBOLA - HIV.MERS, Triple Case Definition, Microbioz India, April Issue

List of Winners of March Issue
New Cross word Game Inside
Recent Research News
MICROBIOZ INDIA
ISSUE.APRIL 2015. VOLUME .02
MICROBIOZ
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
INDIA
EBOLA.HIV.MERS
RIPLET VIRAL CASE DEFINITION PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURE
INVESTIGATORY REPORT
EBOLA
Interview..
Dr.Tim Sandle, Ph.D, U.K
HIV
MERS
M
JOURNALS
Call for Papers
MAY 2015 ISSUE
www.microbiozindia.com
MICROBIOZ JOURNALS
International Journal of Microbiology

(A Peer Reviewed Open Access International Journal Of Microbiology)
Call for Papers

For
May 2015 Issue
Submission Starts
Subject Area We Cover
Why?
General Microbiology. Agriculture Microbiology. Medical Microbiology. Veterinary Microbiology. Geo-Microbiology. Marine
Microbiology. Bacteriology. Virology. Mycology.Parasitology. Industrial Microbiology. Dairy Microbiology.
Microbioz Journals, International Journal of Microbiology is an open

access Peer Reviewed Specific Scientific Journals.
Indexed in number of reputed Indexing bodies.
Microbioz Journals has strong support of fantastic reviewing board
members having experiences in number of reputed academic journals.
An affordable Publishing charges (Our Standard Rates are varying
depending upon countries financial status decided by World Bank)
Free e-Certificates of Submission and life time archive of your research
work.
An easy way of submission either submit your Manuscript online or mail
us : microbiozindia@gmail.com
Fast track publishing mode after acceptance of your paper we publish it in
our current issue.
A Double blinded peer review procedures and review your paper
Manuscripts with at least two specific board members of related subject
expertise.
www.microbiozjournals.com
Open Access
Submit here
MICROBIOZ INDIA
MICROBIOZ INDIA
Microbiology Magazines
Download Today
Connect with us
www.facebook.com/MICROBIOZINDIA
www.twitter.com/MICROBIOZINDIA
Hu r r y
Up!!
Ride your talent..

With Microbioz India
Many scientists have attempted to unravel the nature of viral genes

and how they work. For more than four decades, viral studies have
been thoroughly intertwined with those of genetics and molecular
biology.
O ntents
An Editorial Desk for April Issue of

Microbioz India, Magazines.
Recent Research News Updates,

Collected from World Wide Sources.
24
05
HIV, EBOLA & MERS TRIPLE CASE
DEFINITION.Cover Story Prepare By:
Rodel Estadillo Alo.
Recent Open Scholarships Position to

pursue higher education from different
reputed University of World.
06
32
Microbioz India, April Cross word Game: Must
Solve and win an achievement Certificate of
Microbioz India. List of Winners of March Issue of
Cross Word.
An Interview with Dr.Tim Sandle, Ph.D

Head, Bio-Products Laboratory, U.K.
26
40
Editorial Lines..
ear readers thanking you lot for your
continuous support and fantastic appreciation for

Microbioz
India Magazines
and Microbioz
International Journals. We are going to launch
our April issue of magazine Cover Story
entitled:A triplet Virus Case Definition: HIV,
EBOLA, and MERS-Cov this story is covered by
our Philippines outreach member Rodel Estadillo
Alo. The story is very interesting covering
number of aspects of Pathophysiology and Public
Health Measure Investigatory Report of these
three viruses and respective Diseases. Apart
from cover story Magazine has big storage of
recent research news informations collected from
worldwide sources.
Dear readers by following and as per demand of
our readers, we are going to Providing recent
biotech business news too from this issue, I hope
this step will help us in building our huge
audiences across the globe.As we did in our
earlier issue of Magazines in this issue we
perform an Interview with Dr.Tim Sandle, Ph.D,
(Head: Bio-Products Laboratory, U.K.). Dr.Tim is
a famous Microbiologist having a fantastic
research
experiences.
Must
read
more
information about his research experiences and
motivation in April Issue of magazines.
For better support to our academic readers who
would like to pursue higher education in
Microbiology and related field, Magazine also has
collections of recently open scholarships positions
from reputed institutions of world. Dear readers
in last phase of this issue, we announced the
winners name of March edition puzzle game and
new cross word kindly solve this crossword and
forward me the answers.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
LEADERSHIPS
Kumaar Jeetendra
Editor-In-Chief
Neeharika Mishra
President
Ankita Khare
Asst. Editor
Anjula Gupta
Asst.Editor
Meghna Rawat
Asst.Editor
Shubh Srivastava
Technical Advisor
Ankur Lamba
Art Director
INTERNATIONAL TEAM
Scolastica Bello
Chief International Representative
Afolabi Samuel
Nigeria Outreach
Taylor Francis
Ireland Outreach
Jenny & Pavol
Canada Outreach
Asma Begam
Bangladesh Outreach
Vaishnvi R.
New Castle, U.K.
Sivashankari Ramamoorthi
Malaysia, Malaya University
Rodel Estadillo Alo
Philippines Out reach
How to reach us...
Thank You
631/63, Mulayam Nagar, Luck now, U.P.India,-226012
Kumaar Jeetendra
microbiozindia@gmail.com
Chief-Editor, Microbioz International Journals

MICROBIOZ INDIA
APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015
05
Cover
Story
he MERS-CoV virus is thought to be
EBOLA.HIV.MERS
RIPLET VIRAL CASE DEFINITION PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURE

INVESTIGATORY REPORT
EBOLA
HIV
MERS
an animal virus that has sporadically

resulted in human infections, with
subsequent limited transmission between
humans. The evidence for the animal
origin of the virus is circumstantial.
Nevertheless, the alternative explanation
to explain the sporadic appearance of
severe human cases with long periods of
time between them, and the wide
geographical area over which the virus
was
apparently
distributed,
is
unrecognized ongoing transmission in
people. Surveillance efforts since the
discovery of the virus and retrospective
testing of stored respiratory specimens
suggest this is not the case.
The virus has been demonstrated to grow
well in cell lines that in the past have
commonly been used for diagnostic viral
cultures. Finally, early comparisons with
other known corona viruses suggest a
genetic similarity to viruses previously
described in bats. However, even if an
animal reservoir is identified, it is critical
to identify the types of exposures that
result in infection and the mode of
transmission. It is unlikely that
transmission occurs directly from animals
to humans and the route of transmission
may be complex requiring intermediary
hosts, or through contaminated food or
drink.
Cover Story
EBOLA.HIV
&
M E RS - Co v
Ebola, HIV & MERS-cov (Middle East Respiratory Corona Virus): A Triplet Viral Case Definition,
Pathophysiology and Public Health Measure Investigatory Report
By: Rodel Estadillo Alo
Department of Biology, College of Natural Science and
Mathematics, Mindanao State University- General Santos
City, 9500 General Santos City, Philippines
E-mail: rodel.alo03@gmail.com
Viruses...
iruses are genetic elements enclosed in protein and are not considered to be organisms, as they cannot
reproduce independently. Because of their disease- producing potential, viruses are important biological
entities. The virus particles produce the important disease influenza. Other viruses cause AIDS, polio, flu, and
some can lead to cancer. Many scientists have attempted to unravel the nature of viral genes and how they
work. For more than four decades, viral studies have been thoroughly intertwined with those of genetics and
molecular biology. In the future, it is expected that viruses will be one of the principal tools used to experimentally carry genes
from one organism to another. Already, viruses are being employed in the treatment of human genetic diseases.
EBOLA VIRUS
Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90%.
The illness affects humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola first appeared in 1976 in two
simultaneous outbreaks, one in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the other in a remote
area of Sudan. The origin of the virus is unknown but fruit bats (Pteropodidae) are considered the likely host of the Ebola virus,
based on available evidence.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
07
Cover Story
Ebola virus does not transmit through the air as influenza does. After two days and up to 21 days following exposure to the
virus the disease may start suddenly with fever, muscle aches, weakness, headache and sore throat. The next stage of the
disease is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, rashand failure of the liver and kidneys. Some patients also have heavy internal
and external bleeding and multi-organ failure. There is no specific vaccine or treatment for the disease, but the World Health
Organization and other regulatory partners are currently working to identify potential viable treatments.(WHO, 2014).
Article Credit: World Health Organization, 2014
Infections with Ebola viruses originating from Africa cause a severe disease in humans, Ebola virus disease (EVD). Since the
first documented EVD outbreak in Zaire (now: the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1976, five species of the genus Ebolavirus
(Filoviridae family) have been identified from samples collected from humans and non-human primates during outbreaks of the
disease: Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Sudan ebolavirus, Reston ebolavirus, Ta Forest ebolavirus and Bundibugyoebolavirus. Ebola
viruses and Marburg virus, another member of the Filoviridae family, are classified as biosafety level 4 pathogens (BSL-4; risk
group 4) and require special containment measures and barrier protection, in particular for healthcare workers. The map below
presents the geographical distribution of Ebola outbreaks from 1976 to 2011 in Africa.
Ebola viruses are highly transmissible by direct contact with infected blood, secretions, tissues, organs or other bodily fluids of
dead or living infected persons. Airborne transmission has not been documented and person-to-person transmission is
considered the principal mode of transmission for human outbreaks regardless of how the index case was infected. Burial
ceremonies are known to play a role in transmission. Transmission through sexual contact may occur up to seven weeks after
clinical recovery, as observed for Marburg filovirus, and it is supposed to be possible for Ebola viruses. Transmission to humans
can also occur by contact with dead or living infected animals, e.g. primates (such as monkeys and chimpanzees), forest
antelopes, duikers, porcupines and bats. Hunting and butchering of wildlife (great apes and fruit bats) has been identified in
previous outbreaks as a potential source of infection [8]. Bats remain the most likely, but still unconfirmed, reservoir host for
Ebola viruses (EUROPEAN CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, 2014).
Article Credit: EUROPEAN CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, 2014
Additional transmission has occurred in communities during funerals and burial rituals. Burialceremonies in which mourners
have direct contact with the body of the deceased person have played a role in the transmission of Ebola. Persons who have
died of Ebola must be handled using strong protective clothing and gloves and must be buried immediately. WHO advises that
the deceased be handled and buried by trained case management professionals, who are equipped to properly bury the dead.
What activities are not dangerous?

Ebola is not transmitted by
Casual contact in public places with people that do not appear to be sick
Handling money
Handling groceries
Swimming in a swimming pool
Mosquitoes do not transmit the Ebola virus.
Can Ebola virus survive in the environment?

Ebola virus is inactivated by
Soap
Machine washing at higher temperatures
Ultraviolet radiation (including sunlight)
Gamma irradiation
Heating for 60 minutes at 60C or boiling for five minutes
MICROBIOZ INDIA
08
Cover Story
Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach)
Most disinfectants.
Safe and healthy advice

The following preventive measures should eliminate the risk of getting infected
Avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of a patient or a corpse and with objects possibly contaminated;
Avoid close contact with wild animals and consumption of bush meat;
Avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse;
Those who are providing medical care or are involved in the evaluation of an outbreak should wear protective clothing,
including masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection and practice proper infection prevention and control measures.
Prevention of infection
Avoiding contact with symptomatic patients and/or their bodily fluids;
Avoiding contact with corpses and/or bodily fluids from deceased patients;
Avoiding contact with wild animals (including monkeys, forest antelopes, rodents and bats), both alive and dead
Avoiding consumption of bush meat
Wash hands regularly, using detergents or antiseptics;
Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables before consumption;
Strictly practicing safe sex;
Avoid habitats which might be populated by bats such as caves, isolated shelters, or mining bites.
Article Credits-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus)

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a complex retrovirus that replicates through a DNA intermediate. It is the
virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid
of HIV. That means that once you have HIV, you have it for life. It is a virus spread through body fluids that affects specific cells
of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells (Klatt, 1999).
Reverse transcription entails two primer strand transfers that might be intermolecular, transferring to the same template, or
intermolecular, transferring to the other template. There are three families of retroviruses: oncoviruses(causing cancer),
lentiviruses (slow viruses, of which HIV is one), and foamy viruses or spumaviruses(about which much less is known).
There are also retroviral infections of animals, e.g., SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) infects nonhuman primates, FIV (feline
immunodeficiency virus) affects cats, and visna virus infects sheep (Etienneet al., 2011).
MICROBIOZ INDIA
09
Cover Story
Biology, Origin and Morphology
HIV consists of a cylindrical center surrounded by a sphere-shaped lipid bilayer envelope. There are two major viral
glycoproteins in this lipid bilayer, gp120 and gp41. The major function of these proteins is to mediate recognition of CD4+ cells
and chemokine receptors, thereby enabling the virus to attach to and invade
CD4+ cells. The inner sphere contains two single-stranded copies of the
genomic material, RNA, as well as multiple proteins and enzymes necessary
for HIV replication and maturation: p24, p17, reverse transcriptase,
integrase, and protease. Unlike other retroviruses, HIV uses nine genes to
code for the necessary proteins and enzymes. The three principal genes are
gag, pol, and env. The gag gene encodes core proteins. The pol gene
encodes the enzymes reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase. The
env gene encodes the HIV structural components known as glycoproteins.
The first isolates of SIVcpz

were all derived from animals
housed in primate centers or
sanctuaries, although infection
was rare in these
populations.
The rest of the genesrev, nef, vif, vpu, vpr, and tatare important for viral
replication
(Etienne
and
et
al.,
enhancing
2011
).Ever
HIVs
since
HIV-1
sudden
was
rate
first
discovered, the reasons
for
epidemic
and
unique pathogencity have been a
subject of intense study.
A first clue came in 1986 when a
morphologically
similar
but antigenically distinct virus was
found to cause AIDS in
patients in western Africa (Clavel
spread,
its
infectivity
emergence,
et al. 1986).
Figure 1. Morphological structure of HIV virus
Figure 2. Genetic Organization of HIV virus
MICROBIOZ INDIA
11
Cover Story
Figure 3.Origin of HIV virus. Old World monkeys are naturally infected with more than 40 differentlentiviruses, termed simian
immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) with a suffix to denote their primate species of origin like SIVsmm from sooty mangabeys.
Genetics of HIV
HIV contains nine genes made of 9749 base pairs. All retroviruses contain the genes gag (codes for internal structural
proteins and capsid proteins using about 2000 base pairs), pol (codes for the three enzymes necessary for replication using
about 2900 bp), and env (codes for the surface proteins gp120 and gp41 that protrude from the lipid envelope and attach to
cellular receptors using about 1800 bp). Other genes within HIV are tat (transactivatorprotein), rev (regulator of expression of
virus protein), vif (virus infectivity factor), nef (misnamed negative regulator factor, but really an enhancing factor), vpr (virus
protein R), and vpu (virus protein U) (Klatt, 1999).
Stages of Infection and Reproduction

The following are the steps how the virus infects cells and reproduces
MICROBIOZ INDIA
12
Microbioz India
Call for papers and articles
Each author can win a chance of free of cost publication in
Microbioz
India,
International
Journal
of
Microbiology
&
Achievement Certificate of Microbioz India.
ubmit your manuscripts today in Microbioz India e-
Magazines
Submission
Starts
Cover Story
Attachment of the virion to the receptor on the cell. In the case of HIV, its gp120 attaches to a T4 cell's, or macrophage's,
CD4 receptor and the coreceptor CCR5 and/or CXCR4 = fusin
Figure 4.Virions (colored purple) attached on the surface of a salmon cell

Fusion with the cell membrane... The receptors from the virion lock to those of the cell. Then the virus receptors pull back and
force a contact with the cell membrane (Centers for Disease Control, 1994).
Figure 5.Fusion of virus with cell membrane

Penetration of the cell membrane, (4) Uncoating, whereby the virion sheds its coat and leaves its envelope behind. (5)
Reverse transcription of ssRNA to ssDNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase occurs within the capsid. (6) DNA
synthesis of a second strand to form dsDNA. (7) Migration to the nucleus of the cell. (8) Integration into the host nucleus
using the enzyme integrase. The integrated DNA form of the virus is called a provirus. (9) Viral transcription. Once within
the host cell's nucleus, HIV transfers its genetic code to that of the host and henceforth, the host cell can become a virus
factory. The cell could lie dormant (non-replicating) for some time or it could immediately begin producing more viral RNA.
Such dormant cells are usually T memory cells and are called resting cells. (10) RNA nuclear transport moves the RNA out
of the host nucleus toward the inner surface of the cell membrane. (11) Protein synthesis, whereby long proteins are split
into smaller pieces, using the enzyme protease. (12) RNA packaging and virion reassembly using the split proteins. (13)
Reencapsidation (Centers for Disease Control, 1994).
Transmission Rates
MICROBIOZ INDIA
14
Cover Story
HIV is transmitted by either exchange of bodily fluids via sharing contaminated syringes, vertical transmission from infected
mother to the child, and sexual contact. The main modes of transmission via blood or bodily fluids are; transfusion of infected
blood or non-artificial infected blood products,
needle sharing among infected injection drug users,
sexual transmission
involving the exchange of blood, semen, seminal fluid, or vaginal fluids needle sticks and open cuts exposed to infected fluids,
piercing the skin with contaminated instruments in ear-piercing, tattooing, and acupuncture, injection with contaminated
unsterilized syringes and vertical transmission can occur during birth and as a result of breast-feeding ( Cohen et al., 2011).
Infections and Complications

Opportunistic Infections & Other HIV Complications
Bacterial & Mycobacterial Infections
Viral Infections
Mycobacterium avlum Complex (MAC)
Cytomegalovirus
Salmonellosis
Hepatitis
Syphilis and Neuro Syphilis
Herpes Simplex
Tuberculosis
Herpes Zoster
Bacillary anglomatosis
Human Papilloma Virus
Fungal Infections
Molluscum Contagiosum
Aspergillosis
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
Candidiasis
Progressive Multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Cryptococcal meningitis
Neurologic Conditions
Histoplasmosis
AIDS Dementia Complex

Peripheral Neuropathy
Malignancies
Other Conditions & Complications
Kaposls sarcoma
Apthous Ulcers
Non-Hodgkns lumphoma
Malabsorption
Primary Central Nervous System lymphoma
Depression
Invasive Cervical Cancer
Diarrhoea
Thrombocytopenia
Protozoal infections
Wasting Syndrome
Cryptosporidiosis
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
Isosporiasis
Listerosis
Microsporidiosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
Burkitts Lymphoma
Toxoplasmosis
Immmunoblastic Lymphoma
Table 1.Infections and Complications brought by HIV virus, (Centers for Disease Control
MICROBIOZ INDIA
15
Cover Story
Distribution
Distribution Of the many primate lentiviruses that have been identified, SIVcpz has been of particular interest because of its
close genetic relationship to HIV-1 (Fig. 2). However, studies of this virus have proven to be challenging because of the
endangered status of chimpanzees. The first isolates of SIVcpz were all derived from animals housed in primate centers or
sanctuaries, although infection was rare in these populations. Collective analyses of nearly 2,000 wildcaught or captive-born
apes identified fewer than a dozen SIVcpz positive individuals (Sharp et al. 2005).
Figure 6.Geographic distribution of SIVcpz and SIVgor infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Geographic distribution of SIVcpz and SIVgor infections in
sub-Saharan Africa.
Host-Specific Adaptations
HIV and SIV must interact with a large number of host
replicate in infected cells (Fu et al. 2009; Ortiz et al. 2009).
common ancestor of Old World monkeys and apes existed
million years ago, the divergence of these host proteins may
obstacle to cross-species infection. In addition, primates
humans) encode a number of host restriction factors, which
part of their innate immune response to protect against
wide variety of viral pathogens (Malim and Emerman 2008;
As of 11 June, 699
laboratory-confirmed
cases of human infection
with Middle East
respiratory syndrome
corona virus (MERSCoV) have been reported
to WHO, including at
least 209 deaths.
Bieniasz 2009; Kajaste-Rudnitski et al. 2010). Although

turn, found ways to antagonize these restriction factors, these
proteins
to
Because
the
around
25
pose
an
(including
have evolved as
infection with a
Neil
and
viruses have, in
countermeasures are
frequently species specific. Thus, a number of adaptive hurdles have to be overcome before primate lentiviruses can
productively infect a new species. The first evidence of host-specific adaptation of HIV-1 came from an analysis of sites
in
the viral proteome that were highly conserved in the ape precursors of HIV-1, but changed in the same wayeach time
these viruses crossed the species barrier to humans (Wain et al. 2007).
MICROBIOZ INDIA
16
Cover Story
MERS-cov (Middle East Respiratory Corona virus)
Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to severe
acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). These viruses also cause disease in a wide variety of animal species.
Figure 7.Phylogenetic relationships among members of the subfamily Coronavirinaeand taxonomic position of MERS-CoV,
Photo credits: http://jvi.asm.org
In late 2012, a novel coronavirus that had not previously been seen in humans was identified for the first time in a resident of
1
the Middle East. The virus, now known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), has caused more
than 50 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection. Thus far, all patients infected with MERS-CoV have had a direct or
indirect link to the Middle East; however, local non-sustained human-to-human transmission has occurred in other countries, in
people who had recently travelled to the Middle East.
All MERS-CoV patients have primarily had respiratory disease, although a number of secondary complications have also been
reported, including acute renal failure, multi-organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and consumptive
coagulopathy. In addition, many patients have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea. More than half of
infected patients have died. The majority has had at least one comorbid condition, but many have also been in previous good
health. A small number of cases had had co-infection with other viruses including influenza A, parainfluenza, herpes simplex,
and pneumococcus. As of 6 June, the median age of reported laboratory-confirmed cases is 56 years (Range 294 years) and
2
majority (72%) are males. A current update of the cases can be found at WHOs Coronavirus website.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
17
Cover Story
The MERS-CoV virus is thought to be an animal virus that has sporadically resulted in human infections, with subsequent
limited
transmission between humans. The evidence for the animal origin of the virus is circumstantial. Nevertheless,
the alternative explanation to explain the sporadic appearance of severe human cases with long periods of time between
them, and the wide geographical area over which the virus was apparently distributed, is unrecognized ongoing transmission
in people. Surveillance efforts since the discovery of the virus and retrospective testing of stored respiratory specimens
suggest this is not the case.
The virus has been demonstrated to grow well in cell lines that in the past have commonly been used for diagnostic viral
cultures. Finally, early comparisons with other known corona viruses suggest a genetic similarity to viruses previously
described in bats. However, even if an animal reservoir is identified, it is critical to identify the types of exposures that result
in infection and the mode of transmission. It is unlikely that transmission occurs directly from animals to humans and the
route of transmission may be complex requiring intermediary hosts, or through contaminated food or drink.
A considerable proportion of MERS-CoV cases have been part of clusters in which limited non-sustained human-to-human
transmission has occurred. Human-to-human transmission has occurred in health care settings, among close family contacts,
and in the work place. Sustained transmission in the community beyond these clusters has not been observed and would
represent a major change in the epidemiology of MERS-CoV.
--- Credits: WHO, World Health Organization, July 2013
Cases of Infection
As of 11 June, 699 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERSCoV) have been reported to WHO, including at least 209 deaths (Figure 1). Overall, 63.5% of cases reporting sex (n=677) are
male and the median age is 47 years old (range 9 months-94 years old; n=695). An additional 113 cases occurring between
2012 and 2014 were reported by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health on 3 June 2014. These cases are not reflected in the
current case count as investigation into these cases is currently ongoing with Saudi officials.
To date, the affected countries in the Middle East include Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (KSA),
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen; in Africa: Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia; in Europe: France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom; in Asia: Malaysia and Philippines; and in North America: the United States of America
(USA). Since the last update of 8 May 2014, four newly affected countries reported MERS-CoV cases: Algeria, Iran, Lebanon
and the Netherlands.
Figure 8.Epidemic Curve of MERS-CoV Cases as of 9June 2014 (n=699)

Credits: World Health Organization, July 2014
MICROBIOZ INDIA
18
Cover Story
As of 10 March 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) global case count was 1,060 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERSCoV, including at least 394 deaths (case fatality rate 37%) since the first cases were reported in September 2012.1
There have been 76 cases with onset dates in February 2015, a marked increase compared with the 30 cases in
January 2015. This increase is attributable to a rise in transmission in health care settings.
The WHO and partners concluded a joint expert advisory mission to Saudi Arabia in late February 2015 and
identified key areas that should be addressed to control MERS-CoV.
All cases have had a history of residence in or travel to the Middle East (>90% Saudi Arabia), or contact with
travelers returning from these areas. There have been no cases in Australia.
The WHO emphasizes the need for universal application of standard infection control precautions, and
transmission-based precautions when in contact with suspected or confirmed cases, and that it is not also possible
to distinguish MERS-CoV from other respiratory infections.1,2
MERS-CoV can cause severe acute respiratory disease, particularly in people with underlying conditions. People
with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immunocompromised persons are at higher risk of severe
disease.1
Camels are suspected to be the primary source of infection for humans, but the exact routes of direct or indirect
exposure are not fully understood, and further studies (particularly case control studies) are needed. The WHO
advises that people should avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, or eating meat that has not been properly
cooked.
There is no evidence of ongoing community transmission, but limited transmission in health care settings has been
a feature of the outbreak.
Biological specimen collection and laboratory testing

Specimen Collection
To confirm the presence of MERS-CoV in suspect cases, collect appropriate clinical specimens for testing:
(A) Available evidence suggests that lower respiratory tract specimens contain higher virus titers than upper respiratory
tract specimens and are more sensitive for detecting the presence of the virus. Lower respiratory tract specimens
include:
Sputum, induced or non-induced.
Endotracheal aspirate for patients on mechanical ventilation.
Bronchial alveolar lavage for those in whom it is indicated for patient management.
(B) Upper respiratory tract specimens such as nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs should be collected if lower
respiratory tract specimens cannot be collected. If initial testing of an upper respiratory specimen is negative in a
patient suspected of having MERS-CoV infection, repeat testing should be performed.
Collect blood for serological testing. For recent cases, an initial blood specimen should be collected and a
repeat specimen taken after a period of at least 3 weeks. For cases that had symptom onset more than 3
weeks prior to being investigated, a single blood sample is sufficient (note: results of single sera will need to be
interpreted with caution as the extent of cross reactivity of currently available serological assays is unknown).
MICROBIOZ INDIA
19
Cover Story
MERS-CoV has been identified in other body fluids including blood, urine, and stool of infected patients.
However, titers of virus in these body fluids are quite low and they may not be useful for diagnostic testing.
The presence of virus in these body fluids could have public health implications and could be part of an
ancillary study of a case.
Molecular diagnostics
PCR is the most widely used method for
presence of the virus. At least three sites in
the virus genome have been identified as
An Interview with Dr.Tim

Sandle..See in next!!
detecting
the
Recent Research
suitable targets for such assays, including
Scholarships open
upE, ORF 1A and ORF 1B, and sequences of
positions
necessary primers have been published. To
the
perform
these
assays, laboratories should order the primers from their usual suppliers. Positive controls for the UpE screening and the ORF
1A confirmation assays are also available.
Serological testing
Descriptions of serological tests using immunofluorescence and protein microarray methods have now been published (Corman
et al 2012). Work on further serological assays is continuing in several laboratories around the world. No standard has yet
been established for using serology for confirmatory testing. Collection of sera from patients being investigated for infection
with MERS-CoV will greatly aid in the validation of assays currently under development and may be useful for confirmation of
infection once the validation process is complete.
Viral culture
The MERS-CoV virus has been shown to grow in a number of different commonly available cell lines. However, culture of this
virus should not be attempted outside of specialized laboratories with appropriate biosecurity level 3 capabilities.
Genetic sequencing
Specimens testing positive for MERS-CoV should be genetically sequenced, and the data uploaded to publicly accessible
databases. If the laboratory doing the initial test does not have the capacity for genetic sequencing, an aliquot of the specimen
should be forwarded to a reference centre. Such centres should attempt to isolate viruses from all cases so that whole genome
sequencing can be performed, either in the national or international reference laboratory. Both partial and whole genome
sequencing provides crucial information as to the origin and source of exposure to MERS-CoV.
Animal health and environmental investigations

Investigators in public health and animal health should work together to assess the role of MERS-CoV infection in wild animals
(e.g. bats, rodents) or domesticated animals (e.g. camels, sheep, goats, household pets) as sources of possible exposure for
human cases.
Field visits to investigate the occurrence of illness among animals can include
MICROBIOZ INDIA
The patient's home and its surroundings
Local areas where food is produced to be consumed raw/unprocessed (e.g. sun-dried fruits)
Farms and live animal markets
Places frequented by wild animals (e.g. caves)
20
Cover Story
Any other place of significance that the patient visited in the 14 days prior to illness onset
In addition to animal illness and death, information should be sought on local housing, feeding and animal handling
practices.
Infection control
Many of the standard prevention and control measures to reduce opportunities for further transmission of nosocomial
infections have been noted previously and are listed below.
Strict infection control, the use of personal protection equipment during the delivery of care and isolation of confirmed and
probable cases.
Strict infection control and use of personal protection equipment during collection, transportation and testing of
laboratory specimens in patients suspected of having infection with MERS-CoV.
If symptomatic contacts or cases with milder symptoms are cared for at home, infection control measures should be used if.
However, because of rapid progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other severe life-threatening
complications, even otherwise healthy, symptomatic contacts or probable cases should be considered for close observation in
a medical facility.
Figure 9.Epidemic curve of 928 confirmed and 18 probable MERS-CoV cases by confirmation status; as of 10 March 2015.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
21
Cover Story
REFERENCES
CENTRES FOR D ISEASE CONTROL (1982) U PDATE ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME FOR NATIONAL REPORTING - U NITED S TATES . A NNUALS O F
I NTERNAL M EDICINE 103, 402403.
CENTERS FOR D ISEASE CONTROL AND P REVENTION . (1994). 1994 REVISED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION IN CHILDREN LESS THAN 13 YEARS
OF AGE . MMWR R ECOMM . R EP. 1994;43(RR-12):110.
CLAVEL F, G UETARD D, B RUN -V EZINET F, CHAMARET S, R EY MA, S ANTOS -FERREIRA MO, L AURENT AG, D AUGUET C, K ATLAMA C, R OUZIOUX C, ET AL. 1986. I SOLATION OF A NEW
HUMAN RETROVIRUS FROM W EST A FRICAN PATIENTS WITH AIDS. S CIENCE 233: 343346.
COHEN MS, S HAW GM, M CM ICHAEL AJ, H AYNES BF. 2011. A CUTE -HIV-1 I NFECTION : B ASIC, CLINICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES . N ENGL J M ED 364: 19431954.
D AMOND F, D ESCAMPS D, F ARFARA I, TELLES JN, P UYEO S, C AMPA P, L EPRETREA,M ATHERON S, B RUN -V EZINET F, S IMON F. 2001. Q UANTIFICATION OF PROVIRAL LOAD OF HUMAN
IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 2 SUBTYPES A AND B USING REALTIME PCR. J CLIN M ICROBIOL 39: 42644268.
ECDC, E UROPEAN C ENTRE FOR D ISEASE PREVENTION AND C ONTROL ..O UTBREAK OF E BOLA VIRUS DISEASE IN WEST AFRICA . APRIL , 2014.
ETIENNE L, N ERRIENET E, L EBRETON M, B IBILA GT, FOUPOUAPOUOGNIGNI Y, R OUSSET D, N ANA A, D JOKO CF, T AMOUFE U, A GHOKENG AF, ET AL. 2011. C HARACTERIZATION OF A
NEW SIMIAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS STRAIN IN A NATURALLY INFECTED P AN TROGLODYTESTROGLODYTES CHIMPANZEE WITH AIDS RELATED SYMPTOMS . R ETROVIROLOGY 8: 4.
FU W, S ANDERS -B EER BE, KATZ KS, M AGLOTT DR, P RUITT KD, P TAK RG. 2009. H UMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 1, HUMAN PROTEIN INTERACTION DATABASE AT NCBI.
N UCLEIC A CIDS R ES 37: D417D422.
HSE-H EALTH P ROTECTION S URVEILLANCE CENTRE.FREQUENTLY A SKED Q UESTIONS (FAQ S ) R EGARDING E BOLA V IRUS D ISEASE AND D IALYSIS . OCTOBER, 2014.
KAJASTE-R UDNITSKI A, P ULTRONE C, M ARZETTA F, G HEZZI S, CORADIN T, V ICENZI E. 2010. R ESTRICTION FACTORS OF RETROVIRAL REPLICATION : THE EXAMPLE OF TRIPARTITE M OTIF
(TRIM) PROTEIN 5 A AND 22. A MINO A CIDS 39: 19.
KLATT EC. H UMAN I MMUNODEFICIENCY V IRUS . P ATHOLOGY OF AIDS. U NIVERSITY OF U TAH ; 1999.
M ALIM MH, EMERMAN M. 2008. HIV-1 ACCESSORY PROTEINS N ENSURING VIRAL SURVIVAL IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT. CELL H OST M ICROBE 3: 388398.
M ONTERO J, N ADLER JP.P ATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HIV I NFECTION . I N HIV/AIDS P RIMARY CARE G UIDE. CROWN H OUSE P UBLISHING L IMITED ; 2005:114.
N EIL S, B IENIASZ P. 2009. H UMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS , RESTRICTION FACTORS , AND INTERFERON .J I NTERFERON CYTOKINE. R ES 29: 569580.
ORTIZ M, G UEX N, P ATIN E, M ARTIN O, XENARIOS I, C IUFFI A, Q UINTANA-M URCI L, TELENTI A. 2009. EVOLUTIONARY TRAJECTORIES OF PRIMATE GENES INVOLVED IN HIV
PATHOGENESIS .M OLB IOL E VOL 26: 28652875.
S HARP PM, S HAW GM, H AHN BH. 2005. S IMIAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION OF CHIMPANZEES . J V IROL 79: 38913902.
U.S. D EPARTMENT OF H EALTH AND H UMAN S ERVICES , N ATIONAL I NSTITUTES OF H EALTH , N ATIONAL I NSTITUTE OF A LLERGIES AND I NFECTIOUS D ISEASES . U NDERSTANDING THE
I MMUNE S YSTEM AND H OW I T W ORKS . B ETHESDA, MD; 2007.
W AIN LV, B AILES E, B IBOLLET-R UCHE F, D ECKER JM, KEELE BF, V AN H EUVERSWYN F, L I Y, TAKEHISA J, N GOLE EM, S HAW GM, ET AL. 2007. A DAPTATION OF HIV-1 TO ITS HUMAN
HOST.M OLB IOLE VOL 24: 18531860.
WHO, W ORLD H EALTH ORGANIZATION . FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE. A UGUST, 2014.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
22
Recent
Research
News
Subscribe, Microbioz India,
Magazines Today!!!
News Focus
Recipe for antibacterial plastic:

Plastic plus egg whites
Alex Jones, a doctoral student in the department of textiles, merchandising

and interiors at the University of Georgia, is studying the antibacterial
properties of bioplastics. He's found that albumin, a protein found in egg
whites, looks the most promising.
Credit: Cal Powell/UGA
Story Source: University of Georgia
ioplastics made from protein sources such as albumin and whey have shown significant antibacterial properties, findings
that could eventually lead to their use in plastics used in medical applications such as wound healing dressings, sutures, catheter
tubes and drug delivery, according to a recent study by the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences. The
bioplastics materials could also be used for food packaging. Researchers tested three nontraditional bioplastics materials-albumin, whey and soy proteins--as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics that pose risks of contamination. In
particular, albumin, a protein found in egg whites, demonstrated tremendous antibacterial properties when blended with a
traditional plasticizer such as glycerol."It was found that it had complete inhibition, as in no bacteria would grow on the plastic
once applied," said Alex Jones, a doctoral student in the department of textiles, merchandising and interiors. "The bacteria
wouldn't be able to live on it."The study appears in the online version of the Journal of Applied Polymer Science. One of the
researchers' aims is to find ways to reduce the amount of petroleum used in traditional plastic production; another is to find a
fully biodegradable bioplastic.The albumin-glycerol blended bioplastics met both standards, Jones said."If you put it in a landfill,
this being pure protein, it will break down," he said. "If you put it in soil for a month--at most two months--these plastics will
disappear."The next step in the research involves a deeper analysis of the albumin-based bioplastics potential for use in the
biomedical and food packaging fields. As noted in the study, 4.5 hospital admissions out of every 100 in the U.S. in 2002
resulted in a hospital-acquired infection. In addition to the risk of contamination in hospitals, food contamination as a result of
traditional plastics is a notable risk. Researchers are encouraged by the antimicrobial properties of albumin-based bioplastics that
could potentially reduce these risks through drug elution--loading the bioplastics with either drugs or food preservatives that can
kill bacteria or prevent it from spreading.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
24
Story Source: American Society of Microbiology
News Focus
Could antibodies from camels

protect humans from MERS?
ntibodies from dromedary camels protected uninfected mice from Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome (MERS), and helped infected mice expunge the disease, according to a study published
online March 18th in the Journal of Virology, a journal published by the American Society for
Microbiology. MERS, which emerged in humans last year in the Saudi Arabian peninsula, causes
severe respiratory disease, with a high mortality rate of 35-40 percent. No specific therapy is
currently available. "Our results suggest that these antibodies might prove therapeutic for MERS
patients, and might protect uninfected household members and healthcare workers against MERS,"
says corresponding author Stanley Perlman, MD, PhD, a professor in the Departments of
Microbiology and Pediatrics, the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Passive immunization, a procedure where you inject a former patient's antibodies into a new patient
to fight the disease, has been used in the past, including last year in a small number of cases of
Ebola, but in the case of MERS, few former patients are available to donate antibodies. Additionally,
their antibody titers are often too low, and many former patients are not healthy enough to donate.
Suspecting that humans and dromedaries were likely infected by the same virus, first author Malik
Peiris, D. Phil., Professor of Medical Science, School of Public Health, the University of Hong Kong,
SAR, China suggested that camel sera might be used to combat MERS. The vast majority of
dromedaries on the Arabian peninsula are infected, and many have high antibody titers. The
investigators decided to test dromedary antibodies against virus taken from humans. They tested
the antibodies in mouse models infected with the latter virus.
The study, a successful proof of concept study, showed that prophylactic or therapeutic treatment
with high titer MERS immune camel sera diminished weight loss and pathological changes in lung
tissues, and cleared the infections in the mice. Along with their availability in the Arabian peninsula,
the site of all initial human infections thus far, camel sera have several additional advantages. The
part of an antibody that binds to the antigen is the variable region, said Perlman. The camel
antibody's variable region--which is the part of the antibody that recognizes antigen--is longer than
most species' antibody variable regions, so camel antibodies can detect structures missed by
conventional (human) antibodies."The antibody will work in humans if delivered in sufficient
quantities," said Perlman. "The main hurdle is purifying the antibody and making sure that it is safe
to administer to humans."Camel antibodies would also be relatively easy to use as the initial source
to develop a recombinant, humanized antibody, said Perlman, explaining that while human
antibodies have four chains, camel antibodies have a single chain. Recombinant, humanized
antibodies could then be grown in bacteria.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
25
Scientist Meet
An Interview
Dr.Tim Sandle, Ph.D
Scientist Meet
Microbioz India, Team: Why you opt MICROBIOLOGY as a career?
Dr.Sandle: I was interested in biology at school, and this led to an interest in disease
and contamination control. There are two sides to microbiology: the use of
microorganisms in beneficial ways, such as in food production or with biotechnology to
develop new and interesting drugs; and with the prevention of disease or with the
avoidance of contamination, as in a hospital surgery unit or with the design and
development of pharmaceutical medications. Microbiology is a varied career and one that
is always changing, with new developments on a monthly basis.
Microbioz India, Team: Tell us a little more about your professional experiences; particularly those not mention
your resume/application?
Dr.Sandle: I have worked in clinical microbiology and pharmaceutical microbiology. Both
are interesting. I also try to promote microbiology extensively through social media. I
have my own website Pharmaceutical Microbiology (www.pharmamicroresources.com)
plus Face book and Linked groups, plus Twitter. I think the more conservation and
debate that there is the better. My work has opened up many opportunities in relation to
writing and speaking at conferences. I have visited many countries around the world and
met many interesting people. I have also written several books in addition to research
papers and articles. Book writing allows me to explore ideas in greater detail.
Microbioz India, Team: What is your favorite part of your current job and why is it your favorite part?
Dr.Sandle: I am involved in several roles. I am Head of Microbiology for a
pharmaceutical organization, which specialized in sterile medicines. Here I provide safety
assessments for medicines and carry out research. My research focuses on bioburden
reduction strategies, bacterial endotoxin and disinfectant efficacy. Basically these are
ways to kill microorganisms. The most challenging are bacterial spores finding ways to
penetrate endospores is not straightforward. I am also a visiting tutor at the University
of Manchester and I lecture in pharmaceutical microbiology for a Masters degree course.
This is very rewarding, specially meeting and talking with students. Furthermore, I am a
committee member of Pharmig (Pharmaceutical Microbiology Interest Group) and this
involves running several courses and conducting webinars. With this there is a strong
regulatory focus and interest in microbiological standards.
Microbioz India, Team: How would your background and experiences strengthen this academic department?
Dr.Sandle: My experiences are varied. My first job was with parasitology. However, my
main strengths are with teaching; research methods; and the investigation of microbial
contamination events, using risk assessment to establish root causes and in risk
mitigation strategies.
Microbioz India, Team: What is one or two of your proudest professional accomplishments?
Dr.Sandle: In terms of research, I have made a number of contributions to the trending
and characterization of clean room microbiota in relation to the human microbiome and
with disinfectant resistance. I have also taken a number of engineering principles, such
as risk tools, and applied these to pharmaceutical processes to help make safe and
efficacious medicines. My proudest professional achievement was being awarded a
lifetime Excellence in Pharmaceutical Microbiology award in 2013.
As we did in our
earlier issue, this
month we would like
to introduce you all
with one of famous
Microbiologist from
Bio-products
laboratory, Dr.Tim
Sandle. Microbioz
India, Team wishes
him a great future a
head.
I have made a number of

contributions to the trending
and characterization of clean
room microbiota in relation
to the human microbiome
and with disinfectant
resistance.
Microbioz India, Team: Mention few of your words in favour of Microbioz India.
Microbioz India is a superb publication. The research articles are interesting and cutting
edge, and the news updates picking the best microbiology stories are invaluable.
There is no rival publication, and it is rapidly becoming a global journal of excellence.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
27
News Focus
Story Source: University of California, Sanfrancisco
Scientists link unexplained

Image Credit: personalexcellance.com
childhood paralysis to
enterovirus D68
research team led by UC San Francisco scientists has found the genetic signature of
enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in half of California and Colorado children diagnosed with acute
flaccid myelitis -- sudden, unexplained muscle weakness and paralysis -- between 2012 and
2014, with most cases occurring during a nationwide outbreak of severe respiratory illness from
EV-D68 last fall. The finding strengthens the association between EV-D68 infection and acute
flaccid myelitis, which developed in only a small fraction of those who got sick. The scientists
could not find any other pathogen capable of causing these symptoms, even after checking
patient cerebrospinal fluid for every known infectious agent. Researchers analyzed the genetic
sequences of EV-D68 in children with acute flaccid myelitis and discovered that they all
corresponded to a new strain of the virus, designated strain B1, which emerged about four
years ago and had mutations similar to those found in poliovirus and another closely related
nerve-damaging virus, EV-D70. The B1 strain was the predominant circulating strain detected
during the 2014 EV-D68 respiratory outbreak, and the researchers found it both in respiratory
secretions and -- for the first time -- in a blood sample from one child as his acute paralytic
illness was worsening. The study also included a pair of siblings, both of whom were infected
with genetically identical EV-D68 virus, yet only one of whom developed acute flaccid
myelitis."This suggests that it's not only the virus, but also patients' individual biology that
determines what disease they may present with," said Charles Chiu, MD, PhD, an associate
professor of Laboratory Medicine and director of UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery
Center. "Given that none of the children have fully recovered, we urgently need to continue
investigating this new strain of EV-D68 and its potential to cause acute flaccid myelitis."Among
the 25 patients with acute flaccid myelitis in the study, 16 were from California and nine were
from Colorado. Eleven were part of geographic clusters of children in Los Angeles and in Aurora,
Colorado, who became symptomatic at the same time, and EV-D68 was detected in seven of
these patients. Although the researchers found EV-D68 in the children's respiratory secretions
and in the blood from one case, they did not find it in cerebrospinal fluid. The researchers said
this may not be surprising given that other nerve-damaging viruses, like polio, are very rarely
detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Eighty percent of the children reported having an upper
respiratory illness about six days, on average, before their acute flaccid myelitis symptoms
began. Slightly more reported having a fever, including all of the cases from the clusters in
California and Colorado. Samples were collected more than a week after the children began
showing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, and this likely made it much harder to find
EV-D68. There may also be other reasons to explain why the virus was not found in
cerebrospinal fluid in children with neurological symptoms."The lack of detectable virus in CSF
could also mean that the neurological symptoms are coming from an aberrant immune response
to recent EV-D68 infection and not because the virus is directly invading neurons," Chiu said.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
28
News Focus
Date syrup shows promise for

fighting bacterial infections
Story Source: Society for General Microbiology
ate syrup -- a thick, sweet liquid derived from dates that is widely
consumed across the Middle East -- shows antibacterial activity against a

number of disease-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli. New research, presented today at the Society for General
Microbiology's Annual Conference in Birmingham, showed that, in vitro, date
syrup is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria faster than manuka honey,
which has previously been shown to have antibacterial properties and is
increasingly used in dressings to improve wound repair. Hajer Taleb, a
research student from Cardiff Metropolitan University, who undertook the
work, identified that the date syrup contains a number of phenolic
compounds that form naturally in the date fruit as it matures. These
compounds have previously been shown to have antibacterial activity.
Artificial syrup -- made of the constituent sugars found in natural syrup but
lacking the phenolic compounds -- was not as effective at inhibiting bacterial
growth. In vitro results have shown that date syrup produced traditionally in
Basra, Southern Iraq, has antibacterial activity comparable to manuka honey.
The results revealed that when the syrup was mixed with a range of diseasecausing bacteria -- including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,
Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa -- it inhibited their growth.
The date syrup was effective in similar amounts to manuka honey but worked
more quickly, inhibiting bacterial growth after six hours of treatment, while
the manuka honey required longer. Date syrup is eaten in a large number of
countries due to its perceived health benefits. However, this work is part of a
comprehensive study that aims, for the first time, to identify and examine the
mechanisms underlying any potential health benefits, in particular its
antibacterial effects.Dr Ara Kanekanian from Cardiff Metropolitan University,
who leads on this research, said: "While this work is currently in vitro, it
suggests that date syrup could exhibit health benefits through its
antibacterial activities, similar, or in some cases, better than honey. At this
stage, this has mainly been attributed to the presence of phenolic
compounds. However, until further research is undertaken, we caution people
against using the syrup to treat wounds."
While the research is still in the laboratory stage, the researchers anticipate
that date syrup could have a clinical value similar to honey, which is utilised
as a topical antibacterial treatment for wound infection.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
29
News Focus
Story Source: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
'Attract and kill:' trapping

malaria mosquito moms before
they lay eggs
n a world first, researchers have found that a naturally occurring chemical attracts pregnant malaria-transmitting mosquitoes -- a
discovery which could boost malaria control efforts. The chemical, cedrol, found in mosquito breeding sites near Africa's Lake Victoria,
could be used in traps that would 'attract and kill' the female mosquito, preventing reproduction before she lays hundreds of eggs.A
child dies every minute from malaria, according to World Health Organization estimates. In Africa, malaria parasites carried by the
female Anopheles gambiae mosquito are responsible for most of those deaths. While current methods have reduced the burden of
malaria, new control tools are desperately needed as mosquitoes develop resistance to insecticides and avoid indoor controls such as
bed nets. While much research has been done into repellents and attractants of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes as they hunt humans
for a blood meal, this is the first chemical confirmed to attract female mosquitoes after they have fed, while they search for a place to
lay their eggs, and offers a new way to control mosquitoes. The work was published in the Malaria Journal by the OviART research
group, a multinational team bringing together researchers from the Kenya-based International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
(icipe), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology and the UK's Durham University.
Vector control -- preventing contact between mosquitoes and people and reducing the number of mosquitoes -- is considered to be the
best strategy to tackle malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies have asked how the blood-thirsty mosquito finds human targets for
a blood meal, and many successful control methods focus on protecting people from bites. Several chemicals have been identified that
attract hungry mosquitoes looking for a feed, and odour-based traps have been designed to attract the mosquito away before biting.
The OviART team asked: what happens next? How does the mosquito find suitable water bodies for her aquatic offspring after she has
fed? And can we manipulate that choice? "To improve vector control and work towards malaria elimination, we need to look beyond
blood-feeding to better understand mosquito behavior at other times in her life," said Mike Okal, an icipe researcher, a PhD student at
the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and corresponding author on the study. The OviART project followed the Anopheles
gambiae mosquito's journey: after a blood meal from a human, the female mosquito heads off to lays her eggs in a pool of still water.
The team noticed that some pools would be full of larvae, while others remained empty."For the past six years, we have been studying
how the major malaria-transmitting mosquito in Africa selects which pool to lay her eggs in, and asking how that choice could be
manipulated so we can intercept and kill her before she lays hundreds of eggs," said Mr Okal. The team in Kenya, at icipe's Thomas
Odhiambo Research Station in Mbita on the shore of Lake Victoria, set up a number of pools of water with different infusions, such as
grasses, different soils, even rabbit food pellets, and judged which pools the mosquitoes preferred to lay in by counting the number of
mosquito larvae in each. They quickly honed in on one particular soil, which they dubbed their 'magical mud'."We found the mosquitoes
were more than twice as likely to lay eggs in water infused with this particular soil than in water fresh from Lake Victoria," said Mr Okal.
After various studies to confirm that it was an odour released from the soil infusion, rather than the look of the turbid water, that was
attracting mosquitoes, the challenge was to isolate the precise chemical that drew them in. Colleagues at the Swedish Royal Institute of
Technology used gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to identify a number of chemicals released from the soil-infused
water and compared these with over 100 samples taken from natural mosquito breeding sites around Lake Victoria. They quickly honed
in on one -- the sesquiterpene alcohol cedrol -- which was present in their soil infusion and was also found in more than 50% of their
natural habitat samples. Back in Kenya, cedrol was tested at icipe on mosquitoes in cages and in the wild. Pregnant mosquitoes were
offered a choice: lake water, or lake water treated with cedrol. The team confirmed that the mosquitoes were two times more likely to
lay eggs in water with cedrol in the laboratory and a controlled field environment. During their field test, the team showed that wild
mosquitoes were three times more likely to be caught in traps baited with cedrol than in traps with lake water alone. Project leader Dr
Ulrike Fillinger, of icipe and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the search for a chemical which attracts egg-bearing
mosquitoes has a long history. "Many supposed attractants have been suggested in previous publications, but these were based on small
scale laboratory studies which showed that the mosquitoes can sense these chemicals, and didn't show whether they affect mosquito
behavior," said Dr Fillinger."Our study for the first time has carefully demonstrated that egg-bearing Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes can
detect the chemical cedrol and are drawn to it in real-world circumstances.""The next step for us is to show how we can use cedrol in
traps as part of an 'attract and kill' strategy to complement current vector control methods and to protect people from the deadly
malaria parasite carried by these mosquitoes."
MICROBIOZ INDIA
30
Business in focus
Shire, BioMarin and the snowball
effect of buyout rumors
By: Damian Garde
News Credit: Fierce Biotech
hire ($SHPG) is an acquisitive company with a focus on rare diseases.
BioMarin ($BMRN) fits the same description. A blog post that, by its own
admission, "might be codswallop," reported that the former is considering buying
the latter. And those three facts combined to send the shares of BioMarin, far from
a penny stock, up as much as 15% on Friday, illustrating how the biotech boom
has changed Wall Street's perception of the drug industry. It began with a
Shire CEO Flemming Ornskov
Thursday evening post on the financial blog Betaville in which Ben Harrington
wrote that "top sources (and I mean top)" told him Shire had approached BioMarin
about a deal, retaining Morgan Stanley and Lazard as it considered bidding on the
roughly $18 billion company. Then, Friday morning, Deutsche Bank analyst Robyn
Karnauskas, among the sector's most bullish observers, held a conference call to
discuss BioMarin's value and outlined a hyperoptimistic scenario in which the
company could be worth nearly three times its current value in a year or so. Both
narratives seemed to take hold among investors hoping to get in on the next big
buyout in an industry rife with consolidation, pushing BioMarin's value to an alltime high of around $132 per share. The case for Shire acquiring BioMarin is fairly
simple. Under the leadership of CEO Flemming Ornskov, Shire has established
itself as a fast-growing player in rare diseases unafraid to pay big premiums,
evidenced its by multibillion-dollar deals for NPS Pharma and Viro Pharma.
BioMarin, meanwhile, has 5 on-the-market treatments for rare ailments and a
Recent
Research
Scholarships Positions
open to pursue higher
education
in
Microbiology
&
Biotechnology
from
reputed
Universities
and
Research
Institutes
wide pipeline of new products--including what could become the first approved
treatment for Duchene muscular dystrophy--making it an on-paper fit with Shire's
appetite for expansion. But, as Citigroup pointed out in a note to investors, such a
deal remains deeply unlikely, and unsourced blog posts are perhaps not the best
places to get clues about impending megadeals. Such market gossip comes and
Microbioz Journals
International Journal of Microbiology
goes all the time in biotech, and more often than not it amounts to nothing,
leaving would-be takeout targets to gradually give back the share value gains they
amassed during the fervor. But rarely do those kinds of rumors have such an
Call for Papers

effect on companies the size of BioMarin and Friday's events will likely only fuel
worries that biotech valuations are spiraling out of control, pointing to an industry
wide bubble primed to burst.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
31
Scholarships
Open Position
Download Microbioz
India, Magazines.
Scholarships Update
Ireland: Centre for Chromosome Biology,
School of Natural Sciences: Funded PhD
Scholarship
About Scholarship
Nucleoli form around arrays of genes that encode the major RNA component of ribosome. These ribosomal gene arrays, known
as nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are located on the short-arms of five human chromosomes. Contrary to popular belief the
human genome sequence is incomplete and missing regions include the NOR bearing short arms of human chromosomes 13, 14,
15, 21 and 22. The successful candidate will join a Welcome Trust funded team that aims to describe the genomic architecture
surrounding human NORs (see recent publications Floutsakou et al. 2013. Genome Res 23: 2003-2012 and Grob et al. 2014.
Genes Dev 28: 220-230).
Eligibility
Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline
(Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology etc.). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated. Previous research
is also an advantage but is not essential.
How to Apply
Please send a letter of introduction, a 400 word statement on your research ambitions and a current CV, indicating your
research experience and including the names of two referees to Professor Brian McStay via email to brian.mcstay@nuigalway.ie
Deadline
5pm on Friday 10th April 2015.
For Details
www.chromosome.ie/ & www.nuigalway.ie/biochemistry/staff/mcstay/index.html.
Development
of
Computational
Mechanistic
Modeling Framework for Predicting Development of

Antimicrobial
Resistance
in
Homogeneous
Populations- Research Project

About Scholarship
MICROBIOZ INDIA
33
Scholarships Update
A unique and exciting opportunity for a PhD combining both experimental and modeling work has arisen at the School of Medical
Sciences at the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with the Unilever Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre. The project
will be supervised by Dr Samantha Miller (University of Aberdeen) and Dr Ilias Soumpasis (Unilever).
Eligibility
This project is funded by the BBSRC (CASE). Full funding is available to UK/EU applicants only (note: eligibility criteria may
apply for EU applicants).Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant
subject. Applicants with a minimum of a 2.2 Honours degree may be considered provided they have a Distinction at Masters
Level
How to Apply
Please apply for admission to the 'Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences (Science)' to ensure that your application
is passed to the correct college for processing. Please provide a copy of the degree certificate and transcript for each previous
degree undertaken, a copy of your English language proficiency certificate (if relevant), and contact details of two referees who
can comment on your previous academic performance (at least one should be from your current degree programme).
References will be requested if you are selected for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Deadline
Friday, April 10, 2015
For Details
www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduate/research/antimicrobial-resistance-719.php
CSEAS
Fellowships
for
Visiting
Research
Scholars at Kyoto University in Japan, 2016

About Scholarship
Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) of Kyoto University, Japan is offering visiting research fellowships for scholars and
researchers who work on Southeast Asia, or on any one of the countries in that region. Applicants must be interested in spending
time in Kyoto in order to conduct research, write or pursue other scholarly interests in connection with their field of study. Total
six fellowships will be awarded for the first half of 2016 on a competitive basis
Eligibility
Applicants must be productive scholars of high reputation under 65 years of age at the time of the fellowship appointment;
those over 65 may be considered only if they are outstanding. This fellowship is not available to individuals currently pursuing
graduate degrees or post-doctoral studies. Only experienced librarians are eligible to apply for the library position. Scholars who
have previously held CSEAS fellowships must wait six years after the completion of their fellowships before reapplying.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
34
Scholarships Update
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application via e-mail. Email applications must have the following attached
documents (A4 size in PDF or MS word format).
A completed application form
A curriculum vitae (not exceeding 5 pages, must include research experience and a list of main publications)
Two referees
Applicants must also contact their respective referees and request them to send their letters of recommendations to CSEAS
via email. The letter should be written in their institutions letterhead. Email Applications and letters of recommendations
must be sent by email. (Important note: please put CSEAS fellowship as the subject or title of the email message,
otherwise your message will not reach us). Applicants with no access to email may write to CSEAS to ask for an application
form. They must then submit the above forms, as well as ask their referees to send their sealed letters of recommendation
via post.
Deadline
The application deadline is April 30, 2015.
For Details
http://www.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/networks/international-networks/opportunities/
PhD Studentship in Cancer and Genetics

Study at Cardiff University in UK, 2015
About Scholarship
Cardiff University is offering PhD Studentship for EU (Non UK), International (Non EU) and UK applicants. This studentship is
generously funded by MRC CTU. Studentship is awarded in the field of Cancer and Genetics Study. This studentship consists of
full UK/EU tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend. The deadline for applications is 2 May 2015.
Eligibility
Residency: Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency
requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of
the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education. EU Nationals who do not meet
the above residency requirement are eligible for a fees only award, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EU for
at least 3 years prior to the start of their proposed programme of study.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
35
Scholarships Update
How to Apply
In the first instance, you should submit a CV & Covering Letter to Dr. Richard Adams by emailing adamsra@cardiff.ac.uk.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 2 May 2015.
For Details
http://courses.cardiff.ac.uk/funding/R2489.html
Endophytic
bacteria:
chemical
warfare
co-existence
(BBSRC
and
iCASE
studentship)
About Scholarship
A 4 year PhD studentship is available at IBERS, Aberystwyth University to start within the academic year 2015/16. Endophytic
bacteria (EB) live within plant tissues without causing signs of disease. They can be considered to sit at the benign end of the
spectrum between mutualists and pathogens. EB have been reported to confer benefits to the host plant in terms of growth
promotion and protection from pests and pathogens. In order to maintain an endophytic lifestyle these bacteria must both
interact with the host plant and other bacterial and fungal entophytes without triggering defense mechanisms (co-operation), yet
assist the plant in identifying and attacking pathogens (chemical warfare). These ancient relationships are not only fascinating
from an evolutionary perspective but are potentially of great value for both sustainable crop production and as novel sources of
bioactive natural products including antimicrobials and antifungal. The student will receive a stimulating interdisciplinary training
comprising microbiology, plant science, genetics & genomics, and natural product chemistry. The project encompasses basic
discovery science and applied research; we therefore anticipate high impact publications and aim to identify novel bioactive
compounds of interest for commercialization.
Eligibility
Residency: Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency
requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of
the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education. EU Nationals who do not meet
the above residency requirement are eligible for a fees only award, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EU for
at least 3 years prior to the start of their proposed programme of study.
MICROBIOZ INDIA
36
Scholarships Update
How to Apply
Please contact Kerrie Farrar kkf@aber.ac.uk for further information. Applications to include a CV, cover letter, and application
form, available from our Official Site
Deadline
Monday, April 13, 2015
For Details
http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/
EMBL,
(European
Molecular
Biology
Laboratory), International Ph.D Program

Unique in the world and waiting for you!
The EMBL International PhD Programme, originally established in 1983, represents the flagship of EMBL's commitment to first
class training and education. Internationality, dedicated mentoring and early independence in research characterise our
programme. Considered to be one of the most competitive PhD training schemes to enter, we are committed to providing EMBL
PhD students with the best starting platform for a successful career in science. The EMBL International PhD Programme is
directed by Helke Hillebrand - Academic Coordinator, EICAT and Dean of Graduate Studies.
Contact details
Meriam Bezohra, Administrative Officer
Matija Grgurinovic, Senior Administrative Officer
EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstrae 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Tel:
+49 6221 387 -8612 or 8896
Fax:
+49 6221 387 -8400
Email:
predocs@embl.de
(*The above Information is collected from EMBL official site)
MICROBIOZ INDIA
37
Scholarships Update
CNIO
Summer
Training
Programme
for
Undergraduate Students in Spain, 2015

About Scholarship
The Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) announces up to 10 vacancies for undergraduate students to work in a lab
at the CNIO over the summer. The programme runs from June 22 to August 14, 2015, and is open to undergraduate students of
any nationality. Travel expenses and meals at the CNIO cafeteria will be covered for summer training programme students
during their stay at the centre.
Eligibility
Application requirements
You must have passed at least 2/3 of the total credit points (courses or exams) required for a Life Sciences or Biomedicine
related undergraduate degree (in any country).
You must have an excellent academic track record with a Grade Point Average (GPA) above 0.75 (with your GPA as the
numerator and the highest possible GPA as the denominator).
You must have a good knowledge of English.
How to Apply
Only on line applications will be considered. Please attach your CV in pdf format; doc and rtf formats are also accepted. Please
note that the size of this document must not exceed 1MB.
Deadline
The application deadline is 26 April, 2015.
For Details
https://www.cnio.es/ing/cursos/practicasverano.asp
AUT Vice Chancellor Doctoral Scholarships

in New Zealand, 2015
MICROBIOZ INDIA
38
Scholarships Update
About Scholarship
Auckland University of Technology is offering vice chancellor doctoral scholarships for domestic and international applicants.
These scholarships are awarded to applicants who are qualified to register for full-time study in a doctoral degree at AUT.
Scholarships are available for up to three years and each scholarship is worth in total approximately $96,000. The scholarship is
awarded on the basis of academic excellence. The applications deadlines are 15 April 2015 and 15 October 2015.
Eligibility
The October round is open to all applicants. The scholarship is open to applicants who are qualified to register for full-time
study in a doctoral degree at AUT.
The April round is open only to domestic applicants and international applicants with a qualifying degree from a New
Zealand University.
Applicants must meet the normal admission criteria to the doctoral programme, including, minimally, second class (first
division) honours or equivalent as stated in the Academic Calendar.
The proposed field of study is one where the University can offer supervision
Preference will be given to new applicants to a doctoral programme, including those in provisional candidature at AUT
How to Apply
There are two parts to the application process. You must 1) apply for this scholarship online and 2) submit your application for
doctoral study if you have not already done so. Both procedures must be initiated for your application to be considered. Domestic
applicants are advised to contact the Faculty Postgraduate Office where you intend to study to discuss admission into the PhD
programme. International applicants should contact phdadmissions-at-aut.ac.nz for advice regarding the admissions process
prior to applying for this scholarship. Applicants for this scholarship who have initiated the application for admission are more
likely to be successful.
Deadline
The applications deadlines are 15 April 2015 and 15 October 2015.
For Details
http://www.aut.ac.nz/study-at-aut/fees-scholarships-and-finance/scholarships/scholarships-andawards/detailpage?detailCode=803262&sessionID=2656294&sourceIP=undefined&X_FORWARDED_FOR=undefined
MICROBIOZ INDIA
39
2
W
MICROBIOZ INDIA
April
2015
Crossord015
2
MICROBIOZ INDIA
April
015
List of winners of March 2015

Edition
Following candidates are successfully solved Microbioz India Cross Word game of February 2015
Dipti Bhadauriya
IIT-Kanpur, India
Shruti Rawat
IIT-Roorkee
Poonam Rajput
Sagar, M.P.India
Mhd.Tariq
Faisalabad, Pakistan
Mansoor Ahmd
Kohat, Pakistan
Vaishnvi Ramesh
Asma Beg
Guntur, A.P, India

Faisalabad, Pakistan
Benda G
Peru
Ramakrishnan
MKU, Madurai, India
Taylor Francis
Hints Key
Ireland
Dear readers here we are not mentioning names of few winners

because of Late submission of answers, Winners will be
communicated later via e-mail for Microbioz India, Certificate.
www.proprofs.com
Solve
Today
Spiral-shaped bacteria
An organism that obtains its nutrients
From dead organic matter
An organism that lives in, on, or at the
Expense of another
organism without contributing to the
Hosts survival
A microorganism that lives and grows in
The presence of free oxygen
A potent toxin that is secreted or excreted
By living organisms
Bacteria that are permanent and generally
Beneficial resident s in the human body
An organism in which another, usually
Parasitic organism is nourished and
Harbored.
A carrier of pathogenic organisms,
Especially one that can transmit a di sea
Se.
Solve this cross word and forward us scanned

Copy of answers by 15th of April 2015
Graphic Design By: Jamyle Savaris

EBOLA - HIV.MERS, Triple Case Definition, Microbioz India, April Issue

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

EBOLA - HIV.MERS, Triple Case Definition, Microbioz India, April Issue

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

List of Winners of March Issue

New Cross word Game Inside

Recent Research News

International Journal of Microbiology

Call for Papers

Microbioz Journals, International Journal of Microbiology is an open

Ride your talent..

Many scientists have attempted to unravel the nature of viral genes

An Editorial Desk for April Issue of

Recent Research News Updates,

Recent Open Scholarships Position to

An Interview with Dr.Tim Sandle, Ph.D

ear readers thanking you lot for your

continuous support and fantastic appreciation for

Chief International Representative

Jenny & Pavol

New Castle, U.K.

Malaysia, Malaya University

Rodel Estadillo Alo

Philippines Out reach

How to reach us...

631/63, Mulayam Nagar, Luck now, U.P.India,-226012

Chief-Editor, Microbioz International Journals

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015

he MERS-CoV virus is thought to be

RIPLET VIRAL CASE DEFINITION PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURE

an animal virus that has sporadically

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015

What activities are not dangerous?

Can Ebola virus survive in the environment?

Machine washing at higher temperatures

Ultraviolet radiation (including sunlight)

Heating for 60 minutes at 60C or boiling for five minutes

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015

Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach)

Safe and healthy advice

Avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse;

Avoiding contact with symptomatic patients and/or their bodily fluids;

Avoiding consumption of bush meat

Wash hands regularly, using detergents or antiseptics;

Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables before consumption;

Strictly practicing safe sex;

Article Credits-Health Protection Surveillance Centre

HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus)

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015

The first isolates of SIVcpz

discovered, the reasons

unique pathogencity have been a

subject of intense study.

A first clue came in 1986 when a

but antigenically distinct virus was

found to cause AIDS in

patients in western Africa (Clavel

Figure 1. Morphological structure of HIV virus

Figure 2. Genetic Organization of HIV virus

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015

Stages of Infection and Reproduction

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015

Achievement Certificate of Microbioz India.

ubmit your manuscripts today in Microbioz India e-

Figure 4.Virions (colored purple) attached on the surface of a salmon cell

Figure 5.Fusion of virus with cell membrane

APRIL 2015 ISSUE, 2015