Browsing by Author "Messeir, Ilze"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes in gingival crevicular fluid of mothers delivering preterm.
    (University of the Western Cape, 2024) Messeir, Ilze
    Preterm birth (PTB), defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a significant global public health concern. It has a tremendous impact on both the healthcare system and the individual families affected. Low birth weight (LBW), is a direct consequence of PTB or intrauterine growth restriction, and is a major determinant of neonatal infant morbidity and mortality. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the prevalence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) serotypes in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) stored for more than ten years could be used as microbial biomarkers to predict preterm delivery. The study samples included 185 samples from “preterm birth” and “normal birth” mothers with pregnancy gingivitis.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Strengths and limitations of different Chromogenic Media for the identification of Candida species
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012) Messeir, Ilze; Abrantes, Pedro Miguel dos Santos; Africa, Charlene W.J.
    The treatment of invasive candidiasis and other Candida infections with the appropriate antifungal agent is assisted by the identification of Candida isolates to the species level. Rapid and accurate methods of differentiation are therefore imperative if treatment is to be effective, particularly in HIV-positive patients and in pregnant mothers where intervention may be necessary to reduce the risk for preterm delivery. The time used for isolation, identification and detection of mixed cultures may be reduced with the help of available chromogenic media. In this study, five commercial chromogenic media were evaluated for the differentiation of Candida species. Six type-strains of Candida species were streaked onto each of five different chromogenic media and incubated for up to 4 days at the different temperatures recommended by the manufacturers. This comparative evaluation demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of each medium employed and found CHROMagar™ Candida and Chromogenic Candida Agar to be the most effective for distinguishing between different Candida species.