bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeking the oldest evidence of life on Earth
Authors: Allwood Abigail , Brown Adrian
Published: April 2020

The search for the oldest evidence of terrestrial life is a search for answers to some of mankind?s oldest questions. But do we really have a chance of finding unequivocal fossils of the simple, soft bodied microorganisms that were the first inhabitants of this planet if we consider their lack of hard parts, their concealment from the naked eye, their simple morphologies, the timeframes and planetary processes since their formation (perhaps more than 3 billion years ago), and the rarity of suitable ancient rocks?
The ComBase initiative
Authors: Baranyi József , Tamplin Mark , Ross Tom
Published: April 2020

Food safety professionals in industry, academia and regulatory agencies increasingly use computer modelling tools to improve food safety and shelf life (including the development of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans) and to support microbial food safety risk assessments. Earlier this year, we conducted workshops in Melbourne and Sydney to introduce Australian scientists to one such tool, ComBase, and to provide training in its use
Skin and soft tissue infections due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Coulter Chris , Robson Jenny
Published: April 2020

The non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are composed of species other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis including BCG, M. microti, M. africanum) and M. leprae. NTM are a diverse and growing group of more than 100 species that occupy a wide variety of environmental niches throughout the world, being particularly common in soil and water. For several species, survival in biofilms facilitates their presence in water distribution systems.
The ?new? mycobacteria
Authors: Crighton Taryn
Published: April 2020

There are more than 90 identified species of the genus Mycobacterium, of which over 50 are implicated in human disease. Two species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis) and Mycobacterium leprae (leprosy), are usually pathogens only of humans. Mycobacteria are extremely diverse and inhabit various similarly diverse ecological niches. The vast majority are environmental organisms, found naturally in waterways, soil and other environments. Mycobacterium spp. are encountered with increasing frequency as opportunistic pathogens of humans, due to increased levels of immunosuppression in the population, selection of these organisms by disinfection, and improved diagnostic techniques. Contention exists regarding an appropriate collective term for this group of organisms, but they will be referred to here as ?environmental mycobacteria?.
Mycobacterium ulcerans: an unwelcome visitor
Authors: D R Johnson Paul , A Hayman John , A Jenkin Grant , P Stinear Tim , Globan Maria , A M Fyfe Janet
Published: April 2020

Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Bairnsdale ulcer, made prime-time television in Victoria this July. Universally referred to in the media as the ?flesh-eating bug?, M. ulcerans is creating considerable concern for local health authorities, residents and visitors to affected areas. A new cluster of at least 14 cases has been linked to the small coastal town of Point Lonsdale this winter.
Leproid granulomas: a unique mycobacterial infection of dogs
Authors: Malik Richard , Hughes Siobhan
Published: April 2020

In 1973, a Rhodesian veterinarian, Richard Smith, documented a mycobacterial skin infection in a Doberman and a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that was characterised by variably sized subcutaneous nodules. It was thought at first that these dogs may have had tuberculosis and, because of public health considerations, they were euthanased and subjected to postmortem examination. There was no internal organ involvement at necropsy and, although acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were abundant in the lesions, culture was negative for the tubercle bacillus. Similar cases were recorded soon thereafter in an Australian veterinary discussion forum, although the infection was not subjected to systematic investigation until the end of the 20th century. The disease was given the name ?canine leprosy? by some veterinary dermatologists, but the alternative name canine leproid granuloma syndrome (CLGS) was later suggested by an Australian veterinarian David Watson. It is now clear that leproid granulomas are not uncommon and indeed are by far the most frequently encountered mycobacterial disease of dogs in Australia.
Testing for antibody in blood: how useful?
Authors: T Maine Gregory
Published: April 2020

Testing for antibody in blood continues to be a useful and essential means of safeguarding public health by ensuring a safe blood supply, determining immune status in vaccinated or previously infected individuals, diagnosis of infection, determination of disease stage and disease monitoring.
David Ogilvie White
Authors: Studdert Michael , Robins-Browne Roy , White Alison
Published: April 2020

Medical virologist, 30 August 1931 ? 7 November 2004
Neuroangiostrongyliasis: disease in wildlife and humans
Authors: M Spratt David
Published: April 2020

Angiostrongyliasis is a neurological disease caused by the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, one of the most catholic nematode parasites of vertebrates. Infection has occurred accidentally in humans, a broad spectrum of eutherian and marsupial mammals, and recently in birds.
Combating dental decay
Authors: Dashper Stuart , Reynolds Eric
Published: April 2020

Dental caries or tooth decay is one of the most prevalent bacterial infectious diseases of mankind. In recent oral health surveys, more than 60% of Australian teenagers surveyed had experienced the disease and most dentate adults surveyed exhibited multiple teeth affected by caries. Treating the consequences of dental caries accounts for over 50% of the total cost of providing dental services in Australia, which in 1998 was estimated at $2.6 billion. Dental caries is a dynamic process that is initiated by microbial biofilms on the tooth surfaces (dental plaque) resulting in a disturbance of the equilibrium between tooth mineral and the surrounding plaque fluid so that over time there is a net loss of mineral from the tooth surface. This demineralisation of the enamel may ultimately lead to cavitation of the surface of the tooth and once this stage of the disease has been reached only restorative methods (fillings) can be employed to limit the spread of decay and eventual loss of the tooth.
A proteomic approach to understanding the biofilm phenotype
Authors: Rathsam Cathy , Eaton Ruth , Len Alice , Jacques Nick
Published: April 2020

The current theory for dental decay, the ecological plaque hypothesis, states that the onset of disease follows unfavourable disruption of the dynamic balance between the host and the microbial biofilm community at local sites. Inherent in this theory is the concept that cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, can be present in health, but at levels that are not clinically relevant and that disease can be controlled not only by targeting pathogens but also by interfering with the factors responsible for driving the deleterious shifts. Such theories require an holistic or Systems Microbiological approach to study disease, as they are not tractable by traditional approaches alone. A 2004 report by the American Academy of Microbiology emphasised the technical bottlenecks associated with the systems? approach, including the need to obtain meaningful quantitative proteome data.
The immunopathology of periodontal disease: links with atherosclerosis?
Authors: J Ford Pauline , Gemmell Erica , J Seymour Gregory
Published: April 2020

Chronic inflammatory periodontal disease occurs as a result of an inflammatory response in the periodontium which is elicited by bacteria present in dental plaque. The specific cytokines and chemokines produced by this initial response cause a T cell/macrophage dominated inflammatory infiltrate to develop in the connective tissues. If this cell-mediated immune response does not control the bacterial challenge, progression to a B cell/plasma cell lesion occurs (reviewed in Gemmell et al. 20021). A component of the specific T cell and antibody response elicited by these bacteria however, has been implicated in a cross-reactive immune response targeting host antigens on systemic endothelial cells. This crossreactivity has been proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Vertical Transmission, March 2006
Authors: Rood Julian
Published: April 2020

We are not far away from the first ASM Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in July as part of the new ASM meeting schedule. Ride the Wave: Microbiology with Innovation!
From the Editors, March 2006
Authors: and Jo Macreadie Ian
Published: April 2020

Hello from the new editorial team, Ian and Jo Macreadie. Ian is employed by CSIRO as a yeast molecular biologist and is a long-standing member of ASM. Jo?s experience has been in social work and, more recently, secretarial work.
Rapid diagnostic test kits for influenza
Authors: Hurt Aeron , Barr Ian
Published: April 2020

Influenza is a respiratory infection which can result in significant morbidity and excess mortality especially in the elderly, the immunosuppressed and the very young. In children, influenza has been associated with increased outpatient visits, hospital admissions and antibiotic usage. However, rapid diagnosis of influenza has been shown to significantly alter the management of the patient?s illness, resulting in a reduction in diagnostic tests performed, reduced antibiotic use, correct use of influenza antivirals and reduced length of stay in hospital emergency departments.
Making sense of resistance genes: New technology in defining phenotypic and molecular methods in detecting and understanding bacterial resistance
Authors: Merlino John
Published: April 2020

technology has been introduced in the laboratory for detecting resistance markers. This has helped the scientific and medical community in detecting and understanding antimicrobial resistance. One thing that we have learned from this new technology is that both phenotypic standardised methods and molecular techniques are needed to understand the complex evolution of resistance. Table 1 shows organisms with unusual bacterial resistances that need reference laboratory confirmation.
Vertical Transmission, Sepember 2006
Authors: Christiansen Keryn
Published: April 2020

I am honoured to lead the Australian Society for Microbiology over the next 2 years. I am committed to advancing the Society in its aims of furthering the science of microbiology, providing a forum for our members, fostering research and education, and promoting professional development of our members.
Two-component signal transduction systems: the adapt and survive response
Authors: K Cheung Jackie , I Rood Julian
Published: April 2020

In order to survive and proliferate, bacteria have evolved to sense and adapt to the changes in their surroundings. One of the major ways in which this adaptive regulatory response is achieved is through a two-component signal transduction system.
Alternative sigma factors: the master regulators
Authors: S Thompson L , J Harry E
Published: April 2020

When a bacterial cell encounters a change in environmental conditions, it responds by producing a different complement of cellular proteins. Which proteins are produced and maintained is regulated in a number of ways, including regulation of gene transcription, stabilising or degrading mRNA transcripts, post translational modifications and targeted degradation of proteins.
Regulatory RNA molecules
Authors: M Kwong Stephen , Firth Neville
Published: April 2020

Numerous examples of antisense RNA-mediated gene regulation have been found in bacteria. Such regulatory systems were first identified on accessory genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons and phages, and it is from these that most of our current knowledge of regulatory RNAs is drawn.
Reverse genetics of influenza viruses
Authors: A Marsh Glenn
Published: April 2020

Reverse genetics for generation of influenza viruses is a powerful tool allowing for the direct manipulation of the genome of viruses. It has the potential to allow for the generation of safer and more immunogenic vaccines and for a better understanding of the virus replication cycle. Reverse genetics is essential tool for producing a vaccine against the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
A new look at influenza vaccination
Authors: Carey Victor
Published: April 2020

Since the first influenza vaccine was licensed over 50 years ago, vaccination has consistently demonstrated its health benefits in preventing influenza and influenza vaccination is playing an increasingly important role in public health programmes in many countries. Individuals for whom vaccination is most commonly recommended include elderly persons over 65 years of age, persons with high risk medical conditions and children.
The role of antimicrobial resistance monitoring in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Limnios Athena , Tapsall John
Published: April 2020

Treatment regimens for most sexually transmitted diseases of bacterial origin are well established. For example, treatment of infections with Chlamydia trachomatis is usually now with macrolides, and Treponema pallidum is still reliably susceptible to penicillins. However, antibiotic treatment for gonorrhoea is more complicated because of the propensity of the gonococcus to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR), so that standard treatment protocols for gonorrhoea require regular review. Additionally, treatment for gonorrhoea is usually by means of a single dose regimen (for better compliance with treatment) and is best given at first presentation/diagnosis (to reduce the potential for disease spread). Testing of individual isolates on an emerging basis is not a practical means of guiding treatment for this situation. Thus, standardised treatments are determinedfrom an epidemiologically-based assessment of the susceptibility of gonococci prevalent in a region or community. Another complicating factor for treatment of gonococcal infection is the frequency of gene recombination in Neisseria gonorrhoeae that results in continuing rearrangement of and within gonococcal populations. AMR patterns within different sexual networks are also affected and, in addition to changes over time, patterns of resistance also differ substantially in different parts of Australia.
Compartmentation of cellular activities
Authors: Lithgow Trevor
Published: April 2020

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, almost one third of cellular function is concerned with maintaining the compartmentation of cellular activities. From classic studies in yeast genetics we have come to understand a great deal of the processes driving the delivery of proteins into these compartments and the metabolic advantages that this provides. With the publication of the yeast genome sequence, ?-omics? level studies began to provide further detail on the compartmentation of yeast cells. Very recent technological advances, including new applications in mass spectrometry, NMR, cryo-electron microscopy and the use of live-cell imaging have also been applied to yeast, because of the comparative analyses that can be done on yeast mutants. The mitochondrion is a complex compartment, carrying more than a thousand proteins that must be transported into and then distributed between, four sub-mitochondrial compartments. Essential molecular machinery in the outer and inner membranes, the intermembrane space and the matrix of mitochondria, drive protein transport, sorting and assembly. A glimpse of how S. cerevisiae and other microbes have provided understanding of cellular compartments is the aim of this review.
Yeast DNA damage response pathways and human disease
Authors: Heierhorst Jörg
Published: April 2020

All living organisms are constantly subjected to a diverse range of environmental genotoxins such as ultraviolet radiation, but even in a perfect environment, DNA damage would be unavoidable; DNA polymerases inevitably make errors, spontaneously stalled replication forks are at high risk to collapse into DNA double strand breaks and free radicals generated during normal cellular metabolism damage thousands of bases per cell per day. DNA damage that is not appropriately repaired leads to accumulating genome instability, which we now know is a major underlying cause of cancer development in humans. Conversely, most contemporary cancer therapies act by causing DNA damage. Interestingly, DNA damage response pathways are highly conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution, and this allows us to use budding yeast as a model to study the principles important for carcinogenesis and cancer therapies in human patients. In yeast and humans, conserved checkpoint proteins including FHA domain-containing kinases Rad53 and Chk2 play crucial roles in delaying the cell cycle in response to DNA damage, to allow for extra time for DNA repair. In addition, these kinases also interact with mRNA poly(A)-tail nucleases to control gene expression after DNA damage at the post-transcriptional level, and via their FHA domains they bind conserved DNA repair proteins. Surprisingly, Rad53 via its conserved FHA domain also appears to be involved in regulating filamentous differentiation in pathogenic fungi, indicating that the analyses of yeast checkpoint responses may be of direct benefit for public health.
Regulating the transition between the two major fungal cell types; yeast cells and filamentous hyphal cells
Authors: Andrianopoulos Alex
Published: April 2020

Fungi are a large group of eukaryotic microorganisms that are of medical, agricultural and biotechnological importance. They are a diverse group, occupying their own kingdom, and range from single cells to what is arguably the largest mutlicellular organism on earth. Despite this diversity, fungi exhibit two predominant growth forms; unicellular yeast and multicellular filamentous hyphae. Some fungi can alternate between these two forms in response to an intrinsic or extrinsic stimulus, a process known as dimorphic switching.
Vertical Transmission, September 2007
Authors: Christiansen Keryn
Published: April 2020

Having just returned from the Adelaide Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Annual Scientific Meeting I am full of enthusiasm for the future of the ASM. This was a very well attended meeting, with a program that served the diversity of our society well. The theme, ?Fermenting New Ideas?, was extremely apt. New ideas were expounded by the invited international speakers, the national speakers, proffered paper presenters and by the delegates themselves. The meeting certainly conveyed the sense of fermentation in the best possible way. I have nothing but accolades for the local organising committee (LOC) and the National Scientific Advisory Committee. The LOC was obviously a very committed, enthusiastic, hardworking and fun loving group. These attributes really showed in the meeting itself. There was a certain buzz that can only be the result of the extraordinary effort made by the LOC.
Microbial ecology
Authors: L Blackall Linda
Published: April 2020

This issue of Microbiology Australia is devoted to the field of microbial ecology, currently rapidly growing into a mature, vibrant and exceptionally relevant component of the discipline of microbiology. Indeed, I maintain that all microbiologists are microbial ecologists since the field covers the study of the interactions between living microorganisms and their environment. Microbial ecology links those areas in which microbiologists are traditionally trained (biochemistry/chemistry/microbiology) with ?ecology?, which is generally taught within the life sciences in our universities. ?Oekologie? (ecology), coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866, can be described as the scientific study of the distribution and abundance of living organisms and the interactions between organisms and their ecosystem including the biotic and abiotic components. Partly due to the channelling of microbiology students into the contemporary field of molecular biology, the majority of microbiologists are not exposed to ecology, and they are generally not aware that they are microbial ecologists.
The vertebrate animal gut in context ? microbiomes, metagenomes and methane
Authors: Morrison Mark , S McSweeney Chris , G Wright A-D
Published: April 2020

The microbial world colonises the gastrointestinal tracts of vertebrates soon after birth or hatching. These animal-microbe relationships have been described as competitive, cooperative or combinatorial, and all provide a variety of functional and metabolic capabilities that are relevant to host animal nutrition, health and well-being. The evolutionary adaptations of Australia?s marsupial herbivores have been relatively well characterised and favour both the cooperative and combinatorial animal-microbe models. Kangaroos and wallabies possess the cooperative model: the foregut functions as an obligate combustion chamber for a microbiome specialised in the release of nutrients from plant biomass, and which precedes a region of acid and pepsinogen secretions by the host. The common ringtail possum and wombats are examples of Australian herbivores with specialised caecal and colonic obligate combustion chambers, respectively. As such, these animals typify the combination model of animal-microbe association: the stomach and its associated digestive processes precede the obligate combustion chamber and its resident microbiome that coordinates the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of plant biomass.
Epidemic potential and antimicrobial resistance in Clostridium difficile
Authors: V Riley Thomas
Published: April 2020

Clostridium difficile is the most commonly diagnosed cause of infectious hospital-acquired diarrhoea. C. difficile was first isolated in 1935 but not identified as the main causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and pseudomemranous colitis (PMC) until 1977. The spectrum of disease caused by C. difficile ranges from asymptomatic colonisation to colitis that can progress to more severe PMC. Complications include colonic perforation and death. The term C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) is used to describe the symptomatic manifestations of the disease, thus excluding asymptomatic colonisation. Hospital inpatients with CDAD are generally elderly and have several comorbid conditions. The majority of these patients have been exposed to antimicrobials that reduce ?colonisation resistance? of the large intestine allowing subsequent infection with C. difficile. Whether infection progresses to disease is determined by many factors such as antibiotic exposure, age and comorbidities, and others that are as yet unknown. Acquisition of C. difficile is facilitated by its ability to form spores that are resistant to many disinfectants, allowing it to remain viable in the hospital environment for long periods of time. Toxigenic isolates of C. difficile usually produce two toxins, toxin A and toxin B, and these are thought of as the major virulence factors. CDAD is a major financial burden on healthcare systems, with patients spending an extra one?three weeks in hospital costing US$5?10,000 per episode.
Australian Government attempts at regulatory and other control of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Turnidge John
Published: April 2020

Antimicrobial resistance has been on the government agenda in Australia since the early 1980s. At that time the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) established a working party composed of human and veterinary microbiologists to look at antibiotic use and, in particular, the risks of using them in stockfeed. This action was taken in response to continuing reports from overseas, particularly the United Kingdom, of resistant and multi-resistant Salmonella species being selected in food animals and spread to humans. The working party report made a number of regulatory recommendations in terms of resistance surveillance and scheduling. None of these recommendations were adopted directly, but the national regulators continued to call on NHMRC for advice and in various guises the NHMRC maintained a working group on antibiotics and resistance until 1997, when it was decided that antimicrobial resistance was no longer a priority issue. As the regulators still wished to receive advice, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) took temporary responsibility for maintaining the expertise or the working party.
Current status and trends of Japan’s bioindustry
Authors: Sumida Seizo , Okuda Toru
Published: April 2020

In Japan, the sales of modern biotechnology products and services in 2006 were worth 1,847 billion Japanese Yen (US$ 16.7 billion). The market has shown steady growth since 1989 (Figure 1). Conventional biotechnology products such as beer and sake are not covered in Figure 1. If we cover products of both conventional and modern biotechnology, the market size in 2005 was Yen 7,692 billion (approximately equivalent to US$ 70 billion). Major modern biotechnology products sold in Japan in 2006 are shown in Table 1.
Geomicrobiology
Authors: Brown Lewis R
Published: April 2020

The ever increasing demand for oil, coupled with the reduction in reserves, is increasing emphasis on finding new oil deposits and recovering more oil from known reserves since half to two thirds of all of the oil discovered to date is still in the ground and not recoverable by present technology. There are, however, microbiological techniques that could be of value in extending the time before alternatives to oil as the major energy source are required. Two will be discussed here ? geomicrobiological prospecting and microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR).
Proposed changes to the Australian Standard for microbiological safety in laboratories (AS/NZS 2243.3)
Authors: Elson Denise
Published: April 2020

The Australian/New Zealand Standard for safety in microbiological laboratories and containment facilities, AS/NZS 2243.3:20021, is currently undergoing revision. This update reflects requirements for the safe handling of microorganisms in all four containment levels of laboratories and containment facilities (PC1-4); it also covers the requirements for animal, plant and invertebrate containment facilities. The committee has endeavoured to ensure harmonisation with publications by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to facilitate implementation by laboratory managers and scientists.
National Health Security Act 2007: registration of laboratories that hold Tier 1 and 2 agents
Authors: Toms Letitia , Lum Gary
Published: April 2020

The National Health Security Act 2007 (the NHS Act) was passed by parliament on 20 September 2007 and received royal assent on 28 September 2007. Its two main operative parts establish different functions, with part 2 establishing formal surveillance requirements within Australia, and part 3 establishing the regulation of security sensitive biological agents (SSBAs). Information and updates on the proposed SSBA regulatory scheme will be available from the SSBA website. Note that Part 1 of the NHS Act provides the preliminary clauses necessary to establish the NHS Act as an act of parliament, and will not be further discussed here.
Vertical Transmission, September 2008
Authors: Stokes Hatch
Published: April 2020

It is a real thrill to be writing this, my first Vertical Transmission as President. On behalf of the Society, I would like to thank Keryn Christiansen for her great leadership over the last 2 years during a time of substantial organisational change within the Society. On a personal note, she has been a fantastic mentor and I look to the next 2 years with more confidence than perhaps would otherwise have been the case.
Complete genome sequencing of Staphylococcus aureus: insights into virulence and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Howden Benjamin , Stinear Tim , Davies John K
Published: April 2020

Staphylococcus aureus remains one of the most important opportunistic bacterial pathogens of humans. It is characterised by the presence of many virulence factors, as well as an ability to rapidly develop or acquire antimicrobial resistance.
Keeping epidemic MRSA out of Western Australian hospitals
Authors: Coombs Geoffrey , Christiansen Keryn , Van Gessel Helen
Published: April 2020

Since 1982 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in WA has been notifiable by State legislation. During this time the WA Department of Health (DoH), which administers and sets policy for the government-funded healthcare facilities and licences all private healthcare facilities operating within the State, has promoted a comprehensive MRSA management policy. This policy, which involves all WA healthcare facilities, medical microbiology laboratories and the DoH, is similar to the ?search and destroy policy? used in northern Europe 1 and involves selective screening, isolation and decolonisation. The objective of the policy is the early identification, containment and eradication of MRSA infection and colonisation, primarily targeting EMRSA strains in WA acute care hospitals.
Infections in pregnancy and the newborn
Authors: Rawlinson William
Published: April 2020

There are many important issues relating to the investigation of infections during pregnancy and immediately after birth. They relate to the scientific areas of the need for diagnosis, for definition of markers of infection, and for the use of surrogate markers of severity, as well as clinical areas relating to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Ideally, at the same time, the integrity of any scientific research done to understand the pathogenesis of damage to the fetus and neonate must not be compromised.
Microbiology Australia: have your say
Authors: Macreadie Ian , Macreadie Johann
Published: April 2020

How is Microbiology Australia meeting your interests? We would love to know.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV: positive impacts
Authors: Palasanthiran Pamela
Published: April 2020

Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains the major mode of paediatric HIV infection. Advances in the prevention of MTCT over the past decade and a half represent a major public health achievement. Strategies to prevent MTCT are now the standard of care for countries rich enough to afford the interventions. As such, perinatally acquired HIV in countries like the USA and Europe is now a rare event. With clearly documented declines in MTCT rates in resource rich countries, the focus is shifting towards any downsides of these strategies in pregnant women and for fetuses exposed in utero to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and to infants postnatally. Cumulative evidence still supports the benefits of these strategies in preventing MCTC of HIV, with continued benefits for HIV pregnant women and their infants, and with minimal adverse outcomes. Knowledge of HIV infection status in pregnancy is critical for identifying the need for MTCT prevention. However, antenatal testing rates to identify HIV infected women is variable and an area that warrants attention. The overwhelming challenge in the 21st century is up scaling the availability of MTCT interventions in resource poor areas where more than 90% of the world?s HIV infected children now reside, and to develop optimal MTCT regimens that can be practically adopted in these settings.
Meeting the recycled water challenge for Sydney
Authors: Cox Peter , Angeles Mark , Storey Michael
Published: April 2020

Sydney Water is seeking to maximise the delivery of recycled water meeting suitable standards for the intended use. The approach of health risk management through the 12 components of the national guidelines for water recycling is used in close consultation with the NSW Department of Health. Considerable effort is being put into demonstrating compliance with the guidelines when they are applied to specific recycling projects.
Quantitative detection of pathogens in roof-harvested rainwater
Authors: Ahmed W , Goonetilleke A , Gardner T
Published: April 2020

Roof-harvested rainwater is an alternative water source. Though generally considered acceptable for potable use, the presence of pathogens has been reported in research literature. Various zoonotic pathogens are present in faeces of animals that have access to the roof and, following rain events, pathogens may be transported to rainwater tanks via roof runoff. The microbiological quality of water is traditionally assessed by enumerating faecal indicators such as Escherichia coli and enterococci. Significant limitations in using faecal indicators include their poor correlation with pathogens and faecal indicator concentrations cannot be used to assess public health risk when compared to the direct monitoring of pathogens. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques enable rapid and direct detection/quantification of pathogens in water that are otherwise laborious to culture using traditional microbiological methods.
Effects of climate change on polar microbes
Authors: Cavicchioli Rick , Lauro Federico M
Published: April 2020

It is a glaring fact that climate, and in particular global warming and associated climate change, is having a major impact on life on Earth, and will continue to do so into the forseeable future. The photographs of starving polar bears swimming between broken slabs of melting sea ice in search of food, and Great Barrier Reef coral destroyed by bleaching and cyclonic winds (e.g. Cyclone Hamish down the Great Barrier Reef in 2009), provide graphic and worrying images that clearly document the consequences of human activity. However, what is far less easy to see (quite literally), is complex to interpret, and has worrying consequences for all other life forms on the planet, is the impact climate change is having on microorganisms.
Impact of global climate change on marine bacterial symbioses and disease
Authors: Webster Nicole S , Bourne David G , Blackall Linda L
Published: April 2020

Microbes constitute the largest diversity and biomass of all marine organisms, yet they are often ignored during discussions about the impacts of environmental change. This is despite the fact that, of all the organisms on the planet, it is the microbes that will play the largest fundamental role in either mitigating or exacerbating the effects of global climate change. Microbes will also be the first and fastest to shift their metabolic capabilities, host range, function and community dynamics as a result of climate change. Therefore, an understanding of microbial community composition and function in individual niche habitats is vital.
Microbial contribution to and amelioration of enteric methane emissions from domestic herbivores
Authors: Klieve Athol V
Published: April 2020

Global climate change is a major issue currently facing the international community. The primary cause of climate change arises from the human-induced increase in emission of the ?greenhouse? gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). In animal agriculture, CH4 and N2O emissions predominate, especially CH4. The largest source of CH4 in the world is enteric methane from livestock (cattle and sheep), with enteric CH4 accounting for 28% of total methane emissions. In countries reliant on agriculture for export earnings, such as Australia and New Zealand, enteric CH4 is the major greenhouse gas from the agriculture sector and a significant contributor to total emissions (50% of New Zealand?s and 14% of Australia?s). Reducing CH4 emissions is highly advantageous in delivering climate benefits in the shorter-term as CH4 has a high radiative forcing potential (21 times that of CO2) but a short atmospheric life (about 10 years), compared to 100 years for CO2.
‘Dengue: Australia’s other pandemic’
Authors: Rithchie Scott A
Published: April 2020

Pandemic dengue arrived in Australia in 2008-09. A large epidemic of Dengue Virus 3 (DENV-3) affected much of north Queensland, with over 900 cases and one death, in Cairns. This was accompanied by 18 imported viremic dengue cases into north Queensland from January to May 2009 and outbreaks of DENV-1, -2 and -4 in Townsville, Cairns and Innisfail, respectively. The virus was unique, with apparently shorter incubation periods, resulting in rapid transmission that exceeded the capacity of Queensland Health?s five-man dengue control team. Furthermore, potential pesticide resistance reduced the efficacy of some control measures. This unprecedented level of dengue activity has highlighted problems with the Dengue Fever Management Plan (DFMP), forcing the implementation of new interventions to control the epidemic. These included adoption of the Emergency Management Framework that allowed access to resources beyond those budgeted. New emergency teams conducted interior residual spraying and treating of containers in yards with methoprene and this was supplemented by SES volunteers, who delivered cans of surface spray to residents. This wide-ranging approach rapidly reduced transmission. Nonetheless, the presence of high populations of Ae. aegypti, that sustained epidemic transmission in much of north Queensland, highlights the need for the expansion of the DFMP to fund a comprehensive source reduction campaign. The incursion and establishment of the vectors Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus into eastern urban areas could dramatically increase the range of dengue transmission in Australia. Novel vector control measures, such as the use of life-shortening Wolbachia, offer the potential to eliminate dengue transmission in the future.
Scabies and bacterial skin infections at a molecular level
Authors: Fischer Katja , Kemp David J
Published: April 2020

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are nearly 20 times more likely to die from acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) than individuals from the wider Australian community. ARF and RHD as well as high rates of renal disease have been clearly linked to scabies infestations as the major driving force of streptococcal pyoderma in children of Indigenous communities, underlying 50 to 70% of all skin infections. In addition, patients are facing mite resistance against current anti-scabetic therapeutics. Community-based initiatives have been recently expanding and today form the major existing body of knowledge surrounding scabies. Critical biological questions, however, remain unanswered, due to the lack of biomedical research in the area. In the context of the current failure to overcome the social dimensions of Indigenous health issues, molecular approaches that have only now become possible may well lead to vaccines or other clinical interventions and hence to an improvement of the situation.
From the President
Authors: Stokes Hatch
Published: April 2020

This history project and indeed all the ASM celebrations happening in 2009 have their origins in the meeting of Council held on the Gold Coast in 2006. It was at that meeting that then President, Julian Rood, had an inkling that our Golden Jubilee was approaching. It is perhaps a reflection of the fact that we can so quickly lose track of the past that no one could definitively name our year of foundation. After subsequent research revealed the significance of 1959, Council quickly agreed that 2009 should be a special year of celebration for us.
Preface and Acknowledgements
Authors: Rood Sarah , Sheedy Katherine
Published: April 2020

The history of the ASM is rich and dynamic. It is the story of an active organisation that has adapted to suit the changing needs of its members while continuing to provide a voice for the discipline of microbiology in Australia. Far from an administrative body weighed down by bureaucracy or formality, our research revealed a history of camaraderie, support, activities and events that reflect a healthy and strong organisation supported by a robust membership. In telling the story of the first 50 years of the Society, our hope is to reflect all of these elements as well as the breadth, dynamism, strength, reputation and continuing relevance of the ASM.
Chapter Four - Strength from diversity
Authors: Rood Sarah , Sheedy Katherine
Published: April 2020

The ASM?s focus on building the microbiology community and providing high quality services to its members saw a number of further advances throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The introduction of paid staff, the employment of professional conference organisers and the purchase of premises for the establishment of a national office facilitated these aims. As the 1990s progressed, the roles and functions of the ASM diversified. Discipline-based Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that had already been formed consolidated and prospered and the ASM was continually called upon to play an advisory role ? particularly in the context of policy and regulation. Once again, it was time for change. The National Council had to adapt and evolve if it was to continue to be the voice of microbiology in Australia. Adapt it did. Structural change in the late 1990s saw a new-look National Council emerge ? one that could ease the Society into the new millennium and ensure that it could build a strong and dynamic future.
Mentoring in microbiology: tips and traps for PhD supervisors
Authors: Lee Adrian
Published: April 2020

This article focuses on postgraduate supervision as a critically important part of university teaching in microbiology. It is written for the PhD supervisor and is intended to encourage reflection on their role as a mentor for the students under their care. Much of the material comes from the documentation supplied by a large number of scientists in Australia and beyond who proposed their mentor for the 2006 Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science. As one of the judges for the Australasian awards, the author had access to this material which he, with Carina Denis and Philip Campbell, the editor in chief of Nature, used as a basis for the Nature?s guide for mentors.
Rethinking the prerequisite paradigm
Authors: Ahern Holly
Published: April 2020

Academics who teach upper-level biology courses at tertiary education institutions typically establish prerequisites for their courses, with the anticipation that students will arrive at class prepared with a good understanding of basic concepts of chemistry and biology. Establishing prerequisites serves two purposes: it justifies the omission of ?previously learned? material from the curriculum and also permits the assumption that students are prepared to move to higher-level learning domains and tackle conceptually complex topics.
Learning to teach – teaching to learn
Authors: Power Cheryl
Published: April 2020

Demonstrating in a practical class has shown a cohort of honours students that effectively communicating knowledge and instructions to students requires careful preparation, precise time management and a clear and inclusive manner and, whilst an enjoyable and rewarding experience, is not as easy a task as they had assumed from their experience as students in their undergraduate days. It has also shown that there are valuable opportunities for personal development for both teacher and learner in a practical class setting.
Searching for the dengue virus Achilles heel
Authors: Young Paul
Published: April 2020

Dengue viruses are a major public health problem throughout the tropical world, with up to 100 million people infected annually. Infection can result in acute febrile illness (dengue fever) and in severe cases is associated with abnormalities in vascular permeability and haemostasis (dengue haemorrhagic fever) that can lead to sudden and fatal hypovolemic shock (dengue shock syndrome). The incidence of dengue has steadily increased over the last two to three decades such that it is now endemic throughout much of the tropics and is the leading cause of infant mortality in some South-East Asian countries. Australia has not escaped this territorial expansion of dengue, with regular epidemic outbreaks now occurring in North Queensland. The epidemic that lasted for most of the summer of 2008?2009 involved the circulation of all four dengue virus serotypes and more than 1,000 confirmed cases. Coupled with the potential impact that climate change may have in increasing the range of its mosquito vector, there is growing concern that dengue may become endemic in Australia. Considerable challenges have accompanied the development of vaccine strategies for dengue and this has reinforced the importance of the complementary development of antiviral therapies. Part of our dengue research efforts has been focused on identifying viral targets for inhibitor design.
Biofuels: the next generation
Authors: Stanley Grant A , Dumsday Geoff J
Published: April 2020

There are many issues with the continued use of fossil fuels for energy, including finite supply, energy security and their contribution to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate change, leading to substantial, increased interest in the research and development of renewable energy. In 2006, renewable energy provided only 2.5% of global energy needs, which is well short of the national renewable energy targets of many countries for the period 2020-2030, including Australia. For these reasons there is substantial investment in the development of renewable fuel technologies. Bioethanol and biodiesel derived from biomass are alternative fuels for which production capacity and demand is rapidly increasing.
Generating interspecific wine yeast hybrids for funky wines
Authors: Bellon Jennifer
Published: April 2020

When we think of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fermentation immediately comes to mind, but this is not the only trait that makes this yeast the organism of choice for bread, beer and wine production. The winemaking industry, for example, requires robust strains, capable of converting sugar to ethanol in challenging conditions; high osmotic stress and low pH in the initial grape must, followed by high ethanol concentration at the later stages of fermentation. Winemakers also look for ways of using fermentation to introduce aroma and flavour diversity to their wines as a means of improving style and for product differentiation. Choice of wine yeast from the plethora of strains available to winemakers is one way of achieving this, particularly with the new breed of interspecific hybrid yeast strains currently being generated.
Fungal phospholipid metabolism for antifungal drug discovery
Authors: Sorrrell Tania C , Djordjevic Julianne T , Chen Sharon CA , Jolliffe Katrina A
Published: April 2020

Invasive fungal infections often respond poorly to antifungal drugs. The fungal invasin phospholipase B (PLB) and/or its biosynthetic pathway are novel targets for drug development. Compounds with structural similarities to phosphatidylcholine, which is a preferred substrate of cryptococcal PLB1, were purchased or synthesised. For many, there was a correlation between antifungal and anti-PLB activity but not all demonstrated selectivity for fungal compared with mammalian phospholipase, and some were toxic to mammalian cells in culture. The most promising, a bis-pyridinium compound, is undergoing toxicity testing in mice. Miltefosine (MI), a stable phospholipid analogue used in the treatment of leishmaniasis also has broad spectrum fungicidal activity, but inhibition of PLB is not its major mode of action. To improve antifungal potency and reduce toxicity of MI, analogues of this alkyl phospholipid have been synthesised and are under investigation.
Victoria taking biotechnology from strength to strength
Authors: Caples Amanda
Published: April 2020

Victoria is Australia?s leading biotechnology location, with strengths in cancer, neuroscience, stem cells, infectious disease and immunity, and agricultural biotechnology. With its clusters of world-class universities, teaching hospitals, research institutions and industry, the state continues to advance in its aim to become one of the top five biotechnology locations worldwide.