The magazine of the Society for Applied Microbiology ■ December 2003 ■ Vol 4 No 4 ISSN 1479-2699

SPACE INVADERS! Scientists searching for extraterrestrial life need not necessarily leave the planet

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

■ Dairy & Food Microbiology - 2004 Summer Conference

■ The Truth is out there: could lichens grow on Mars?

■ The new Biosciences Federation - will it work?

■ Design-a-bug Children’s Competition extended! excellence in microbiology

W ! gy e lo are io th crob e friendly face of mi

Don Whitley Scientific is a leading supplier of innovative equipment and contract & consultancy services for microbiologists worldwide. If you work in clinical, pharmaceutical, research or industrial microbiology, please phone one of the friendly faces in our technical sales team on: +44 (0)1274 595728

www.dwscientific.co.uk The magazine of the Society for Applied Microbiology ■ December 2003 ■ Vol 4 No 4 ISSN 1479-2699

REGULARS MEETINGS FEATURES Microbiologist Vol 4 No.4 04Editorial 16 sfam 26 Cover story December 2003 Anthony Hilton January muses on after ISSN 1479-2699 dinner conversation 2004 meeting Cover Art: “Space Invaders” - Pollard Creativity 05 Contact Your last chance to Full contact book! Publisher: Society for information for all Applied Microbiology. Committee members 20 Joint Contact: Lynne Boshier, Office and Events Manager and Interest Groups sfam/ASM Telephone: 01234 326661 Facsimile: 01234 326678 06Mailbox meeting Your letters Editor: Anthony Hilton Bacterial resistance [email protected] to antibiotics and Editorial Assistant: 07 Micro break disinfectants Anouche Newman Find the 20 hidden [email protected] Archaea in our Word 21 GM Crops & scientists searching Search quiz! Contributions: These are Birds for extraterrestrial always welcome and should British Ornithologists life need not be addressed to the Editor 08President’s at: [email protected] Union meeting necessarily leave the column planet Advertising: 21 Joint Contact: Lynne Boshier, 10 Membership Office and Events Manager sfam/CIEH Telephone: 01234 326661 Matters [email protected] meeting 10 sfam AGM Food Contamination Art and Design & layout: 2003 risks associated with Pollard Creativity microorganisms and Production and printing: 11 Design-a- pests Pollard Creativity. All technical questions should bug be addressed to: [email protected] 13 sfam at Tel: 01933 665617 FEMS 2003 30 Could © Society for Applied lichens grow Microbiology 2003 34 Students on Mars? Material published in Microbiologist may not be into Work Richard Armstrong reproduced, stored in a boldly goes where retrieval system, or 38 President’s few microbiologists transmitted in any form without the prior permission Fund have gone before of the Society. Reports and concludes the truth is out there Society for Applied Microbiology, The Blore 43 Books 22 sfam Tower, The Harpur Centre, The editor is always looking Bedford MK40 1TQ, UK 49Press Summer for enthusiastic writers who releases Conference wish to contribute articles to Tel: +44 (0)1234 326661 Microbiologist on their Fax: +44 (0)1234 326678 2004 chosen microbiological email: [email protected] 50 About the Dairy & Food subject. Email: www.sfam.org.uk Society Microbiology [email protected] Editorial

Microbiologist Vol 4 No.4 Table talk December 2003

Contact the Editor: ECENTLY I was invited to chair [email protected] a session at a two-day conference on food Microbiologist copy R Dates: contributors please microbiology and attended the note that the final copy conference dinner on the previous night. dates in 2004 will be: The excellent pre-dinner speech was given by Professor Richard Gilbert, OBE who Vol 5 No.1 March 2004 reviewed a series of classic outbreaks of Friday 12 December 2003 foodborne disease in all their D & V glory. I listened with interest as we waited to be Vol 5 No.2 June 2004 served and at one point found myself Friday 12 March 2004 surveying the room to see every delegate Vol 5 No.3 Sept 2004 equally engrossed in the stories. I couldn’t Friday 9 July 2004 help but raise a little smile to myself given the irony of the situation and wondered Vol 5 No.4 Dec 2004 whether any other profession engaged in Friday 17 September 2004 such an equally unusual practice. I imagine each discipline has its ‘stock’ Upon reflection I imagine there isn’t How to submit material conversation; I recall listening-in on an really a problem until there is a multi- Please submit all articles, after-dinner conversation between my disciplinary gathering such as, no doubt, reports, meetings wife, a research fellow in optometry, and will be presented over the festive season. notifications, letters etc., as her colleagues as they discussed the Here some ‘safe’ topic of conversation is plain text (*.txt) or rich text required which while stimulating and files (*.rtf). Please submit removal of the aqueous fluid from a interesting does not interfere with the all images as original patient’s eye. photographic prints or appetite of the uninitiated. I am guilty transparencies rather than myself of converting one of my female scanned images and these friends to vegetarianism as a consequence will be processed by us and of my idle banter about microbiology in returned to you promptly. abattoirs! So, in this issue of the If your images are only in Microbiologist along with the other digital format please make regular features you’ve come to expect, sure they are supplied at a we have compiled a couple of articles resolution of 300dpi (dots which should provide you with perfect or pixels per inch at a size conversational material from the hors- of not less than 100mm (4 inches) square. d’oeuvre right through to the Digestives (and I don’t mean the biscuits!) Two Advertisers: if you wish to articles by Jonathan advertise in Microbiologist Caddick and Richard you should contact the Armstrong present Society Office in the first the intriguing instance. Advertising rates evidence for and Guidelines on how to the existence submit advertisements are of life on other given on the website and planets from are also obtainable by emailing the editor at: quite different [email protected] microbiological viewpoints. The first article reviews the potential role of Website: the society Everyone seemed to take this completely extremophiles and what we might be able website is a timely source in their stride as they sipped their coffee, to learn right here on our own planet, and of up-to-date information however, my toes curled within my shoes the second discusses the possibility of on all Society matters and and I closed my eyelids tightly for fear my lichens on Mars. Hopefully this will keep maintains a comprehensive own eyes fell victim of an equally gory you out of trouble and the D & V’s away archive of articles and fate. I suppose I should be thankful I from your Christmas celebrations! All that reports on a variety of (If remains is for me to wish you a very microbiological topics. didn’t marry a mortuary technician! anyone is married to a pathologist or Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on www.sfam.org.uk mortician I’d be intrigued to hear if behalf of myself and all the my theory holds true). Microbiologist production team.

04 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Contact point

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2003 - 2004 HON PRESIDENT: Dr Peter Silley Don Whitley Scientific Limited, 14 Otley Road, Shipley, West Yorks BD17 7SE Interest Groups [email protected] HON GENERAL SECRETARY: Dr Margaret Patterson Agriculture and Food Science Centre, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX Hon Meetings Secretary: [email protected] Mrs Margaret Harrison, Oxoid Ltd, HON MEETINGS SECRETARY: Mrs Margaret Harrison Wade Road, Basingstoke RG24 8PW G&M Procter Ltd, Arran Place, North Muirton Industrial Estate, Perth, Scotland. Tel: +44 (0)1256 694313 [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)1256 463388 [email protected] HON TREASURER: Dr Geraldine Schofield Unilever Research Colworth, Bedford MK44 1LQ Bioengineering Group [email protected] Convenor: Dr Anthony Chamberlain HON EDITOR: Journal of Applied Microbiology School of Biomedical and Life Mr Alan Godfree, United Utilities Water Lingley Mere Business Park, Sciences, University of Surrey, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 3LP Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1483 879718 HON EDITOR: Letters in Applied Microbiology Fax: +44 (0)1483 300374 Prof. Colin Harwood, School of Cell and Molecular Biosciences, [email protected] Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Educational Development Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH Group [email protected] Convenor: Dr Ron Bishop HON EDITOR: Microbiologist School of Applied Biological and Dr Anthony Hilton, University of Aston, Birmingham B4 7ET. Chemical Sciences, University of [email protected] Ulster, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 0QB ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS until July 2004 Tel: +44 (0)2890 366266 Dr Hilary Dodson, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fax: +44 (0)2890 366207 University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire [email protected] [email protected] Environmental Group Dr Valerie Edwards-Jones, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Convenor: Dr Keith Jones Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD Department of Biological Sciences, [email protected] University of Lancaster, Lancaster LA1 4YQ Prof. Peter Gilbert, Department of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL Tel: +44 (0)1524 593993 [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)1524 843854 Dr Peter Green, NCIMB Ltd., 23 St Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB2 1RY [email protected] [email protected] Food Safety and ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS until July 2005 Technology Group Convenor: Dr Jane Sutherland Dr Julie Eastgate, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Paisley, Paisley PA1 2BE Food Microbiology Unit, Dept. of [email protected] Health & Human Sciences, London Dr Ian Feavers, NIBSC, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, EN6 3QG Metropolitan University, 166 - 200 [email protected] Holloway Road, London N7 8DB [email protected] ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS until July 2006 Infection, Prevention and Dr Shona Nelson, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West of England, Coldharbour Treatment Group Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY Convenor: Dr Susannah Walsh [email protected] School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Prof. Diane Newell, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB Science, Hawthorne Building, [email protected] DeMontfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH Dr David McCleery, Dept. of Food Science (Food Microbiology), Queens University Belfast, [email protected] Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX [email protected] Molecular Biology Group Convenor: Dr John Coote SOCIETY OFFICE STAFF Division of Infection and Immunity, OFFICE and EVENTS MANAGER: Ms Lynne Boshier University of Glasgow, Joseph Black [email protected] Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ Tel: +44 (0)141 330 5845 MEMBERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR: Mrs Julie Wright Fax: +44 (0)141 330 4600 [email protected] [email protected] ADMINISTRATOR: Mrs Mavis Knight [email protected] www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 05 Mailbox

Weighting game Cite Unseen FROM: Anna Gottlieb FROM: Claire McHenry SUBJECT: Citation Analysis SUBJECT: Citation Analysis

I wholeheartedly agreed with the Sam Jaffe’s article in the March 2003 comment made in the article on citation issue of Microbiologist should not analysis by Sam Jaffe (Microbiologist surprise microbiologists. I have often March 2003, pp 30-31), that the use of obtained papers which were copiously citation analysis as a tool in the RAE may cited in many journal articles, only to mean that “...the original purpose of a discover to my annoyance that the citation - to refer readers back to authors had clearly not read the paper, as necessary source information - will be nothing relating to it was remotely lost”. However, I believe that publication relevant despite a title that implied it and citation numbers have long been a would be. benchmark to gauge an individual’s I suspect that far too many authors professional standing, and understandably compile their citation list from references so, as it is one easily measurable to papers rather than the papers parameter of professional progress. Thus themselves simply because the references it was with interest that I read the are ready to hand and the papers are not! comments by Dr K R Davey and David Ey Indeed, I know of one colleague who in September’s Microbiologist mailbox, constructed her entire PhD thesis this write to: who highlighted the impact of the trend way and by her own admission had [email protected] for multiple authorship on any publication probably read less than 10% of the papers or citation analyses. A weighting system she cited! based on the number of authors would reduce any artificial inflation in Microbial revolution publication and citation numbers caused by multiple authorship. However, this FROM: Mike Hamilton Shown the door system assumes equal contribution of all SUBJECT: Antibiotic resistance authors. Multiple-authored publications FROM: Stephen McGinness often include those involved with the Peter Silley’s article (President’s Column, SUBJECT: Research Funding Dilemmas work by association, especially in the case Microbiologist June 2003) raises some of jointly funded projects, who would extremely important issues the present Before I came to the House of receive the same proportion of Government and big business simply Commons I did actually go to the publication and citation numbers with or aren’t adequately addressing. In all research councils to find out whether they without a weighting system. probability a revolution will be necessary would be interested in finding out how A true reflection of an author’s to topple the existing system and I don’t cost efficient the research proposal contribution could be made by applying a say this with any relish. However, the system was. I went to the ESRC as it percentage weighting to each contribution growing problem of antibiotic resistance seemed more social science - as research to a multiple-authored publication, with poses such a serious threat to the health - than anything else. I thought that the the percentage decreasing in parallel to of the population, that I cannot foresee other research councils should be good the order of authors, although this system anything short of a revolution addressing ‘industrial partners’ that would be willing would require guidelines on the order of it. Also, although not as immediately to contribute supporting funds as they’d authorship. These guidelines would have urgent, technical and ethical issues all benefit. None of them were willing to to be applicable to widely different involving genetic discrimination, genetic contribute money - though they said project scenarios, from graduate or privacy, genetic rights and a selection they’d be willing to discuss this as a postgraduate studies to clinical evaluation criteria for a national voluntary, commercial contract. It seemed a bit odd or trials. Although guidelines on the order accessible, and affordable genetic that research councils would be more of authorship, or that only contributors screening and testing need to be willing to fund a private contract with direct involvement in the publication eventually considered. There is no assessing their processes than submitting could be listed as authors, are given in evidence that the current systems are them to general research within their own some instances, the impact of using interested in addressing any of these system and supporting science in the UK citation analysis in the RAE will make issues. My opinion is a movement needs at the same time. I got a job here before I universal application of these guidelines to be urgently formed to address these got anywhere with the grant proposal. essential. issues before it’s too late.

06 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Micro Break

Answers to the September The answer to the code breaker quiz hidden in the grid below. Circle the letters Code Breaker Quiz was: “Microbiologists do it in the forming the name of the bug that can read laboratory with culture and are in all directions. The September code breaker quiz members of SfAM” All correct entries received in the Society attracted a record number of entries with I’ve decided that either the quizzes are Office by Friday 30th January will again be entries again received from many too easy or microbiologists are too clever stuffed into the editor’s lab-coat pocket (or international SfAM members. (or have too much time on their hands!) so autoclave bag depending on the response) The winning entry was selected by an I’m upping the stakes with a return of the and the winning entry drawn by an independent referee and was submitted by much-loved word-search which I think is independent referee. The answers will Debbie Stevens from Unilever Research, quite challenging. You’ll probably need to appear in the March issue of Wirral. Debbie receives a £30 book token consult your Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Microbiologist. As usual, a £30 book token for her code-breaking skills, well done. Bacteriology to find the 20 Archaea is up for grabs — so get searching!

The Archaea Word Search Quiz

Z X S D Z S A O K E W V I J S F Y E V O G P R V C J Y S P S U K O U A T X W R A B Z Q G J U I O G V M W F K L B U T I X Z P X K V A D I H Z M F H I N U B M X J G I A N S L S W C C S O C H T P U F Q Y X E H O M I H O J E K L K Y I W S I R H Z F H I Z H T K V D R H X M D Y O F L U T Q X H T U R O O F T J I V G Y C L E G E F V Y K I Z C I O X G P K C R D X P J C J A W F L G W E F T X L F A Z N W O I R O J C G D M I H N Can you find the 20 Archaea hidden in the G S G Z Z O F X T Y C Q S D I N Q Z Y C L Y O O Y W G A I N grid? Circle the letters E D A X S T K O N Q A P M Q E U V U Q A C C P B J M Y J L D forming the name of G S D W K H G P J G B E A Y G S C K H H O U A S B J D Q U Z the bug that can read in V G Z X J E V Z G Q I M V F K E U O F M X K S Q O B U K S X all directions. Then fill in your details H M H J R R J Q O N V S E L A Q N L R Z Z N C B O S D L L G at the bottom of the D V H W E M B L X S E R M C Z A X E F F G L R P C G N L X H page and post your N Q Z K K U J W T L R S D U H A H W P U T I O F D Q J W B C completed entry (or a K U K E J S U C D O B J T T R T G S V H R D S Y I X J E R H photocopy) to the address below before D Z E H W Q N K G M O N E E H B T H E R M O P L A S M A C S 30th January 2004. K S P M P O F L N Z N M X A T Y U R S B S U C R O Q W V S U H B S U C C O C O N A H T E M T M R Y V S V E O Y F O K U N Z Z Z H G B U A C G H K L I H O E H O X X F D O C D G X B A A S R I U S S T I K T V C M S O T R M N O E L T Z C Q N O I K O D S U V Q K T B E R E P O K U T I L O N M P G K U D L D N A T R I A L B A H M P H J I I R Y A A Q R S R M O O S G I U O I O C B A E O X S A R T V A Q H A K A T T X N X P U O C T S Z Q J K I N J Z E K K S M Z D J K L J A B A H H F V E A G X B J R U F T D R S P J G M D I R T E X G J O N L T R A M M M H I Y I E T A X B O E F U R H T T G C Q K S Y W O A H Z C Z L T V D F B O F G E O K R H M I B X Q Y D A G L Y C C Z O S M W D Q B H U K D I C P L G O I D W U S E K N S V W R J W L W X U J H D R Y Y H J S U B O L O I G Y T S W O H T A D S U L F O P H O B O C O C C U S Q C X K T Z N Q U Y A Q X O

A £30 book token is waiting for the person whose entry is drawn from the editor’s lab-coat pocket first! The closing date for entries is Friday 30 January 2004. The answers will appear in the March 2004 issue of Microbiologist. Name: Address:

Simply photocopy this page and send it to: ‘Microbiologist Archaea Word Search Quiz’, Society for Applied Microbiology, The Blore Tower, The Harpur Centre, Bedford MK40 1TQ, UK. Remember, you could win a £30 Book Token! www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 07 New Members

We would like to warmly welcome the Dr Peter Silley reviews the role of the new Biosciences following new members and hope Federation, the steps the Society has taken to increase its that you will participate fully in the activities of the Society. public profile and reports on an exciting new initiative to support basic research. Argentina

Professor A C Simonetta

France

Miss S Baron

Ireland THE CHALLENGE OF WRITING this Chemotherapy) meeting in Chicago this Miss D C Rooney column is not what to write about in each point was made very forcibly. Probably issue but what to leave out, the rate of the most well attended session, the doors Nigeria change in the microbiology world shows were actually closed, was that entitled, Mr K O Amisu no sign of abatement! I am pleased this “Why is Big Pharma Getting Out of issue to be able to focus on the official Anti-infective Drug Discovery?” United Kingdom launch of the Biosciences Federation, to Amongst the reasons said Steven Projan Mr A M Burja; Miss C Huesa-Vinuesa; update you on the reasons behind our of Wyeth was the lack of good graduates Ms S Lindsay; Dr J Pearce; decision to appoint a Public Affairs with an understanding of basic microbial Miss M K Spare; Mr R Stapleton; Executive and touch on what I believe will physiology. Higher education must Mr T Williams; Dr T Worthington be an exciting development in the life of understand that whilst we need to the Society. continue to push forward our After a long gestation period the Biosciences Federation has now been officially launched. Speaking at the House of Lords reception in the presence of about 200 guests Science Minister Lord Sainsbury welcomed the new umbrella organisation. “By speaking with one voice, rather than as individual societies, the Federation will give life scientists a greater influence on science policy not only in the UK, but also in Europe.” We all hope that this will indeed be a reality rather than just a pipedream. No Picture by kind courtesy of CCFRA Picture doubt many of you are asking just what the Bioscience Federation is and what will it do? Well, its first major public event was an education colloquium in early understanding of what is happening at the October that examined issues at the molecular level, industry still requires interface between school and university microbiologists that understand biosciences teaching. It attracted an fundamental microbial physiology and audience of about 160 people and biochemistry and who are able to highlighted a number of issues including differentiate an E. coli from a Staph. the challenges facing first year aureus from a Bacillus sp. when Not a member? undergraduates in finding it difficult to growing on an agar plate. The many benefits of membership are work independently and adapt to different There needs to be an ongoing dialogue explained on page 50 where you will teaching methods. One of the conclusions between industry and academia to ensure also find a reply card to request further being that school life had not prepared that the output from our universities is, at information about the Society and its first year students particularly well for least in part, appropriate to the needs of activities. higher education. I guess that the same industry. Indeed one of my concerns with may be said by those of us who employ regard to the relevance of the Biosciences If you would like to join us please visit university graduates, that a university Federation is that it currently does not our website at www.sfam.org.uk where education does not always provide the have anyone from industry on the you can read about the many benefits necessary skills that are required by an Executive Committee. The Society has of joining the Society and apply for employer. I know that this is certainly the repeatedly made known our concerns on membership by downloading a PDF view of many in industry and at the this matter and it is to be hoped that at application form recent ICAAC (Interscience Conference forthcoming elections early in 2004 this on Antimicrobial Agents and situation will be rectified.

08 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk the President’s Column

If the Federation is to truly represent position will be the co-ordination and states. Funding priorities and policies the Biosciences community it must take drafting of Society responses to should be agreed in an open manner with into consideration the vast wealth of Government and Agency Inquiries, political bodies, but the final distribution experience and expertise that resides in preparing briefing papers and press of grants “should be decided on science those scientists working within industry. releases. This will allow us to effectively quality without further political or With regard to matching output to need it work with existing structures within the geopolitical influence.” No doubt this is not just a concern of those working in Institute of Biology and the developing will take some time to work its way industry. Sir Paul Nurse has recently left structures of the Biosciences Federation through and in the meantime many of you his position as Chief Executive of Cancer with regard to responding to will be aware of the European Framework Research UK to take up the position of consultations. In recent months we have Funding. I am delighted to be able to President of the Rockefeller University in worked with IoB and the Federation to report that the Society has been invited the USA but before leaving the UK respond to: and has accepted an invitation to be part criticised policy makers for directing research too much towards ‘health and wealth-creation’ objectives. He argued that the most successful research is performed by identifying a broad area of interest, providing good resources, and leaving scientists to it. He also thought that the country should train fewer PhDs, pay them more, and improve academic job prospects in order to attract the best graduates. Nurse added that we are now producing a steady stream of well-trained postdocs for whom there are no jobs! Many of you will have seen the advertisement in the national press for a Public Affairs Executive. This position arose from discussions which began at the Committee “Away Day” some time ● Roberts’ review of the RAE process of a Framework 6 proposal MED-VET- ago. One of the decisions taken at that (HEFCE) NET. The overall objective of MED-VET- time was to actively increase the profile ● Improving standards in NET is to develop a network of excellence of the Society. As part of this strategy it postgraduate education (HEFCE) for the integration of veterinary, medical was identified that we need to increase ● Communicating the results of and food sciences, in the field of food the awareness of microbiology within the scientific research to the public safety, at the European level, in order to public domain. Such activities will involve (Royal Society) improve research on the prevention and effective communication with I would particularly like to pay tribute control of zoonoses including foodborne government, the media and in public fora. to Hilary Dodson, Barrie Seddon and diseases while taking into account the It has become apparent that this cannot Sean Tyrrel for all their work with regard public health concerns of consumers and be achieved through our existing to these responses. other stakeholders throughout the food structures and so a decision was taken to Apparently Europe needs an chain. This news is hot off the press and create a new salaried post within the independent research council to support there isn’t time or space to say too much Society to address these important issues. basic research, and this should be paid more at the moment but you can be The new post will allow the Society to for by the EU using new money. A recent assured that we will all be hearing far create links with relevant government report has dismissed the idea that a more about this exciting initiative in the departments, agencies, trade associations European Research Council could be future. and the media in the UK and Europe, based on an existing organisation such as thereby increasing the awareness of the European Science Foundation. It microbiology amongst policymakers and should be politically accountable to the Peter Silley communicators. Fundamental to this European Parliament and its member www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 09 2003 sfam AGM Sponsor a new Present suggested that all Convenors must now run as a group rather than a Member and Dr. P. Silley(Chair); Dr. M. Adams; single organiser. Peter Silley advised Dr. H. Dodson; Dr. J. Eastgate; the Committee had today agreed this win a £50 Book Dr. I. Feavers; Dr. A. Godfree; for all future meetings. Dr. P. Green; Mrs. M. Harrison; Peter Silley commented that “Lab on a Token! Dr. A.C. Hilton; Dr. J-Y Maillard; Chip” was very successful both from the Professor C. Harwood; Professor D. Newell; attendance and scientific aspects, and Professor J. Lynch; Stuart Pettit was our first hotel based meeting. The Summer Conference 2004 would follow 1. Apologies for absence the same format and he advised the AGM that costs would be carefully Dr. M. Rhodes-Roberts; Dr. R. Park; evaluated to ensure as many people as Dr. F. Skinner; Professor B. Jarvis; possible would be attracted to, and able Dr. Valerie Edwards-Jones; to attend, our meetings. Dr. Margaret Patterson; Dr. Geraldine Schofield; John Waddell, Professor (v) Report of the Honorary Editors: Peter Gilbert. Alan Godfree reported impact factors Could you be the next since 2002 had risen from 1.79 to winner of the ‘sfam 2. 71st Annual Meeting 1.89 for JAM, and from 1.15 to 1.18 for LAM. Sponsor of the Year’ Minutes of the 71st Annual General Meeting held on 10th July 2002 at University of (vi) Report of the Honorary Award? Nottingham Microbiologist Editor: Diane Newell stated Microbiologist If you feel you could be our next The Minutes were approved as a true record – was very impressive. Peter Silley said winner for 2003, and would like some acceptance proposed by Alan Godfree, second- all agreed and requests are being promotional material to help you ed by Anthony Hilton. received for additional copies. Jim recruit new members please contact Lynch also endorsed this and asked Julie Wright, Membership Co-ordinator 3. Matters arising whether copies could be sent to on 01234 326661 or email There were no matters arising. schools as it looks very interesting [email protected]. and it may help to change the view 4. Report of the Trustees of microbiology in schools where it is currently viewed as dull and boring. of the Society for the year 2002. All reports are Peter Silley advised the Committee printed in the Annual Report. had already agreed this course of Have you action at their earlier meeting today. (i) Report of the Honorary President: Hilary Dodson commented that 5. Adoption of the Annual received your Membership and Promotional Groups Report 2002 are now amalgamated. There were 2003 Handbook no other comments. Adoption proposed by Ian Feavers, seconded by Stuart Pettitt and unanimously agreed. inserts? (ii) Report of the Honorary General Secretary: 6. Election of three The Honorary General Secretary members to Committee wished it to be brought to the members’ attention that this Report Peter Silley said the voting was very close, but should show as much of the breadth the final results, in alphabetical order, were: of the Society’s activities as possible – (1) David McCleery; (2) Shona Nelson; hence the graphs of funds and (3) Diane Newell grants. There were no comments on Martin Adams proposed acceptance of the the report. above newly elected Committee members, Colin Harwood seconded. Diane was welcomed and (iii) Report of the Honorary Treasurer: congratulated on her appointment to the Peter Silley speaking on behalf of the Committee. Honorary Treasurer commented on the Society’s healthy financial 7. Election of new members, New 2003 inserts for the Members situation due to journals and re- deaths and resignations iterated his thanks to all editors. Handbook were sent out with the The Committee have seen the list of new mem- last issue of Microbiologist. If (iv) Report of the Honorary Meetings bers and all were acceptable. Adoption pro- anyone has not received their new Secretary: posed by Anthony Hilton, seconded by Peter set of inserts and/or would like Jim Lynch commented that 220 Green and agreed by all. their binder replaced, please people attended the recent PRG contact Julie Wright, Membership meeting on the same subject as the 8.Any Other Business cancelled Surrey meeting and, of Co-ordinator, course, the dates had clashed. He There was no other business. email: [email protected]

10 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Membership matters

Associate Membership With effect from January 2004 a new The benefits will include: career opportunities, training class of membership, ‘Associate ■ Quarterly copies of Microbiologist information, consultancy lists and Membership’ will be introduced. ■ Substantially reduced rates at SfAM much more. Meetings The cost of Associate Membership is This will be open to current and new ■ The opportunity apply for a grant £15.00 per annum Society members including School from the President’s Fund, subject to Please note: Associate Membership Teachers, existing Associate Student completing one years full membership does not include access to the Society Members and those members taking a ■ Networking with worldwide Journals, either in hard copy or on-line. career break, on maternity leave or professionals For further information on this or any working temporarily in other areas, but ■ Access to the private members area of other membership issue, please contact who wish to retain an interest in our new interactive website featuring Julie Wright, Membership Co-ordinator in microbiology. discussion groups, member’s forum, the Society Office. Design-a-bug The design-a-bug competition for children up to 12 years old launched in the September issue of Microbiologist has been such a huge success that we are extending the competition deadline until the Design-a-bug 31st December 2003. We’ve already had over 100 entries! The winning entries in each age category ENTRY FORM will be featured in a special article in the March issue of Microbiologist. If you missed the Your details September issue and want more information about the competition you can download a PDF version of Title: Name: the entire article including an application form from Address: the following address on our website: http://www.sfam.org.uk/pubs/features Postcode:

The competition has three age categories: under Details of Entrant 4 years, 5 to 8 years, and 9 to 12 years. Child’s Name: Age: How to enter Address: Tell your children a story about microorganisms or describe what they might look like and let their Postcode: imagination run wild. Then ask them to ‘design-a- Category: under 4 yrs: 5 - 8 yrs: 9 - 12 yrs: bug’ and draw what they think they would see if they were to look down the microscope. Send their Brief description of what the picture is based on: pictures along with their name, age, address and a brief description of what the picture is based upon to The Society Office. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 31 December 2003. Pictures will be judged in the three categories and the winning entry decided by the Office staff. The winning entry in If you need more room for your description please continue on a each category will receive a superb Crayola® separate sheet. Then photocopy this form and post it to the drawing set and have their pictures published in the address below. If you are submitting entries for more than one child please complete a separate form for each one. March 2004 issue of Microbiologist. To enter, simply complete the form opposite, and Please post the completed form together with your pictures to: post it, or a photocopy, to arrive at the Society “Design-a-bug competition”, The Society for Applied Microbiology, Office no later than Wednesday 31 December 2003. The Blore Tower, The Harpur Centre, Bedford MK40 1TQ, UK.

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 11 Biosciences Federation gets the green light from the Science Minister

Heineken Prize The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences is inviting nominations At the official launch of the Addressing around 200 representatives for the Dr H P Heineken Prize for Biosciences Federation (BSF) at the from the BSF’s member societies and Biochemistry and Biophysics 2004. House of Lords on Monday 15 September, invited guests, including Lord Winston, The prize will consist of a crystal replica attended by Margaret Patterson, Arthur Tim Hunt, Susan Greenfield and Ian of the microscope of Antonie van Gilmour, Geraldine Schofield, Jean-Yves Gibson MP, Sir John Sulston (former Leeuwenhoek, and US$ 150,000 to be Maillard, Sean Tyrell and Diane Newell Director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger spent at the discretion of the recipient. from SfAM, Lord Sainsbury welcomed the Institute) also expressed his delight that The winner of the Prize will be invited new body and said that by speaking with the BSF has come into being. He added: to the Netherlands to receive the award one voice the Federation will give life “Biologists must engage in open debate in person and given the opportunity to scientists a greater influence on science with the public to gain trust and it is lecture at the Academy as well as other policy, not only in the UK, but also in important for them to have a common academic institutions in the Europe. More joined up thinking on ground”. Colin Blakemore, current Netherlands. topics common to the biological sciences President of the BSF, noted that the The selection of candidates will be such as animal science, education, and launch is the culmination of several years based on nominations received from Science & Society issues will enable of discussion about the representation of other scientists or from scientific bioscientists to respond effectively to the the biosciences in this country. institutions throughout the world. challenges facing the community. Prospective candidates should be active researchers who are expected to continue their research activities for at Caption Competition Winner! least ten years. Their achievements in The winner of our September caption competition with his impressive powers of the field of biochemistry and biophysics, observation and cunning wit is Dr David Reynolds, including the biochemical and Microbial Developments Ltd, Worcestershire. biophysical aspects of microbiology and the physiology of seed germination, should be outstanding and their achievements a source of inspiration to many others. Nominations should be received at the Royal Academy by 1 January 2004. For further information on this and other Heineken prizes visit: http://www.knaw.nl/heinekenprizes

Find us a home? Dr Fred Skinner wishes to dispose of his complete set of SAB Technical Series and Symposium Series books (44 volumes) as a donation to any educational or research institution, “Alan thinks hard about where he left his ring finger” library or learned society. You can email Fred at: [email protected] (Look closely at the picture! Ed).

12 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Membership matters

Lynne Boshier reports on the 2003 FEMS Congress sfam at held in Slovenia from 30 June – 05 July 2003

N JUNE SFAM TOOK PART IN handled by FEMS and the Congress was the first ever FEMS Congress, officially opened at 5.30pm. I held in the Slovenian capital of Monday was extremely busy as it was Ljubljana, by sponsoring the the first full day and we had a lively name badges for all delegates and passing trade of members, trade visitors exhibiting with a Trade Stand. Peter Silley, and delegates with a large amount from (Hon President), Colin Harwood (Hon Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Editor, JAM) and myself attended. Many members came by to introduce After a short 1¾ hour flight with the themselves to us or stop for a chat which national airline, Adria, I arrived in the is always a pleasure and we thank you warm sunshine of Ljubljana and what a very much for that. That evening delightful surprise this beautiful city was! delegates were treated to a National Elegant architecture, an imposing hilltop Evening of folk dancing, music and food castle, a lovely river meandering through in the old castle which overlooks the city. the city centre, narrow cobbled streets, Despite it being a little windy, it was pavement cafes and restaurants offering warm and most enjoyable and we would an excellent choice of cuisine and a like to thank the FEMS Council and the colourful fish and fruit market. However, Mayor of Ljubljana for their very the weather was equally surprising! generous hospitality. The following Deciding to eat in a street restaurant that afternoon the Congress finished at 2pm evening I settled myself at a small table and delegates were offered a choice of and within 10 minutes of placing my excursions including a city tour, a trip order the sky had turned from a gentle into the local countryside or out to the orange sunset to a deep purple & black The Congress was held at Cankarjev coast. The scenery surrounding Ljubljana with strong gusts of wind, torrential rain Dom — a rather ugly concrete building is quite spectacular. To the west is the and spectacular non-stop flashes of reminiscent of many Eastern European Adriatic with its rugged coastline, pristine lightning and booms of thunder. buildings from the late 1960s and 1970s. beaches and clean seas, and to the north Struggling to keep dry under the small However the Trade Exhibition itself was the Alpine regions of Bled and Bohinj. umbrella covering my table I felt as if I held in an attractive hall with a glass Bled, the more famous of the two, is had wandered into a Salvador Dali ceiling enabling us to make the most of surrounded by mountains and has a painting. Of course, I had no idea that I the glorious sunshine. I spent most of pretty lake at its centre with a fairytale would experience this delight more than a Sunday setting up the SfAM Stand. The castle in the middle appearing to rise out few times during my week here! onsite organisation had been very well of the water. www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 13 Membership matters

It is now very commercial with a large such as these enable us to reach a much number of hotels, shops and restaurants wider number of people, particularly from but is still extremely attractive. However, areas such as Eastern Europe. just a little further brings you to the On the last afternoon Diman Van stunning Alpine scenery of the lesser Rossum thanked all Sponsors for their known region of Bohinj. participation and advised that the 2nd This is truly awe inspiring with rolling FEMS Congress will be held in Madrid in Alpine meadows, wooden chalets with 2006. Our time in Slovenia was very well geranium filled window boxes, rugged organised and most enjoyable and mountains, crystal clear lakes and tiny, certainly for me, Ljubljana and the onion-domed churches. Whilst there are a surrounding region was a wonderful few small hotels and restaurants in the surprise. I would definitely recommend region, this is a much less commercialised this area to anyone wanting a weekend area and is quite magnificent. break to somewhere a little different or The remainder of the week followed for anyone enjoying walking, fishing, the same pattern with many visitors to spectacular scenery, clean coastal areas, our Stand and we thoroughly enjoyed good food and friendly people before it’s Advertise! meeting so many people. As always there discovered by the mass tourist trade. With a highly targeted circulation of was a great deal of interest in our 2000 copies, Microbiologist is a cost- Journals and the on-line submission of Lynne Boshier effective way for members and non- manuscripts and I’m sure that exhibitions Office and Events Manager members to reach qualified microbiologists in industry, academia and public services, both in the UK, and worldwide. For more information about the benefits and costs of advertising your products or services in Microbiologist please contact Lynne Boshier at the Society Office or visit the website. News of members Dr Colin Stewart has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feeding stuffs (ACAF) for 3 years from 1 September 2003. Could you benefit? Did you know that the Society has many generous grants and prizes available to members? To find out if you are eligible and could benefit visit the website at:www.sfam.org.uk

sfam Overseas Development Award SfAM wishes to assist microbiologists 2. To support overseas SfAM members held membership for at least 3 years in developing countries and Eastern to visit UK laboratories to receive 3. Detailed information must be Europe through the introduction of a training in appropriate areas of provided about the relevance of the new award. All nominations for awards microbiology application and the available local will normally be considered by the 3. To support technology transfer in support Awards panel in July, November and applied microbiology for which March of each year. 4. Each application must be sources of funding do not exist accompanied by full supporting Purpose of Award Guidelines documents 1. To support SfAM members to visit 5. A condition of the funding is that an 1. Individual awards up to a maximum laboratories and give lectures and appropriate report must be produced of 5000 will be considered training in appropriate areas of for SfAM news applied microbiology 2. The laboratory supporter must be a There is no application form for this full member of the society and have award.

14 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Features Education In the second in a series of articles, Dr Jenny Search reports on her continuing two-year voluntary service overseas placement at Debub University in Ethiopia in Ethiopia

S I WRITE, it is the This composite photo shows some of the 80 house water containers from a summer break and angels painted on the ceiling of Debre Berhan number of households in A the faculty is Selassie church in Gondar and one of the Awassa and evaluate their preparing for the spectacular rock-hewn churches in Lalibela microbial quality. We have start of the new semester in submitted a list of chemicals October. An escape from and equipment required to the Awassa for a few weeks to purchasing office and now visit the historical sites in the have to sit tight to wait for North of Ethiopia was them to be ordered and amazing. They are little known delivered. This could take a in the western world, where couple of months! Of course, the prevailing image of there is still plenty of Ethiopia is of drought and preparation to do. How do we famine. Although this is the randomly select households case for isolated patches in when there are no detailed rural areas the majority of the maps of this town and no country receives plenty of rain addresses as such? How do we and is very green and lush, design questionnaires to especially around the rift collect some socio-economic valley which runs through the and demographic data? country. We visited some 800- Amharic is only one of seventy year old churches in Lalibela languages spoken in this and the surrounding region study part-time either in the where I will find platinum wire region and there is also a high which are carved out of the evenings or during the to make the electrodes. All rate of illiteracy. bedrock. Before Christianity summer for about five years departments in the university Trying to think up ways of was introduced, the same (depending on their previous suffer from bureaucratic solving these problems is what skills were used to erect qualifications) to complete a problems in procurement. To makes my job so interesting stellae (standing stones) in BSc in either plant- or animal- alleviate this, some cash has and I’m learning to take things Axum. Some stand over 20 science. Some of these been made available for the in my stride. The time seems metres high and are carved students are unemployed and Faculty to go to Addis Ababa to be flying which must be a from single pieces of rock. It are funded by the government on a buying trip to purchase good sign! was really good to see some whilst others are given leave chemicals and equipment. other parts of the country, from jobs over the summer. Hopefully this will enable Jenny Search however, now it is back to I have been in the lab some good experiments to be University of Glasgow work.. trying out some practical designed for the practical experiments for a third year classes next term. Further Information Teaching Cell Biology course. I Research ■ This is the second in a series successfully extracted DNA The Freshman students of reports from Jenny. You can could not start classes until from onion cells and from E. The good news is that we find out more about her their accommodation was built coli using washing-up liquid have been awarded some activities and see some more and as a result started a and alcohol. Now my funding by Debub University photos at www.neal-jenny.info semester behind the rest of colleagues want me to prove it for a small research proposal ■ For more information about is DNA but we don’t have any entitled “Bacteriological the university. The second VSO, see www.vso.org.uk. semester was taught during appropriate dyes. I’m thinking Analysis of the Quality of ■ the summer break. I also of trying to make some Drinking Water in Awassa”. The Faculty of Natural taught a summer extension electrophoresis tanks – I Working on this project with Sciences at Debub University also has a website at programme course in found instructions on the two colleagues, we plan to http://home.no/dufns microbiology. These students Internet! – but I’ve no idea sample standpipes and in-

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 15 Microbial Interactions with Medical Devices: a matter of life & death

7 - 8 January 2004, Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park, Newcastle, UK

Supported by the Biomedical Applications Division of the Institute of Materials, Metals and Mining and the United Kingdom Society for Biomaterials

OVERVIEW The acquisition of infections from contaminated surfaces is an age- old but increasingly relevant problem. From the home to industry and healthcare, surfaces play a critical role in the transmission of disease and contamination in many environments. The development and increased use of medical devices has undoubtedly been of great benefit to patient care. However, inappropriate use and care of devices can increase the risk of infection leading to increased mortality, prolonged hospitalisation and increased costs. The causes and prevention of microbial contamination of surfaces involve a wide variety of organisms and strategies. This Meeting This meeting will address both the current areas of concern has been awarded CPD accreditation to associated with contamination of medical devices and the application the value of 1.6 of new technologies to prevent and/ or control microbial CREDITS contamination of surfaces. The programme will include special sessions on ophthalmic and dental devices, and ‘smart’ surfaces. BOOK NOW! Costs and late bookings The closing date for Costs are given on the Booking form overleaf. To book your place at the registrations for this meeting is meeting please complete the Booking Form or visit the website where you can Wednesday 24 December 2003. book online using a PDF form. Please note that the closing date for bookings If you haven’t booked yet this is is Wednesday 24th December 2003 and that a late booking fee of £20.00 will your last chance to do so! be applied to all bookings made after Monday 1st December 2003. For the latest information please visit us online at: www.sfam.org.uk

16 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk January Meeting 2004

Programme This programme was up to date at the time of publication but may be subject to change. For the very latest information and an online booking form please visit the Society website at www.sfam.org.uk

Wednesday 7 January 16.30 - 17.00 Tea/Coffee 13.20 - 14.00 Lunch - Poster Viewing and Tradeshow 17.00 - 17.40 Dental surfaces, diseases 10.00 - 11.00 Registration - and treatment Trigger systems: release of Coffee/Tea Speaker to be confirmed antimicrobials

11.00 - 11.40 Introduction: Surfaces 17.40 - 18.20 Photoactivated 14.00 - 14.40 Controlled release of and adhesion: a matter of disinfection in caries and antimicrobial from life and death endodontics medical devices Peter Gilbert, School of Gavin Pearson, Queen Mary’s David Stickler, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical School of Medicine and Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sciences, Manchester University, Dentistry, QMUL, London, UK UK UK 18.20 - 19.00 W.H. Pierce Memorial 14.40 - 15.20 Controlling infection by 11.40 - 12.20 Surface conditioning and Prize Lecture tuning in and turning microbial adhesion down the volume of Matteo Santin, School of 19.45 Tradeshow reception and bacterial small-talk Pharmacy and Biomolecular Society Dinner Paul Williams, Institute of Sciences, University of Brighton, Infection, Immunity & UK Thursday 8th January Inflammation, University of Nottingham, UK 12.20 - 13.00 Antimicrobials and New Technologies and ‘SMART’ indwelling catheters surfaces 15.30 Departure Roger Bayston, School of Medical and Surgical Sciences, 09.00 - 09.40 Microbial interactions University of Nottingham, UK with surfaces, studied on- line by a novel quartz 13.00 - 13.40 Antimicrobial crystal microbalance intravascular catheters - technique which surface to coat? Speaker to be confirmed BOOK Mark Wilcox, School of Biochemistry and Molecular 09.40 - 10.20 Atomic force microscopy Biology, University of Leeds, UK and surfaces Joanna Verran, Biological 13.40 - 14.30 Lunch - Poster Viewing NOW! Sciences, Manchester and Tradeshow Metropolitan University, UK The closing date for Ophthalmic and Dental/ Oral 10.20 - 11.00 Biomimetic surfaces to registrations for this meeting is Devices reduce bacterial adhesion to medical devices Wednesday 24 December 2003. 14.30 - 15.10 Biofilm related infections Andrew Lloyd, School of If you haven’t booked yet this is in ophthalmology Pharmacy & Biomolecular your last chance to do so! John Dart, Moorfields Eye Sciences, University of Brighton, Hospital, London, UK UK Please note that a LATE BOOKING 15.10 - 15.50 Control of Bacterial 11.00 - 11.30 Tea/Coffee FEE of £20.00 will be applied to all adhesion to contact bookings made after Monday 1 lenses 11.30 - 12.00 Novel silicone-based December 2003. Gerda Bruinsma, Department of materials with Biomedical Engineering, antimicrobial properties If you want to attend this meeting University of Gronigen, The Sean Gorman, School of Netherlands Pharmacy, Queen's University please complete the booking form Belfast, UK on the next page, use the PDF 15.50 - 16.30 In vivo bacterial adhesion booking form on the website or to different contact 12.00 - 12.40 New polymers contact Lynne Boshier at the Society lenses Speaker to be confirmed Office. by email at: Carol Morris, Diagnostic Lens Strategic Business Unit, 12.40 - 13.20 Offered papers [email protected]. Cibavision Corporation, USA www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 17 BOOKING FORM and INVOICE January Meeting 7 - 8 January 2004 ‘Microbial Interactions with Medical Devices: a mattter of life and death’ Only ONE person per form please. If additional forms are required please photocopy this one

CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATIONS Wednesday 24 December 2003. A LATE BOOKING FEE of £20.00 will be applied to all bookings made after Monday 1 December 2003 FEES Student, Honorary Whole Meeting Rate: includes registration fee, full Full Members Non-Members & Retired Members breakfast, coffee and tea breaks, lunches, Society dinner and overnight accommodation for Wed 7th January. £200.00 £100.00 £300.00 Student, Honorary Full Members Non-Members Day Delegate Rate: includes registration fee, lunch, tea & Retired Members and coffee breaks. £65.00 £55.00 £150.00 Additional accommodation per night inclusive of breakfast: £120.00

YOUR COSTS

Charges - please tick the applicable box(es) Amount

Whole Meeting Rate (This includes accommodation, meals and the Society Dinner for the entire Conference): £

Day Delegate Rate (please tick the DAY you wish to attend): Weds 7th: Thurs 8th: £

Additional accommodation: (please enter the extra NIGHT(S) you wish to stay: £

LATE BOOKING FEE Payable for all bookings made after Monday 1 December 2003: £20.00

TOTAL AMOUNT REMITTED: £

Please indicate any special dietary or other requirements (such as disabled access):

YOUR DETAILS

Title: Family Name: First Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Tel No: Fax No: Email:

YOUR PAYMENT

● For all participants: The Society DOES NOT INVOICE for conference fees. Please treat your completed booking form as an invoice. Cheques must be in £ STERLING ONLY and made payable to ‘The Society for Applied Microbiology’. Foreign cheques/ drafts MUST be negotiable for the full amount due. Please note that AMERICAN EXPRESS and DINERS CARDS are NOT ACCEPTED. However the following credit and debit cards are acceptable: VISA, Mastercard, Eurocard, Delta, Electron, JCB, Maestro and Solo.

Cheque enclosed Please charge my Mastercard/Visa card /Debit card (please delete inapplicable items) SUGGESTION: please photocopy this form to save mutilating your copy of the Microbiologist! TOTAL Amount enclosed/ to be debited: (*Remember to include your LATE BOOKING FEE if your are booking after 1 December 2003) £

Card number: Expiry Date:

Signature: *Date: Issue No. (Debit cards only)

Cardholder’s address to which credit card statement is sent:

Please return the completed form by fax (post if you are enclosing a cheque) to: The Society for Applied Microbiology, The Blore Tower, The Harpur Centre, Bedford MK40 1TQ, UK. Tel: 01234 326661. Fax: 01234 326678. Email: [email protected] Bacterial Phenotyping

Offering you a simple, cost effective high resolution system.

PhPlate Microplate Techniques AB Phone: +46(0)8 31 80 02 E-Mail: [email protected] www.phplate.se

Acquire a greater understanding of laboratory techniques and practices and the skills to perform routine microbiological tests with confidence. Courses at CCFRA in 2004

Basic microbiology - practical applications ....for staff who need an appreciation of how microbiology testing is done at a basic level

Intermediate microbiology ....for staff with the basic skills who need in-depth information on pathogens and spoilage organisms

For further information or a 2004 training brochure contact: Training, CCFRA, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LD, UK e-mail [email protected] Tel +44(0)1386 842104 Fax +(0)441386

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 19 Joint sfam and ASM Meeting BACTERIAL RESISTANCE to ANTIBIOTICS and DISINFECTANTS New Orleans, USA 23 - 27 May 2004

SfAM and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) are jointly organizing two sessions dedicated to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants at the ASM 104th General Meeting in New Orleans on 23-27 May 2004. This programme aims to expand from the first conference on biocide and antibiotic resistance in bacteria organised by the Society in Swansea in the UK in July 2001. The role of misuse of antibiotics in proliferating antibiotic resistance is appreciated, however, the potential effect of biocide use in clinical and domiciliary environments on the emergence of antibiotic resistance is less understood. In addition, the extensive, and often improper, use of biocidal products has been claimed to exacerbate the spread of antibiotic resistance. Several institutions in the US and UK have recognized the problem and have called for a better understanding of the mechanisms which might lead to possible cross-resistance between antibiotics and biocides. While this issue is recognized by some working at the boundaries of clinical and environmental microbiology, it merits greater recognition by our professional society and society at large; ultimately the end user of many biocidal products. A symposium session entitled “Biocide and antibiotic resistance in bacteria: policies and issues: where do we go from here?” will explore the issues and policies related to the use of biocides in relation to bacterial resistance to both biocides and antibiotics. This will be followed by a colloquium session entitled “Biocide and antibiotic resistance in bacteria: an update” which will present the latest scientific evidence of possible linkage between biocide and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Proposed Programme

Wednesday 26th May 2004 14.30 - 17.00 Room 207, New Orleans Convention Center, 08.00 - 10.30 Colloquium: Biocide and antibiotic resistance in bacteria: an update Symposium: Biocide and antibiotic resistance in Conveners: M S Favero (Advanced Sterilization products, Johnson & bacteria: policies and issues: where do we go from Johnson, Irvine, USA) and J-Y Maillard (University of Brighton, UK) here? Conveners: J-Y Maillard (University of Brighton, UK) and M S Favero Biocide and antibiotic resistance in bacteria: the need for (Advanced Sterilization products, Johnson & Johnson, Irvine, USA). an update. J-Y Maillard (University of Brighton, UK). Similarities and differences between bacterial responses Target sites for biocidal agents: primary vs. multiple to biocides and antibiotics. target sites revisited. A D Russell (Cardiff University, Wales, UK). S P Denyer (Cardiff University, Wales, UK). Use of disinfectants in health-care facilities: a cause for Biocide usage and antibiotic resistance: linkage in the concern? clinical and domestic environments? W A Rutala (University of North Carolina, USA). S B Levy (Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA). Clinical significance of the emergence of bacterial Efflux mechanism: current knowledge: a major resistance in the hospital environment. mechanism involved in bacterial resistance to B D Cookson (Health Protection Agency, London, UK). antimicrobials. Prospective bacterial targets as a means of overcoming K Poole (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada). bacterial resistance to biocides and antibiotics: the future Bacterial biofilm and resistance to antimicrobial agents: a of antimicrobials. better account of real life situations. D J Payne (GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, USA). P Gilbert (University of Manchester, UK). Antibiotic and biocide resistance in bacteria: reality or theory? A summing up. There will be a call for posters in this area by the ASM M S Favero (Advanced Sterilization products, Johnson & Johnson, Irvine, organiser. Please check the ASM website (address below) for USA). further details. Thank you SfAM would like to thank Advanced Sterilization Products (a Johnson & Johnson Company, Irvine, CA), the Soap and Detergent Association and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (SDA/CTFA, Washington, DC) for their generous contributions which will enable leading experts to travel to New Orleans to attend this meeting. Further information about this meeting can be obtained from the Society Office and from the ASM website at: www.asm.org/Meetings/Index.asp?bid=470

20 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Meetings

Call for papers Current or recent research findings in the following areas related to food London Food Study Group and Sfam Joint Conference hygiene: Food Contamination Risks associated ● Microbial survival, absorption, with microorganisms and pests desorption, and dispersion ● Pathogen transfer by pests

13 -14th May 2004 ● Pathogen deposition by pests via urine, faeces, egg-sacs, etc Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Southwark London, UK ● Legal context of food contamination, This conference will focus upon how microorganisms survive and transfer via cross- including issues of acceptability and risk contamination within the food supply and production chains. The role of pests in of foreign bodies (alive/dead) in transmission will also be highlighted. Risks of illness as well as cultural acceptability of ‘organic’ produce pests as foreign bodies within ‘organic’ produce will be further discussed, along with the legal context of contamination. CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Friday 30th January 2004 The full programme and further information will be posted on the Society’s website shortly

Protocol Please submit an abstract of up to 500 words by 31 January 2004. Abstracts may contain limited figures if necessary and should be provided in Microsoft® Word format. Submission should ideally be by email to: [email protected]. Alternatively on disc to Lynne Boshier at the Society Office. Please confirm in the submission your availability to make a presentation on 13th/14th May 2004. All abstracts will be submitted to a panel of referees consisting of academics and professionals in practice. For any other queries please contact Dr Belinda Stuart-Moonlight at: [email protected].

FURTHER INFORMATION The full programme and booking forms for this meeting are available from the BOU website at: BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION www.bou.org.uk/meet5def.html

And can also be obtained from: Steve Dudley GM CROPS & BIRDS BOU Administrator Direct Tel: 01 733 844 820 Email: [email protected]

5 – 6 February 2004 at The Royal Society, London BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION The issues surrounding GM crops and birds have received little attention in the The Natural History Museum, Tring, ornithological press and literature to date. The results of the UK GM Crop Farm-Scale Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, UK Evaluations (FSEs) are likely to first be available from mid October 2003, in the Royal Tel +44 (0) 1 442 890 080 Society’s Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences. In order to encourage Fax +44 (0) 20 7942 6150 dissemination and discussion of the FSEs and other relevant research, the BOU is Email: [email protected] holding this open meeting.

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 21 Call for offered papers If you want to submit a paper for this meeting on any topic in microbiology please contact the Society Office for an abstract submission form. Deadline for challenges and opportunities submissions is 30 April 2004 sfam SUMMER CONFERENCE ● CORK, IRELAND 12-15 July 2004 Trade Show Anyone wishing to exhibit at the trade show please contact Lynne Boshier at the Society Office. Email [email protected]

This is the first time that the Society has visited the Republic of Ireland for its Summer Conference. It is fitting that the topic of dairy and food microbiology has been selected for this meeting since it is one of the main interests of our members, the agri-food industry is such an important one in the region and University College, Cork has an outstanding reputation for teaching and research in the relevant microbiology. The programme addresses challenges in relation to animal and human disease but also For the latest information, opportunities presented by developments in food biotechnology, novel processes and costs and social events products. please visit us online at: One session will be devoted to offered papers on any aspect of applied microbiology www.sfam.org.uk and posters will be available for viewing throughout the meeting.

www.sfam.org.uk Summer Conference 2004

Conference overview

This programme was up to date at the time of Wednesday 14 July 2004 publication but may be subject to change. For the very latest information and an online booking form please 07.30 – 08.30 Breakfast visit: www.sfam.org.uk/sumconf.html Monday 12 July 2004 09.00 – 10.45 Session 3: Human Health

14.00 onwards Arrival of delegates 10.45 – 11.15 Coffee and poster session

18.45 – 19.45 Dinner in Devere Hall, University College 11.15 – 12.25 Session 3 continued Cork (UCC) 12.25 – 13.30 Lunch 20.00 – 21.00 Brains Trust in Students Union, UCC 13.30 – 15.00 Session 4: Offered papers (student) 21.00 onwards Society Mixer in bar adjacent to Devere Hall, UCC 15.00 – 15.30 Tea and poster session

Tuesday 13 July 2004 15.30 – 17.30 Session 4: Offered papers (non student)

07.30 – 08.30 Breakfast 17.30 - 18.00 W H Pierce Prize Winner

09.00 – 10.45 Session 1: Animal Health and Zoonoses 18.00 - 18.30 sfam Annual General Meeting

10.45 – 11.15 Coffee and poster session 19.15 Coaches depart for UCC

11.15 – 13.00 Session 1 continued 19.30 – 20.00 Reception at UCC

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch 20.00 Society Dinner at UCC

14.00 – 15.45 Session 2: Food Biotechnology Thursday 15 July 2004

15.45 – 16.15 Tea and poster session 07.30 – 08.30 Breakfast

16.15 – 17.25 Session 2 continued 09.00 – 10.45 Session 5: Novel Processes and Products

18.30 – 19.30 Trade Reception 10.45 – 11.15 Coffee and poster session

19.30 Depart for Old Middleton Distillery “Irish 11.15 – 13.00 Session 5 continued Night” 13.00 Lunch and close 20.00 Dinner and Entertainment

Please note that ALL scientific sessions, breakfast, coffee, lunch and afternoon tea are located in Jury’s Hotel and in Session 4, offered papers on ANY microbiology topic are welcome.

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 23 Call for offered papers If you want to submit a paper for this meeting on any topic in microbiology please contact the Society Office for an abstract submission form. Deadline for submissions is 30 April 2004 Programme

Monday 12 July 2004 12.25–13.00 The level of susceptibility to scrapie and BSE is a function of strain of 20.00–21.00 Brains Trust agent, route of infection Chair: Dr Pat Wall, formerly and the host protein PrP FSAI Dr W Goldmann, Institute for Panel: Prof Tim Cogan Animal Health, BBSRC, UK (Teagasc, Fermoy); Prof Kevin Collins (UCC); 13.00–14.00Lunch and posters Prof David McConnell (Trinity College, Dublin); Prof Fergus Shanahan (UCC) Session 2. Food Biotechnology Chair: Prof G Fitzgerald, UCC, Eire Tuesday 13 July 2004 14.00–14.35 Commercial production of Session 1. Animal Health and food enzymes Mr R Piggot, Quest Zoonoses International, Chicago USA Chair: Dr P Silley (SfAM Hon President) 14.35–15.10 Lessons from a Probiotic 09.00–09.35 Treating mastitis in the Genome cow – a tradition or an Dr D van Sinderen, UCC, Eire archaism? Dr E Hillerton, Institute for 15.10–15.45 Microbial solutions to Animal Health, Compton, UK microbial problems; bacteriocins as tools for 09.35–10.10 Assessment of cows for the control of undesirable use of non-antimicrobial flora in food dry cow product Prof C Hill, UCC, Eire Dr D O’Rourke, Pfizer, Kent, UK 15.45–16.15 Tea and posters 10.10–10.45 Tuberculosis - new light from an old window. 16.15–16.50 Food grade bacteria as Dr S Neill, Department of cell factories for the Agriculture & Rural production of food Development and Queen’s ingredients University, Belfast, UK Dr E Smid, NIZO, Netherlands 10.45–11.15 Coffee and posters 16.50– 7.25 Exploiting genetically modified microorganisms 11.15–11.50 Brucellosis - new aspects in the agricultural and of an old disease food sectors Dr A McMillan, VLA, Surrey, UK Prof F O’Gara, UCC, Eire 11.50–12.25 Zoonotic potential of Wednesday 14 July 2004 For the latest information, Mycobacterium avium costs and social events subsp. paratuberculosis: the current position Session 3. Human Health please visit us online at: Dr I Grant, Queen’s University, Chair: Dr T Quigley, www.sfam.org.uk Belfast, UK Safefood, UK

December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Summer Conference 2004

challenges and opportunities

This programme was up to date at the time of publication but may be subject to change. For the very latest information and an online booking form please visit the Society website at www.sfam.org.uk/sumconf.html

09.00–09.35 Campylobacter jejuni – Chair: Dr M Adams, 10.45–11.15Coffee and posters ‘The Enigma File’ University of Surrey, UK Prof E Bolton, HPA, 11.15–11.50 From concept to Manchester, UK 15.30–15.50 Non-student paper 1 consumer – the path to commercialising a 09.35–10.10 Salmonella: the interface 15.50–16.10 Non-student paper 2 probiotic between microbiology Dr B Kiely, Dept Alimentary and epidemiology in 16.10–16.30 Non-student paper 3 Health, UCC, Eire outbreak investigations Dr E J Threfall, CPHL, LEP, 16.30–16.50 Non-student paper4 11.50–12.25 Overcoming the Colindale, UK technological hurdles in the development of 16.50–17.10 Non-student paper 5 10.10–10.45 Verotoxigenic E coli probiotic foods Prof J Mainil, Univ of Liège, Dr P Ross, Moorepark, Belgium 17.10–17.30 Non-student paper 6 Fermoy, Eire

10.45–11.15Coffee and posters Chair: Dr P Silley (sfam Hon President) 12.25 Close of Conference and Lunch 11.15–11.50 The gastrointestinal 17.30–18.00 WH Pierce Prize Winner phase of Listeria monocytogenes infection 18.00–18.30 sfam Annual General Dr C Gahan, UCC, Eire Meeting

11.50–12.25 Viruses in foodborne Thursday 15 July 2004 illness Dr M Carter, University of Session 5. Novel Processes and Surrey, UK Products 12.25–13.30 Lunch Chair: sfam Hon Vice-President Trade Show Session 4. Offered papers 09.00–09.35 Advances in thermal Anyone wishing to exhibit at the trade processing show please contact Lynne Boshier at (student and non-student) Mrs J Gaze, Campden & Chair: Mrs M Harrison the Society Office. Chorleywood Food Research Email: [email protected] (sfam Hon Meetings Secretary) Association, Chipping Campden, UK 13.30–13.45 Student paper 1 09.35–10.10 Microbial inactivation by 13.45–14.00 Student paper 2 New technologies – thermal and non thermal 14.00–14.15 Student paper 3 Prof R Pagán, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain 14.15–14.30 Student paper 4 10.10–10.45 Microbiology of pressure 14.30–14.45 Student paper 5 treated foods Dr M F Patterson, Dept of 14.45–15.00 Student paper 6 Agriculture & Rural Development and Queen’s University Belfast, UK 15.00–15.30 Tea and posters

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 25 In July 2004 the Cassini probe will enter into orbit around Saturn. This artist's impression by Craig Attebery shows the probe descending to the surface of Titan - Saturn’s largest moon. The Cassini spacecraft flies overhead with its high-gain antenna pointed Space at the probe as it nears the surface

illustration: Stephen Pollard

IFE IN PLANET (35 million miles) of Earth; extreme for life to survive. EARTH is abundant the closest the two planets The word extremophile is a L but whether life have been together since 12 broad term used to describe exists elsewhere in September 57,617 BC2! Not microorganisms which live in Jonathan Caddick explains the Solar System remains only has this heavenly environments that from a why scientists searching for uncertain. The debate configuration presented an human vantage, are extraterrestrial life need not concerning the infamous opportunity to minimise the considered extreme. Martian meteorite ALH4001, fuel required for the journey Microorganisms that are necessarily leave the planet, found in 1996, is still raging to Mars but it has also offered characterised in this way are the most likely places where as to whether we already have an appropriate occasion for of particular use to planetary conclusive evidence of life the presentation of an article scientists because the extreme planetary scientists believe life from another planet1. As part regarding the topic of life habitats which are home to might be found in the Solar of an effort to discover more existing on other planets them are representative of System and the four missions concerning the possibility of within our Solar System which conditions encountered on extraterrestrial life, there are most planetary scientists will other planets in the Solar currently on their way to Mars at present no fewer than four agree are most likely to be System. A group of spacecraft en route to Mars. microscopic organisms. extremophiles known as These include Europe’s Mars The search for thermophiles (heat lovers) are Express, Japan’s Nozomi and extraterrestrial life is aided by used by researchers to two NASA missions, Spirit and the fact that Earth is teeming understand how life survives Opportunity. with life. Researchers are in temperatures that can The principal reason for a currently able to recognise exceed 100°C. Probably the revival of interest in Mars has microorganisms which may most well known of this group been due to a celestial pose a hazard relating to of microorganisms is alignment that occurred on interplanetary contamination Thermus aquaticus; the Wednesday 27 August 2003 at and identify possible habitats microorganism famous for 09.51 GMT, which meant Mars on other planets that were giving us Taq polymerase (the passed within 56 million km once thought to be too first enzyme used for PCR).

26 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Invaders!

In June 2003 the first of two US missions to Mars was launched from Cape Canaveral. The Mars Exploration Rover, dubbed ‘Spirit’ is expected to arrive at the red planet in January 2004. The robotic Spirit is expected to cover as much as 40 meters a day and will search for evidence of ancient water, from which implications might be drawn about the possibility of ancient Martian life. A second rover named ‘Opportunity’ was successfully launched on July 7th 2003 and will arrive at Mars a few weeks later. A few days prior to the US missions, Europe’s Mars Express commenced its journey to Mars from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. This is the first European mission to Mars and will deliver a rover to the surface while a probe simultaneously orbits the planet

Recently a thermophile that undiscovered on other planets! substrates the microbes are altitude as particles of their can thrive at temperatures of It is not only the hottest metabolising and how they are size are not thought to be able 121°C was discovered near wettest places on Earth that adapted to survive extended to pass through an area of the super-hot springs found at the are inhabited by microbes but periods of desiccation. Cold atmosphere called the bottom of the Pacific Ocean3. also the coldest driest places. environments are of particular tropopause found at about The deep-sea hydrothermal The Dry Valley’s of Antarctica interest to planetary scientist 17,000 metres above sea level. vent system where this are another place of interest as there are more potential Contamination from back on microorganism was found is to planetary scientists as the subzero habitats in the Solar Earth is considered unlikely as one of the most inhospitable conditions there mimic System than warm ones. the samples were freeze dried places on Earth. There is no climates found on both Mars Similar studies are being due to the extreme cold, dry sunlight, temperatures exceed and Europa. The undertaken on other types of conditions experienced at an the boiling point of water and microorganisms which can extremophiles including altitude of 41km. One theory the pressures are hundreds of survive the extreme cold of halophiles (salt lovers), is that the microorganisms did times more intense than on the Dry Valley’s are known as acidophiles (acid lovers) and originate from Earth and were the Earth’s surface. In fact psychrophiles (cold lovers). alkaliphiles (alkaline lovers). carried past the tropopause by researchers have already Soil microbes that are found In the outer limits of Earth’s global air currents, however, observed that this in this hostile environment are atmosphere researchers from this is considered highly microorganism, named simply for the first time being DNA Sheffield University have been unlikely. Strain 121, can survive fingerprinted4. From the data able to culture two species of Another explanation is that autoclaving, which is one of that is generated it is possible bacteria (Bacillus simplex the microbes are in fact alien the main techniques used for to gain a greater and Staphylococcus pasteuri) in origin and were slowly sterilising equipment that will understanding of the diversity and one fungus descending to the Earth’s travel through outer space. A of these microbes and also (Engyodontium albus) from surface due to gravitational microorganism such as Strain identify how these samples collected by a pull. The latter possibility is 121 demonstrates that life can microorganisms survive in weather balloon cruising at based on a theory developed adapt to environments such an extreme habitat. 41,000 metres (135,000 by Chandra Wickramasinghe considered, until recently, Researchers are currently feet)5. It is uncertain how the and the late Fred Hoyle in the sterile; environments yet trying to identify what microorganisms reached this 1970s which suggests life

www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 27 originated elsewhere in the years in which time the universe and arrived on Earth Huygens probe destined to via a passing comet. land on Titan will be launched. Whether life began on It is not known whether the Earth or arrived from probe will touch down on somewhere else planetary solid ground or in liquid so scientists agree that there are the probe has been designed to three highly probable for either eventuality. contenders in the search for Mars was probably the extraterrestrial life in the Solar most studied planet in the System. These locations are Solar System, excluding Earth, Mars (the fourth planet from before the 20th Century. One the Sun), Titan (Saturn’s of the fundamental largest moon) and Europa observations made by the (the sixth moon of Jupiter). Italian astronomer Giovanni Europa is an icy moon, Schiaparelli in 1877 led to the named after a Phoenician Europa Orbiter Space probe approaching Europa, Jupiter’s sixth moon (Artist’s discovery of ‘canali’ beauty seduced by Zeus in impression courtesy of Pollard Creativity) (channels) on the surface of Greek mythology, which is Mars. The misinterpretation of roughly the size of our Moon. microorganisms it was that the Earth was once like the Italian canali for canal in The surface temperature is on necessary to destroy the space Titan and that early forms of the English speaking world is average -170°C, which would probe Galileo following life could exist on its surface commonly considered to have obviously mean any water on completion of the Jupiter or in pools of simple motivated the belief by some the surface of this planet is exploration. This was achieved hydrocarbons. Although this astronomers that artificial frozen. It is believed, however, in September of this year by may be the case some canals may have been built by that beneath the thick crust, sending it on a collision researchers feel that Titan is a Martian civilisation! Due in which resembles sheets of ice, course with the planet. too cold to currently harbour part to the interest raised by there is an ocean of water that Researchers believed it might life. It has also been suggested these channels more than 30 remains in a liquid state due be possible for microbes to that in Titan’s past it was operations have been sent to to heat generated by tidal survive on Europa’s icy warmer place and that investigate the red planet forces from the gravitational surface in pools of water, microscopic life could have since 19607. Although, of all pull of Jupiter and its other warmed by radioactive evolved, the remains of which the probes launched for the moons. This opinion is widely plutonium used by the probe may still be present on its purpose of Mars exploration accepted due to sightings of to generate electricity6. surface. In July 2004 the more than half have failed complex fractures that criss- Titan, named after the race Cassini probe will enter an giving the impression that the cross Europa’s surface which of god-like giants from Greek orbit around Saturn. The study red planet is in some way resemble features observed on mythology, is the only moon in is expected to last for four jinxed. the frozen Arctic seas on the Solar System with an Earth. The fact that water is atmosphere. The surface essential for the existence of temperature on Titan is life and that Europa appears approximately -180°C and its to have a liquid subterranean atmosphere is thought to be ocean has led researchers to composed mainly of nitrogen believe that this moon is an and methane. Observations of ideal place to search for Titan’s surface are almost extraterrestrial life. impossible because of the In 2008, NASA plan to dense orange clouds that form launch the Europa Orbiter in the upper atmosphere, space probe with the intention however, during a brief pass of locating areas on Europa’s the NASA probe, “Voyager” surface where its crust is detected liquid methane and thinnest. Ultimately what are thought to be researchers wish to send continents on the surface of probes beneath the crust and the planet. It has been explore for life in the water suggested that Titan is the that may lie beneath. only other place in the Solar Planetary scientists believe System that has a liquid that Europa is such a flowing on its surface. In this habitable place for microbes instance lakes and rivers are that to prevent possible thought to be formed by liquid This artist's impression shows the Cassini-Huygens probe descending through contamination of the moon’s methane and ethane. Some Titan's thick atmosphere with Saturn setting dimly on the horizon. The probe is due to arrive at Saturn in July 2004. Artwork courtesy of Pollard Creativity surface with terrestrial planetary scientists believe

28 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Features

Mars can be up to 378 land in a similar way to the million km away from Earth two NASA rovers, in a region and although our nearest called Isidis Planitia. celestial neighbour, excluding This area is a crater the Moon, it is far from approximately 1,600 km wide inviting. A single Martian year that separates Mars’ more lasts the equivalent of 687 cratered southern hemisphere Earth days and temperatures from its flatter northern can range from a mild 27°C in hemisphere. It is hoped that the summer to a chilly -133°C past volcanic domes and small in the winter. The atmosphere channels may have preserved is composed mostly of carbon evidence of life. Beagle 2 dioxide and offers little carries a mass spectrometer protection on the surface from that can measure the relative UV-rays as it is thinner than amounts of carbon isotopes in that on Earth with little ozone; Martian rock samples6. Results only 0.13% of the atmosphere from this type of sampling is oxygen. To all intents and may indicate that life once purposes Mars appears very existed on Mars. different from Earth. Despite The largest canyon in the Solar System cuts a wide swath across the face of Mars. The possibility of finding these differences Mars is in Named Valles Marineris, this grand valley is over 3,000 kilometers long, up to 600 life within the Solar System kilometers wide and delves as much as 8 kilometers deep, dwarfing the Earth’s fact more like Earth than any Grand Canyon. Its origin remains unknown. Photo courtesy of Viking Project. remains hopeful and assuming other planet in the Solar that the missions to Mars are System. There is also solid NASA spacecraft, Spirit and June 2003, a few days prior to a triumph it may be as soon as evidence that Mars may have Opportunity, were launched in the first NASA mission, 2004 that we find the water on or near its surface, June 2003 from Cape Europe’s Mars Express evidence. the presence of which is a Canaveral, Florida. Both commenced its journey to Where next? Well for some subject of debate amongst spacecraft carry rovers that Mars from Baikonur astrobiologists it would seem planetary scientists. Mars is will be deployed on opposite Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. that we must look much also the best mapped with sides of Mars. The probes will This is the first European beyond the confines of the more known about its climate jettison the landers 300 mission to Mars and is the Solar System. The best place and geology than any of the metres above the surface sole operation that will deliver to look for life may be the other planets. allowing them to parachute to a rover to the surface of Mars 37th brightest star in the Although, much is already the surface encased in a and have a probe that will constellation of Gemini, understood concerning Mars, cluster of airbags6. Once at a simultaneously orbit the approximately 42 light years the interest in this celestial standstill solar-panel petals planet. The probe is set to away from Earth8! body endures because it is not will deploy so that the landers study the composition of the known whether life has at any can begin to explore. One of Martian atmosphere while the Jonathan Caddick time existed there. In an the rovers is scheduled to land rover named Beagle 2, will Aston University endeavour to find life, as in a region named Meridiani stated previously, four Planum which is rich in the References: missions are currently making mineral haematite; a form of there way to the red planet oxidised iron that on Earth ■ 1. Anon. Conclusive evidence for Martian life. now. rarely forms in the absence of http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1190948.stm. (accessed 20/10/2003). The first of these four water. Using a high-power ■ 2. Anon. Skywatchers await Mars encounter. missions was Japan’s probe microscope the rover will http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/3174275.stm. (accessed Nozomi, meaning “hope” in collect evidence of how the 27/08/2003). Japanese, which launched compound formed by ■ 3. Anon. Microbe breaks temperature record. from the Kagoshima Space examining the size and http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/3144397.stm. (accessed Centre on 4th July 1998. This orientation of haemotite 15/08/2003). space craft is expected to grains6. ■ 4. Anon. Molecular biology goes to extremes. arrive later than originally The second lander is http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1885198.stm. (accessed 20/08/2003). planned due to damage expected to touch down at ■ 5. Wainwright, M., Wickramasinghe, N. C., Narlikar, J. V. and received from a solar flare. If Gusev Crater. This site was Rajaratman, P. (2003) Microorganisms cultured from stratospheric air however everything else goes chosen by NASA scientists samples obtained at 41 km. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 218; 161-165. to plan Nozomi is expected to because of its resemblance to ■ 6. Giles, J. (2003). Mars Attracts. Nature. 423; 473-477. reach Mars in early 2004, lakebeds on Earth. Using an ■ where it will remain in orbit to array of equipment it is hoped 7. Anon. Historical log. http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/log/. (accessed 20/10/03). study how the planet is that evidence of water having affected by solar winds; the ever been present in this area ■ 8. Anon. Found: The best place for alien life. stream of charged particles might be found6. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/3177684.stm. (accessed 09/10/2003). emitted by the Sun6. The two Launched on Monday 2nd www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 29 Could Lichens

grow on Richard Armstrong boldly goes where few microbiologists have gone before and concludes the Mars? truth is out there

ARS IS AN are unusually resistant to inhospitable, levels of radiation that would M barren, and rocky kill most other types of plant. planet unprotected It was the discovery of from ultraviolet light and endolithic lichens living within subjected to freezing the rocks of the dry valleys of temperatures and frequent Antarctica which has provided sandstorms. In the past, a new impetus to the debate. however, it was a warmer Hence, this article considers planet, probably with large first, aspects of the biology of oceans, and with an lichens, second, considers the atmosphere closer in Martian environment and the composition to that of Earth. prospects for present and past Over long periods of time, life on the planet, and third, the surface water on Mars has discusses the arguments in been lost resulting in the arid favour and against the planet that we see today. possibility that lichens could There has been considerable have developed on Mars. debate over the last few years as to the possibility of life on What are lichens? Mars. This debate has arisen Anatomy and as a result of studies of physiology Martian meteorites, of Earth environments considered to be Lichens are very common analogues of those on Mars, organisms on Earth and are e.g., the dry valleys of found in a range of Antarctica, and the discovery environments including the of exposed water ice near the surfaces of rocks, trees, and edge of the southern pole of man-made structures (Fig 1). Mars (Titus et al., 2003). Lichens occupy some of the The idea that lichens could most inhospitable terrestrial grow on Mars is not new environments from hot arid having been proposed as early and semi-arid regions to the as 1949 to explain the colour cold Polar Regions. The ability changes that had been of lichens to tolerate extremes observed on the surface. is partly physiological, e.g., Lichens could fulfil some of their tolerance of extreme the requirements for growing conditions, but also in such an extreme behavioural in that lichens can environment. First, they can adapt to relatively protected be dried to water contents niches within extreme between 1-15% of their dry environments. weight and survive for a Lichen is an intimate considerable time in a association between two quite dehydrated state. Second, different organisms, viz., an some Antarctic lichens can be alga and a fungus. The two Artist's impression of the exploraration of the Martian surface. Artwork plunged into liquid nitrogen organisms are so intimately courtesy of Pollard Creativity and survive and third, lichens associated that the term

30 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Features

with little left over for growth rock substrates such as those processes. As a result of slow rich in carbonate (Lawrey growth, however, the lichen 1984). In 1974, numerous may make little demand on the microorganisms were environment for nutrients thus discovered in Beacon enabling the organism to grow sandstone rocks of the dry in potentially nutrient-poor valleys of Antarctica. habitats. Cyanobacteria were present but the dominant flora was Endolithic lichens chasmoendolithic and The Viking Lander cryptoendolithic lichens. The photographs taken on the lichens occupied a narrow surface of Mars in the 1970s zone of the subsurface of the show a cold desert landscape rock 10 mm thick and formed with scattered boulders (Fig colonies from a few 4). Examination of these centimetres to a metre in boulders shows no evidence of diameter (Friedmann 1982). lichens growing on their The lichens had a similar surfaces. Nevertheless, as in structural organisation to Figure 1. A community of foliose and crustose lichens on a slate the cold, dry valleys of those that live on the surface rock surface in Wales, UK. A rich lichen flora is present on the Antarctica, there is the but a true fungal zone was surface of the rocks and orange lichens of the genus Caloplaca, possibility that endolithic absent, with instead, the yellow species of Xanthoria, and light grey species of Pertusaria lichens were present in the fungal hyphae filling the are visible. rock in the past or may even available pore space. In cross survive today. section, a typical rock consists mutualism or symbiosis has Many foliose species have Three types of endolithic of a black zone just below the been applied to it. In cross- rates of radial extension organisms have been surface containing the alga section (Fig 2), a typical between 2 and 5 mm per year described: (1) Trebouxia, below that a white lichen is composed mainly of but many crustose lichens ‘chasmoendoliths’ — which zone of fungal tissue, then a fungal tissue but embedded in grow much more slowly with occupy fissures and cracks in green layer of non-lichenised the upper cortical layers are rates of less than 0.5 mm year rocks but the organism may green algae, and finally, in eukaryotic algal cells. Some (Armstrong 1973, 1983). be partially exposed on the some samples, a layer of lichens are also associated Some species grow so slowly surface, (2) ‘cryptoendoliths’ cyanobacteria. The subsurface with cyanobacteria (blue- that larger thalli growing in — which occupy pores and layers are often solubilised by green algae) found in special the Arctic may live to be over pre-existing structural cavities, fungal hyphae resulting in the structures called cephalodia. 5000 years old, thus making and (3), ‘euendoliths’ — that upper surface peeling away to The algal partner carries out them some of the oldest bore into relatively soluble expose the lichen tissue. photosynthesis and supplies organisms on Earth. The slow the fungus with carbohydrate growth of lichens is not but there is little experimental attributable to slower than evidence that the fungus normal physiological supplies nutrients to the alga processes but to the fact that (Smith and Douglas 1987). lichens lose much of their There are three major types of carbohydrate due to lichen, viz., the fruticose type respiration. A lichen can in which the lichen thallus is spend a considerable amount attached to the substratum at of its time in a dehydrated a single point and forms a state (Fig 3), but when the complex branched structure, lichen is wetted there is a loss the foliose type that comprises of carbon due to resaturation a series of radially arranged respiration. After wetting, leaf-like lobes, and the photosynthesis begins to crustose type that is tightly replace the carbon lost but the attached to the substratum. lichen has to remain wet for a Most lichen communities have sufficient period in the light to a mixture of the three growth make good the carbon losses forms (Fig 1). and then to make new carbon The foliose and crustose for growth (Armstrong 1976). Figure 2. Vertical section through the thallus of the foliose lichen types of lichen grow radially Frequent rain showers Xanthoria parietina. The algal cells (dark red spheres) are over the substratum rather combined with rapid rates of confined to the cortical layer just below the surface of the lichen. like a fungus on an agar plate drying in the sun may Below, the medulla composed of fungal hyphae can be seen. but growth rates are very slow. continually deplete carbon www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 31 Subsequent studies using distinctive tear-shaped theoretical climate models and globules present in the experiments on Earth Martian rock. Fourth, worm- simulating Martian like structures were observed environments (Kuznetz & Gan, in the meteorite. These 2002) demonstrated that structures are much smaller liquid water may be stable for than most bacteria but extended periods of time on recently similar sized the Martian surface under terrestrial fossils have been present-day conditions. These discovered. In addition, studies have culminated in the biogenic features have been discovery of water ice near the found in three Martian edge of the southern polar cap meteorites, including eight of by Mars Odyssey using the the amino acids that are Thermal Emission Imaging constituents of terrestrial System (THEMIS) (Titus et proteins, but there is still no al., 2003). Hence, surface conclusive proof that these are water ice may be widespread evidence of ancient life Figure 3. The consequences of wetting a dry lichen. Little carbon around and under the carbon (Gibson et al., 2001). is made when the lichen is dry. When the thallus is wetted, there is a burst of respiration and carbon is lost from the thallus. dioxide polar cap. On the surface of Mars Photosynthesis then begins to replace the carbon lost but the itself, experiments have also lichen has to be wet long enough in the light to overcome the Could lichens live on produced ambiguous results. carbon losses and to make new carbon for growth. Mars? The Viking Landers sent to Microorganisms Mars in the 1970s carried out experiments to detect the Further penetration of the Earth have a similar diurnal Lichens are composite presence of organic materials rock results in more rock motion and length of year but organisms consisting of an in Martian soil. One such layers being lost and the also mentioned the more alga and a fungus living in experiment detected no consequence of this ‘biogenic tenuous atmosphere on Mars. mutualistic association. organic compounds while weathering’ is a characteristic The first attempts to detect Hence, the presence of lichens another showed positive pockmarked surface on the oxygen and water on Mars on Mars presupposes the results. The positive result sandstone surfaces of the dry spectroscopically were made evolution or transport to Mars could have been attributable valleys. Close-up photographs in 1867 but were inconclusive. of both the fungal and algal to superoxides or peroxides of Martian boulders may However, in 1909, Campbell components of the symbiosis. present in the Martian soil and therefore be useful in failed to detect water vapour The presence of which reacted with the test detecting the possible in the Martian atmosphere microorganisms on Mars, solution when it was mixed presence of endolithic lichens using a spectroscopic method either living today or as fossils with these oxides. There have (Fig 4). and concluded that the of past life, however, is highly also been attempts to detect environment was extremely controversial. On August atmospheric biomarkers of The Martian arid, a result confirmed by 1996, NASA announced that subsurface life on Mars. environment Adams in 1926. In 1947, there was evidence of life in a Bacterial life below the In “Cosmotheoris”, Kuiper, using infrared Martian meteorite surface may depend on published in 1698, and one of spectrograms, detected carbon (ALH84001) that had entered hydrogen and carbon the earliest expositions on the dioxide in the Martian Earth’s atmosphere 13,000 monoxide as energy sources possibility of extraterrestrial atmosphere at twice the levels years ago and landed in (Summers et al., 2002) and it life, Huygens deduced that of Earth but no oxygen. Viking Antarctica. The existence of may be possible to observe Mars was much colder than 1 showed that the atmosphere life in the meteorite was based the metabolic by products of Earth. Recent measurements of Mars was composed mainly on four lines of evidence. these organisms as trace gases of temperature on Mars have of carbon dioxide with trace First, that the carbonate in the atmosphere. Organic confirmed these early quantities of nitrogen, argon, patterns had a unique life trace gases in the atmosphere impressions in showing that oxygen, and carbon monoxide signature consistent with tend to have very short the daytime surface (Nier et al., 2003). those expected of terrestrial chemical lifetimes but CH4 has temperature may vary from Spinrad in 1963 was one of bacteria. Second, that a much longer lifetime and 26.6OC during rare sunny days the first scientists to study the polycyclic aromatic tends to be more uniformly to –93OC at the poles in possibility that water was hydrocarbons, usually created distributed. However, the flux winter. The air temperature, present in the Martian by bacteria, were present in of CH4 into the Martian however, rarely rises above atmosphere and reported, the meteorite. Third, that atmosphere is 105 times less zero and decreases markedly using spectroscopic magnetite globules are created than on Earth suggesting that with altitude above the observations, that the level of by bacteria on Earth as well as there can only be a minute surface. water was one thousandth of by some chemical processes. biological component on Mars. In 1784, Herschel that in the atmosphere above However, only bacteria are Hence, there is no convincing commented that Mars and the Sahara desert on Earth. likely to have caused the evidence, at present, for the

32 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Features

existence of past or present Antarctic rocks, the harmful microorganisms on Mars, a UV being screened out by the necessity for the evolution of dark-pigmented fungal layer lichens. and this process would be even more important in Endolithic lichens on Martian rocks. The main Mars source of nitrogen for In the dry valleys of endolithic lichens is abiotically Antarctica, the absence of fixed nitrogen by atmospheric water and low temperatures electric discharge, the fixed are the most important factors nitrogen then being conveyed limiting endolithic lichens. The to the rock by atmospheric lichens that live in these precipitation. However, there environments on Earth are not are only trace amounts of better adapted to colder or nitrogen gas in the Martian drier conditions than their atmosphere (Nier et al., 2003) surface counterparts but and hence, it is unclear how a occupy a new niche by Martian endolithic lichen changing their pattern of would obtain its nitrogen organisation. In addition, the supply. One possibility is that Figure 4. Viking 1 panorama of the Martian surface. Could the relative humidity below the cyanobacteria in the rocks can pitted and scarred boulders in the foreground have resulted from surface is consistently higher fix sufficient nitrogen from the the activity of endolithic lichens? Photograph courtesy of Dr than at the surface where trace levels available to supply Edwin V Bell II (NSSDC) and Mary A. Dale-Bannister, Washington evaporative water loss is high. the lichens. University, St Louis, USA. Studies suggest that the Conclusions lichens require snow for 2005 and future missions chromatographic methods for meltwater as a source of water Lichens meet some but not are likely to substantially use in space increase the as no endolithic lichens occur all of the criteria that must be increase our knowledge of the probability that an answer to on the steep or vertical faces fulfilled by inhabitants of Mars Martian surface and the the question of whether where snow cannot (Salisbury, 1962). They could possibilities for life by lichens have existed on Mars accumulate (Kappen et al., withstand many aspects of the attempting to bring back will be obtained in the near 1981). Endolithic lichens on hostile environment especially samples of rock and minerals. future. Mars would be able to tolerate if they live within the rocks as In addition, the use of techniques such as Laser the low temperatures of the they do in the dry valleys of Richard A Armstrong Martian surface but as in the Antarctica. Lichens, however, Raman technology and the Aston University dry valleys of Antarctica, the are dual organisms and we development of gas rock subsurface is likely to be have to presuppose the warmer and subjected to successful establishment of a smaller fluctuations than the variety of microorganisms on References: surface of the rocks. Mars and especially algae and ■ Armstrong, R.A. (1973) New Phytol 72, 1023-1030. Nevertheless, the lack of a fungi. To date, the evidence ready supply of surface water for the existence of ■ Armstrong, R.A. (1976) New Phytol 77, 719-724. would be a significant problem microorganisms in Martian ■ Armstrong, R.A. (1983) New Phytol 94, 619-622. for the lichens. It is a meteorites is controversial and ■ possibility, however, that in there is no conclusive Friedmann, E.I. (1982) Science 215, 1045-1053, certain areas, water ice on the evidence of present life on the ■ Gibson, E.K. (2001) PreCambrian Res. 106, 15-34. surface melts and penetrates surface. In addition, if ■ Kappen, L. (1981) Flora 171, 216-235. the boulders, the lichens endolithic lichens have remaining in a dehydrated evolved on Mars and are alive ■ Kappen, L. and Friedmann, E.I. (1983) Polar Biol. 1, 227-232. condition during the long today they would be subjected ■ Kuznetz, L.H. and Gan, D.C. (2002) Astrobiol. 2, 183-195. intervening periods. to a considerably more hostile ■ Lawrey, J.D. (1984) The Biology of Lichenised Fungi. Praeger Press, In Antarctica, carbon environment than the extreme New York. dioxide exchange takes place environments on Earth, which very slowly through a are regarded as at the limit of ■ Nier, A.O. (2003) J. Mass Spectrom. 38, 3-5. relatively thick surface crust tolerance of present day ■ Salisbury, F.B. (1962) Science 136, 17-26. (Kappen & Friedmann 1983) lichens. The lack of liquid ■ Smith, D.C. and Douglas, A.E. (1987) The Biology of Symbiosis. and this could presumably water over most of the surface Edward Arnold, Victoria, Australia. also take place in Martian and the problem of obtaining rocks. In addition, in regions sufficient nitrogen resources ■ Summers, M.E. (2002) Geophys. Res. Lett. 29, 2171. of high light intensity, are particular problems for ■ Titus, T.N. (2003) Science 299, 1048-1051. approximately 1% of the light Martian lichens. Further reaches the lichen zone inside landings on Mars, scheduled www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 33 Researching Helicobacter pylori

The Society offers FULL members an opportunity to give undergraduate students of microbiology the chance to obtain work experience during the summer vacation. Grants can be made available to ANY FULL member who is able to offer a suitable undergraduate student a ACING MY FOURTH and final work placement for a period of year at the University of up to 10 weeks during summer. F Aberdeen, studying towards a BSc (Hons) Genetics with For further information Immunology degree, I was keen to gain visit the website or some practical research experience. I contact the Society Office was, therefore, delighted to accept a ten- week work placement with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB), researching the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori (originally named Campylobacter pyloridis) is a Gram- negative, spiral shaped rod originally discovered by Barry Marshall in 1982. The organism infects the mammalian G-I tract with sophisticated methods of colonising the epithelial lining of the stomach and the ability to thrive in its acidic environment. It is able to enter and encase itself in the stomach’s mucus lining thus protecting itself from the surrounding gastric juices whilst also evading any immune response. Studies of this organism have led to it being widely regarded as a major causative agent in gastro-intestinal illnesses, including peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis and the development of gastric cancer. The most successful means of eradication at present is through combination therapy. Triple or quadruple combinations of antibiotics are used, but are expensive with many patients presenting with nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain as side- effects of the treatment. Failure of the antibiotic regimen has mainly been attributed to poor patient compliance and bacterial resistance, which has given rise to research into possible alternative therapies. Treatment through the development of a probiotic may be one such solution. My project, therefore, was to screen a

picture by kind courtesy of Unilever Research selection of bacteria from the NCIMB

December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Students into Work Reports

open collection for inhibition of H. challenging yet satisfying when the results defence against pathogenic micro- pylori; the objective being that successful came together. On a more personal level, organisms. Over developement of plaque candidates could potentially form the the project was successful in re-affirming can prevent the beneficial properties and basis of a probiotic therapy. Those my desire to pursue a career in research buffering effect of saliva from penetrating selected were representative strains of once I graduate. and protecting the enamel. This, together Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, I would like to thank my project with the capability of S. mutans to Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus. supervisor Dr. Peter Green, as well as Dr. metabolise sugar rapidly, promotes the Some of these bacteria are reported as Hedda Weitz, Julie Brown and the other generation of an acidic environment. The inhibiting the growth of other NCIMB staff for their guidance and for exposure of enamel to low pH causes the microorganisms on mucosal surfaces by making the past ten weeks both surface of the apatite crystals to dissolve adhesion and competitive exclusion. In memorable and enjoyable. I would also and demineralize the tooth structure order to colonise the area effectively they like to extend my gratitude to the SFAM which eventually leads to caries. The also produce inhibitors to interfere with for making this placement possible and formulation of mouthwashes and and prevent the growth of other bacteria. giving me such a great opportunity. toothpaste contain anti-plaque biocides The culture collection bacteria which such as triclosan and chlorhexidine and were screened for their antagonistic Catriona Young although their effectiveness has not been properties were cultured in appropriate University of Aberdeen lost, it is necessary to acquire new agents media and used to impregnate sterile with even better characteristics prior to paper filter discs. These discs were then development of microorganism placed on Columbia + 10% blood agar Design and resistance. Non-aromatic non-ionic plates, pre-seeded with the type strain of evaluation of a surfactant amine oxides are believed to be H. pylori and incubated in a humid such newer substances. microaerobic atmosphere. Where the protocol to test the Amine oxides (AO) are surfactant bacterial bioactive inhibitors produced efficacy of biocides disinfectants, but the cationic quaternary inhibited H. pylori, a zone of inhibition of ammonium salts (QACs) are more widely growth was seen around the disc and against biofilms of used. Certain AO have been shown to recorded. Bacterial strains that gave a have an antibacterial effect which exceeds positive result were then selected for Streptococcus those of QACs. The aim of this project further testing. In addition to the forty-six mutans was to develop a protocol which mimics bacteria from the culture collection, conditions in the mouth, thus allowing the nineteen human gastric isolates were effectiveness of AO to be tested against a obtained from external sources, as well as monoculture-biofilm of S. mutans. It is probiotic capsules, and commercially essential to use a S. mtuans biofilm as available probiotic yoghurt drinks. Also previous studies have indicated that screened for inhibitory activity were a biofilms are a cooperative community, limited range of natural plant extracts, where each bacterium posses the ability honeys and similar products. Such to alter its phenotypic state in response to bioactive extracts are known to inhibit environmental changes. Such both Gram-positive and Gram-negative transformation means that bacteria found bacteria of clinical significance and could in the biofilm will have different also potentially be used, either alone or in phenotypic characteristic compared to its combination with a probiotic, in the planktonic counter-part. Hence, chemicals treatment of H. pylori. The project which are successful in eliminating results were encouraging in that some of planktonic bacteria might be less effective the bacteria and natural products tested against sessile cells and, therefore, did inhibit H.pylori, however further studies performed using planktonic S. work is required to develop the project mutans might not be appropriate to further. represent the effect of AO against biofilm Until this work experience, the only URING JULY AND AUGUST of S. mutans. laboratory work I had undertaken before 2003 I had the pleasure of The use of hydroxyapatite (HA) discs my placement with NCIMB was confined D participating in a summer was employed to provide a surface for the to University practical classes. As such, research project at the formation of a biofilm. The HA discs the SfAM summer studentship gave me University of Brighton. The aim was to composition is similar to that of the teeth the opportunity to gain invaluable determine the effectiveness of amine and has been shown to be a convenient research experience and an insight into oxide as a biocide against a monoculture- approach to mimic the oral environment. the running of a commercial scientific biofilm of Streptococcus mutans and to As in teeth, the attachment of the pioneer company. Through the project, I not only develop a protocol mimicking the oral S. mutans first requires the presence of a learned new practical skills in handling, environment in which they are found. salivary pellicle on the HA discs. The culturing and preserving bacteria, but S. mutans is the causative agent for pellicles were formed experimentally by also time management and project dental caries. It is found in dental plaque. incubating HA discs with sterile saliva, planning. The continual development and There is a natural layer of plaque on the collected from volunteers. The saliva was refinement of the methodology proved surface of the teeth acting as a host then removed and replaced with www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 35 Students into Work Reports

a pure culture of 108 CFU/ml of S. appropriate filters. In addition, smears mutans so that the biofilm could be taken from these colonies revealed cells formed. The HA discs were then removed fluorescing orange. This result means that from the solution and deep-washed three more thorough in vivo screening studies times in 2ml of diluent before any can now take place, with more accurate experiment procedures were performed and detailed characterization of on the discs. Treatments included the use fluorescent isolates being undertaken. of AO organic matter in the form of While waiting for ethical approval for bovine serum albumin which served to clinical sampling of denture plaque, I mimic food. Spinning magnetic fleas were carried out some laboratory experiments placed on top of the biofilm to stimulate to further investigate the source of the effect of brushing. This was then be fluorescence. It has been proposed that used to compare with the effect of AO dark, and are easily visualized. QLF may the fluorescence is due to the presence of and the treatment of both procedures also be used to indicate the presence of porphyrin-type molecules. I therefore together. plaque on teeth, since the micro- continued the project focusing on two The results of the experiments proved organisms fluoresce to some extent organisms known to produce porphyrins, that AO is a very effective biocide against during the process. This enables some and which were potentially encountered monoculture-biofilm of S. mutans. It has estimate of tooth coverage by plaque to in the oral environment; Porphyromonas been established that the method of be made, with obvious implications in gingivalis and, to a lesser extent, mechanical removal used in the oral hygiene. But plaque does not Propionibacterium acnes. I investigated experiment only removes 12% of the S. fluoresce evenly. Some areas fluoresce the effect of the concentration of different mutans population. A single exposure to orange, whilst others are green. It has inorganic iron compounds on the growth AO alone was able to remove 47% of S. been proposed that these differences and fluorescence of these two species. In mutans, while multi-exposures have been relate to mature and new plaque future work, as part of my final year shown to eliminate the entire population. respectively; this suggests it is possible project, I intend to investigate more fully This suggests the AO would be effective that Gram-negative obligate anaerobes the factors responsible for fluorescence in against S. mutans when incorporated are contributing to the orange these test species. Once appropriate into both mouthwash and toothpaste. fluorescence. The aim of my project was microorganisms and test conditions for The summer project allowed me to to investigate the cause of orange fluorescence have been identified, model gain a first-hand insight view into fluorescence in plaque imaged using QLF. systems can be developed for further research, as well as gaining valuable I worked in the microbiology study of factors affecting plaque experience and laboratory skills, which I laboratories at Manchester Metropolitan fluorescence under QLF. am sure I will find useful in my education University, where I am studying for my I really enjoyed my project. It was and future career. I also had the degree in Biological Sciences. My good fun being part of a research team, opportunity to apply skills already taught supervisor was Prof. Joanna Verran. My and I certainly learnt that things do not and understood their usage in a real other supervisors were Prof. Sue Higham always go as planned! I found the clinical situation. I would like to express my at the University of Liverpool Dental applications of the work really interesting, appreciation to SfAM for providing this School, where the QLF equipment was and the opportunity to work with dentists, valuable opportunity. My sincere thanks located; and Dr Phil Smith and Mr Iain cariologists and microbiologists was to Dr J-Y Maillard and Dr G Hanlon for Pretty at the University of Manchester great. I would also like to thank the lab the placement and their support. Thanks Dental School. technicians, PhD students, and Uzmma also to Sébastien Fraud. Over 200 taxa have been described in for their help and particularly thank Sfam dental plaque, thus the study of plaque for enabling me to carry out this project. C.F. Cheng microbiology is not easy! Initial studies University of Brighton involved the sampling and plating out of Ross Hill saliva and plaque specimens onto a range Manchester Metropolitan University Fluorescence of of culture media, incubated under different conditions. All plates were Could YOU benefit? Dental Plaque using examined under QLF, and any fluorescent (QLF) colonies were subcultured for further The Society offers FULL members an study. There were surprisingly few opportunity to give undergraduate UANTATIVE LIGHT INDUCED colonies showing the required properties, students of microbiology the chance to FLUORESCENCE (QLF) is a which could have been due to differences obtain work experience during the M novel approach used to in growth conditions from those summer vacation. Grants can be made determine mineral loss in tooth encountered in plaque, or to technical available to ANY FULL member who is enamel. Fluorescent light irradiation difficulties arising from the diffuse light able to offer a suitable undergraduate (520nm with 370nm blue filter) reveals being emitted from the source, its student a work placement for a period differences in enamel opacity, hence distance from the specimens, and low of up to 10 weeks during summer. providing an early indication of caries. magnification. This was a problem which For further information visit Sound enamel appears green whilst a loss I was able to resolve, because I was able the website or contact the of mineral gives rise to a loss in to see red/orange fluorescence in colonies Society Office fluorescence, so carious lesions appear using epifluorescence microscopy and

36 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Dynal Biotech Microbiology Products:

Dynabeads® anti-Salmonella Dynabeads® anti-E.coli 0157 Dynabeads® anti-Listeria Dynabeads® EPEC/VTEC 0145 Dynabeads® EPEC/VTEC 0111 Dynabeads® EPEC/VTEC 0103 Dynabeads® EPEC/VTEC 026 Dynabeads® anti-Cryptosporidium kit Dynabeads® GC-Combo (Giardia and Cryptosporidium)

Dynal Biotech Ltd. 11 Bassendale Road Croft Business Park Bromborough Wirral CH62 3QL

Tel: 0800 731 9037 Tel: 44 151 346 1234 Fax: 44 151 346 1223 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.dynalbiotech.com GelDocMegaGelDocMega 55 4.0 megapixel resolution for an outstanding image

● 2272 x 1704 pixel digital still CCD camera captures gel images with more than double the resolution of most video camera systems ●True photoquality colour inkjet printer for superb gel prints and documents ● Benchtop darkroom with UV-safety features and full-width door for easy access ● Transilluminator with UV/white light convertor ● Can be used with or without a PC

For gel analysis, we offer a range of software options BioNumerics ● GelCompar ● TotalLab www.BioSystematica.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44(0)1822 810827. Fax: +44(0)1822 810986 PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW FAX NUMBER: 01822 810986 www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 37 Once again, our members have used a President’s Fund grant to attend a variety of meetings and conferences around the globe. To find out how you could benefit from this valuable award check out the panel below or visit our website.

described here were mostly the total daily antibiotic intake The 43rd ICAAC developments of existing into more frequent doses, thus keeping the concentration Conference antibiotic classes. These Am I eligible - included the ketolides high, reduced emergence of Chicago, USA. 13 – (telithromycin and cephalosporin resistance in can I apply? cethromycin are currently- this model. Another 17 September 2003 licensed drugs in this class) implication of this effect is The President’s Fund provides aminomethylcyclines that cephalosporins with a limited grants to ALL members The annual Interscience (developed from the core longer half-life in vivo may be to assist them to attend scien- Conference on Antimicrobial structure of tetracycline but more effective, both in terms tific meetings or workshops Agents and Chemotherapy of eliminating the bacterial related to their area of work. rather more effective against Awards are made at the sole (ICAAC) is the major bacterial resistance pathogen and in preventing discretion of the Honorary international meeting on mechanisms) and several emergence of resistant strains. President. antibiotics, antiviral agents improved fluoroquinolones. A rather different situation Please note that this Fund is and treatment of infectious open to members of all diseases. At Don Whitley ages! It is not only our student Scientific we specialize in members who require our help. conducting microbiological Senior microbiologists often studies to evaluate antibiotic find difficulty in funding atten- efficacy and safety, so ICAAC dance at meetings, and the is particularly relevant to my President’s Fund is there to help them. If YOU are in this posi- colleagues and I. tion, why not apply to the Having received support President’s Fund? from the SfAM President’s Fund to attend the 2003 meeting, I took the Guidelines opportunity to travel to Chicago early and participate 1 The applicant must have been a member for at least a full in a pre-meeting educational subscription year before the event workshop on pharmaco- to be attended and must be a fully kinetics (PK) and pharmaco- paid-up member at the time of application. dynamics (PD). From my 2 A successful applicant cannot point of view, this alone re-apply to the Fund for three years provided a good reason for As always at an ICAAC applies to fluoroquinolone from the date of the award. attending the conference. meeting, there were many antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, 3 Preference will be given to The conference itself took sessions dealing with bacterial moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin), applicants who are contributing to place over the following 3½ the meeting they wish to attend resistance to antibiotics. One for which the most important and/or are unable to obtain funds days and at any one time there particularly enjoyable PK/PD parameter is the area elsewhere. were many concurrent oral symposium discussed the under the concentration-time 4 Application forms, together and poster sessions from application of PK/PD curve (AUC) achieved in vivo with an abstract of any intended which to choose. I started by parameters to predict over a 24 hour period. This is contribution to be made, must be received by the Society Office not attending a two hour review resistance development. An related to our more familiar in less than six weeks before the date session that provided an interesting issue that might vitro measurements of of the event. overview of poster not be familiar to non-clinical antibiotic activity by 5 Student member applicants presentations in the area of microbiologists is that the calculating the AUC/MIC ratio. must enclose a letter of support from their supervisor or head of new preclinical drug research: PK/PD parameter correlating Thus, the ability of department on the letterhead of this is an excellent means of best with emergence of fluoroquinolones to eliminate their institution. identifying interesting material resistance depends on the resistant bacteria is affected 6 The maximum grant available is and organizing one’s itinerary class of antibiotic. For by the total daily antibiotic normally £500. without having to walk around example, development of dose rather than the period of 7 Under exceptional circumstances the vast conference centre! It ceftizoxime resistance in an time for which the MIC is this maximum may be exceeded. was disappointing (though animal abscess model of exceeded. Once again, though, Applications for a grant from perhaps not entirely surprising Enterobacter cloacae a quinolone with a long half- this Fund can be made via the to those involved in the infection was very neatly life can be more effective in Society website or using the industry) to learn that predicted by the period of terms of both clinical cure and official form available from the relatively few novel time during which in vivo elimination of resistance. Society Office. antibacterial agents were in antibiotic concentrations Several papers addressed the pipeline. Compounds exceeded the MIC. Dividing the issue of “mutant

38 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk The President’s Fund Reports

selection”. Within any resistant “superbugs” and the The first session on Lewis (School of Cell and population of bacteria end of the antibiotic era. Monday 23 was broadly Molecular Biosciences) a new susceptibility to a given Whilst some of this has been Genomics based; Philip addition to the recently antibiotic varies between exaggerated, it has stimulated Glaser (Pasteur Institute) created Structural Biology individual cells. This means some fascinating quests for kicked off the proceedings Unit at the University of that the MIC is simply the novel antibacterial agents. One with a talk titled “Genomics of Newcastle gave a talk titled minimum antibiotic of the ICAAC highlights was Streptococcus agalactiae” “Structural analysis of the concentration that inhibits the the Aventis Pharmaceutical this organism being the partner-switching mechanism majority of cells in the Award lecture by Bob leading causes of neonatal regulating the environmental population, to the extent that Hancock of the University of infections. He described how stress response of Bacillus we can’t detect visible growth British Columbia, in which we they had recently sequenced subtilis”. During his talk he at the end of the test. But, learned about antimicrobial this organism in conjunction described how the proteins given sufficient incubation peptides: these are important with TIGR, and talked about that form the signal time and a sufficiently large components of the innate how there was a presence of transduction mechanism of bacterial inoculum, growth of defences of all animal and many mobile regions some the SigmaB regulon are held the resistant cells can be plant species and many have with pathogenicity islands. in large (~1MDa) intricate revealed in the presence of an good activities against a broad The control of toxin and complexes. The first day talks “inhibitory” antibiotic range of bacterial strains, kill protective capsule production were rounded up by Jim concentration. For beta- very rapidly and do not easily in Bacillus anthracis was Brannigan (Structural lactams and several other select resistant mutants. investigated by Theresa Biology) from the University antibiotic classes, bacterial Modifications of these Koehler (University of Texas of York. cells develop resistance by molecules are currently in Medical School). Using The second day opened acquiring new genetic material development as novel drug transcriptional profiling they with a session focusing on (e.g. plasmids, transposons), candidates. found that the regulatory bacterial Regulation followed but for fluoroquinolones and Finally I must convey my by an afternoon session on certain other compounds, thanks to the Society for Sporulation. The keynote talk resistance is predominantly helping to fund my was presented by Richard caused by single chromosomal attendance: the knowledge Losick (The Biological mutations. This has given rise gained during this important Laboratories, Harvard to a relatively new concept, conference has already been University) on “Spo0A and its the Mutant Prevention put to good use in my work. regulon” and for me was the Concentration (MPC), which is most interesting talk of the defined as the minimum Andrew Pridmore whole conference. Spo0A is antibiotic concentration Don Whitley Scientific Limited the master regulator for entry capable of inhibiting growth of into sporulation, and using the least susceptible first-step Functional transcriptional profiling he mutant in a large bacterial identified 56 genes that are a inoculum (usually 1010 cells). Genomics of genes atxA and acpA were in direct target for Spo0A. The MPC may be several Gram-positive control of many more genes Among these genes is an multiples of the MIC, and the that previously thought in operon that produces a range of antibiotic Microorganisms. both virulence plasmids and in peptide antibiotic and its concentrations falling between 12th the chromosome. Gerhard resistance gene. When the MIC and MPC is described Gottschalk (Georg-August- activated by Spo0A this as the “mutant selection International University) gave us a talk on antibiotic kills non-sporulating window”. To minimize the Conference on the genomics of Clostridium cells, moreover an operon for possibility of selecting tetani which has been a novel extracellular signalling antibiotic-resistant mutants Bacilli recently sequenced by the protein was found which during a course of therapy, it Baveno, Italy same group. He described the prevents cells from is desirable to “close” this regulatory cascade needed for sporulation making them more window by devising a dosing 22 - 27 June 2003 production of the tetanus susceptible to the antibiotic. regimen that avoids in vivo toxin which causes 400,000 He argued that sporulation is antibiotic concentrations The conference was held at mostly neo-natal tetanus cases the last resort for the cell and within this range. Whilst this the beautiful location of per year. Listeria cannibalizing other cells can is an important goal, it is not Baveno in Northern Italy. Our monocytogenes is an help provide nutrients for always attainable in a living hotel and the conference important bacterial pathogen these cells to survive. patient, due for example to venue had spectacular views of humans and animals and Wednesday started early side effects at high antibiotic over Lake Maggiore to the Carmen Bruchrieser with a session on doses. Alps in the distance. We (Genomics of Pathogenic Transcription/Translation There has been much doom arrived in the middle of a heat Microorgainsm, Pasteur followed by a session on and gloom in the scientific wave and with temperatures of Institute) investigated the role Regulatory Genomics the first literature and press regarding 35°C we were all glad of the of PrfA as a global regulator talk being “Transcriptome the emergence of antibiotic- air-conditioning. of virulence genes. Richard analysis extends the TnrA- www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 39 GlnA nitrogen regulatory cell. MGM Studios, all of which ranging from fundamental system in Bacillus subtilis” The secretion session was offer lots of entertainment. environmental processes to given by Hanne Jarmer chaired by David Ellar Other major attractions full-scale remediation; at any (Center for Biological (Oxford University) and ended include Seaworld and one time there were five Sequence Analysis, Technical with the banquet, but first we Universal Studios. The sessions running University of Denmark) this had remembrance of a pioneer combination heat, humidity simultaneously. My research talk highlighted the power of in the Bacillus community and the surrounding interests lie in the area of transcriptional analysis. They Costa Anagnostopoulos who attractions make Orlando an bioavailability of contaminants found new members of the recently died at the age of 85. excellent venue for combining to soil microflora and I was TnrA regulon using cDNA After a minute silence there business with pleasure. able to present a talk entitled microarrays and upon further were thank you speeches to The Symposium was held at ‘Cyclodextrins: a chemical analysis they discovered all the organisers and several Disney’s Coronado Springs mimic of PAH these genes had TnrA-box in speakers were awarded prizes. Resort complex. The resort’s bioavailability in soils?’ as their promoter region. An The food at the banquet was architecture, extensive well as several poster interesting talk was given by excellent; I have never eaten a landscaping, shops, and presentations entitled ‘Effect Rainer Borriss (Institute for seven course meal before and restaurants mimic the of pyrene on the availability Biology, Berlin University) probably never will again. traditions of the American of phenanthrene in soil’; titled “Comparative analysis of I have mentioned only a Southwest and northern ‘Development of intrinsic the genomes of Bacillus few out the 84 talks given and Mexico. State-of-the-art pyrene catabolism in soil’; amyloliquefaciens and in no order of merit, there meeting facilities provided ‘Impact of plants on the Bacillus subtilis”. Here the were many excellent talks that efficient backing for the behaviour of 2,4- closely related organism to B. I have not reviewed. The Symposium’s technical dichlorophenol in two soils’; subtilis is sequenced and the conference was not only program and exhibits. Special ‘The evolution of catabolism genome data analysed. valuable for me in terms of thanks should be offered to in soils treated with cable Bacillus amyloliquefaciens gaining scientific knowledge the Battelle staff, who were insulation oil’; has many antibiotic clusters but gave me an opportunity to extremely welcoming and ‘Standardising a and degradative enzymes meet with old friends and helpful. methodology spiking LNAPLs which are fully functional colleges and talk about all The objective of the into field-wet soil’, and unlike its model organism aspects of scientific life in- Symposium was to facilitate ‘Impact of transformer oil cousin. Forty years of and-out of academia and technology transfer and on phenanthrene ageing in repeated sub-culturing have industry. I would like to thank integrate the latest soil’. The scientific sessions taken their toll on Bacillus SFAM for allowing me the developments in fundamental were excellent and very well subtilis168 with it being chance to attend this research with innovative attended. From the amusingly described as not important and prestigious engineering applications in the presentations made at this only a cannibal but being conference. field of bioremediation. As symposium, it is clear that paralysed too. with previous symposia, this bioremediation is no longer The final day of lectures for Nick Allenby Symposium brought scientists, perceived as a research toy, us was Thursday 26 which The University of Newcastle engineers, consultants and but is now considered as a would finish with the second upon Tyne. regulators together from viable option for the clean-up poster session and then one of around the world. The of contaminated environments the highlights of the trip, the symposium was supported by and is often used in banquet - but first we had a The 7th four high profile experts in the combination with physical and full day of lectures which were environment and remediation, chemical treatment strategies. split in three parts a International namely Edward O Wilson, It was also very interesting to Pathogenesis session followed Symposium on In whose keynote address was see the scale to which with Secretion then Cell entitled ‘The Future of Life’; bioremediation is being division/DNA Metabolism. In Situ and On Site James M Tiedje, who talked applied, particularly in the the Pathogenesis session Bioremediation about ‘Microbial Life with USA. My attendance gave me Helge Holo (Laboratory of Chlorochemicals: from the the opportunity to meet Microbial gene Technology, Orlando, Florida, Gene to the Field’; Robert E researchers from the USA, Agricultural University of 2 - 5 June, 2003 Hinchee, who discussed Canada and closer to home Norway) gave an excellent talk ‘Efficacy and Maturity of who had like minded interests, with the catchy title “Peptide Let me start by thanking Bioremediation for the result of which has been bacteriocins against Listeria the Society for the award of Environmental Restoration’ the formation of several new and Enterococcus — one £500 which allowed me to and finally, Naomi Duerr, who research collaborations. molecule kills a cell”. In a attend this symposium on presented an interesting talk Finally, I would like to bacteriocin assay he showed bioremediation. As most on ‘Restoring America’s thank Sfam once again for that most of the bacteria were people know, Orlando has Everglades: meeting the allowing me to attend this killed in minutes at a many attractions, including Challenge’. important symposium. concentration of 10-13M of Walt Disney World, The Magic The presentations covered Kirk Semple bacteriocin. This equates to Kingdom, Epcot Centre, a large number of scientific Lancaster University less that 10 molecules per Animal Kingdom, and Disney- interests and disciplines,

40 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk The President’s Fund Reports

on disease incidence for the ventilation in HACCP. The day Report on 2nd remainder of Tanzania. Recent The 17th SAAFoST concluded with talks on global work on the tick vectors safety requirements and International suggests that O. porcinus Congress and predictive microbial modelling Conference on domesticus may be the exhibition as a tool in the food industry. principal vector of this disease The third day was a session Tick-Borne in Tanzania. Phylogenetic Pretoria, South Africa, on risk analysis and opened Relapsing Fever analysis of ticks and patient 1 - 4 September with a discussion on risk samples has suggested the assessment, risk management The second international presence of a novel borrelial 2003 and risk communication conference on tick-borne species showing closer procedures. Other papers relapsing fever was held in resemblance to New World The 17th South African presented included: Mvumi, near Dodoma, Central species rather than those Association for Food Science Quantitative microbiological Tanzania. This is the second present in Africa. The role of and Technology (SAAFoST) risk assessment, GMO meeting to bring those this spirochaete in clinical International Congress and technology and its impact on working towards control of disease is yet to be exhibition was held at the food testing, and the this spirochaetal disease determined. Council for Scientific & feasibility of use of non- endemic to this region. This Molecular mechanisms of Industrial Research thermal technologies such as disease caused by the antigenic variation were also Conference Centre, which high hydrostatic pressure, Borrelia duttonii and being studied, with different provided excellent conference irradiation, pulsed electric transmitted by Ornithodoros variable membrane protein facilities. The speakers fields and antimicrobials moubata tick vectors, genes being described. included an impressive including bacteriocins in the remains a significant cause of The need to have accurate compilation of international sterilization of foods. mortality and morbidity surveillance to determine the leaders in the field of Food On the fourth and final day throughout much of Tanzania. size and extent of TBRF was Microbiology and Food I attended a parallel session In this region, traditional highlighted. Although funds Technology from Australia, the on Dairy Science and houses are frequently infested for this are currently not USA, New Zealand, the UK, Technology. Presentations Switzerland and South Africa. included: the use of natural All poster contributors were protectants such as afforded an opportunity to bacteriocins in the dairy give five-minute oral industry, extended shelf-life presentations. Proceedings milks (Tetrapak aseptic started with pre-congress packaging), probiotic bacterial workshops on the first day in fermented dairy products and the main congress opened (M Nagle, Chr Hansen, UK), on the second day with a the lactoperoxidase system in keynote address from Dr. milk, and emerging Robert Buchanan from the microbiological hazards in USFDA. The presentation dairy processing. entitled ‘Food Safety for the I presented two posters on new Millenium’ discussed the the applicability of predictive impact of international trade modelling to Listeria and advances in Food monocytogenes growth in Technology on the emergence sous vide products and the of new food safety concerns. effect of storage and On a more positive note, processing temperatures on with the tick vector, and the available, local data collection advances in food technology the microbiological status of disease particularly affects from selected regions could be and disease surveillance have sous vide extended shelf-life young children and pregnant collated. This together with enhanced the ability to foods, and benefited from the women resulting in foetal loss further work to understand anticipate and respond to new interaction with fellow Food and neonatal deaths (perinatal both spirochaete-vector and microbiological food safety Microbiologists and the mortality rate of 436 per host-spirochaete relationships challenges. exposure to current 1,000) will allow investigations on Other highlights on the developments in the field. I Delegates were updated on possible intervention second day included addresses would like to thank SfAM for the number of cases in the strategies. Full details of this by the IUFoST President Dr making attendance at this Mvumi and Mwanza districts. meeting can be viewed at Alan Mortimer (Australia) on congress possible through an The annual incidence in www.mvumi.org. world-wide trends in the food award from the President’s children in Mvumi under a industry, Prof A van Holy of Fund. year is 384/1000 and Sally J Cutler and Alison the University of the 163/1000 in children under 5 Talbert Witwatersrand on HACCP in Hilda Nyati years however, little data is Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the food industry and the role National University of Science Surrey and Technology, Zimbabwe collated from the local levels of air conditioning and www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 41 The President’s Fund Reports

project, and it was a great presentation by a group from the various statistical methods The 12th opportunity to speak to people Norwich, who thoroughly used in evaluating risk who were already working explained the rationale behind assessments. Risk assessment International with these techniques. Other determining cut-off values in made accessible to Workshop on than this, my main interests intensity for determining microbiologists! A novel were in the “Typing and conserved and variable genes. experience! This was followed Campylobacter, molecular epidemiology” The whole session was by a session on “Typing and Helicobacter & workshop, and the session on reminiscent of “Molecular molecular epidemiology,” at “Taxonomy and new and typing” sessions at previous which I also presented. The Related emerging pathogens,” for both conferences, where individual chairman, Martin Maiden, Organisms, of which I was involved in laboratories originally summarised the session well presentations describing work developed their own methods, when he said that it was clear (CHRO) conducted in my previous and gradually, the need for some sort of consensus had Aarhus, Denmark, 6 - research at Queens University standardisation became more been reached on suitable of Belfast. and more obvious. Microarray typing methods and that 10 September 2003. The congress kicked off on technology is still in its results from field studies were Sunday with an enlightening infancy, so I imagine that it is the main thrust of the session, The 12th biennial meeting plenary lecture from Dr. David important for different rather than description of ever of this workshop was held for Ussery, who described methodologies to be tested, more different numbers of the first time in Denmark, in methods used at the Danish before it might or might not typing methods. the Viking-founded city of Technical University for be possible for standardisation The final day of the Aarhus, which was extremely analysing and comparing to occur. conference started with a civil, convenient for me, having just microbial whole genome The following day saw but lengthy debate on use of recently moved from Northern sequence data. The number some reorganisation, as the antibiotics in animals. No Ireland to work in of genomes being sequenced post-lunch plenary speaker, conclusion was really reached, Copenhagen! The is increasing on something Professor Jon Cooper, found but it allowed a thorough Scandinavian Congress Centre approaching a logarithmic himself returned to airing of all opinions. This was provided a highly efficient scale. This is reflected at the Copenhagen airport when his followed by a session on environment for the congress, level of campylobacteria, for plane developed engine Bioinformatics and genomics, able to accommodate both which the first sequence (H. trouble. The workshop and one on the Epidemiology large plenary sessions and pylori strain ATCC 26695) sessions were brought forward of Campylobacter. Whilst I had smaller workshops alike. I was was published in 1997, the to cover for his unfortunate hoped to attend both, I chose glad to have the opportunity second (H. pylori strain J99) delay, and I attended the the former option, and the to experience the Latin in 1999, and the third (C. session on, “Taxonomy and highlight for me was the talk quarter of Aarhus, an jejuni NCTC 11168) in 2000. new and emerging pathogens.” by J Solnick on quantitative interesting contrast to the The H. hepaticus genome was The highlight of this was the analysis of H. pylori gene modern setting of the published shortly prior to this description of a new expression in the human congress which allowed me to conference, the Wolinella Arcobacter species from stomach. His description of catch up with many friends succinogenes genome shortly broiler carcasses, although it calculating relative gene who I had not seen in two after, and currently there exist was suggested that the expression, based on the need years or more. Aside from the sequencing projects for C. intended name for the new to know that primer pairs are socializing we were, of course, jejuni strain RM1221 and for species (named after poultry) equally efficient and gave me gathered in Aarhus with the at least four other should be changed when it some good ideas for anticipation of learning a Campylobacter species. was realised that the examining the efficiency of great deal about Clearly, it is essential that contamination is clearly from hybridisation of different Campylobacters, there are effective methods for an external source! Following oligonucleotide probes on the Helicobacters and related mining this genomic data, this, the plenary speaker gave intended microarray system I organisms. This workshop whilst publications along the a very interesting insight into will be using in the future. must be considered the lines of, “Revised annotation commercial diagnostic micro- All that remains is for me world’s foremost gathering of and comparative analysis chip methods for bacterial to thank SFAM for providing scientists working on these for bacterial genomes..” pathogens, despite being funds to attend this organisms, with traditional further support the need for clearly shaken from his recent prestigious conference, and disciplines such as effective analytical tools. airborne experience! for allowing me to gain a good epidemiology, pathogenesis, The plenary session was Tuesday provided an insight into the new and diagnostics represented followed by the new session interesting plenary session on technology in which I am now alongside emerging disciplines on “Microarrays and risk assessment to evaluate involved. such as bioinformatics and proteomics,” which left me options for reducing genomics. I was especially somewhat baffled at the campylobacteriosis. This was pleased to see a new session number of different variations presented by Arie Havelaar. I on micorarrays and in place with respect to both found the talk highly proteomics, since this reflects methodology and analysis of informative, not least because Clare S Harrington the emphasis on my new data. I particularly enjoyed the he took the trouble to explain

42 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Books

the curriculum for the teaching pathogens and associated diseases; viral microbiology it is not surprising that such pathogens and associated diseases; fungal Notes on Medical textbooks focus on the infections pathogens, parasitic infections and Microbiology themselves and for this the book is medical entomology; diagnosis, treatment terrific. It is comprehensive in that the and control of infection. In spite of new catalogue of organisms that cause antimicrobials, microbial infections have M C Timbury, A C McCartney, infections in man are covered (including not been defeated in first world countries. B Thakker & K N Ward. 2002. fungi and ‘parasites’) and its breadth of Septicaemia still kills more than 1200 Churchill Livingstone, scope will provide a valuable resource for patients a year in UK hospitals. Earlier ISBN 0 443 071640. Price £25 post graduate clinical experience. The diagnosis is imperative, late book has good colour photos but only 6 administration of antibiotics can be as further texts for recommended reading. lethal as the loss of protein C and Microbiology and subsequent blood clotting. Whilst the rate Infection: of production of new antibacterial agents Medical Microbiology has fallen, antiviral agents have increased. Fourteen antiviral agents are in current Second edition, T J J Inglis, 2003 clinical use and another 14 antiretroviral Editors: D Greenwood; R C B Slack; Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0 443 agents are available, some of which are 070954. Price £32.00 J F Peutherer. 16th Edition. active against HIV. reviewed by Simon Hardy Churchill Livingstone. Edinburgh. Modern medicine has produced 2002. ISBN 0-443-07077-6. pp 709. treatments that interfere with normal host F YOU NEED TO recommend Price £34.99 defence mechanisms, creating new compact microbiology texts for reviewed by Eric Bridson iatrogenic diseases. Inflammatory I medical students you will be reactions, humoral and cell-mediated interested in these two books. HIS EDITION FOLLOWS 75 immunity are well covered. Bacterial Timbury et al is a merger of two long- years of uninterrupted pathogens and their associated diseases standing texts, ‘Notes on Medical T publication of the original are described with up-dated references Virology’ (which had reached its eleventh Mackie & McCartney ‘An and clear tables. The section on viral edition) and ‘Notes on Medical Introduction to Practical Bacteriology pathogens and associated diseases was Bacteriology’ (fifth edition). The book is as Applied Medicine and Public written before SARS (severe acute arranged into sections based upon Health’. 1925. The reviewer purchased respiratory syndrome) emerged from traditional medical microbiology texts. his first copy of M & M in 1944, it was a China. It was noted, however, that human The chapter’s titles are by specific second-hand 6th edition 1942. In latter coronavirus (HCoV) can cause severe bacterial infections (e.g. ‘enteric fever’, years this book divided into two separate respiratory tract infection in the elderly ‘tuberculosis and leprosy’) and by genus. publications ‘Medical Microbiology’ and and very young. The infections in question are dealt with ‘Practical Medical Microbiology’. Good illustrations, some coloured, under the following headings: ‘Clinical Professor David Greenwood is a safe pair appear in the section on fungal features’, ‘Diagnosis’, ‘Treatment’, of hands to carry this book on. He and pathogens, parasitic infections and ‘Epidemiology’, and ‘Control’, and in his two co-editors have selected 52 medical entomology. Diagnosis, treatment many instances are covered in less than distinguished contributors to cover the and control of infection gives broad two sides. At 600 A5 pages it is going to wide-ranging sub-divisions of medical descriptions of the investigations required be difficult to get into the lab coat pocket microbiology. The multi-contributor to diagnose infections of the major but is tightly packed with distillations of format for large textbooks of broad-based organs, whilst diagnostic procedures the clinical and laboratory features of subjects, is increasing in popularity with cover collection, transport and microbial infections. readers. Each expert has to attractively examination of specimens taken. This ‘Notes on Medical Microbiology’ is present current essential data within a book does not lack essential practical targeted towards revision (especially if relatively few pages. details where it is essential. you have a photographic memory). The This concentrates the minds of prolix The strategy of antimicrobial drawback is that reader must have writers. In this book, within 700 pages, chemotherapy is briefly described with acquired an understanding of principles the contributors have packed an details of common sites of investigations and themes of infectious diseases enormous amount of update information. and the antibiotics of choice to treat elsewhere. The introductory chapter on All of it in an assimilatory form with infections. The multifactorial nature of bacterial physiology did give some cause diagrams, figures, illustrations and key epidemiology and the control of infectious for concern. The description of the references. A new departure is Internet outbreaks is discussed. It is a sad fact cytoplasmic membrane as a “trilaminar reference sites, offered by editors and that in this antibiotic era, poor staff structure formed of proteins buried in a contributors. Whilst such sources are compliance with simple hygiene rules phospholipid bilayer..” is less than clear. It topical, they are variable in quality of causes a number of these problems. is perhaps unfair to target the content and lack the authority of a peer- Differentiation between self-infection and introductory chapter on bacterial reviewed publication. cross-infection is discussed. High security physiology in a book that seeks to serve The contents of this edition follow the isolation units, designed to keep bacteria as a vade mecum of human conventional arrangement: microbial within or without the units, must be microbiology. With restrictions in time in biology; infection and immunity; bacterial constantly monitored to test the www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 43 efficiency of maintaining either objective. the most up to date of many of the books Immunization is clearly and succinctly I have seen. The writing in each paper, by updated. The author has stressed that in different authors, remains at a high Magical mushrooms, protecting the traveller, practical simple standard throughout with very little mischievious moulds advice on eating, drinking and protective supplementary material in the chapters. clothing can be of more value than Whilst this book is a collection of George W. Hudler typhoid or hepatitis immunization. specially commissioned articles, it is Is this book good value for money? informative and interesting enough to reviewed by Ferenc Varga The answer is ‘Yes’. Could it be read through piece by piece although improved? Yes, by the addition of colour. some chapters will probably not appeal to HE TITLE OF THIS BOOK is The malarial parasite section shows the everyone. The only minor gripe with the also the background material value of colour in this book. Spot or false presentation of the book is with the T of the popular mycology colour is not expensive. Perhaps the graphical figures which are unfortunately module given by George editors and publishers should look at the not standardised. This takes nothing away Hudler, Professor of Plant Pathology at modestly priced ‘Biology of from the information that they display but Cornell University. The book Microorganisms’ 9th Edn. 1999. does draw attention to the way the book entertainingly conveys the sense of fun Prentice-Hall Inc. to see the full effect of was produced. Some figures also appear for which both the module and the colour in a microbiological textbook. slightly fuzzy from being enlarged and teacher are renowned, while providing a one is not actually referenced in the text. mycological counterpart to texts such as However these are all minor points that I Bernard Dixon’s Power Unseen or had to look hard to find. Postgate’s Microbes and Man. Bioremediation: I do not consider many of the other a critical review texts on biodegradation and bioremediation unapproachable, but I found this book very approachable, Edited by: Ian M. Head; Ian Singleton perhaps in part due to my own interests and Mike G Milner. in the fields that it covered. From the 301+xii. ISBN 1-898486-36-0. (2003) contents page the book comes across as a Price £90.00/ US$180.00. Horizon text on the future aspects of Scientific Press. United Kingdom bioremediation, rather than the just as reviewed by Russ Grant useful, but usually less enticing specific books concerned with a particular group HIS BOOK PROVIDES a of compounds or type of biodegradation / modern approach and bioremediation, although no less would T treatment to the subject issues be expected from a book of critical in bioremediation today. reviews. The book does not try to do too Covered in this publication are chapters much and cover every available topic in on the history and current state of the subject and thus maintains a focused bioremediation, microbiological studies approached to the selected aspects. for the bioremediation process, ecological Indeed, the back cover description states You know it’s going to be a good read theory with regards to bioremediation, almost as much. as soon as you start to read the preface, the geochemistry and hydrology of At £90 this text will not be cheap in which Hudler recalls his own groundwater bioremediation by natural enough for those readers with a passing introduction to plant pathology seated in attenuation, stable isotope fractionations interest in bioremediation today, but is his University classroom: for monitoring bioremediation, site instead more suited to those directly “..the Professor strode to the front of assessment and ecotoxicological testing, involved with the subject area or in the room. Unceremoniously he dropped the bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic closely associated fields. his notebook on the lectern and hydrocarbons (PAHs), permeable reactive In conclusion this book presents the proceeded to issue a stern warning to barrier technologies, anaerobic current issues and topics applicable to those of us who persisted to squander bioremediation, and finally a discussion bioremediation today very well and will our meagre funds at the local tavern: on whether microbial inoculants for be a useful addition to not only those we were all doomed to short, bioremediation are ‘snake oil or panacea?’ working in bioremediation, but to excruciatingly painful lives. ‘It’s not — whether expensive and useless or the libraries as an interesting guide into the beer that will get you,’ he said. ‘It’s universal solution. bioremediation today. those free peanuts...Your liver just can’t The book is written in chapters in a take such abuse forever!” style similar to scientific reviews. The ■ Become a Reviewer! Chapters cover the common areas of information presented is very thorough in We are always looking for enthusiastic interest: medicinal moulds, hallucinogenic the subject matter that it covers, with reviewers who have an interest in the mushrooms, wood decay, food spoilage large, useful reference sections with up to subjects covered by the books we etc., and these are further subdivided in date citations. Whilst the latest citations receive from publishers. In return for utter simplicity and excellent readability will invariably refer to work that has been your efforts you get to keep the book! into collections of compelling yarns which carried sometime ago, the contents are absorb the reader on a fascinating

44 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Books

rollercoaster ride through the author’s classification, the reader treads the hazy “bookshelf” paragraphs at the end of fungal theme park. line between scientific knowledge and the many of the chapters, in which extracts This book should essentially appeal world-around-us via some captivating are taken from fictional works by popular mostly to biological science storytelling. Along the way there is many modern writers manipulating (with undergraduates and other fungi-curious a convenient explicit photograph or varying degrees of accuracy) the factual lay readers, but most of the information diagram to support the text for the material covered. From Sue Grafton’s ‘I should already be familiar to those general reader, but then again, perhaps is for Innocent’ (poisonous mushrooms) readers already well versed in matters less so for the more serious student for to Graham Greene’s ‘The Human Factor’ mycological. Most of the lecture room whom some pictorial description of, for (mycotoxins). favourites are there: the grandiose means example, perithecia, cleistothecia etc., By way of conclusion, I can only of spore dispersal by the higher fungi; would have served usefully. Never mind, strongly recommend ‘Magical wet rot devastations of property; ergot these are in abundance in countless mushrooms, mysterious molds’ as a sclerotia causing losses of body parts; the textbooks! very good value paperback for the lay misery caused in nineteenth century There is the odd occasional misleading reader or beginning student. Or for the Ireland by potato blight; the discovery or contentious snippet of information in rest of us who may have forgotten what and development of penicillin; insect the text: wood does not have to be damp got us hooked on this subject in the first parasitism by Entomophthora etc. There to become rotten. Dry rot fungi (as place! It is a tall order to be novel, are, nevertheless, surprises in store for alluded to elsewhere in the text) produces absorbing and creative when writing other readers still enchanted by this the dampness ahead of its hyphal tips populist fungi texts because so many remarkable and important group of during the course of its growth: ‘Sick good ones have already been written. microorganisms — perhaps the link building syndrome’ applies just as equally Hudler nevertheless succeeds in doing between ergotism and historical to Legionella and other bacteria, viruses this in style. Buy it! bewitching scandals such as those at or pollen as much as it does to a motley Salem, central Europe and elsewhere. I collection of mould spores in air for one will think twice before laying conditioning systems. Also, however wood chips around my garden to combat convenient and apparent an explanation Biotechnology From A weed growth thanks to Sphaerobolus as it sounds, I do not think it has not stellatus! The unyielding, adhesive slime been established that the primary purpose to Z surrounding the spores of this fungus of antibiotics is, like bacteriocins, to have been responsible for ruining the discourage potential competitors from Second Edition. William Bains. paintwork of many a car or house. getting more than their share of nutrients. Oxford University Press. 1998. Hudler’s special competency in wood For me, the chapter dedicated to brewing, ISBN 0199636931 decay probably provides most of the or alcoholic fermentations — probably reviewed by Louise Fielding fresher material found in the book. For the most beneficial microbial by-product the more serious student, however, the in the minds of many a reader — was, by HE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK book will entice but might seem to fail to comparison, put together quite out of says: ‘This book is not a provide enough required detail; for tune with the rest of the book and here I T textbook,’ clearly stating that it example, descriptions of ascomycetes and would, for example, contest that is a reference tool or a glossary basidiomycetes by the increasing levels of Gewürztraminer (strictly speaking, a of terms aimed at giving an insight into complexity of spore dispersal mechanisms grape variety) and Vouvray (a relatively the terms used in the rapidly progressing are not systematically addressed. undistinguished natural dry white wine) field of biotechnology. It is aimed at those However, in such cases, the author has serve as examples of wines produced who are not experts in the field, although provided excellent references for further from Botrytis rotted grapes. Sauternes, some knowledge of the basic sciences is reading. Barsac or Hungarian Tokaj aszú — the useful. It was produced five years after If the contents are pitched toward the favoured tipple of Le Roi Soleil, Louis the first edition and includes more than beginning student or lay reader, the book XIV, who is reported to have drunk a 70 new entries and revisions to existing perhaps best succeeds in the simple bottle a day for a good part of his reign entries. approach taken toward the classification — are all more likely representatives with The format of the book follows an and nomenclature of the fungi. This is fascinating tales to tell themselves. alphabetical structure, rather than done less from a taxonomic but more Continuing on this theme, the origins of expanding on concepts from one section from a pragmatic viewpoint, which strives Botrytis wines (quoted in the text as to the next. An index is included so that to explain how the different classes fit being from Germany in either 1716, 1775 cross-referencing between entries is into the natural world. This approach or 1783!) is more myth than fact - the possible. In places, the reader is also succeeds to such effect that the text flows reign of Louis XIV ended in 1715, hence referred to other entries in the text to beautifully where many another would get Tokaj would seem to predate this, and in extend the discussion for a particular bogged down in relatively tedious and fact attributes its origins to 1650 and a topic. Entries are wide ranging, as is the unnecessary detail. The result is that the delayed harvest following a Turkish nature of biotechnology, and include some reader, rather than being confused is onslaught. of the basic science (protein structure appetised for all that follows, often in the These minor snippets do not detract and stability, luminescence, the immune vernacular, covering what fungi do and from what is an excellent read enriched system), concepts (enzyme how they do it. with many entertaining anecdotal gems. immobilization, animal cloning, Armed with this basic understanding of Examples of these can be found in the micropropagation) and techniques www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 45 (affinity chromatography, microscopy, highlights the problems that we face with outbreaks of waterborne disease in molecular electronics). A range of regarding drinking water safety. the US and Cryptosporidium in England microorganisms important in The history of the problems and and Wales. biotechnology is also covered, including concerns surrounding drinking water are The third section of the book is the bacteria, bacteriophages and fungi. well outlined in the foreword and this investigation of sporadic waterborne To aid the less scientific or the student book was written as a result of an OECD disease as opposed to outbreaks. This just embarking upon their studies, some expert group meeting, ‘Approaches for section deals mainly with the systems that very basic concepts are also discussed. Establishing Links between Drinking are available for such investigations for These include the terms assay, Water and Infectious Disease’ held in example, use of existing surveillance- automation, fermentation and mutation. Basingstoke, UK, in 2000. based data, time series analysis, case- There are also a number of very useful The book is divided into three sections, control studies and intervention studies. illustrations including diagrams of each comprising a number of chapters, This section also introduces prospective equipment, flow diagrams for processes which deal with specific issues, either studies of endemic waterborne disease in and pictorials to explain concepts. practical, such as surveillance systems or developing countries. Although they are basic diagrams (no more theoretical such as the use of The book is well written and clearly electron micrographs or digital images seroepidemiology to investigate presented with all chapters being are included) they are clearly constructed waterborne diseases. Each chapter is subdivided into sections, which are and well presented and add interest to the written by one or more authors from an indexed at the beginning of the chapter. text as well as increasing the academic, public health or corporate Substantial use is made of figures and understanding of the reader. background. The authors come from tables, detailing outbreak data and It is a valuable tool for students for around the world so the book has a truly specific flow diagrams of processes. It is whom biotechnology forms a minor part global perspective. Each section of the a very accessible text, written and of their studies, as it does not cover any book is preceded by an introduction from presented in an interesting way. Although aspect of the discipline in depth. As such, the chairperson from the Basingstoke a target readership is not clearly the text is not designed to be read as an meeting, which outlines the content of identified, this book will be useful for authoritative textbook on biotechnology that section. There are also some general practitioners in the water supply industry but to be referred to as and when the concluding remarks, which bring together as well as those in allied industries such need arises when studying this subject. the main points of the section. as food and drinks vending. The book fulfils its aim of providing a The first section looks at surveillance basic, understandable text and can be of waterborne disease. The first chapter useful for students of molecular biology outlines surveillance systems and the and biotechnology, as well as those who following three chapters extend this to DNA virus replication teach in these areas as the definitions and deal with local, National and International explanations are clear and well illustrated. surveillance. There are substantial data Editor: Cann, A J. Oxford University The only potential concern is that this regarding outbreaks of waterborne illness Press, 2000. Price £35.00. edition is now 5 years old and may soon presented and also a number of schematic reviewed by Tim Mason be in need of revision into a third edition diagrams to explain the surveillance due to the pace at which this area of process. HE EIGHT CHAPTERS of this science is moving. The second section is concerned with clearly written text cover a investigations of outbreaks of waterborne T good range of the viruses one disease and comprises seven chapters. would expect to see in such a The first of these outlines a systems work. These include hepatitis B, Drinking Water and approach to investigation and control, papillomavirus, herpes viruses, Epstein- illustrating the theory with a case study of Barr and adenovirus. Infectious Disease an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, The chapter on the hepatitis B virus, following the path the investigation took. provided a thorough update of the Editors: Paul Raymond Hunter, Mike The following chapter emphasises the developments in the subject. The author Waite and Elettra Ronchi. CRC Press. importance of the early detection of provides an excellent overview of the ISBN 1843390272 waterborne disease outbreaks, outlining infection process at the molecular level reviewed by Louise Fielding methods which can be used such as and follows this with a consideration of statistical techniques and artificial neural the problems of finding suitable HE SUBTITLE to this book is networks. Microbiology is the subject of experimental systems in which to study ‘Establishing the Links.’ the next two chapters which cover the the virus and its problematic reverse T Water is a vital ingredient in detection methods and includes a brief transcriptase. The chapter concludes with everyday life. We know that in case study from Finland (NLVs). considerations of virus assembly and of the less developed countries, especially of Engineering is considered in the next the enigmatic HBx protein. The Asia and Africa where famine is a chapter as a crucial step in water safety is impression given by this first chapter is significant threat, that safe drinking water the physical environment. A brief that the text will be readily understood by, cannot be taken for granted. In the UK, description is given of the multiple and of interest to, second and final year we tend to assume that what comes out of barrier approach to water safety followed undergraduates on medical microbiology the tap will be safe to drink. This book by three case studies from the US. The and related courses. This is unfortunately concentrates on the developed world and final two chapters in this section deal misleading.

46 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Books

Whilst the title of the text may be than microbiological testing of products. ‘DNA virus replication,’ the back cover It does however identify where, and under perhaps more accurately describes the Microorganisms in what conditions, microbiological testing contents as ‘a comprehensive analysis Foods 7: Microbiological can still play a useful role. Thus there are of protein-protein interactions in DNA chapters introducing the principles of virus replication’. This becomes Testing in Food Safety sampling, attribute and variables apparent in the second chapter where Management sampling plans, and discussion of topics general information on the replication of such as tightened, reduced and the papillomavirus is secondary to a International investigational sampling, sampling of the detailed consideration of the roles of Commission for the environment and sample handling and individual proteins in the replication analysis. process. The account given by the author Microbiological The book also introduces the use of is a commendably lucid one. Specifications of Foods the food safety objective (FSO); a concept This style of approach continues which has emerged from risk analysis as throughout the text, with each chapter (ICMSF) the translation of an agreed risk level into providing fascinating insight into a defined goal for food safety control particular aspects of the replication Kluwer, New York 388pp. systems such as HACCP. Thus there are process. It is consistently well written and early chapters on Evaluating Risk and ISBN 0-306-4762-7. has a clarity which, although the € Establishing Food Safety Objectives, illustrations are sometimes rather Price £88.50 144.50/ US$ 125.00. Meeting the FSO Through Control complex, is to be commended. reviewed by Martin Adams Measures and the FSO crops up Of particular interest was the chapter frequently in other chapters. Chapter 5 on cytomegalovirus latency, which gave HERE IS NOTHING LIKE A for instance provides a useful comparison an interesting assessment of how this provocative assertion to get of the characteristics of an FSO and a virus is maintained in a delicate balance T people going: “End product microbiological criterion. between its latency and the induction of testing is the microbiological The final four chapters look at aspects cell lysis. The existence of a delicate equivalent of a comfort blanket..’ of the risk analysis for four different balance was exemplified too in the Discuss”. But this one at least should no hazards: aflatoxin in peanuts, Salmonella consideration of the attempts of a CD8 longer result in the sorry spectacle of in dried milk, Listeria monocytogenes in cytotoxic T lymphocyte to kill an food microbiologists rolling around in the cooked sausage and E. coli O157 in adenovirus infected cell in the chapter dust in a flurry of fists and expletives. For frozen beefburgers. In each case an considering the regulation of apoptosis by here we have a book that brings example of an FSO is presented and this virus. illumination to the debate and goes a long discussed in terms of control measures to The index was a singularly half-hearted way to providing a balanced and well- achieve it. There is also description of affair of half a page. For a text likely to informed answer to the question. possible acceptance criteria: sensory, be used for reference, this is a significant Since its constitution in 1962, ICMSF chemical and physical, as well as weakness, especially as a comprehensive has played a central role in the history microbiological, to be applied when index can nowadays be produced easily. and development of food microbiology nothing is known of the product’s history. This is however a minor criticism of a through its excellent series of These can emphasise the inadequacy of book which serves its target audience publications. This book is in part an microbiological criteria as a control well. I would need however to reappraise updating of earlier volumes notably Part I measure and provide powerful evidence my initial view of the target audience and of ‘Microorganisms in Foods 2’, last to confirm the statement at the top of this propose it as suitable for virologists and published in 1986. In it, ICMSF described review. For example, the FSO for those studying relevant aspects of the statistical basis of sampling plans and Salmonella in dried milk to achieve less molecular biology, especially DNA made the point that while such plans than 1 case per 100,000 per annum is replication and protein-protein could be useful at port of entry when little given as <1 cfu 100kg-1, whereas the interaction. For this audience, the cover is known of a product’s history, no most stringent sampling plan price represents particularly good value sampling plan could ensure safety. This recommended for dried milk intended for for money and it deserves to be was important in highlighting the high risk populations would have 95% purchased by many libraries and some limitations of systems to control food confidence of detecting Salmonella when individual researchers. For the wider safety based on inspection and present at a level 1cfu 278 g-1! undergraduate audience, the text has less compliance with hygiene regulations I have to admit that in some places I appeal. coupled with end product testing and a did not find this an easy read, in marked subsequent volume went on to describe contrast with most of the earlier ICMSF the value of strategies based on volumes, and sometimes there seemed to ■ Become a Reviewer! intervention at source during production be an over reliance on examples from the We are always looking for enthusiastic and the use of HACCP. U.S.A.. These are relatively minor reviewers who have an interest in the This volume synthesises and updates quibbles however, as the book is an subjects covered by the books we material from these earlier publications essential purchase for any library, receive from publishers. In return for — demonstrating once again how HACCP institute, company or laboratory your efforts you get to keep the book! and good hygiene practices (GHP) concerned with the control of provide much greater assurance of safety microbiological food safety. www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 47 Books

topic. There is also a series of bullet questions in a section called ‘checklist’ points entitled ‘Questions We’ll Explore’ followed by the key points from this Microbiology: Principles and a section called ‘Background Basics’ chapter. There is also a series of multiple and Explorations, 5th which refer the reader to other chapters choice questions and some questions that or sections of the book that they need to require critical thinking. Luckily for Edition, 2002 know in order to understand the material learning purposes there is a set of being presented in that chapter. answers at the back of the book. If you Jacquelyn G Black. John Wiley & Sons Each chapter is well subdivided and still have not had enough testing at this there are clear figures and tables which point, there is also a web address for Inc, New York. ISBN: 0-471-38729-0 assist in understanding the concepts further information to assist in answering Price £32.95 being presented. Most chapters are richly some more thought provoking questions reviewed by Hilary Dodson illustrated with a wide range of relevant on the chapter topics. photographs and micrographs including The book finishes with some useful The book promotes that those that illustrate disease states (the appendices, a glossary and index. Inside T ‘microbiology is a current, gory pictures much beloved by some the covers are two rather unexcitingly relevant, central science that students). presented tables. At the front is a factual affects all of us. The goal of the text is to There are numerous text boxes table of diseases and the organisms that offer a sense of history of this science, its containing fascinating snippets of cause them whilst the back has pathogens methodology, and its many contributions information such as: ‘Try it,’ suggesting and the diseases they cause. These tables to humanity and the many ways in which practical work; ‘Exploring the Microbial would not have tempted me to open the it continues to be on the cutting edge of World,’ giving information on the book further, which is a pity since there is scientific advancement. In this edition, unusual habitats colonised by microbes excellent visual material and it contains boxed essays have been newly organised and ‘Biotechnology,’ with information in fascinating facts indicating the relevance to help students recognise the type of this field. The boxes I found most of microbiology to the present times. application being presented. This is very engaging were the ‘Applications to Overall the material in this book is much an American text so does not Health.’ The titles of these ranged from current, relevant and well presented. It always consider microbiological problems ‘Need a Blood Transfusion?’ ‘Call on a follows the maxim: tell them what you are from a UK point of view. The style of the Genetically Altered Pig’, to going to say, say it, then tell them what whole book is informal with the aim of ‘Involuntary Drunkenness’ due to yeast you have said. The good illustrations add making information accessible. colonisation of the human digestive tract significantly to the written material. My Although divided into the usual units and ‘Light of My Death’ relating to how, main reservation is that the book is and chapters there are some interesting in the early 1900's before refrigeration, written almost exclusively for the devices to make learning as easy as the distortion of a corpse was prevented American student and their assessment possible. The title page for each chapter by the undertaker making small holes in systems. A range of illustrative examples has a photograph and short section of the body and applying a lighted candle to from Europe, along with altered emphasis ‘interesting facts’ that are likely to make ignite the escaping flammable gases. At on certain diseases would make it a much the reader want to know more about the the end of each chapter there are a few more widely useful text for this country. Would you like a FREE book? Would you like to review a book for Microbiologist and get to keep it? The Society receives several new books every week from publishers around the world and are always looking for enthusiastic additional reviewers who have an interest in the subjects covered.

There is an up-to-date list of titles available for review on the Society’s website at: www.sfam.org.uk/pubs/books.php. To make an offer to review any book simply click its title. This will send an email request to the Editor of Microbiologist. In return for your efforts you get to keep the book!

You can also read online versions of book reviews published in Microbiologist on the www.sfam.org.uk/pubs/books.php same web page.

48 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk Press Releases

Building and Food packaging New preservation refurbishing food A concise overview of food packaging technologies production areas and its role as an integral part of the food product — from preventing A concise overview of new Two new guides from CCFRA will help contamination to providing consumers technologies and their role in food food construction companies building or with information — has been published preservation has been published by ‘New Technologies in Food refurbishing premises to avoid costly by CCFRA. CCFRA. Preservation: an introduction’ mistakes an better assure the safety of As the latest in the Key Topics in Food will help their food products. Science and Technology series, ‘Food technical personnel who wish to become Produced with the close involvement of Packaging: an introduction’ takes the acquainted with the scope and potential food and construction industry stance that the package is an integral part of non-traditional approaches to food specialists, ‘Guidelines for the hygienic of the product. It describes the main preservation. design, construction and layout of food packaging materials: metal, glass, paper, After an introductory chapter on food processing factories’ (CCFRA Guideline board and plastics and the benefits and preservation in relation to both safety and No. 39) looks at the food hygiene related limitations of each and then looks at the spoilage, it looks at novel developments issues associated with building, adapting main functions of packaging, covering its with the established preservation or refurbishing a food factory as a whole. roles in food safety, physical protection, technologies of heating, freezing and The accompanying ‘Guidelines for the marketing and conveying information. drying. It then works through high design and construction of walls, This leads into an example-based pressure processing, irradiation, power ceilings and services for food discussion of the importance of ultrasound and pulsed electric fields, in production areas’ (CCFRA Guideline No. compatibility between the food, the each case describing the principles and 41, second edition) looks at the process and the package, and how this illustrating these with examples from construction principles for walls, ceilings has culminated in developments such as products in the marketplace or the world and utility services for food production modified atmosphere packaging and of research and development. It is the areas, providing advice on construction of active and intelligent packaging. The latest in CCFRA’s Key Topics in Food external and internal walls, preparation of growing role of environmental issues in Science and Technology series. backgrounds, movement joints, finishes, shaping decisions on packaging is also coving and protection, openings including considered. The broad coverage and Further information doors and windows, ducts, ceilings, heavy use of everyday industrially-based ■ Further details about the guides reviewed services and pest proofing. examples, together with the list of on this page and other CCFRA publications Both guides are aimed at anyone carefully chosen references, make the are available from Mrs Sue Hocking, CCFRA considering building, renovating or book an ideal starting point for anyone Publications Officer. refurbishing food production areas and wishing to learn about food packaging Telephone: +44(0)1386 842225 Email: [email protected] complement CCFRA’s existing Guidelines and complement CCFRA’s existing Website: www.campden.co.uk in these areas. Guidelines in these areas. www.sfam.org.uk December 2003 49 For more information about the Society, the benefits of membership, or Microbiologist please tick the appropriate box(es) on the reply card opposite, fill in your contact details, tear off the card and post it to us. To join the Society please visit the website where you can apply online.

i Benefits of sfam membership membership options Publications The Society for ■ Full membership gives online access to The Society publishes two monthly journals: Applied the Journal of Applied Microbiology, Letters Journal of Applied Microbiology and Letters Microbiology was in Applied Microbiology and Environmental in Applied Microbiology. We also produce our founded in 1931 and is Microbiology, copies of Microbiologist, own quarterly in-house colour magazine: dedicated to advancing preferential registration rates at Society meetings Microbiologist, which contains features, reports the study of microbiology. and access to the members areas of the website. topical news stories and full details of our Society members play a meetings. The Society is also a partner with ■ Full student membership confers the leading role in shaping the Blackwell Publishing in the bi-monthly journal same benefits as Full Membership at a specially future of applied Environmental Microbiology. microbiology, and enjoy reduced rate for full time students not in receipt many benefits, including: of a taxable salary. Online journals ■ ■ Associate membership this new class of Reduced rates at Synergy is an online service provided by Blackwell Society meetings membership is open to all current and new Society members including existing Associate Publishing that gives Full and Student Members ■ Access to the Student Members and Retired members and FREE access to the online versions of the members areas of gives quarterly copies of Microbiologist and Society’s three journals: Journal of Applied the Society website preferential registration rates at all Society Microbiology, Letters in Applied meetings. Microbiology and Environmental ■ Generous grants and Microbiology. Members can register for this awards ■ Honorary Membership of the Society is service at http://www.blackwell-science.com. by election only and this honour is conferred on Members can also submit papers directly to our ■ FREE access to three persons of distinction in the field of applied journals via an online submission service. acclaimed journals microbiology. For more information about Synergy or online Detailed information ■ Corporate membership is open to all manuscript submission, please visit the website. about all these benefits companies with an interest in microbiology. and more can be found Corporate members benefits include: Grants & awards on the Society website. ● Online access to the Society’s three journals OR Many awards and prizes are available to hard copies of the journals. WEBSITE: members including the W H Pierce Memorial www.sfam.org.uk ● Half page advertisement in each quarterly issue Prize and Prizes for Student Oral Presentations The website is the best of Microbiologist (which can be upgraded to a and Posters at the Summer Conference. In source of detailed larger size at very attractive discounted rates). addition to these substantial awards, the Society information on the Society has funds to assist members in their careers as ● Full page advertisement in the Members' and it’s many activities. It microbiologists. These include The President’s has a lively discussion Handbook. Fund, Conference Studentships, Sponsored forum and fully interactive ● FREE banner advert on the Society Website Lectures and the popular Students into Work membership areas where with a direct link to your company site. Scheme. you can book your place at Society meetings find ● Up to three members of company staff Full details of all the Society’s grants and awards and advertise jobs, display attending Society meetings at members' rate. can be found on the website together with easy- your CV and much more. (This means a 50% discount on non member to-use online application forms. registration rate). CONTACT: Special interests Society for Applied Meetings Microbiology, The Blore The Society has six very active Interest Groups: Tower, The Harpur Centre, We hold two annual meetings. The January ■ Bioengineering, ■ Educational Bedford MK40 1TQ, UK Meeting comprises discussion sessions with the Development, ■ Environmental, Tel: 01234 326661 opportunity to display posters on related work. ■ Food Safety and Technology, Fax: 01234 326678 The Summer Conference is held every July and email: [email protected] ■ Infection, Prevention and comprises a main symposium, a poster session, www.sfam.org.uk Treatment, ■ Molecular Biology the AGM and a lively social programme. We also hold occasional joint ventures with other Detailed information about these Groups can be organisations on topics of mutual interest. found on the Society website.

50 December 2003 www.sfam.org.uk The Answer is out there...

BD provides Animal-Free Media Alternatives for Fermentation and Cell Culture

Fermentation BD DifcoTM Peptones 21 Between Towns Road Cowley • Select Soytone Oxford OX4 3LY • Phytone Tel: 01865 748844 • Yeast Extract Fax: 01865 717313 www.bd.com A.P.S. Molecular Genetic Media (All available as ultrafiltered) BD Cell Culture Media BD Cell™ MAb Media

BD, BD Logo and BD Cell are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company. Difco is a trademark of Difco Laboratories, a subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company. ©2002 BD. EIBEPEAE MEDIA PREPARED RELIABLE ALL YOU NEED FOR

new

CONVENIENT, SAFE AND EASY TO USE

● Our new ReadyBags provide large volume broths and diluents with quality guaranteed. ● Packed in boxes of four 3 litre bags, they are easily connected to gravimetric diluters or peristalic pumps. ● They are compact and easy to carry and store. ● The empty bag is simply disposed of with other laboratory waste.

FULL RANGE OF PLATE AND BOTTLED MEDIA Our comprehensive range of poured plates is prepared under Class 100 conditions in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. We offer a wide variety of volumes and formats to meet all your bottled media requirements - available in batches up to 250 litres.

QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED Each batch is performance tested before release and Quality Control Certificates can be provided for all media.

FULLY FLEXIBLE SERVICE Our flexible ordering service allows you to amend your standing order to meet changing requirements.

For a copy of our ReadyBags information sheet, or for further details of any products from the Oxoid Prepared Media Service contact:

Fiona McCrae, Oxoid Ltd, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG24 8PW. Tel: +44 (0) 1256 841144 Fax: +44 (0) 1256 329728 Email: [email protected] www.oxoid.com