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Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 901
Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health
Advances
in Microbiology,
Infectious
Diseases and
Public Health
Volume 2
Advances in Experimental Medicine
and Biology
Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
and Public Health
Volume 901
Editorial Board
Irun R. Cohen, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
N.S. Abel Lajtha, Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
John D. Lambris, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Rodolfo Paoletti, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Subseries Editor
Gianfranco Donelli, Microbial Biofilm Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia
IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Volume 2
Editor
Gianfranco Donelli
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v
vi Contents
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Adv Exp Med Biol - Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health (2016) 901: 1–15
DOI 10.1007/5584_2015_5011
# Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
Published online: 14 November 2015
Abstract
In our research on natural compounds efficient against human pathogen or
opportunist microorganisms contracted by food or water, the antimicrobial
activity of 19 essential oils (EOs) was investigated against 11 bacterial
species (6 Gram positive, 5 Gram negative) and 7 fungal species
(2 dermatophytes, 1 mould, 4 yeasts) using microdilution assays. Five
essential oils were obtained from Tunisian plants (EOtun): Artemisia
herba-alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L., Rosmarinus officinalis L.,
Ruta graveolens L. and Thymus vulgaris L., whereas others were commer-
cial products (EOcom). Overall, T. vulgaris EOtun was the most efficient EO
against both bacteria (Gram negative: MIC 0.34 mg/mL; Gram positive:
MIC 0.70 mg/mL) and fungi (yeasts: MIC 0.55 mg/mL; mould: MIC
¼ 0.30 mg/mL; dermatophytes: MIC 0.07 mg/mL). Two EOcom
displayed both acceptable antibacterial and antifungal potency, although
weaker than T. vulgaris EOtun activity: Origanum vulgare EOcom (bacteria:
MIC 1.13 mg/mL, fungi: MIC 1.80 mg/mL), and Cymbopogon
martinii var. motia EOcom (bacteria: MIC 1.00 mg/mL, fungi: MIC
0.80 mg/mL). Bacillus megaterium, Legionella pneumophila, Listeria
monocytogenes and Trichophyton spp. were the most sensitive species to
1
2 N. Chaftar et al.
both EOcom and EOtun. This study demonstrated the noteworthy antimicro-
bial activity of two commercial EOs and points out the remarkable effi-
ciency of T. vulgaris EOtun on all tested bacterial and fungal species,
certainly associated with its high content in carvacrol (85 %). These three
oils could thus represent promising candidates for applications in water and
food protections.
Keywords
Bacteria • Fungi • Essential oil • GC-MS • Antimicrobial activity • MIC
or their poor documentation. Tested bacterial alternifolia (Australia, Ref 0192) and Syzygium
species were mainly chosen because of their aromaticum (Madagascar, Ref 0073), needles of
involvement in infections usually transmitted by Pinus laricio (Corse, Ref 0531), zest of Citrus
food or water. Fungal species were especially sinensis (Italy, Ref 0817) and seeds of
chosen for their ability to contaminate human Trachyspermum ammi (India, Ref 0021).
skin through moist surfaces.
27 C, except for Candida spp. (37 C). Flucona- have shown that EOs obtained from a thymol
zole was used as positive controls. Growth chemotype of T. vulgaris (French origin) were
controls without EO and DMSO controls were highly active against C. albicans (MIC
prepared. 80 % ¼ 1.60·102 μL/mL) (Giordani
et al. 2004).
Thymol and carvacrol being the major
3 Results and Discussion components of O. vulgare EOcom, T. ammi
EOcom and T. vulgaris EOtun and com, their anti-
Based on the existence of different chemotypes microbial activity was evaluated against all bac-
for each EO, potentially associated with various terial strains except B. megaterium and
biological activities, the chemical composition of L. pneumophila; results highlighted their inter-
19 EOs was investigated. The full composition of esting activity (carvacrol: MIC < 0.62 mg/mL,
the five Tunisian EOs having been recently thymol: MIC < 0.31 mg/mL) except against
described (Chaftar et al. 2015), only the compo- E. coli (MIC ¼ 2.50 mg/mL). MICs values
sition of commercial oils was detailed in Table 1 were also important against the 3 Candida strains
(components > 4 %). (MIC < 0.35 mg/mL for carvacrol and MIC
The antimicrobial activity of those 19 EOs ¼ 0.10 mg/mL for thymol).
was also investigated against 11 bacterial species So, our results are in agreement with literature
(6 Gram positive, 5 Gram negative) and 7 fungal data showing the wide antimicrobial activity of
species (2 dermatophytes, 1 mould, 4 yeasts) in thymol and carvacrol (Rattanachaikunsopon and
order to bring out EOs with a large spectrum of Phumkhachorn 2010; Xu et al. 2008) and a lim-
activities suggesting a potential for food or water ited occurrence in nature (Pinto et al. 2006); this
applications (Table 2). therefore contributes to the great interest in
Two of the most promising essential oils were essential oils containing these monoterpenes.
T. vulgaris EOtun and O. vulgare EOcom. These They would act by disrupting and altering the
oils had a close composition and were mainly morphogenesis of bacterial and fungal
composed of carvacrol (88.50 % and 66.89 %) membranes (Braga et al. 2007; Trombetta
and ρ-cymene (7.86 % and 21.20 %) respec- et al. 2005). Due to their hydrophobic nature,
tively. They were highly active against all these terpenes interact with the lipid bilayer of
Gram positive (MIC 1.13 mg/mL), all Gram cytoplasmic membranes causing loss of integrity
negative (MIC 0.34 mg/mL) bacteria and and leakage of cellular material such as ions,
against all tested fungal species (MIC 1.80 ATP and nucleic acid; cytoplasmic membranes
mg/mL). T. vulgaris EOtun demonstrated are both permeabilized and depolarized
activities close to those of fluconazole against (Trombetta et al. 2005; Xu et al. 2008). The
C. neoformans and T. rubrum (MICs ¼ 0.02 ver- high carvacrol content in T. vulgaris EOtun
sus 1.60·102 mg/mL). (88.50 %) and O. vulgare EOcom (66.89 %) may
T. vulgaris EOcom, and T. ammi EOcom, both explain the generally superior activity and
mainly composed of thymol (33.63 % and broader spectrum of these oils compared to
49.29 %) and ρ-cymene (33.14 % and 40.75 %) T. vulgaris EOcom and T. ammi EOcom which
respectively, were also active, but their effi- only contained 30 % and 49 % of thymol respec-
ciency only focused on two or four species of tively. However, MICs of carvacrol seemed
Gram positive (MIC 1.25 mg/mL) and two or slightly higher than thymol ones, even if the
one species of Gram negative (MIC 1.25 mg/ differences observed between MIC values were
mL) bacteria and on 6 species of fungi with MIC not obvious for all tested species (Table 2). Fur-
1.80 mg/mL, dermatophytes being the most thermore, these four EOs also contained a signif-
sensitive fungal strains (MIC 0.45 mg/mL). icant proportion (in the range of 7.86–40.75 %)
These high antifungal activities are consistent of the monoterpene ρ-cymene which is a precur-
with results of Giordani and collaborators who sor of carvacrol naturally present in these oils. It
6 N. Chaftar et al.
Mentha
piperita Rosmarinus
Franco- Origanum Pinus Rosmarinus officinalis Syzygium Thymus
Mitcham vulgare laricio officinalis camphoriferum aromaticum vulgaris Trachyspermum
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) ammi (%)
– – 68.79 12.06 18.82 – – –
– – – 4.37 8.72 – – –
– 21.20 – – – – 33.14 40.75
– – – – – – – –
6.30 – – 55.74 26.87 – – –
– – – – – – 4.22 –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – 14.53 26.07 – – –
23.44 – – – – – – –
8.78 – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – 4.83 – – – –
51.43 – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
4.60 – – – – – – –
– 4.65 – – – – 33.63 49.29
– 66.89 – – – – 20.71 –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – 99.70 – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
8 N. Chaftar et al.
Table 2 Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (mg/mL) of 19 essential oils against the tested strains (five Gram negative
Gram negative bacteria Gram positive bacteria
K. pneumoniae S. typhimurium E. coli P. aeruginosa L. pneumophila B. megaterium S. epidermidis S. xylosus
0502083 124 27325 910704 GC-A11 F04 567 740
(laboratory (laboratory (laboratory (laboratory (laboratory (laboratory (laboratory (laboratory
collection) collection) collection) collection) collection) collecti(on) collection) collection)
Artemisia Aerial >4.50 >4.50 2.25 2.25 >0.90 >4.50 >4.50 >4.50
herba alba parts
Cinnamomum Leaves >4.50 2.25 >4.50 >4.50 >0.90 2.25 4.50 4.50
tamala
Citrus Zest >4.00 >4.00 >4.00 >4.00 >0.80 >4.00 >4.00 >4.00
sinensis
(EOcom)
Cymbopogon Aerial >4.00 >4.00 >4.00 >4.00 0.40 1.00 2.00 2.00
citratus parts
Cymbopogon Aerial 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.80 0.50 1.00 1.00
martinii var. parts
motia
Eucalyptus Leaves >4.50 >4.50 >4.50 >4.50 >0.90 >4.50 >4.50 >4.50
globulus
Juniperus Aerial >4.50 >4.50 4.50 4.50 <0.03 0.56 >4.50 2.25
phoenicea parts
Melaleuca Leaves 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 0.90 2.25 4.50 4.50
alternifolia
Mentha Aerial 4.50 2.25 2.25 2.25 >0.90 2.25 >4.50 2.25
piperita parts
Franco-
Mitcham
Origanum Aerial 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.12 1.13 1.13 1.13
vulgare parts
Pinus laricio needles 1.13 2.25 1.13 1.13 0.23 0.56 1.13 0.56
Rosmarinus Aerial >4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 >0.90 >4.50 >4.50 >4.50
officinalis parts
(EOcom)
Rosmarinus Aerial 5.50 5.50 2.75 2.75 0.55 2.75 5.50 5.50
officinalis parts
(EOtun)
Rosmarinus Aerial >4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 >0.90 >4.50 >4.50 >4.50
officinalis parts
camphori-
ferum
Ruta Aerial >4.00 >4.00 4.00 >4.00 <0.02 0.50 4.00 2.00
graveolens parts
Syzygium leaves 2.50 2.50 1.25 2.50 0.25 1.25 >5.00 >5.00
aromaticum
Thymus Aerial 2.50 2.50 1.25 2.50 0.12 0.31 5.00 1.25
vulgaris parts
(EOcom)
Thymus Aerial 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 <0.03 <0.17 0.70 0.34
vulgaris parts
(EOtun)
Trachys- Seeds 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 0.12 0.56 4.50 1.13
permum
ammi
Carvacrol 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.62 –a – 0.31 0.31
Thymol 0.15 0.15 2.50 0.15 – – 0.15 0.15
Fluconazole – – – – – – – –
Amoxicillin >0.25 6·106 4·103 3.20·102 2·103 6.40·102 1.60·102 16·106
a
Not determined
Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of 19 essential oils 9
bacteria, six Gram positive bacteria, four yeasts, one mould and two dermatophytes)
Fungi
T. menta-
S. haemolyticus S. saprophyticus L. monoy- C. albicans C. glabrata A. fumigatus grophytes T. rubrum
694 (laboratory 715 (laboratory togenes ATCC IHEM C. parapsilosis C. neoformans ATCC (clinical (clinical
collection) collection) EGDe 3153 9556 ATCC 22019 (clinical strain) 16424 strain) strain)
>4.50 >4.50 2.25 7.20 7.20 7.20 3.60 7.20 7.20 1.80
4.50 >4.50 1.13 3.60 3.60 7.20 1.80 7.20 0.45 0.45
>4.00 >4.00 >4.00 6.40 3.20 3.20 1.60 1.60 0.10 0.05
2.00 2.00 0.50 0.80 0.80 1.60 0.40 0.80 0.05 0.01
1.00 1.00 0.50 0.40 0.80 0.80 0.40 0.80 0.20 0.20
>4.50 >4.50 >4.50 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.20 >7.20 0.45 0.90
>4.50 >4.50 0.30 3.60 >3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60
4.50 4.50 2.25 3.60 3.60 3.60 1.80 1.80 0.45 0.45
4.50 >4.50 1.13 1.8 0 3.60 3.60 1.80 0.90 0.11 0.03
0.56 0.56 0.30 0.90 0.90 1.80 0.90 0.90 0.11 0.06
1.13 1.13 0.56 3.60 0.45 1.80 0.23 1.80 0.23 0.23
>4.50 4.50 2.25 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.20 >7.20 3.60 1.80
4.50 4.50 4.50 7.20 3.60 7.20 3.60 >7.20 0.90 0.45
>4.00 4.00 >4.00 6.40 >6.40 >6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40
2.50 2.50 1.25 4.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 0.13 0.25
5.00 5.00 1.25 1.00 2.00 1.00 0.50 1.00 0.13 0.25
0.70 0.70 0.34 0.30 0.55 0.55 0.02 0.30 0.07 0.02
1.13 1.13 1.13 1.80 1.80 3.60 1.80 1.80 0.45 0.45
has been reported that ρ-cymene alone would not results, that α-pinene inhibited the growth of
have bactericidal effect on bacteria but would S. epidermidis (Raman et al. 1995).
enhance the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol 1S α-pinene was also found in M. alternifolia
(Burt 2004; Kisko and Roller 2005; Rattanachai- EO, but at a lower concentration (7.77 %), in
kunsopon and Phumkhachorn 2010; Ultee addition to γ-terpinene (25.56 %) and ρ-cymene
et al. 2000). (24.22 %). MICs of M. alternifolia EOcom against
EOcom C. martinii var motia displayed quite all tested species were 2.25 mg/mL except
high activities against all tested strains with MIC against L. pneumophila (MIC ¼ 0.90 mg/mL),
1.00 mg/mL and was especially efficient C. neoformans and A. fumigatus (MIC ¼ 1.80
against both dermatophytes (MIC ¼ 0.20 mg/ mg/mL) and Trichophyton spp. (MIC ¼ 0.45
mL). EOcom of C. citratus was active against mg/mL). Thus, compared to other tested oils,
the L. pneumophila strain (MIC ¼ 0.40 mg/ M. alternifolia EOcom appeared poorly active.
mL), two Gram positive bacteria: These MICs were in accordance with those
B. megaterium and L. monocytogenes (MICs described by Hammer et al. for a M. alternifolia
¼ 1.00 and 0.50 mg/mL respectively) and all EO also obtained from Australian plants (Ham-
tested fungi (MIC 1.60 mg/mL), its highest mer et al. 2012). Moreover, the obtained anti-
activity being against dermatophytes (MIC Candida activity of M. alternifolia EO (MIC
0.05 mg/mL) which is close to the fluconazole ¼ 3.60 mg/mL) was higher than those described
MIC value (MIC ¼ 1.60·102 mg/mL). Our by Nenoff et al (MIC 4.40·103 mg/mL)
results agreed with those of Bassolé (Nenoff et al. 1996) and this oil has recently
et al. (2011) who studied some C. citratus EOs been shown to reduce Candida cell surface
and also reported a high activity against hydrophobicity (Sudjana et al. 2012). Here
L. monocytogenes and a poor one against again, the composition was certainly determin-
P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa possesses an intrin- ing; the γ-terpinene content was believed to more
sic resistance to a wide range of biocides which is correlate with the inhibition of filamentation than
associated with the nature of its outer membrane to the antimicrobial activity (Vale-Silva
(Bassolé et al. 2011). et al. 2012), and as previously said, ρ-cymene
So, our results showed that C. citratus and would not have an antimicrobial activity.
C. martinii var motia EOs displayed different Dermatophytes were more susceptible (MIC
activities certainly related to their specific com- ¼ 0.45 mg/mL) than yeasts confirming the
position; geranial (citral A) (49.15 %) and neral potential interest of M. alternifolia oil to treat
(citral B) (33.16 %) were the leading components tineas or ringworm (Pisseri et al. 2009).
of EOcom of C. citratus and geraniol (77.40 %) Four bacterial species were susceptible to
and nerol acetate (13.07 %) were the leading S. aromaticum EOcom with MIC 1.25 mg/
ones of C. martinii var motia oil. Citral is a mL: E. coli, L. pneumophila, B. megaterium
monoterpene with known antifungal properties and L. monocytogenes. MICs obtained for
(Khan et al. 2012; Lima et al. 2012; Park dermatophytes were low (MIC 0.25 mg/mL)
et al. 2009). Citral was shown to be also active whereas other fungi displayed MICs of at least
against L. monocytogenes (Friedman et al. 2002). 1.00 mg/mL. The activity of S. aromaticum
P. laricio oil was rather active against all EOcom could be related to eugenol (99.70 %).
tested species (MIC 1.80 mg/mL) except Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of
S. typhimurium and C. albicans (MIC 2.25 S. aromaticum EO have been already described
mg/mL). This oil mostly contained 1S α-pinene by Chaieb et al. (2007) even if our results do not
(68.79 %) and was highly active against highlight remarkable antibacterial and antifungal
L. pneumophila, C. neoformans and activities. The antifungal activity of eugenol has
Trichophyton spp. (MIC ¼ 0.23 mg/mL). been shown against C. albicans and
Raman et al. reported, in agreement with our T. mentagrophytes, the fungal cellular membrane
Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of 19 essential oils 11
being probably its target (Chaieb et al. 2007). 1,8-cineole (13.28 %). Linalool could be mainly
Moreover, Chami et al. (2005) have studied the responsible for the activity of C. tamala EO as its
fungicidal action of S. aromaticum EO on the antimicrobial effect was previously
yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae and demonstrated (Pattnaik et al. 1997).
showed that the surface of treated yeasts was Both EOcom and the EOtun of R. officinalis
significantly damaged (Chami et al. 2005). In included in this study showed limited anti-
addition, S. aromaticum EO would show some microbial activity. R. officinalis camphoriferum
potential as a natural preservative or as a source EOcom was only active against Trichophyton spp.
of natural antioxidants for use in pharmaceutical (MIC 0.90 mg/mL). R. officinalis EOcom was
applications (Chaieb et al. 2007). only and slightly active against
L. monocytogenes was the most sensitive L. monocytogenes (MIC ¼ 2.25 mg/mL) and
Gram positive bacterial species to M. piperita T. rubrum (MIC ¼ 1.80 mg/mL). Finally,
Franco-Mitcham EOcom (MIC ¼ 1.13 mg/mL), L. pneumophila (MIC ¼ 0.55 mg/mL) and
dermatophytes and mould being the most sensi- L. monocytogenes (MIC ¼ 0.70 mg/mL) were
tive fungi (MIC 0.90 mg/mL), especially the most susceptible bacterial species to
T. rubrum whose activity was close to that of R. officinalis EOtun, other microorganisms
fluconazole (MIC ¼ 0.03 versus 1.60·102 mg/ showing MICs ranging between 2.75 and > 8.80
mL). These results are generally in accordance mg/mL. The major components of those three
with literature data. For example, Iscan EOs were 1,8-cineole (>55 % for the two
et al. (2002) showed that an EO of M. piperita R. officinalis EOs and >25 % for R. officinalis
inhibited numerous human pathogenic camphoriferum EOcom), camphor (>14 %) and
microorganisms, L. monocytogenes being also 1S α-pinene (>12 %) for both R. officinalis
the most sensitive species (MIC ¼ 0.16 mg/ EOscom and borneol (>11 %) for R. officinalis
mL). Regarding fungi, these authors only studied EOtun. However, it was previously shown that a
the activity of this M. piperita EO against Can- R. officinalis EO (Chinese origin) was active
dida and the obtained MIC was 0.63 mg/mL, against both Gram positive (S. epidermidis,
which is rather close to our results for S. aureus, B. subtilis) and Gram negative (Pro-
C. albicans (1.80 mg/mL) (Iscan et al. 2002). teus vulgaris, E. coli) bacteria and C. albicans
GC-MS analyses showed that this EO contained (Fu et al. 2007). The composition of this EO was
menthol (51.43 %), D-cis-menthone (23.44 %) slightly different from those we have studied: it
and D-trans-menthone (8.78 %). was mainly composed of 1,8-cineole (27.23 %),
In our study, the Italian C. sinensis EOcom α-pinene (19.43 %), camphor (14.26 %), cam-
displayed a very poor antibacterial activity. On phene (11.52 %) and borneol (3.17 %)
the whole, it was associated to MICs > 4.00 mg/ (Fu et al. 2007).
mL and showed MICs ranging between 1.60 mg/ As R. officinalis camphoriferum EOcom,
mL and 6.40 mg/mL against fungi but was par- E. globulus EOcom (Portugal origin) was only
ticularly efficient against dermatophytes (MIC active against Trichophyton spp. (MIC 0.90
0.10 mg/mL). It should be noted that mg/mL). Our results do not agree with those of
C. sinensis EOcom was mainly composed of Damjanovic-Vratnica et al. (2011) who studied
D-limonene (83.62 %). E. globulus EO (from Montenegro) and showed
C. tamala EOcom was active against one bac- its high antimicrobial activity against some Gram
terial strain: L. monocytogenes (MIC ¼ 1.13 mg/ positive and Gram negative bacteria (including
mL) and 3 fungal strains: C. neoformans (MIC E. coli and K. pneumoniae) and the yeast
¼ 1.80 mg/mL) and Trichophyton spp. (MIC C. albicans with MICs ranging from 0.09 mg/
¼ 0.45 mg/mL). It was composed of linalool mL to 1.57 mg/mL. However, in accordance with
(29.64 %), cis-linalooloxide (11.72 %) and our results, this EO was poorly active against
trans-linalooloxide (8.33 %) together with P. aeruginosa (MIC ¼ 3.13 mg/mL)
12 N. Chaftar et al.
(Damjanovic-Vratnica et al. 2011). This EO was (dermatophytes, mould and yeasts; MIC 0.55
rich in 1,8-cineole (88.91 %). Eucalyptus EO is mg/mL). The most active EOscom against both
recognized as GRAS (Generally Regarded as bacteria and fungi were those obtained from
Safe) by Food and Drug Authority of USA and O. vulgare and C. martinii var motia and, at a
classified as non-toxic. The use of eucalyptus oil lower level, C. citratus, P. laricio, T. vulgaris
as a flavouring agent in foods (5.00 mg/kg), (EOcom) and T. ammi. Their composition was
candies and confectionery items (15.00 mg/kg) specific and it was impossible to identify one or
has been approved. It is also used in soaps, more shared components that could surely
detergents and perfumes preparations (Batish explain the presence of such an antibacterial
et al. 2008). and antifungal activity.
EOstun from R. graveolens and J. phoenicea Regarding bacteria, B. megaterium and
were generally poorly active against the tested L. monocytogenes were the most susceptible of
species except L. pneumophila and the tested Gram positive ones. The last one had
B. megaterium (MIC < 0.56 mg/mL), and espe- MIC 0.56 mg/mL for four EOscom (O. vulgare;
cially against L. monocytogenes (MIC of P. laricio; C. citratus; C. martinii var motia) and
J. phoenicea EO ¼ 0.30 mg/mL). Up to now, 2 EOstun (J. phoenicea and T. vulgaris).
R. graveolens EO was poorly studied even if B. megaterium, which is susceptible to amoxicil-
Ruta species are a source of active natural lin (MIC ¼ 6.40·102 mg/mL), was also
products (some coumarins and alkaloids) inhibited (MIC values 0.56 mg/mL) by four
(Meepagala et al. 2005; Stashenko et al. 2000). EOscom (C. martinii var motia, P. laricio,
Some data related to the antibacterial properties T. vulgaris and T. ammi) and four EOstun
of J. phoenicea EO (from Morroco) are available (C. sinensis, J. phoenicea, R. graveolens and
and suggest its weak activity against gram nega- T. vulgaris) (Table 2). L. pneumophila strain,
tive bacteria (including E. coli and previously shown to be inhibited by amoxicillin
P. aeruginosa; MIC > 30.00 μL/mL) and mod- (MIC 2·103 mg/mL), was the most suscepti-
erate activity against Gram positive bacteria ble Gram negative strain (MIC 0.40 mg/mL
(including L. monocytogenes; MIC ¼ 1.00 μL/ for nine of the 19 tested EOs), R. graveolens,
mL) (Ait-Ouazzou et al. 2012). J. phoenicea T. vulgaris and J. phoenicea EOstun being the
EOtun was mainly composed of isoborneol most active oils (MIC 0.03 mg/mL) against
(20.91 %) and 1S α-pinene (18.30 %). this species (Table 2).
A. herba-alba EOtun was the less active EO Concerning fungi, the studied dermatophytes
with activity ranging between > 0.90 and (T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum), which were
7.20 mg/mL. This EO was mainly composed of strongly inhibited by fluconazole (MIC
α-thujone (36.38 %), β-thujone (22.24 %) and ¼ 1.60·102 mg/mL), corresponded to the most
camphor (19.12 %) (Chaftar et al. 2015). Our sensitive strains and had MICs 0.25 mg/mL
results do not agree with those of Mighri for eight EOscom (C. sinensis, C. citratus,
et al. (2010b) who studied four species of C. martinii var motia, S. aromaticum,
Tunisian A. herba-alba and described their rele- M. piperita Franco-Mitcham, O. vulgare,
vant antimicrobial activities. However, any com- P. laricio and T. vulgaris) and MIC 0.07 mg/
parison is difficult because only four bacterial mL for T. vulgaris EOtun.
studied species were in common (E. coli,
S. typhimurium, C. albicans and C. glabrata)
(Mighri et al. 2010b). 4 Conclusion
Among all the studied EOs, the one with the
highest activity was T. vulgaris EOtun which The antimicrobial activity of 19 EOs was
displayed low MIC values against Gram negative investigated and their chemical composition
(MIC 0.34 mg/mL) and Gram positive (MIC was taken into account. Results confirmed the
0.70 mg/mL) bacteria and fungi potential interest of EOs as antimicrobial agents.
Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of 19 essential oils 13
Among the tested EOs, T. vulgaris EOtun showed giganteus essential oils alone and in combination.
the widest spectrum of activity and, generally, Phytomedicine 18:1070–1074
Batish DR, Singh HP, Kohli RK, Kaur S (2008)
the lowest MICs. This EO was mainly composed Eucalyptus essential oil as a natural pesticide. For
of carvacrol which was shown to have a stong Ecol Manage 256:2166–2174
and wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Bourgou S, Rahali FZ, Ourghemmi I, Saidani Tounsi M
O. vulgare and C. martini var. Motia EOscom (2012) Changes of peel essential oil composition of
four Tunisian citrus during fruit maturation. Scientific-
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respectively. Due to their activity against micro- and thymol, alone or in combination, induce morpho-
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particularly in the case of recreational water and extracted from Tunisian plants. Chem Biodiv In press.
food respectively. Due to the fact that doi:10.1002/cbdv.201400343
dermatophytes were the most susceptible fungi Chaieb K, Hajlaoui H, Zmantar T, Ben Kahla-Nakbi A,
Rouabhia M, Mahdouani K, Bakhrouf A (2007) The
to both commercial and Tunisian EOs, these EOs chemical composition and biological activity of clove
may have also an interest in cosmetic industries, essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium
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Res 21:501–506
Chami F, Chami N, Bennis S, Bouchikhi T, Remmal A
Acknowledgments This Work was partially supported (2005) Oregano and clove essential oils induce surface
by grants from the CMCU (09G824), PHC Utique and the alteration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phytother Res
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of 19:405–408
Tunisia. The authors would like to acknowledge Mrs. Damjanovic-Vratnica B, Dakov T, Sukovic D,
Florine Steinthal and Professor Vic Norris for revising Damjanovic J (2011) Antimicrobial effect of essential
the English text. oil isolated from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. from
Montenegro. Czech J Food Sci 29:277–284
Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have de Sousa JP, de Azeredo GA, de Araujo Torres R, da Silva
no competing interests. Vasconcelos MA, da Conceicao ML, de Souza EL
(2012) Synergies of carvacrol and 1,8-cineole to
inhibit bacteria associated with minimally processed
vegetables. Int J Food Microbiol 154:145–151
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Characterization of anti-Legionella activity of Dis 11:28
Adv Exp Med Biol - Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health (2016) 901: 17–23
DOI 10.1007/5584_2015_5012
# Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
Published online: 14 November 2015
Abstract
Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum is the most common
cutaneous fungal infection in industrialized countries and worldwide with
high recurrence and lack of treatment response. In addition, patients with
cutaneous and concurrent toenail lesions are often misdiagnosed and
therefore treated with an inappropriate therapy. In this study, we evaluated
five previously misdiagnosed cases of T.rubrum chronic dermatophytosis
sustained by two variants at sites distant from the primary lesion. Our
patients were successfully treated by systemic and topical therapy, and
1 year after the end of therapy follow-up did not show any recurrence of
infection.
Our data indicate that the localization of all lesions, the isolation and
the identification of the causative fungus are essential to establish the
diagnosis and the setting of a correct therapeutic treatment to avoid
recurrences.
Keywords
Trichophyton rubrum • Chronic dermatophytosis • Misdiagnosis
O. Cervetti
V. Tullio, J. Roana, D. Scalas, C. Merlino, V. Allizond,
Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin,
G. Banche, N. Mandras, and A.M. Cuffini (*)
Turin, Italy
Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory, Department of
Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via M. Panzone
Santena 9, 10126 Turin, Italy A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, San Lazzaro
e-mail: [email protected] Hospital, Turin, Italy
17
18 V. Tullio et al.
Chronic dermatophytosis is a condition in which opening of hair follicles in the inguinal region
the clinical symptoms persist for more than 1 year (Fig. 2a, b). An intense erythema involved both
with episodes of exacerbation and remission (Hay buttocks and thighs (Fig. 2c). Examination of the
1982; Zaias and Rebell 2003; Prasad et al. 2005). left foot revealed sole and toenail/fingernail
The main etiologic agent is Trichophyton rubrum hyperkeratosis, with nail plate thickened, friable
responsible for 90 % of chronic infections (Di and yellowish (Fig. 2e, f). The left knee (Fig. 2d)
Chiacchio et al. 2014; Nenoff et al. 2014). and the right leg were also involved with flaking
Chronicity is probably related both to fungal cell in net margins.
wall components, such as mannan, that play an
important role in the process of down-modulation Case 4 A Caucasian female of 69 years, with
of cell-mediated immune response of the host and rheumatoid arthritis, treated for 20 years with
to a lack of treatment response (Blake et al. 1991; therapeutic cycles of methotrexate (7.5 mg/
Sato and Tagami 2003; Waldman et al. 2010). week) and prednisone (5 mg/day), presented a
Patients with cutaneous and concurrent toenail chronic erythematous scaly dermatitis extended
lesions are often misdiagnosed and, therefore, to the lower back and rear thigh area, diagnosed
treated with an inappropriate therapy (Larruskain as psoriasis (Fig. 3e). Since 2006, she was treated
et al. 2005). with emollient cream and topical steroids with-
In this study, we evaluated previously out benefit. On physical examination, the patient
misdiagnosed cases of T.rubrum chronic revealed tinea pedis and tinea unguium with sole
dermatophytosis in five patients admitted to the and toenails plate hyperkeratosis (Fig. 3a, b),
Medical Sciences Department, University of squamous lesions on the elbow, on the back and
Torino (Italy), through an investigation of clini- left palm (Fig.3c, d, g). Involvement of the scalp
cal and mycological infection aspects. with flaking dandruff and thinning hair was
observed (Fig. 3f).
Case 1 A 42-year old male, born in Ecuador,
reported a 7-year history of itchy and squamous Case 5 A Caucasian female of 68 years, with
lesions on the soles, toenails, palms and the nail rheumatoid arthritis, treated for several years
plates, before arriving in Italy (Fig. 1a–d). Despite with prednisone (25 mg/day), presented a history
therapies with topical antibacterial agents in his of chronic erythematous scaly dermatitis
native country, the patient had extensive erythema diagnosed as psoriasis and treated with emollient
with painful papules, pustules and crusts in the cream without benefit. A closer examination
chin and beard (Fig. 1e, f). Incomplete alopecia, revealed an intense lamellar desquamation of
associated with follicular nodules most prevalent the toenails and fingernails, hyperkeratosis of
above the upper lip was seen. Hands and the soles and the palms, scaling lesions with
fingernails examination revealed hyperkeratosis sharp margins in the breast, abdomen, inguinal
and distal onycholysis. area, buttocks and thighs, neck and chin.
Mycological analysis of all patient lesions
Case 2 A Caucasian male of 48 years presented was performed. Skin and nail samples were col-
erythematous and squamous lesions on the feet lected, examined under a light microscope (20 %
and toenails. A closer examination revealed scal- KOH + 40 % DMSO preparation) and
ing lesions on the inguinal area and buttocks, inoculated into Mycobiotic agar (Merck,
hands and fingernails plate hyperkeratosis and KGAA, Germany) to detect dermatophytes.
distal onycholysis. Molds identification was based on macroscopic
and microscopic characters of the colonies after
Case 3 A Caucasian female of 78 years reported 15 days of incubation at 25 C.
a 2-week history of extensive erythema with All patients had dermatophytosis and concur-
papules and fine pustules appearing at the rent lesions caused by two variants of T.rubrum:
Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health. . . 19
Fig. 1 Case 1. A 42-year old, male, born in Ecuador. Squamous lesions on the soles, toenails, palms and nail plates
(a–d); extensive erythema in the chin and beard with follicular nodules above the upper lip (e, f)
downy white-colored colonies with reverse pig- studies (Larruskain et al. 2005). Secondary
ment brownish-yellow (Cases 1, 2, and 3) or deep lesions distributed in other sites were the main
wine-red (Cases 4, and 5). Scant teardrop-shaped demand for medical consultation: in all five
microconidia along septate hyphae were cases, the anatomical sites mainly interested
observed on microscopic colonies examination. were the inguinal area, buttocks, palms and
The primary lesion was localized always in fingernails (tinea unguium). In only one case,
the foot (tinea pedis), in agreement with other tinea capitis was observed (Case 4). Patient
20 V. Tullio et al.
Fig. 2 Case 3. A 78-year old, female, Caucasian. Exten- knee with flaking in net margins (d); toenail and fingernail
sive erythema with papules at the opening of hair follicles hyperkeratosis (e, f)
in the inguinal region (a, b), buttocks and thighs (c); left
4 under methotrexate therapy and patient For all patients a successful treatment with
5, under corticosteroid therapy had risk factors topical (azoles) and systemic (terbinafine hydro-
predisposing them to fungal spread. Tinea in chloride 250 mg/day) antimycotics was carried
such cases tends to be chronic and extended, out. In details, in patient 1, after 4 weeks of
mimicking various skin diseases, such as psoria- treatment, all skin lesions were completely
sis, eczema, etc., as in Patients 4 and 5 (Atzori healed and culture results were negative; both
et al. 2012; Tan et al. 2014). direct mycological and culture were negative
Fig. 3 Case 4. A 69-year old, female, Caucasian, with erythema on lower back and rear thigh area diagnosed as
rheumatoid arthritis. Sole and toenails hyperkeratosis (a, psoriasis (e); scalp with flaking dandruff and thinning hair
b); back and left palm squamous lesions (c, d); extensive (f); squamous lesions on the elbow (g)
22 V. Tullio et al.
also for nails after 3 months. In patient 2, all In conclusion, our data indicate that in all
lesions were completely healed and culture cases of suspected syndrome or when skin
results were negative after 12-weeks of treat- involvement is extended to multiple sites, the
ment. In patient 3, all skin lesions were localization of all lesions, the isolation and the
completely healed after 6 weeks of treatment; identification of the causative fungus are essen-
both direct mycological and culture were nega- tial to establish the diagnosis, prognosis and the
tive for nails after 4 months. In patient 4, after setting of a correct antifungal therapy to avoid
4-weeks of treatment, all skin lesions were recurrences.
completely healed; both direct mycological and
culture were negative also for nails and scalp
after 5 months. In patient 5, after 6-weeks of
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OUR SERMON.
In adopting this heading for a series of articles, which will be
continued as occasion offers, we are very far from intending to
startle our readers with a rush of theological disquisition. In proof of
our sincerity, and as an earnest of the gist of our discourses, we
have chosen as a standing text, or motto, the golden rule of “peace
and goodwill to all men;” but while we leave intact the functions of
the divine, it is our business, as we conceive it to be our duty, to
sermonize on the morals of trade, the social relations of every-day
life, and even the proprieties which enhance every species of
domestic enjoyment.
A right understanding of the relative duties of master and man, or
of employer and the employed, yields to no subject in importance;
peculiar incidents, induced by a rapidly increasing population, the
tendency of commercial wealth to accumulate in masses, and its
employment under the familiar term “capital,” through the agency of
individuals, in the construction of great works, constitutes, however,
an era in the Building trade to which former periods bear no very
strict analogy. In offering our humble opinions upon actuating causes
and their effects, be the subject what it may, we will never lose sight
of our text; we shall make use neither of angry words nor
denunciations; peace is too lovely to our minds, and charity too
imperative to be abandoned; we would dispel the darker and sterner
passions, giving every brother full credit for good intentions, and
assign occasional deviations from the path of right rather to
misfortune than intention. Whatever the class of men addressed or
dealt with, this, we are convinced, is the best and only true policy. It
may be very well for any one to talk of their anger being aroused, or
their indignation excited, and so on, and under such pleas to vent
abuse, imprecate a thousand vengeances, and the like, but, depend
upon it, fear is less to be relied on than love; we would win a child to
our love, not deter it by frowns and coercion;—we would have a
thousand friends rather than a single enemy.
Who has not heard of the tale of the traveller, upon whom the sun
and wind essayed their power? These elements, as the fable puts it,
were at issue as to which was superior, and agreed to rest the
decision upon the effect they should produce upon the first wayfarer.
Well, first the wind fell to work, and blew with all his might, to compel
the subject of their experiment to throw off his cloak, but the more
vehemently the man was assailed, the closer he wrapped the
garment about him; in turn the sun made trial of his power, and
genial warmth soon accomplished what the bluster of the ruder
element had made more and more difficult. So in human policy the
kindly glow excited by generous sentiments and actions will succeed
where threats, force, and even punishments have failed. The human
heart has no such obduracies but that charity will overcome them.
It is a part of our present purpose to refer to practical benevolence
of this nature, and it will be found in an extract from the Leeds
Mercury, given in another part of our paper, on the subject of the
treatment of workpeople, by Sir John Guest, at Merthyr Tydvil, and
the Messrs. Marshall, of Leeds. These, thank God, and for the
honour of our country, are not solitary instances. These gentlemen
stand not alone in the practice of that soundest principle of Christian
political economy which instructs the rich to dispense of their
abundance for the benefit of their poorer brethren. We have Master
Builders in every department, proprietors of large works and
establishments, whose names we could hold up to the admiration of
their craft and country, but we will not do this violence to their
unobtrusive merit, neither will we invite invidious comparisons by
such selections; we would rather hold up these Christian duties for
common emulation, and call upon all to “go and do likewise.”
We open, then, our exhortations to Masters, because we know
that the first impulse of benignant power must originate with them;
kindness from them may be likened to the sun in its influence, and
most surely will it be returned with usurious interest “into their basket
and their store.”
Who ever saw the good father of a family putting firm faith in virtue
and honour, and regulating his household by their dictates, failing to
raise up virtuous, amiable, and honourable citizens? or, to put the
case stronger, who ever knew the man that acted upon opposite
principles succeed in sowing any thing but vice and discord? Depend
upon it, then, the same principles and rules apply in business, from
the overseer of the smallest undertaking to the governor of a nation.
Fatherly solicitude for those under our care, or for whom we bear
any responsibility, is as solemn and sacred a duty as the fulfilment of
contracts or engagements; nay, it is the first of duties between man
and man.
On the other hand, as to the workman,—fidelity—and more, the
same generous kindness towards his master is required, as that he
would receive; in fact, “to do unto others us you would be done by,”
is the great and universal secret of social happiness.
It is with this view of relative duties that we deem it of as much
importance to engage ourselves in giving good counsel to our craft,
as in enlightening them on principles of science pertaining to their
several callings; for of what avail will it be to a man to possess all the
knowledge of his art, if his heart be corrupt, or continue under vicious
influences? Away with, as dross, all the ability of the engineer,
architect, master builder, or workman, if the man be not endowed
with moral excellence. What are beautiful designs, imposing
structures, mechanical skill, or ingenious artifice in workmanship,
without a mind and heart in harmony with the superior inspirations
which virtue alone bestows? This, this indeed must come first as the
base of the pyramid. In any other case the pyramid may be there,
but it topples, leans, or lies on its side; the same inherent beauty
may exist, but its position and action are superadded elements of
deformity. Oh, how beautiful the human mind when lit up and guided
by the impulses of virtue! how terrible and loathsome when passion
and gaunt sensuality have their sway!
Guard, my beloved countrymen, against avarice, envy, malice;
avoid contentions; be moderate in the desire of gain; repine not at
another’s success in life, or the distinctions he may attain to; cast all
rancorous suggestions far from your heart; contend not in any unholy
spirit of craving competition; “live, and let live,” is a maxim which we
conjure you at all times to observe.
In times of commercial depression, aggravate not your own or
another’s suffering; these, like seasons of sickness and malady,
must and will have their recurrences, and they will recur more
frequently, and press more grievously, where brotherly love and
charity, the great preventative and remedy of human ills, are
neglected. Let none imagine it his privilege to be exempt from these
obligations; let us not, because we see a neighbour unmindful of his
duties in any of the multifarious walks of life, think ourselves justified
in departing from our superior policy; neither must we judge and
condemn; inflict, if you will, pains and penalties on yourself, but you
have no right to do so on another.
Pardon us, good brothers of our building fraternity, and you who
do us the favour to lend an ear to our counsellings, if we thus seek to
engage your attention, and offer our well-meant importunings.
Should your approving suffrages incite a continuance of our
vocation, it will be our ambition to discuss the relative duties of the
stations you respectively fill—master, apprentice, or workman; father,
brother, son, or husband; neighbour or friend; and to do as we have
now done, namely, try to improve each and all, and in doing so,
promote, in some degree, the cause of human happiness.
TREATMENT OF WORK-PEOPLE BY
THEIR EMPLOYERS.
In an article under this head it was mentioned that the
parliamentary inquiry into the payment of wages in goods had
shewn, that there are persons extensively engaged in manufactures
of various kinds, who feel that the employment of bodies of
workpeople involves a degree of responsibility to care for their
general well-being, and who act on that conviction in a manner
highly creditable to themselves, and conducive to the excellent
object they have in view. These employers are of opinion that to
regard as a machine a man whose skill or industry assists them to
maintain their own families in respectability, is altogether unchristian,
and that by viewing workpeople in such a light, they would deprive
themselves of some of the finest opportunities of usefulness, and of
cementing the bonds of society.
Of course, as the intention in moving for a committee of the House
of Commons was to expose grievances, it was not likely that any
examples of conduct distinguished for its humanity would be found in
the pages of the report. As we remarked, however, when formerly
writing on the subject, illustrations of this kind might be obtained by
any one from our own neighbourhood. We had only last week the
pleasure of visiting an extensive range of school buildings just
erected on the best principles, in connection with Messrs. Marshall’s
mill at Holbeck. In that suite of rooms there are between 300 and
400 children under daily instruction, independent of about 160 boys,
who work half-time at the factory, and are at school either in the
morning or afternoon of every day; the same gentlemen have also
instituted girls’ and infant schools (which are situated elsewhere),
and a night school, attended by young men and women from the
mill, whose improvement in conduct as well as attainments, in
consequence of this arrangement, is spoken of as highly gratifying.
In the several schools every thing seems to be done to promote the
comfort of the young, and to cultivate habits of cleanliness and
decorum, as well as to impart an excellent plain education.[2] Plans
for affording the means of recreation to the adult workpeople have
also been devised in connection with these buildings; and all
manifests that a sincere interest is felt by the members of the firm in
the welfare of every class in their employ.
The principal example of attention to the interests of workpeople
which came under the notice of the parliamentary committee, was
that of Sir John Guest and Co., at their iron and coal works, Dowlais.
These works, which were established from thirty to forty years since,
“in an isolated place on the top of a hill,” in Glamorganshire, have
now a town around them (Merthyr Tydvil), and nearly 5,000 persons
are employed by this firm alone. In the first instance, great difficulty
was experienced by the workpeople in procuring the means of
lodging, but in the course of time this was removed by the erection of
a large number of cottages at the expense of the company, and by
the people being encouraged to build dwellings for themselves. The
cottages belonging to the firm are stated to be low-rented,
convenient, well built, well drained, and the taking of them is quite
optional with the workpeople; while the granting of loans to steady
men to build cottages for themselves has been pursued to a
considerable extent, and has been found to attach them to the place,
to keep them from the ale-house, and to produce and confirm in
them a feeling of independence.
The amount of each individual’s wages at this extensive
establishment is settled every Friday evening, and the whole of the
hands are paid on the morning of Saturday; shewing that a large
number of workpeople is no barrier to the early payment of wages if
employers are determined to adopt that highly beneficial practice.
Nearly twenty-four years ago, Sir John Guest and his partners
recognised the responsibility which attached to them as employers
by erecting large schools, near the works at Dowlais, chiefly for the
education of the children of their workmen, but (like Messrs.
Marshall) not confined to them. There are at present about 220 girls
and 250 boys under instruction, the children being admitted at the
age of six, and usually remaining until thirteen years old. The
teachers are well paid, and the whole expenses of the schools are
defrayed by the workpeople and employers together, in the following
manner:—Twopence in the pound is stopped every week “for the
doctor” from the wages of every one in the works, of which 1½d. is
appropriated to provide medical attendance for the families of the
workmen, and the remainder goes towards the support of the
schools. Each child is also expected to pay one penny a week, and
whatever is wanting to make up the amount incurred in maintaining
the educational establishments is contributed by the company. In
connection with the schools, it is worthy of notice that Mr. Evans, the
manager at Dowlais (from whose evidence our facts are drawn),
expressed before the committee a strong conviction, as the result
both of his own observation for above twenty years, and of the
statements of colliers themselves, that for a collier to put his child to
work in the pits very young is decidedly bad economy; instead of
gaining, the family loses by it in the long run, while the unfortunate
victim of error or cupidity becomes decrepit and unfit for work when
individuals of the same age are in possession of mature strength.
Very few of the children taught in the schools at Dowlais become
colliers, the greater number being qualified for employment as
carpenters, smiths, and, in some instances, even book-keepers. “We
derive very great advantage,” says Mr. Evans, “from having children
in the works who have been educated there; they are of great use to
us.” Here, then, is a proof to masters who have not yet exerted
themselves for the elevation of the families dependent on them, but
are disposed to do so, that such a course is not only beneficial to
others, but brings a reward to every one who adopts it. The medical
attendants on the workpeople at Dowlais consist of three regular
surgeons and a dispenser, whose services are remunerated chiefly
by the money stopped from the wages. In 1827 a fund for the relief
of the sick and aged was formed, one penny in the pound being
stopped every week to furnish the necessary supply for the wants of
those who are thus unable to provide for themselves; this fund is at
the disposal of a committee, elected yearly by all the contributors.
From the peculiar circumstances of the district, when the works of
Sir John Guest and Co. were established, and for many years after,
it was desirable and even needful that the firm should afford their
workpeople the means of obtaining the necessaries of life by
maintaining a shop on the premises. In 1823, however, they closed
it, but once again opened it at the request of the men in 1828. On the
act against truck shops being passed in 1831, the workmen were
called together and desired to state whether they wished the store
belonging to the firm still to be continued. The votes were taken by
ballot, and thirteen only were given for the discontinuance; but as
there was not perfect unanimity, the company thought it best that the
shop should be finally closed at that time; and the increase of
population having had the usual effect of attracting private
individuals to supply the wants of the community, the only result of
this step was to shut up an establishment where the labouring
classes were always sure of buying good articles at a moderate
price. The accommodation being no longer necessary, we think the
company’s decision was a wise one.
It is gratifying to find that no loss whatever has been entailed on
Sir John Guest and Co. by all the beneficial regulations adopted by
them on behalf of their workpeople. On the contrary, “by the
education of the people,” Mr. Evans states, “we have gained more
than we have spent upon them.” And this gentleman expressed
himself as feeling certain that if a similar system were extended over
the manufacturing and mining districts of the whole country, it would
prove the cheapest and most effectual mode of benefiting both the
working classes and employers, and consequently society at large.
Of course, the details of the system at Dowlais, or at any other
establishment of which an account is before the public, are not
essential to its being adopted with advantage in other parts of the
country, though the success which has attended those plans gives
them a title to careful consideration; the thing to be desired is, that
each employer should ask himself how far he can adopt the
principle, and then carry into operation the dictates of his own
judgment and conscience.—Leeds Mercury.