New Microbiol. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Detection of an O1 Vibrio cholerae Strain in the Blood of a Patient with Acute Cholangitis: A Rare Case Report.
Zhou W, Fu X, Wang Y … +4 more , Xiang Z, Li P, Jia M, Zhu G
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969119
Acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening condition commonly caused by bacterial infections of the biliary tract. Here, we present an unusual case of acute cholangitis caused by Vibrio cholerae in a 76-year-old...
Acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening condition commonly caused by bacterial infections of the biliary tract. Here, we present an unusual case of acute cholangitis caused by Vibrio cholerae in a 76-year-old man with a history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and post-cholecystectomy who presented with upper abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatigue. Lab results showed elevated inflammatory markers and bilirubin. Imaging revealed gallstones and bile duct dilation. Blood cultures isolated non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, which was highly susceptible to all tested antibiotics. The patient was successfully treated with piperacillin/tazobactam and levofloxacin, along with supportive care. His symptoms resolved, and subsequent cultures were negative. This case highlights a rare instance of non-cholera Vibrio cholerae causing acute cholangitis and bacteremia in an elderly patient.
A case of Kocuria rhizophila infection and persistence in ascitic fluid of a peritoneal dialysis patient with polycystic kidney disease.
Gigante P, Avella A, Nava E … +7 more , Arcari G, Caleca D, Capuano R, Carbotti M, Jovane C, Ambrosini A, Mancini N
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969118
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-established renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease, but peritonitis continues to represent a significant clinical challenge. While most cases are attributed...
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-established renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease, but peritonitis continues to represent a significant clinical challenge. While most cases are attributed to gram-positive bacteria from the skin microbiota, emerging reports have documented infections with atypical organisms, including Kocuria species. Here we present the case of a 68-year-old woman with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis who developed recurrent peritonitis episodes due to Kocuria rhizophila, a microorganism traditionally considered a non-pathogenic commensal. Despite initial resolution following intraperitoneal vancomycin therapy, the patient experienced multiple relapses within short intervals, raising concerns regarding biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. This report highlights the diagnostic complexities, therapeutic uncertainties, and the need for accurate microbiological identification in managing uncommon pathogens. It also underscores the importance of tailored strategies and vigilant monitoring in recurrent PD-related peritonitis.
Multiple-site venous thromboembolism in acute toxoplasmosis: report of two cases.
Reffo I, Venturini S, Domini M … +12 more , Ganss A, Avolio M, Del Fabro G, Dota LB, Roselli Della Rovere G, Grazioli S, Grendene C, Dettori G, Zannier F, Basaglia G, Canal F, Balbi M
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969117
Venous thrombosis triggered by infection (immunothrombosis) is increasingly recognized during viral infections, but it can also occur in bacterial and parasitic infections. Reports of systemic thromboembolism during acut...
Venous thrombosis triggered by infection (immunothrombosis) is increasingly recognized during viral infections, but it can also occur in bacterial and parasitic infections. Reports of systemic thromboembolism during acute toxoplasmosis are exceptional, usually linked to pre-existing risk factors. We describe two adults with multisite venous thrombosis later diagnosed with primary Toxoplasma gondii infection. The first case was a healthy adult with fever and pulmonary embolism and splanchnic thrombosis. Serology indicated a primary T. gondii infection, and T. gondii DNA was detected in a lymph node showing Piringer-Kuchinka lymphadenitis. The second case involved an immunocompromised adult with fever, seizures, cerebral infarction, cerebral venous sinus and jugular thrombosis, and splanchnic thrombosis. T. gondii serology confirmed recent infection, and Toxoplasma DNA was retrieved in blood. Anticoagulation therapy was administered to both, with specific treatment initiated in the second case due to multi-organ involvement and an impaired immune state. Our findings provide new insights into the association between venous thromboembolism and acute toxoplasmosis and support adding T. gondii testing for febrile patients with unexplained venous thrombosis.
Comparative characteristics of the microbiota of diverticula in complicated diverticulitis.
Shakirov R, Pankratova Y, Shakurov A … +5 more , Senina A, Boulygina E, Grigoryeva T, Yarullina D, Karpukhin O
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969116
We present a comparison of the mucosal microbiota within different diverticula in a patient with diverticular disease (DD) complicated by diverticulitis and pelvic abscess. The conventional culture method and the 16S rRN...
We present a comparison of the mucosal microbiota within different diverticula in a patient with diverticular disease (DD) complicated by diverticulitis and pelvic abscess. The conventional culture method and the 16S rRNA-based sequencing approach were employed to characterize the microbiota of perforated diverticulum (PD) and adjacent visually intact diverticulum (ID) from the same surgically resected colonic segment. Compared to PD, the microbiota of ID demonstrated depletion in butyrate-producing genera and increased abundances of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacteroides. The predominantly pro-inflammatory character of the microbiota in ID suggests its probable pathological role in the progression of DD towards more complicated forms, up to inflammatory destruction (perforation) of the diverticulum wall. The insights of this study pave the way for the development of forthcoming clinical trials focusing on microbiota-related therapies, including the use of antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), to potentially treat or manage DD and its complications.
A new subtype of hepatitis E virus gene 3 has emerged in Italy and several other European countries.
Liu F, Yin H, Liu M … +2 more , Ji Z, Shen H
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969115
In European countries, the number of locally-acquired hepatitis E virus (HEV) cases has increased in recent years, primarily linked to infections caused by HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3). The novel HEV-3 subtype 3n was initially...
In European countries, the number of locally-acquired hepatitis E virus (HEV) cases has increased in recent years, primarily linked to infections caused by HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3). The novel HEV-3 subtype 3n was initially reported in Italy; however, its distribution across other European regions remained uncertain. Here, we analyzed all HEV-3 ORF2 sequences from European countries deposited in NCBI (2016-2024). Phylogenetic analysis identified 47 HEV-3n sequences: 43 from wild boars (37 from Italy, 6 from Poland) and 4 human-derived sequences (two blood donor samples each from France and Denmark). Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated a 4.0-7.2% genetic distance between human and wild boar HEV-3n isolates, confirming their close evolutionary relationship. This genetic evidence, combined with the geographic distribution across Italy, Poland, France, and Denmark, provides robust molecular support for zoonotic transmission of HEV-3n from wild boars to humans. The findings indicate that HEV-3n is not restricted to Italy but has disseminated across multiple European countries, establishing wild boars as a key reservoir for human infections. This study underscores the need for integrated surveillance of HEV-3n in wildlife and human populations across Europe to mitigate zoonotic risks.
Microbiological Screening of Bacterial contamination of Platelet Concentrates units: a single center observational study.
Alhazmi W, Khouj A, Al-Ahdal A … +3 more , Halawani AJ, Hakami N, Felemban H
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969114
BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of donated platelets is a major issue in transfusion medicine. Platelet concentrates (PCs) are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination due to their storage conditions at room tem...
BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of donated platelets is a major issue in transfusion medicine. Platelet concentrates (PCs) are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination due to their storage conditions at room temperature, which offers a suitable environment for bacterial proliferation. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in the donated platelets units and to identify the isolated microorganisms in samples collected in blood bank services at King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 4,318 PCs units including random and pooled platelets were screened for bacterial contamination in the microbiology laboratory. All PCs units were inoculated into blood bottles and loaded into the BacT/ALERT microbial detection system to screen for any suspected bacterial growth over five days. Positive platelet units were subcultured on nutrient agar and incubated overnight at 37°C. The microbiological identification of contaminated PCs units was then performed using the Microscan WalkAway system. RESULTS: Six positive bacterial isolates were recovered and isolated from the screened PCs units. Most of the microorganisms isolated from contaminated platelets were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), including Staphylococcus capitis (50%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (17%), and Corynebacterium species (33%) among the isolates. CONCLUSION: Microorganisms isolated from PCs units were mainly skin contaminants related to procedures used during donor phlebotomy or lab processing techniques. However, the rate of bacterial contamination of the donated PCs units subjected to screening was low in this study. The continuous improvement of safety precautions, protocols, and quality assurance of blood collection and storage procedures is essential to reduce the risk of contaminating donated units and any potential post blood transfusion reactions.
Comparative Evaluation of VITEK® 2 AST-XN21, CHROMID® Colistin Agar, and Reference Broth Microdilution for Colistin Susceptibility Testing in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella spp.
Akıllı FM, Yılmaz ÇY, Akıllı B … +1 more , Ulukanlıgil M
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969113
Rapid and accurate testing of colistin resistance is of paramount importance for the effective management of gram-negative infections in workflow laboratories. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance...
Rapid and accurate testing of colistin resistance is of paramount importance for the effective management of gram-negative infections in workflow laboratories. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of commercial VITEK®2 AST-XN21 cards and ChromID media via the reference Diagnostics MIC-COL method. Colistin susceptibility testing was conducted on 72 nonduplicate isolates using Diagnostics MIC-COL as the reference method, in comparison with the VITEK®2 AST-XN21 card and ChromID agar. The colistin resistance rate was 37.5% (27/72) according to the Diagnostics MIC-COL (Klebsiella spp. 34.4% (n=10), and Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) 39.5% (n=17)), whereas the VITEK®2 AST-XN21 card resistance rate was 41.3% (n=12) for Klebsiella spp. and 48.8% (n=21) for A. baumannii. The VITEK®2 AST-XN21 card was CA 91.6%, and the very major error (VME) and major error (ME) rates for all the isolates were 1.38% (n=1) and 6.9% (n=5), respectively. A. baumannii isolates were CA (37/43) 86%, VME (1/43) 2.3% and ME (5/43) 11.6% with XN21 cards. For Klebsiella spp., CA (29/29) was 100%, whereas ME and VME were not detected. The CA was 94.4% (68/72) for ChromID medium, 93% (40/43) for A. baumannii and 96.5% (28/29) for Klebsiella spp. These results indicated that the CHROMID medium is an appropriate method for the screening of colistin resistance. Nevertheless, it is imperative to exercise caution when interpreting the results of a commercial automated VITEK®2 AST-N21 card for colistin susceptibility testing.
Species Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia Complex from Multicenter Clinical Settings in Shaoxing, China.
Zhang X, Liang M, Wu Q … +2 more , He Q, Mao G
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969112
This study characterized the clinical distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) isolates in the Shaoxing region. A total of 303 clinical BCC isolates collected from 15 healthcare...
This study characterized the clinical distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) isolates in the Shaoxing region. A total of 303 clinical BCC isolates collected from 15 healthcare facilities during 2023 were analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS for identification and VITEK 2 COMPACT for susceptibility testing, following CLSI 2023 guidelines (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2023). B. cenocepacia (75.2%), B. multivorans (13.5%), and B. cepacia (6.9%) were the predominant species, while six isolates remained unidentified at the species level. Isolates were recovered primarily from male patients (58.1%), individuals over 65 years (70.0%), and ICU (intensive care unit) patients (59.7%). Respiratory specimens - including sputum, throat swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid - accounted for the majority of isolates (79.5%), followed by pleural/ascitic fluids and blood (11.9%), and urine (2.3%). B. cenocepacia was more prevalent in male patients (63.6%), whereas B. multivorans and B. cepacia predominantly affected females, accounting for 63.4% and 61.9% of cases, respectively (p = 0.001). Regarding age distribution, the majority of patients across all three species were over 65 years of age, with no statistically significant difference observed among the groups (p = 0.713). Significant associations were also found between species and both hospital setting (p = 0.020) and specimen type (p<0.001). All three major species exhibited high susceptibility (>90%) to ceftazidime, with no significant differences among them. In contrast, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the susceptibility rates of B. cenocepacia compared to the other two species toward minocycline, meropenem, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. These results highlight the necessity of AST (Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing)-guided therapy to optimize treatment and limit resistance development.
Results from a person-centered national survey in Italy: perspectives on ART switching, treatment satisfaction, mental health and psychological disturbances.
Lazzaro A, d'Ettorre G, Amantini P … +3 more , Albini L, Caldera R, Forcina G
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969111
People with HIV (PWH) continue to face major medical and psychological challenges. This national cross-sectional survey conducted in Italy by Infectious Diseases specialists and Community-based Advocacy Groups explored d...
People with HIV (PWH) continue to face major medical and psychological challenges. This national cross-sectional survey conducted in Italy by Infectious Diseases specialists and Community-based Advocacy Groups explored disease awareness and its determinants, ART switching, treatment satisfaction, and mental health. Participants completed the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (HIVTSQs-12), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A total of 500 PWH (67% males) were enrolled. Over half knew their viral load (54%) or CD4+ count (57%), while 31% of respondents were unaware of both. Three in four had switched ART, mostly on clinician advice (90%). About 50% of respondents reported depressive symptoms, and 31% said these affected their daily activities. Anxiety, moodiness, and sleep disorders were the most prevalent conditions (45%, 37% and 36%, respectively). Lower educational level associated with unawareness of immunovirological status, whereas MSM status and once-daily oral treatment were linked to awareness. These findings reveal the psychological burden and the central role of clinicians in ART decision-making, and highlight the significant impact of anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders in quality of life of PWH, underlining the need for integrated mental health support within HIV care.
Epidemiology of meningoencephalitis from 2017 to 2024 in Romagna, Italy, through a molecular integrated surveillance.
Gatti G, Montanari MS, Fantini M … +16 more , Marzucco A, Dionisi L, Colosimo C, Ingletto L, Taddei F, Dirani G, Zannoli S, Grumiro L, Guerra M, Brandolini M, De Pascali AM, Scagliarini A, Biagetti C, Fasano T, Sambri V, Cricca M
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969110
Meningoencephalitis (ME) is a severe inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system and poses a complex diagnostic challenge. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to reduce both mortalit...
Meningoencephalitis (ME) is a severe inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system and poses a complex diagnostic challenge. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to reduce both mortality and long-term neurological complications. This study analysed data from 1,879 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected in seven different hospitals and processed at the Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Italy, over eight years. Each CSF sample was analysed for total cell count, polymorphonuclear cells, mononuclear cells, physical appearance, glucose and protein levels, bacterial culture, molecular findings, and blood culture. The majority of CSF appeared turbid when the total cell count was > 5×106 cells/L. Notably, polymorphonuclear cells > 5×106 cells/L can be considered a potential surrogate marker of bacterial ME, and bacterial pathogens showed significantly different glucose level among different species. The integrated diagnostic approach, including culture and molecular testing, identified Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most common bacterial cause of adult meningitis, followed by Listeria monocytogenes and Neisseria meningitidis. Interestingly, blood culture anticipated the detection of the same pathogen that was revealed in CSF only by molecular assay. In conclusion, the findings underscore the essential role of an integrated diagnostic approach to optimize patient management and to better define the local epidemiology.
Serotyping and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Characterisation of Salmonella.
Li L, Li D, Ma J … +2 more , Zhang C, Li S
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969109
To investigate the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes, and resistance gene characteristics of Salmonella isolates from a hospital in Weifang, China, 80 Salmonella strains isolated from clini...
To investigate the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes, and resistance gene characteristics of Salmonella isolates from a hospital in Weifang, China, 80 Salmonella strains isolated from clinical specimens from January 2021 to April 2023 were collected for this study. Bacterial identification was first performed, with subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Species confirmation was validated via average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to determine sequence types (STs). Among the 80 isolates, the most common specimen type was faeces (n=59, 73.75%), followed by blood (n=12, 15.00%). A total of 13 serotypes were identified, with Salmonella Enteritidis (n=43, 53.75%) and Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- (n=11, 13.75%) as the predominant serotypes. MLST analysis identified 15 sequence types (STs), and ST11 had the highest proportion, followed by ST34. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed the highest resistance rate to ampicillin (80.00%), while ceftazidime exhibited the lowest resistance rate (8.75%). WGS analysis predicted 57 resistance genes, among which aminoglycoside resistance genes were the most frequent (n=16). Ten β-lactamase genes were detected, with blaTEM-1D being the most common (n=47, 58.75%). In conclusion, S. Enteritidis (primarily ST11) is the dominant serotype of Salmonella in this hospital. The isolates carry multiple resistance genes and exhibit a high resistance rate to ampicillin, emphasizing the need for cautious clinical use of this antibiotic. Ceftazidime may be a more reliable option for empirical treatment of Salmonella infections in this region.
Mitochondrial DNA as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern in Stored Blood: Mechanisms of Transfusion-Induced Sterile Inflammation.
Chen L, Gong C
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969108
Transfusion of stored red blood cells (RBCs) is a life-saving intervention in trauma, surgery, and critical care. However, storage-induced alterations, collectively termed "storage lesions," lead to the accumulation of b...
Transfusion of stored red blood cells (RBCs) is a life-saving intervention in trauma, surgery, and critical care. However, storage-induced alterations, collectively termed "storage lesions," lead to the accumulation of bioactive mediators, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which functions as a potent damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). mtDNA released from residual leukocytes, platelets, and extracellular vesicles during storage activates innate immune pathways via TLR9, cGAS-STING, and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. This triggers neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, monocyte/macrophage activation, platelet aggregation, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to transfusion-related complications such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM), microvascular thrombosis, and organ injury. Mechanistic understanding of mtDNA-mediated sterile inflammation highlights multiple intervention points, including improved storage conditions, leukoreduction, mtDNA removal, modulation of extracellular vesicles, and pharmacologic inhibition of downstream immune pathways. Integrating these strategies offers the potential to mitigate transfusion-induced inflammatory complications and improve patient outcomes.
Antiviral properties of phages: potential mechanisms of actions.
Jariah ROA, Hakim MS
New Microbiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41969107
Bacteriophages (phages) have long been known to treat bacterial infections, although some early studies showed that phages also have potential antiviral mechanisms. This review provides a descriptive summary of ideas on...
Bacteriophages (phages) have long been known to treat bacterial infections, although some early studies showed that phages also have potential antiviral mechanisms. This review provides a descriptive summary of ideas on how phages might have a significant role in inhibiting viral infections. Phages are known to directly modulate the host immunity that subsequently influences the immune responses against viral infections. It is also reasonable to explore the phage potential to directly inhibit viral infection in humans, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Lastly, phages have been utilized as a molecular tool in phage display. Phages have already been engineered to produce monoclonal antibodies against the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Despite all these possibilities, further extensive and deeper explorations are highly required.
A Rare Case of Splenic Infarction Due to Brucellosis.
Özan Köse S, Erdem H, Köse ÖC
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431774
Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic infection in Turkey, capable of involving multiple organs and systems. While systemic symptoms are common, focal organ involvement may also occur. Isolated splenic infarction is a rare...
Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic infection in Turkey, capable of involving multiple organs and systems. While systemic symptoms are common, focal organ involvement may also occur. Isolated splenic infarction is a rare complication. We report a 27-year-old man with a one-week history of left upper abdominal pain, without fever or weight loss. Physical examination revealed closed Traube's space and left upper quadrant tenderness. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and elevated transaminases. Brucella tube agglutination test was positive at 1/640. Abdominal CT demonstrated multiple hypodense, subcapsular, wedge-shaped lesions consistent with splenic infarction. Infective endocarditis, portal or splenic vein thrombosis, and rheumatologic disorders were excluded. The patient received a 12-week antibiotic regimen, resulting in clinical, laboratory, and radiological resolution. Splenic infarction secondary to brucellosis is infrequently described. Reported cases usually present with fever, abdominal pain, or systemic manifestations. Uniquely, our patient had only localized abdominal pain without fever or systemic features, underscoring the variable clinical spectrum of brucellosis. This case emphasizes the need to consider brucellosis in the differential diagnosis of splenic infarction, especially in endemic areas.
Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Mimicking Vasculitis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Pepe F, Seyman D, Aksoy SN … +3 more , Çelik B, Ayan E, Öztoprak Çuvalcı N
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431773
Opportunistic infections caused by Cryptococcus spp. are well-documented among people with HIV. However, the incidence of cryptococcosis has also recently risen among other immunocompromised patients. Here, we reported a...
Opportunistic infections caused by Cryptococcus spp. are well-documented among people with HIV. However, the incidence of cryptococcosis has also recently risen among other immunocompromised patients. Here, we reported a rare case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a 73-year-old man who had been taking corticosteroids long-term for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite receiving antimicrobial treatment, he developed painful, non-healing ulceronecrotic lesions accompanied by haemorrhagic bullae on his right forearm and upper arm. Initially, it was thought that the patient had RA-associated vasculitis. A skin biopsy showed numerous small round structures that were stained with periodic acid-Schiff in the dermis. The wall of round structures had positive mucicarmine stain, consistent with the presence of mucopolysaccharides capsule of yeast. Also, the cryptococcal antigen test was positive in the serum. On the 14th day of fluconazole treatment, there was an improvement in the clinical picture, including a reduction in pain. However, he died from complications arising from his pre-existing systemic disease, specifically heart failure. This case highlights the importance of considering cutaneous fungal infections in immunocompromised patients with non-healing skin lesions despite antimicrobial treatment.
Rhodococcus equi in Advanced Antiretroviral Therapy-Naïve HIV-Positive Patients: Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Findings.
Erdem H, Koksalan K, Aygun G … +2 more , Kepil N, Tabak F
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431772
We present the case of a 47-year-old man living with HIV who had experienced fever, night sweats, cough and occasional haemoptysis for the previous two months. Computed tomography of the chest revealed a lesion measuring...
We present the case of a 47-year-old man living with HIV who had experienced fever, night sweats, cough and occasional haemoptysis for the previous two months. Computed tomography of the chest revealed a lesion measuring 57 mm in diameter with cavitation in the left lower superior segment. His CD4+ T cell count was 220 cells/mm³ and his HIV RNA level was 406,756 copies/ml. Acid-resistant coccobacilli were isolated from the transthoracic biopsy of the lesion and were initially identified as Mycobacterium lentiflavum. However, 16S rDNA sequence analysis identified it as Rhodococcus equi. A histopathological examination revealing malakoplakia with Michaelis-Gutmann bodies supported the diagnosis. The patient responded dramatically to a 3-month course of treatment with azithromycin and moxifloxacin. The most obvious epidemiological risk factor in this case was that the patient regularly took care of multiple stray cats. Rhodococcus equi should be considered in differential diagnosis of cavitary pneumonia in patients with cellular immunodeficiencies, especially when there is a contact history not only with horses, but with other herbivores.
Rare Case of Campylobacter jejuni Bacteremia in a Pediatric Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Clinical Management, Pathophysiology, and Public Health Implications.
Gülmez A, Solgun HA
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431771
Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide; however, systemic infections such as bacteremia remain rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. This case report presents a rare i...
Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide; however, systemic infections such as bacteremia remain rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. This case report presents a rare instance of C. jejuni bacteremia in a 12-year-old girl undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), emphasizing the increased vulnerability of immunocompromised pediatric patients. The patient was admitted with febrile neutropenia, mucositis, and diarrhea. Blood cultures taken at admission signaled positive after 90 hours, and the isolate was identified as C. jejuni using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity to erythromycin, which led to successful treatment and recovery following a 10-day antibiotic course. The case illustrates the pathophysiological role of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and mucosal barrier damage in facilitating bacterial translocation and systemic infection. It also highlights diagnostic challenges due to the fastidious nature and slow growth of the organism, reinforcing the importance of rapid diagnostic tools and targeted therapy based on susceptibility results. In an era of rising antimicrobial resistance and growing populations of immunocompromised patients, this report underscores the critical need for heightened clinical awareness, robust laboratory support, and preventive public health strategies to mitigate the risk of severe Campylobacter infections in vulnerable groups.
TYK2 as a therapeutic target for COVID-19: Mendelian randomization study.
Xu S, Kong J
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431770
In this study, the potential effects of Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibition on COVID-19 outcomes was explored by assessing the causal association of the expression of TYK2 and COVID-19 outcomes with a two-sample Mendelia...
In this study, the potential effects of Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibition on COVID-19 outcomes was explored by assessing the causal association of the expression of TYK2 and COVID-19 outcomes with a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and colocalization analysis. The MR analysis showed that the increase in gene expression of TYK2 was associated with a higher risk of critical illness COVID-19, hospitalized COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 infection with inverse-variance weighted method. The mediation analysis showed that the increased risk of COVID-19 by TYK2 expression is partly mediated by the increased C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) levels. The study provided suggestive evidence that TYK2 inhibition reduces the risk of COVID-19, and proposed TYK2 as a drug target for COVID-19 treatment.
Microbiological and Radiological Characteristics of Paranasal Sinus Fungus Ball: a retrospective analysis of 235 cases.
Pagella F, Introini S, Lizzio R … +9 more , Nacu B, Sannasardo R, Demaria M, Ferrauto A, Giunta D, De Silvestri A, Matti E, Sovardi F, Cavanna C
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431769
Paranasal sinus Fungus Ball (FB) is the most common non-invasive mycotic rhinosinusitis. It most frequently affects the maxillary and sphenoidal sinuses and the treatment of choice is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS). Alth...
Paranasal sinus Fungus Ball (FB) is the most common non-invasive mycotic rhinosinusitis. It most frequently affects the maxillary and sphenoidal sinuses and the treatment of choice is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS). Although this pathology has been widely investigated throughout the years, some questions still remain unanswered. This study concentrates on assessing radiological and microbiological characteristics by examining a large number of cases treated in our centre. 235 cases of FB that underwent ESS in Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia in the period comprised between January 2000 and May 2020 were collected. The surgical report, microbiological culture, histological report and preoperative Computed Tomography were analysed. FB was confirmed to affect more commonly the female population (68.22%). The maxillary (69.78%) and sphenoidal sinuses (27.23%) were the most frequent localizations. Interestingly, the microbiological reports showed different growth patterns as positive cultures from maxillary FB were reached in 21.52% of cases, while from sphenoidal FB in 45.76%. Different mycotic populations were found: Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in 33 FB specimens, of which 63.3% in the maxillary sinus, while Aspergillus flavus was isolated in 10 specimens, of which 80% in the sphenoid sinus (p=0.017 and p=0.039 respectively). Radiologically, heterogeneous soft tissue density at sinus cavity (p=0.029) was more represented in patients with positive culture. This study analysed a large population and demonstrated differences in the growth pattern and subpopulation of fungi between differently localized FB, underlining a new characteristic of this pathology.
Evaluation of the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of bloodstream infection isolates of patients hospitalised in a tertiary care centre in western Turkey.
Altan G, Özdemir Y, Ece G … +2 more , Yıldırım M, Bayram E
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431768
This study aims to evaluate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of microorganisms isolated from blood cultures of patients hospitalised in intensive care units and wards of our hospital over a 2-year p...
This study aims to evaluate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of microorganisms isolated from blood cultures of patients hospitalised in intensive care units and wards of our hospital over a 2-year period, in light of European antimicrobial resistance data and country surveillance data. Blood cultures sent to the microbiology laboratory from the wards and intensive care units of our hospital between December 2020 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated from the hospital automation system. The identification and the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates were done by the Phoenix 100 system (Becton Dickinson, USA). The results of antibiotic susceptibility were evaluated according to the criteria of the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The blood culture results of 872 patients with pathogenic bacterial growth in their blood cultures were examined and evaluated. Taking into account World Health Organisation (WHO) surveillance reports, it appears that our hospital's antimicrobial resistance rates were higher than those reported by our country's data. Resistance profiles vary from country to country, city to city, and even among different hospitals in the same city. Monitoring of antimicrobial resistance, even at the hospital level, will contribute to programs to combat antimicrobial resistance both across the country and all around the world.
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