Acta Microbiologica Et Immunologica Hungarica[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Rapid detection of anidulafungin and fluconazole susceptibility profiles of clinical Candida strains by MALDI-TOF MS.
Toker Onder I, Alp A, Arikan-Akdagli S
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41171318 · Publisher ↗
Invasive fungal infections caused by resistant Candida species are a global public health problem. Increasing antifungal resistance makes antifungal susceptibility tests (AFST) crucial, necessitating rapid methods. This...
Invasive fungal infections caused by resistant Candida species are a global public health problem. Increasing antifungal resistance makes antifungal susceptibility tests (AFST) crucial, necessitating rapid methods. This study aims to determine the fluconazole and anidulafungin susceptibility profiles of clinical Candida strains using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and compare the results with the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) reference broth microdilution method to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of MALDI-TOF MS in evaluating in vitro antifungal susceptibility. The susceptibilities of 40 Candida glabrata isolates for anidulafungin and fluconazole, and 40 Candida albicans and 40 Candida parapsilosis isolates for fluconazole were tested. Candida isolates were incubated for 3 h at two different antifungal concentrations ("maximum" and "breakpoint" concentrations) and a drug-free control (Anidulafungin: 16, 0.06, and 0 mg L-1; Fluconazole: 256, 16, and 0 mg L-1). MALDI-TOF MS spectra from these concentrations were used to create composite correlation index (CCI) matrices for each isolate. The strains with the "mean CCI of the breakpoint/maximum concentration" of which was higher than the "mean CCI of the breakpoint/null concentration" were classified as susceptible. Classifications defined by the MS-AFST method were compared to those based on the EUCAST broth microdilution method. The overall agreement between MS-AFST and EUCAST AFST ranged from 60% to 85%, highest for C. glabrata and anidulafungin. The reproducibility of the MS-AFST assay ranged from 45% to 75%, highest for C. parapsilosis and fluconazole. The study suggests that the MALDI-TOF MS method for assessing antifungal susceptibility in Candida strains is promising but requires further improvements for enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility.
Artificial intelligence in gut microbiome research: Toward predictive diagnostics for neurodegenerative disorders.
Kumar R, Nagraik R, Lakhanpal S … +3 more , Abomughaid MM, Jha NK, Gupta R
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41148242 · Publisher ↗
The human gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host immunity, regulating metabolism, and sustaining neurophysiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence implicates gut dysbiosis in the onset and progression...
The human gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host immunity, regulating metabolism, and sustaining neurophysiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence implicates gut dysbiosis in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, primarily through the gut-brain axis. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing and multi-omics technologies, such as metagenomics, metabolomics, and metaproteomics have generated vast datasets, yet their clinical translation remains hindered by data heterogeneity, analytical complexity, and the absence of standardized workflows. Disjointed findings across studies underscore the urgent need for reproducible pipelines and integrative computational strategies. This review presents a comprehensive framework that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for systematic microbiome investigation in NDDs. We highlight how multi-omics integration with AI improves the resolution of host-microbiome interactions, while standardized preprocessing workflows ensure reproducibility and comparability across datasets. The role of explainable AI is emphasized in enhancing interpretability, improving biomarker discovery, and fostering trust in predictive models. We further examine the emerging field of pharmacomicrobiomics, where ML-driven approaches support the development of precision therapies tailored to microbiome-drug interactions in neurodegeneration. Sophisticated models, including random forests (RF), neural networks, and transfer learning, are critically assessed for predictive diagnostics, therapeutic target identification, and cross-cohort generalizability. Finally, the review proposes a roadmap to address current barriers, particularly challenges of heterogeneity and reproducibility, and advocates for validated pipelines and interdisciplinary collaboration. Collectively, AI-driven multi-omics strategies hold transformative potential for advancing microbiome-based precision medicine in NDDs.
Antimicrobial resistance in major bacterial and fungal pathogens in hospital-acquired infections from a tertiary care hospital in Lodhran, Pakistan.
Nehvi A, Fatima S, Subhani A … +4 more , Iqbal M, Rahimoon AG, Salman M, Mohamed AH
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41129258 · Publisher ↗
The distribution of antimicrobial resistance in major pathogens was analyzed in a tertiary care hospital of Lodhran, Pakistan. Altogether, 1910 patients diagnosed and treated at Shahida Islam Medical Complex Hospital fro...
The distribution of antimicrobial resistance in major pathogens was analyzed in a tertiary care hospital of Lodhran, Pakistan. Altogether, 1910 patients diagnosed and treated at Shahida Islam Medical Complex Hospital from December 2023 to August 2025 were selected. The antimicrobial resistance of major bacterial and fungal pathogens was quantified, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates retained susceptibility to vancomycin (58.3%), while ceftazidime/avibactam showed activity against Escherichia coli (80%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (82%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (78%). Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) demonstrated resistance to nearly all antibiotics. PCR confirmed TEM and SHV in 23/51 (45%) of E. coli isolates, while in K. pneumoniae TEM and SHV were each detected in 20/35 (56%). Among P. aeruginosa isolates, VIM, NDM, and OXA-48 were each present in 14/37 (37%). The mecA was found in 47/49 (95%) of S. aureus isolates (MRSA), vanA in 34/49 (70%) of S. aureus (VRSA), and vanA in 34/43 (80%) of Enterococcus isolates (VRE). MLST analysis of representative multidrug-resistant isolates identified ST131 (1/3, 33%) among E. coli, ST11 (1/3, 33%) and ST258 (1/3, 33%) among K. pneumoniae, ST175 (1/3, 33%) and ST233 (1/3, 33%) among P. aeruginosa, ST5 (1/3, 33%) and ST22 (1/3, 33%) among S. aureus, and ST17 (1/3, 33%) among Enterococcus spp. PCA revealed distinct clustering of species, with Gram-negatives overlapping, Gram-positives forming separate groups, and fungi clustering independently. Logistic regression identified age ≥65, ICU admission, comorbidities, prior antibiotic exposure, invasive procedures, and immunosuppressive therapy as significant AMR risk factors, while infection control and stewardship reduced risk (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates a high burden of antimicrobial resistance, primarily mediated by TEM and SHV β-lactamases in E. coli and K. pneumoniae, and by VIM, NDM, and OXA-48 carbapenemases in P. aeruginosa. Additionally, MRSA, VRSA, and VRE showed multidrug resistance. Effective infection control and antibiotic stewardship remain critical to limit the spread of resistant pathogens and to reduce hospital-acquired AMR risk.
Rebuilding the gut ecosystem: Emerging strategies targeting the microbiota in antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Qi X, Li Y, Zhu Y … +2 more , Shen R, Xie Z
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41118252 · Publisher ↗
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a prevalent iatrogenic complication of antibiotic therapy, primarily triggered by dysbiosis and loss of intestinal homeostasis. The traditional interventions, such as empirical pro...
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a prevalent iatrogenic complication of antibiotic therapy, primarily triggered by dysbiosis and loss of intestinal homeostasis. The traditional interventions, such as empirical probiotic use, have shown a modest and a heterogeneous efficacy. This review integrates the current mechanistic understanding of AAD through the lens of the microbiota-mucosal-immune axis and provides a comprehensive overview of emerging therapeutic strategies. By integrating evidence from metagenomics, metabolomics, and immunology, we highlight next-generation approaches, including rationally engineered probiotics, standardized fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and synthetic-biology-derived interventions. Recent progress in multi-omics technologies and machine learning has enabled patient-stratified modulation of the gut microbiota, moving beyond empirical supplementation toward precision ecological reprogramming. These advanced therapies demonstrate superior outcomes in restoring microbial diversity, strengthening epithelial barrier function, and re-establishing immunological homeostasis. Ultimately, the management of AAD requires a systems-biology strategy that leverages real-time microbiome analytics for targeted, accurate, and sustainable restoration of gut health.
Prevalence of intestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria and related bloodstream infections in patients with hematological malignancies.
Stoeva T, Niyazi D, Stoev L … +1 more , Dokova K
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41100189 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal colonization by major multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and fungi in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) and its relationship with subseque...
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal colonization by major multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and fungi in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) and its relationship with subsequent bloodstream infections (BSIs). The study was performed between December 2023 and June 2024 at the University Hospital "Saint Marina", Varna, Bulgaria. A total of 180 HM patients were screened for intestinal colonization by 3rd generation cephalosporin-resistant (3rdGCephR) and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Candida sp. according to our own protocol. Blood cultures were taken according to clinical indications. Multiplex PCR was used to detect beta-lactamase genes in all invasive Enterobacterales isolates. A total of 100 patients (55.6%) were colonized by one or more of the screened agents. Among these, 88 patients were MDR carriers (48.9%, 88/180) and the highest colonization rates were found for CR Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) (42%), Candida sp. (34%), VRE (25%) and 3rdGCephR Escherichia coli (23%). A total of 29 patients (16.1%; 29/180) developed BSIs, with K. pneumoniae responsible for 44.8%. Of these, 76.9% (10/13) were CR and blaNDM positive isolates. Related BSIs were diagnosed in 57.9% of the MDR carriers with BSIs (11/19). The related BSIs percentage according to the colonizing agent was 21.4% for CRKP (9/42), 7.1% for 3rdGCephR K. pneumoniae (1/14) and 25% for P. aeruginosa (1/4). CRKP colonization was significantly higher among patients with CRKP BSIs than those with non-CRKP BSIs (P < 0.001). The MDR intestinal colonization, specifically by CRKP is an important source for subsequent BSIs in this high-risk patient population.
Large-scale seroepidemiology of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Hungary (2010-2024).
Balázs B, Boros Á, Pankovics P … +1 more , Reuter G
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41086019 · Publisher ↗
Despite the clinical importance of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, there are only a few CMV seroprevalence studies in certain risk groups from Hunga...
Despite the clinical importance of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, there are only a few CMV seroprevalence studies in certain risk groups from Hungary. In this study, the results of CMV-specific IgG antibody tests were analysed by calendar year, gender, and 5-year age groups (from 0 to 97) among the population of South Transdanubia, Hungary from blood samples (N = 13,777), between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2024, covering 15-years.The average CMV-specific IgG seropositivity was 69.2% (9,522/13,761 patients), which increased with age between 31 and 50 years (+∼1%/year). Seroprevalence was lowest (37.8%) in the 1-5 age group, reached 50% in the 21-25 age group, and exceeded 80% in those over 50 years. In certain age groups (16-20, 26-30, 46-50, 51-55, and 66-70 years old), CMV seroprevalence was significantly higher among women. Women of child-bearing age between 16 and 45 years showed 61.2% seroprevalence. Between 2020 and 2023, the yearly CMV seroprevalence decreased (from 70.8 to 64.7%) by ∼6%.This summary of CMV IgG seroprevalence fills gaps in terms of both the number of elements, the size of the studied population, and its age diversity in Hungary. The average CMV seropositivity in South Transdanubia follows the level of socio-economic development of the countries. Basic knowledge of CMV seroepidemiological data helps physicians with CMV risk assessment and find the optimal infection prevention strategies in different age and sex groups.
The role of psychosomatic interventions on the immune system and gut microbiome diversity of pregnant women with gestational hypertension.
Gu W, Wang J, Yuan X
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41082307 · Publisher ↗
This study evaluates the impact of psychosomatic interventions on the immune system and microbiome composition of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension. A case-control study on 200 pregnant women diagnos...
This study evaluates the impact of psychosomatic interventions on the immune system and microbiome composition of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension. A case-control study on 200 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension was conducted between June 2021 and December 2024. The control group (n = 100) included pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension and under only pharmacological treatment with antihypertensive drugs such as labetalol. The case group (n = 100) received standard care for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy like control group, but in addition to it, we incorporated evidence based psychosomatic medicine to this group. Psychosomatic medicine included stress management, relaxation techniques, and counseling for the study group. Primary outcomes included blood pressure levels, psychological state (SAS and SDS scores), mode of delivery, incidence of complications, neonatal outcomes, patient satisfaction, reductions in inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha), and improvements in microbiome diversity. Psychosomatic intervention led to a significant increase in microbiome diversity (Shannon Index, P < 0.05). Beta-diversity analysis revealed a distinct separation in microbial community composition between the study and control groups (P = 0.02). The case group also showed a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 decreased from 40.0 to 28.0 pg mL-1 (P = 0.008) and TNF-alpha from 25.0 to 18.0 pg mL-1 (P = 0.004). The case group demonstrated significant improvements in systolic (P = 0.020) and diastolic (P = 0.003) blood pressures, psychological well-being (SAS, P = 0.006; SDS: P = 0.026), and delivery outcomes (P = 0.032). Complications were significantly lower in the case group (P = 0.013), with better neonatal outcomes, including lower rates of intrauterine distress (P = 0.011), premature birth (P = 0.003), and asphyxia (P = 0.013). Emotional resilience, coping confidence, and patient satisfaction were significantly higher in the case group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that psychosomatic medicine may offer a novel approach for managing gestational hypertension through microbiome modulation.
2bRAD-M sequencing reveals differences in serum, tumor and paraneoplastic tissue microbiota in colorectal cancer patients.
Wenchang S, Shushan Y, Lu Z … +6 more , Qianwen L, Chunbo Z, Wenqing D, Yan Z, Wanxiang L, Honggang W
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 41042610 · Publisher ↗
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates, and the implementation of early screening has been shown to greatly enhance survival outcomes. Currently, early sc...
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates, and the implementation of early screening has been shown to greatly enhance survival outcomes. Currently, early screening methods for CRC rely on stool-based tests and colonoscopy; however, the limited adherence of patients to these screening protocols hinders their widespread adoption. The utilization of innovative microbiological sequencing technique known as 2bRAD-M holds promise for the detection of low biomass samples. In this study, the 2bRAD-M technique was employed to ascertain a diverse microbiota consisting of different microorganisms in the serum of patients diagnosed with CRC, as well as in the serum of healthy control individuals. This study included 3 patients with non-metastatic CRC and 3 healthy individuals. Additionally, the microbiota present in CRC tumor tissues and paraneoplastic tissues were also examined. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways of these microorganisms were predicted. The findings indicated that the microbiota community structures in serum and tissues were distinct, while the microbiota composition in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues was largely similar. Microbiota in serum such as Enterobacteriaceae and tissue-associated RC9、Ralstonia may serve as novel biomarkers for CRC screening. Our results suggest that both serum microbiota and cancer tissue microbiota can serve as a valuable basis for conducting early in vitro screening for CRC.
Investigations of Escherichia coli ST131 and H30Rx subclone from clinical samples.
Aydin E, Celebi S, Celebi O … +2 more , Celebi D, Taghizadehghalehjoughi A
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 41026537 · Publisher ↗
Escherichia coli is a highly adaptable Gram-negative bacterium, commonly part of the gut microbiota in humans and animals, yet capable of causing severe extraintestinal infections. Among its lineages, Sequence Type 131 (...
Escherichia coli is a highly adaptable Gram-negative bacterium, commonly part of the gut microbiota in humans and animals, yet capable of causing severe extraintestinal infections. Among its lineages, Sequence Type 131 (ST131) has emerged as a globally disseminated, multidrug-resistant, high-risk clone with remarkable capacity for systemic infections. This study provides a comprehensive molecular epidemiological characterization of 160 clinical E. coli isolates, collected between 15.09.2021 and 28.02.2022, assessing antimicrobial resistance profiles, virulence gene carriage, phylogenetic group distribution, prevalence of ST131 and H30Rx subclone, and biofilm-forming capacity. Isolates were identified by conventional and automated methods, with molecular analyses performed via in-house PCR assays. Our results reveal a striking 69.38% prevalence of ST131, with 95.5% harboring virulence genes and 81.99% exhibiting biofilm formation. Notably, ST131-positive isolates demonstrated extensive resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, including ESBL production, and were dominated by the H30Rx subclone. Specifically, 73.87% of ST131 isolates were ESBL-positive, fluoroquinolone resistance was observed in 81.37%, while aminoglycoside resistance rate remained very low. The H30Rx subclone was strongly associated with ESBL positivity and multidrug resistance. Moreover, integron carriage diversity and strong association with fimA virulence gene further highlight the adaptive versatility of this clone. Given that ST131 and its H30Rx subclone are recognized as global pandemic lineages associated with multidrug resistance and severe infections, their detection in our cohort emphasizes both the clinical relevance and the public health risk posed by these clones. Our findings underscore the urgent need for targeted surveillance and control strategies, offering novel epidemiological insights into the molecular diversity and clinical threat posed by E. coli ST131 in Turkey.
Characteristics of pertussis in children: A retrospective study of 306 cases in Wuxue, China.
Chen J, Zhang M, Wu Y … +1 more , Zhang Q
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Nov · PMID 41026535 · Publisher ↗
We investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pertussis in children from Wuxue, China, focusing on age-specific patterns in clinical presentation, laboratory findings and outcomes. A retrospective c...
We investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pertussis in children from Wuxue, China, focusing on age-specific patterns in clinical presentation, laboratory findings and outcomes. A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 306 pediatric patients hospitalized with pertussis at Wuxue First People's Hospital between May 2023 and June 2024. Patients were stratified into three age groups: infants (2-12 months, n = 82), preschool children (1-6 years, n = 127), and school-aged children (7-13 years, n = 97). Age-matched healthy controls (n = 306) were included for hematological comparisons. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and GraphPad Prism 9.5.0. Infants exhibited the most severe clinical profiles, with significantly elevated leukocyte and lymphocyte parameters compared to older groups (P < 0.001). The incidence of pneumonia was the highest in infants (82.93% vs. 33.07% in preschool and 22.68% in school-aged children, P < 0.001). ROC analysis highlighted lymphocyte percentage as a reliable diagnostic marker in infants (AUC = 0.7620). Seasonal peaks occurred in spring (61.44%) and winter (20.91%). Notably, 84.32% of infected children were fully vaccinated, indicating waning immunity. Macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis strains were identified in 7.19% of cases however, co-trimoxazole was effective against these resistant strains. Severe pertussis occurred in 14.05% of cases, predominantly in infants (81.40%, P < 0.001). Age is a critical factor in pertussis presentation. The high vaccination rate among cases underscores issues of waning immunity, necessitating updated immunization strategies. Emerging macrolide resistance warrants vigilance, with co-trimoxazole serving as an effective alternative for therapy. Infants require prioritized surveillance and prompt management.
Antimicrobial resistance rates of Campylobacter species isolated from clinical samples during 2010-2011 and 2023-2024 in Serbia.
Tambur Z, Miljković-Selimović B, Biočanin V … +4 more , Stanojević I, Kljajić D, Rakonjac B, Bulajić N
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40996818 · Publisher ↗
Campylobacteriosis is the most frequent zoonosis in Europe and its most important human pathogens are Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Resistance of Campylobacter to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, previo...
Campylobacteriosis is the most frequent zoonosis in Europe and its most important human pathogens are Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Resistance of Campylobacter to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, previously recommended for treatment of prolonged or complicated disease, has been emerging. We examined phenotypic resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and imipenem in 150 Campylobacter isolates from human stool during 2010-2011 and the same number of strains during 2023-2024, using the antimicrobial gradient method in both periods, to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Comparing the two periods, resistance rate of C. jejuni increased by 35% and 38.43% to tetracyclin and ciprofloxacin, respectively and decreased by 0.83% to erythromycin. Prevalence of resistance in C. coli increased by 42.59% and 42.01% against tetracyclin and ciprofloxacin, respectively and all isolates were sensitive to erythromycin. Resistance of C. jejuni to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid decreased by 0.96% and increased by 3.70% in C. coli. All isolates showed sensitivity for imipenem in both periods, while only 2% of C. jejuni strains were resistant to gentamicin in 2023-2024. The difference of mean MICs for all antibiotics was statistically significant in two examined periods, with exception of those for erythromycin both in C. jejuni and C. coli. In 2023-2024, 79 isolates of C. jejuni and 22 isolates of C. coli were resistant against two and more antibiotics, most frequently tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. The present study provides evidence that in Campylobacter spp. the antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline is on rise in Serbia. Our findings are in accordance with recent reports from countries geographically close to Serbia.
Cefiderocol as an alternative antibiotic therapy for treating severe Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections.
Vattanaviboon P, Mongkolsuk S, Charoenlap N
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40956634 · Publisher ↗
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening hospital-acquired infections. This microorganism possesses a diverse array of chromosome-encoded antimicrobial resistance...
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening hospital-acquired infections. This microorganism possesses a diverse array of chromosome-encoded antimicrobial resistance genes, which render it inherently multidrug-resistant (MDR). Its ability to acquire additional antimicrobial resistance via mutations and the horizontal transfer of resistome elements from neighboring microbial communities has further contributed to the development of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and even pandrug-resistant (PDR) strains. These strains are resistant to routinely used antibiotics, including the first-line drug trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole as well as levofloxacin and minocycline. Recently, cefiderocol - a siderophore-conjugated cephalosporin - was developed for clinical use. This antibiotic has shown high in vitro efficacy against clinically relevant MDR gram-negative pathogens. Cefiderocol efficiently transverses the outer membrane of bacteria via iron transport systems and exhibits high stability against β-lactamases. An injectable form of cefiderocol has received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia, and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia caused by drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Clinical data on the use of cefiderocol for S. maltophilia infections remain limited, however, some in vitro, in vivo, and case studies have demonstrated its efficacy and successful treatment of MDR S. maltophilia infections. Given the narrow range of therapeutic options currently available, cefiderocol presents a promising alternative for the effective management of severe S. maltophilia infections. Nevertheless, the potential for the emergence of resistance remains a significant concern, as emerging evidence suggests that S. maltophilia may acquire resistance following exposure to this antibiotic.
Activity of ceftazidime-avibactam combinations against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae assessed by checkerboard method.
Genç S, Uzun AN, Tanriverdi H
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40956629 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study is to detect the carbapenemase type and to determine the in vitro effects of ceftazidime/avibactam-colistin, ceftazidime/avibactam-meropenem and ceftazidime/avibactam-tigecycline combinations agains...
The aim of this study is to detect the carbapenemase type and to determine the in vitro effects of ceftazidime/avibactam-colistin, ceftazidime/avibactam-meropenem and ceftazidime/avibactam-tigecycline combinations against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates. A total of 35 CRKP isolates were included to the study. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem, colistin and tigecycline were determined by broth dilution method. Synergistic effects of ceftazidime/avibactam-colistin, ceftazidime/avibactam-meropenem and ceftazidime/avibactam-tigecycline were investigated by microdilution checkerboard method. Carbapenemase genes (blaOXA-48, blaNDM, blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM) were detected by multiplex PCR. All of the isolates were resistant to meropenem, whereas 77.1% of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam and 14.3% of the isolates were resistant to colistin.The carbapenemase genes of the CRKP isolates were determined as 17 OXA-48+NDM, 9 KPC, 6 OXA-48, 1 NDM, 1 KPC+NDM and 1 KPC+OXA-48. Ceftazidime/avibactam-colistin, ceftazidime/avibactam-meropenem and ceftazidime/avibactam-tigecycline combinations were synergistic against 5.7% (2/35), 17.1% (6/35), and 5.7% (2/35) of the isolates, respectively. Ceftazidime/avibactam-meropenem was the most effective synergistic combination in our study, showing synergism in 17.1% of isolates, however, the synergistic effect varied depending on the CRKP isolate tested.
Genetic characteristics of vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients in Tehran, Iran: CC/ST8 is a serious threat.
Goudarzi M, Raigani M, Salehi Z … +3 more , Navidinia M, Nasiri MJ, Goudarzi H
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40932792 · Publisher ↗
Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) strains represent a serious public health concern. It is crucial to investigate the genetic diversity, biofilm formation, and virulence analysis of VISA isolated from...
Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) strains represent a serious public health concern. It is crucial to investigate the genetic diversity, biofilm formation, and virulence analysis of VISA isolated from hospitalized patients. During the two-year study period, 42 VISA were obtained from 520 S. aureus isolates collected from various clinical samples, corresponding to a prevalence of 8.1%, as determined by the broth microdilution method. These VISA isolates were further characterized using biofilm formation, antimicrobial susceptibility tests, SCCmec typing, spa typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and PCR analysis for detecting resistance (erm(B), tet(M), mecC, msr(B), mecA, mupA, vanA, aac(6')-Ie/aph(2˝), mupB, msr(A), erm(C), erm(A), vanB, ant(4')-Ia, and aph(3')-IIIa), biofilm (clfA, clfB, fnbA, fnbB, ebp, cna and bap) and virulence (eta, etb, pvl, and tst) genes. Our results indicated that the 42 VISA isolates belonged to three clonal complexes, including CC8 (78.6%), CC22 (11.9%), and CC5 (9.5%). The vast majority of S. aureus isolates belonged to CC8/ST239-SCCmec III/t037 (42.9%). Our result revealed that PVL-positive strains belonged to CC/ST5-SCCmec IV/t002 (9.5%), CC/ST8-SCCmec IV/t008 (19%), and CC/ST22-SCCmec IV/t790 (7.1%) while TST-positive isolates belonged to CC8/ST239-SCCmec III/t030 (9.5%) and CC8/ST239-SCCmec III/t037 (35.7%). The majority of HLMUPR isolates belonged to CC8/ST239-SCCmec III/t037 (14.3%), followed by CC/ST8-SCCmec IV/t008 (7.1%), CC8/ST239-SCCmec III/t030 (4.8%), and CC/ST5-SCCmec IV/t002 (2.4%) lineages carrying mupA. The highest frequency of VISA strain with iMLSB phenotype belonged to the CC8/ST239-SCCmec III/t037 (11.9%) clonal lineage. The study highlights that genetic diversity and characteristics of the VISA strains should be closely and continuously monitored. Besides that, importance of measures to prevent the transmission of VISA to treat such infection were urgently needed.
Detection of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in poultry from Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Rodriguez Chavez KA, Mandujano A, Villanueva JV … +3 more , Rivera G, García VB, Martínez-Vázquez AV
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40844840 · Publisher ↗
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased, making it difficult to treat infections that are associated with increasing morbidity and mortality. The presence of strains resistant to several antibiotics,...
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased, making it difficult to treat infections that are associated with increasing morbidity and mortality. The presence of strains resistant to several antibiotics, such as ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC), in livestock has been reported in several countries, posing a potential risk to consumer health. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of ESBL-producing E. coli in poultry in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Poultry cloacal samples were taken for the identification of ESBL-EC, antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined, the virulence genes (stx1, stx2 and hlyA) and classification of phylogroups were detected by PCR. The results showed an average prevalence of 17.5% (28/160) ESBL-EC strains in poultry. All strains (28/28) were resistant to ampicillin and ceftriaxone. On the contrary, all strains were sensitive to amikacin, netilmicin, and nitrofurantoin. A total of 64.2% (18/28) of strains were MDR. The 32.1% (9/28) of the strains belonged to the B2 and D phylogroups, which are considered pathogenic groups, with 33.3% (3/9) MDR. This indicates that poultry in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, is a reservoir of pathogenic strains with antibiotic resistance and MDR, which may pose a risk to public health.
Elucidating the interplay between gut microbiota and autism spectrum disorder. New insights and therapeutic perspectives.
Mavridou M, Kyriazidi MA, Varlamis S … +4 more , Skepastianos P, Mitka S, Papaliagkas V, Chatzidimitriou M
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40828591 · Publisher ↗
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a wide range of cognitive, behavioural and communication impairments. Children with autism have a distinctive and underdeveloped range and volume of gut ba...
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a wide range of cognitive, behavioural and communication impairments. Children with autism have a distinctive and underdeveloped range and volume of gut bacteria (microbiome) which is often not related to their diet. Evidence gathered throughout years of research suggests that the pathway between gut bacteria and the central nervous system, referred to as the gut-brain axis (GBA), has a profound effect on the social behaviours of autistic children. The gut microbiome has been shown to play a vital role in the manifestation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms as gut dysbiosis - an imbalance in the gut microbiome - affects brain development through processes regulated by the neuroendocrine, neuroimmune and autonomic nervous systems. Although dysregulation of the gut microbiome and subsequent disruption of GBA are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of autism, the underlying mechanisms and the extent to which the microbiome contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders remain unclear. In this review, we focus on understanding the complex and multidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and ASD based on evidence mounted over the years. Furthermore, we examine how genomics, metabolomics and microbiome components can be integrated to unravel this multifactorial disorder. The ability to understand the underlying mechanisms involved in ASD will pave the way for future advancements in therapy and treatment.
Gut microbiome composition and its impact on response to allergen immunotherapy in adult patients with allergic rhinitis.
Huo Z, Gu J, Wu J … +1 more , Wang C
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40720195 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to examine the relationship between gut microbiome diversity, immune modulation, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) effectiveness in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). A prospective cohort study was con...
This study aimed to examine the relationship between gut microbiome diversity, immune modulation, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) effectiveness in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). A prospective cohort study was conducted on 450 participants: 300 adult patients with allergic rhinitis, who were eligible for AIT, and 150 healthy controls. The Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) were used to assess symptom severity and the impact of AR on daily life. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after six months of AIT for microbiome analysis. The stool samples were analyzed with the 16S rRNA gene V4 region, followed by sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The microbial composition and diversity were assessed using the QIIME2 pipeline, and taxonomic assignments were made using the SILVA reference database. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Flow cytometry was used to quantify T-regulatory cells (Tregs). Cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Allergic rhinitis patients and healthy controls were matched for age and weight; however, AR patients had a significantly higher BMI (P = 0.0006). Baseline TNSS and RQLQ scores were significantly worse in AR patients compared to controls (P < 0.001), but both improved significantly after six months of AIT (P < 0.001). AR patients demonstrated reduced gut microbial diversity (P = 0.028), distinct microbial profiles, and lower levels of SCFAs, indicative of dysbiosis. Immune markers in AR patients revealed lower levels of IL-10 and T-regulatory cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) and higher levels of IL-4 and Th2 cells (P < 0.001). Proteobacteria were associated with a decrease in TNSS and an improvement in RQLQ scores (P < 0.05). Allergen immunotherapy improves symptoms and quality of life in AR patients. This may potentially influence immune and microbial imbalances. Proteobacteria may have a protective role in allergic rhinitis, suggesting their potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in the management of AR.
Resurgence of pertussis in Slovak Republic and surrounding Central European countries.
Neuschlova M, Kunc P, Pecova R
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40694423 · Publisher ↗
Bordetella pertussis, the pathogen responsible for a highly contagious respiratory disease, utilizes a broad spectrum of virulence factors that results in subacute or chronic cough.We conducted an analysis of pertussis i...
Bordetella pertussis, the pathogen responsible for a highly contagious respiratory disease, utilizes a broad spectrum of virulence factors that results in subacute or chronic cough.We conducted an analysis of pertussis incidence and reported cases in the European region from 2000 to 2024. We analyzed the potential factors contributing to the rise in pertussis incidence despite high vaccination rates.In 2024, the Slovak Republic and surrounding Central European countries (the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine) have seen a significant increase in pertussis incidence. The results of this study suggest that the resurgence of pertussis was likely due to multiple interacting factors including waning immunity in adults, the genomic changes of B. pertussis, the "immune debt" phenomenon following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the lower vaccination rate against pertussis due to refusal to be vaccinated, a shorter duration of protection offered by acellular vaccines, the transmission of B. pertussis from asymptomatic individuals or patients with mild infection to pertussis-susceptible individuals, as well as improved diagnostics and surveillance.Unimmunised or partially immunised infants are at the highest risk of severe pertussis. The most common sources of infection are family members with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic disease. All patients with chronic cough should be tested for B. pertussis as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. To protect newborns, booster vaccination of parents, close family contacts and certain healthcare professionals carrying for the youngest children is recommended. This strategy helps to create a protective environment around infants in the period of pertussis resurgence.
Acute peritoneal propagation of alveolar echinococcosis in a 12-year-old child.
Kardics KK, Kalocsai K, Kálmán A … +8 more , Benkő T, Seszták T, Szabó AJ, Halász J, Orosz E, Danka J, Sréter T, Dezsényi B
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40679864 · Publisher ↗
Herein we present a case of a 12-year-old child with acute symptoms (abdominal pain, fever). Preliminary imaging suggested pyogenic liver abscess. Despite the broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, which was started after ho...
Herein we present a case of a 12-year-old child with acute symptoms (abdominal pain, fever). Preliminary imaging suggested pyogenic liver abscess. Despite the broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, which was started after hospital admission, no improvement was perceived. Rising eosinophilia and multiplex focal lesions detected by ultrasound and MRI forced serological investigation by which Echinococcus granulosus s.l. seropositivity was detected. Antihelminthic therapy was initiated and upon multidisciplinary consultation surgical intervention was performed with the removal of a cystic lesion which ruptured to the peritoneal cavity. Histopathological and parasitological analysis finally verified alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. As the evacuation of one lesion cannot be regarded as curative intervention in this form of echinococcosis, albendazole was administered continuously until patient's medical condition improved and no progression was detected during imaging follow-up. In Hungary both cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are present therefore differential diagnosis of these two forms can be a clinical challenge. Slow rate of progression, long lasting asymptomatic period and relatively low incidence of AE disease can explain that cases during childhood are rarely identified. After reviewing all relevant literature in this topic, we present here the first pediatric AE case in Hungary.
Shifting molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a regional Greek hospital: Department-specific trends and national context (2022-2024).
Tsolakidou P, Tsikrikonis G, Tsaprouni K … +2 more , Souplioti M, Sxoina E
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung · 2025 Oct · PMID 40674146 · Publisher ↗
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a growing threat in Greek hospitals, with increasing reports of multidrug- and pandrug-resistant strains; however, molecular data from regional centers remain limit...
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a growing threat in Greek hospitals, with increasing reports of multidrug- and pandrug-resistant strains; however, molecular data from regional centers remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology, resistance mechanisms, and transmission dynamics of CRKP isolates collected at the General Hospital of Volos, Central Greece, between 2022 and 2024. Thirty-seven non-duplicate CRKP isolates were analyzed. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using VITEK® 2, disk diffusion, Etest®, and broth microdilution. Carbapenemase production was assessed using the NG-Test® Carba-5. Eight isolates underwent multilocus sequence typing (MLST). All isolates were resistant to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones; furthermore, 40% were colistin-resistant. The dominant carbapenemase genes were blaNDM-1 (45.9%), blaKPC-2 (18.9%), and blaVIM-1 (27.0%), with co-expression of multiple carbapenemases in 30% of the isolates. MLST revealed the high-risk clones ST11, ST15, and ST323, and three intra-intensive care unit (ICU) transmission clusters. The emergence of dual-carbapenemase and colistin-resistant clones underscores the need for local genomic surveillance, improved infection control, and access to newer antimicrobials in non-tertiary settings.
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