MicrobiologyOpen[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
The Landscape of Salmonella enterica Serovar Gallinarum-Pullorum Antimicrobial Resistance in Bangladesh's Poultry Industry: A Combined Phenotypic and Molecular Study.
Kingshuk MMR, Alam SB, Rahman MS … +1 more , Islam MN
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42271175 · Full text
Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum-Pullorum is a prevalent poultry-borne pathogen that could facilitate the zoonotic transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains to humans, significantly contributing to the glob...
Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum-Pullorum is a prevalent poultry-borne pathogen that could facilitate the zoonotic transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains to humans, significantly contributing to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A total of 200 samples were collected from chickens of various flocks suspected of salmonellosis based on clinical diagnosis and isolation via standard bacteriological protocols, of which 138 tested positive for serovar Gallinarum-Pullorum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Each PCR-positive sample's isolates were sent for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and each PCR-positive sample's DNA samples were sent for PCR-based resistance gene detection to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobials, MDR, and AMR status. Isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and cephalexin at rates of 84.78%, 83.33%, and 81.78%, respectively. Conversely, amoxicillin (71.01% resistant) and tetracycline (73.91% resistant) showed the highest rates of resistance. The MDR group accounted for 123 isolates, translating to a commanding combined prevalence of 89.13%, and resistance peaked at four resistant agents, with an incidence of 31.16% (43). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) Index levels varied from 0.1 to 0.7. AML-SXT-TE-NOR and AML-SXT-TE-NOR-ENR were the most commonly seen patterns, each occurring in five isolates (3.62%). The tetA (74.64%) and the sul1 (73.19%) were the most prevalent resistance genes, with the presence of blaCMY (71.01%), blaTEM (9.42%), blaCTX (7.97%), sul2 (55.80%), dfrA1 (37.68%), aph(3')-IIa (42.03%), aac(3)-VIa (5.80%), aadB (3.62%), floR (35.51%), gyrA (60.87%), and parC (47.83%) genes. This study reveals that S. enterica exhibits high levels of AMR, manifesting in MDR phenotypes supported by a robust presence of resistance-conferring genes.
Functional Metagenomics Insights Into the Allium ampeloprasum Rhizosphere Microbiome Under Different Fertilization Regimes.
Shittu OE, Enagbonma BJ, Babalola OO
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42267859 · Full text
Fertilization practices shape the taxonomy, functional composition, and metabolic functions of the microbiome within the rhizosphere. Nonetheless, the impacts of various fertilization approaches on the functional composi...
Fertilization practices shape the taxonomy, functional composition, and metabolic functions of the microbiome within the rhizosphere. Nonetheless, the impacts of various fertilization approaches on the functional composition of Allium ampeloprasum rhizosphere microbiomes remain underexplored. This study investigated how biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers impact the microbial functional categories of the A. ampeloprasum rhizosphere, hypothesizing that fertilization systems influence the metabolic profile. The genomic DNA was successfully extracted from the collected soil samples and processed via shotgun metagenomics sequencing. The application of biofertilizers enhanced the rhizosphere microbiome, revealing similar microbial orders across all plots, although plot G2 was uniquely enriched with those belonging to phyla Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, actinobacteria, Myxococcota, and Verrucomicrobiota. Biofertilizers promoted a broader range of microbial functions, primarily at EggNOG level 1. Notably, the α diversity significantly differed (p < 0.05) among the soil samples. The functional diversity was linked to the soil physicochemical attributes, particularly the carbon and moisture contents, as illustrated by the RDA. Biofertilizer increases microbial diversity, underscoring the need to understand the rhizosphere microbiome to advance sustainable agricultural methods.
Nanoparticle-Based Strategies to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Perspectives.
Zubair A, Batool SZ, Helal MH … +1 more , Afghan N
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42231038 · Full text
The infectious diseases remain a primary cause of morbidity and mortality on a global level, a crisis exacerbated by the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The ineffectiveness of the old antibiotics and t...
The infectious diseases remain a primary cause of morbidity and mortality on a global level, a crisis exacerbated by the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The ineffectiveness of the old antibiotics and the stagnation of the development of new medications have triggered an emergency in the search for new methods of treatment. This review examines the opportunity of nanotechnology, which is the so-called nanobiotics, as a game-changing technology in combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria by searching various databases. Nanoparticles (NPs) are unique physicochemicals, i.e., high surface-to-volume ratio and multi-valent properties that enable them to overcome traditional resistance, e.g., efflux pumps, target modifications. The paper discusses the important antibacterial processes, which can involve the induction of oxidative stress by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the physical destabilization of the bacterial cell envelope, or the targeting of intracellular macromolecules, such as DNA and proteins. Moreover, it emphasizes the synergistic nature of the interactions of NPs with traditional antibiotics to improve drug delivery and efficacy and decrease host toxicity. Although a wide range of nanomaterials, such as silver, gold, metal oxides, and carbon-based structures, promise a lot, a lot of questions have been raised on their compatibility in the long term, their impact on the environment, and their legality. Nanotechnology, coupled with precision medicine and CRISPR-based systems, is a promising future in dealing with infectious diseases. Finally, nanomedicine is a complex solution to address the shortcomings of existing treatments and achieve a future of world health.
Wastewater-Based Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance and Bacterial Communities in Urban and Rural Areas in the Province of Trento (Italy).
Petricciuolo M, Carnevali A, Torboli A … +5 more , Postinghel M, Guasticchi A, Foladori P, Cadonna M, Federici E
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42223254 · Full text
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can supplement clinical surveillance for assessing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the population. We have analyzed sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment p...
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can supplement clinical surveillance for assessing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the population. We have analyzed sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment plants in the Province of Trento (Italy) using both culture-based and metagenomic DNA methods to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and resistance genes in urban and rural areas. ESBL-Escherichia coli prevalence was higher in urban areas than in rural ones. As determined by qPCR and dPCR, intI1 and genes associated with widespread resistances, namely, to tetracyclines (tetA), sulfonamides (sul1), and fluoroquinolones (qnrS), were abundant regardless of the area of origin. Among the genes coding for clinically relevant resistances, only that related to macrolides resistance (ermB) was abundant, while the others, namely, those to third-generation cephalosporins (bla), carbapenems (bla), vancomycin (vanA), and methicillin (mecA), were detected at much lower concentrations. Further, the abundances of ermB, bla, and vanA were significantly higher in urban areas. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed the occurrence of complex bacterial communities and the abundance of Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus, genera that may include ARBs reported in the WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogens List, with the latter showing higher prevalence in urban areas. Taken together, our data highlights the importance of implementing WBE studies across geographical areas with different characteristics in terms of vocation, number of municipalities, and population size, such as urban and rural ones. By providing a comprehensive understanding of AMR at the population level, this approach can inform and support more effective public health interventions.
Pyoverdine Plays Only a Minor, Strain-Specific Role in the Inhibition of Phytophthora infestans by Pseudomonas Strains.
Jerjen L, L'Haridon F, Weisskopf L
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42210498 · Full text
The oomycete Phytophthora infestans is a detrimental pathogen currently controlled by massive applications of synthetic pesticides. In view of the pesticides' toxicity, biological control represents an attractive alterna...
The oomycete Phytophthora infestans is a detrimental pathogen currently controlled by massive applications of synthetic pesticides. In view of the pesticides' toxicity, biological control represents an attractive alternative to fight this pathogen. Pseudomonas strains are known to produce diverse specialized metabolites conferring protection against several crop diseases. Next to molecules causing direct pathogen inhibition, such as antibiotics and toxins, siderophores are considered important mediators of competitive inhibition of pathogens by Pseudomonas. However, whether siderophore production plays any role in the biocontrol of P. infestans has not yet been investigated. In this study, we focused on two Pseudomonas strains, Pseudomonas donghuensis R32 and Pseudomonas chlororaphis R47, both producing the siderophore pyoverdine, and previously characterized as inhibitors of P. infestans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of pyoverdine in the inhibition of P. infestans by both strains. For this purpose, we created pyoverdine-deficient mutants by knocking-out pvdE, the periplasmic ferribactin exporter, in both wild-types and HCN-deletion mutants. These mutants were then tested for activity against P. infestans in different in vitro assays as well as in leaf discs. Our results indicate that pyoverdine plays no role in the inhibition of P. infestans by P. donghuensis R32 and only a minor role in P. chlororaphis R47, which was observed solely in leaf disc assays. Nevertheless, our findings demonstrate that iron competition plays an important role in the antagonistic effect of P. donghuensis R32 on P. infestans and suggest the involvement of another siderophore in the competition for iron.
Fungal-Bacterial Interactions in Polymicrobial Infections: Hidden Threats.
Gourabi MJR, Kargar M, Kamali A … +1 more , Sharahi JY
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42210496 · Full text
Polymicrobial infections involving fungi and bacteria represent a major and increasingly recognized clinical challenge, in which interkingdom interactions significantly amplify disease severity, antimicrobial resistance,...
Polymicrobial infections involving fungi and bacteria represent a major and increasingly recognized clinical challenge, in which interkingdom interactions significantly amplify disease severity, antimicrobial resistance, and treatment failure. Rather than passive co-existence, fungal-bacterial communities form highly coordinated systems driven by physical adhesion, quorum sensing, metabolic interdependence, and biofilm-mediated structural reinforcement. These cooperative interactions, exemplified by pairs such as Candida albicans-Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Aspergillus fumigatus, promote the development of treatment-recalcitrant biofilms with enhanced immune evasion and multidrug tolerance. The global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens has further intensified this burden, with polymicrobial biofilms now representing a post-antibiotic clinical scenario in which therapeutic failure is driven not by individual resistant organisms but by emergent, cooperative resistance architectures. Conventional diagnostic approaches remain insufficient, as culture-based methods frequently fail to capture the complexity of mixed microbial communities. Emerging technologies such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, metagenomic sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization offer improved resolution but are not yet fully integrated into routine clinical practice. Therapeutically, increasing evidence indicates that monotherapy is inherently inadequate in polymicrobial infections due to the emergent nature of microbial cooperation. Effective management therefore requires combination strategies that simultaneously target multiple pathogens and their shared biofilm infrastructure. These include antibiotic-antifungal combinations, phage therapy, enzymatic and nanoparticle-mediated biofilm disruption, metabolic interference, and host-directed immunomodulation. Importantly, recent advances also highlight the role of biophysical properties such as biofilm viscoelasticity and matrix stiffness as critical and previously underappreciated therapeutic targets. This review uniquely integrates biochemical, biophysical, and therapeutic dimensions of polymicrobial infections into a unified systems-level framework in which microbial cooperation is the central driver of pathogenesis, resistance, and treatment failure. Fungal-bacterial interactions are thereby positioned along a dynamic continuum from commensalism to pathogenesis, shaped by host susceptibility and environmental perturbations. Future progress will depend on interdisciplinary strategies combining multi-omics technologies, precision diagnostics, and microbiome-informed therapeutic design to effectively disrupt these complex microbial networks.
Host-Pathogen Dual Targeting With Repurposed Drugs Identifies a Synergistic Therapy for Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus.
Lorente-Torres B, Ferrero HÁ, Castañera P … +11 more , Llano-Verdeja J, Fernández-Martínez S, Herrero-González A, Javadimarand F, López R, Aparicio JF, Edwards AM, Behrends V, Mateos LM, Mourenza Á, Letek M
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42206681 · Full text
Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of severe infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, partly due to its ability to survive within host cells where many antibiotics are ineffective. Drug repurposing offers a rapid...
Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of severe infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, partly due to its ability to survive within host cells where many antibiotics are ineffective. Drug repurposing offers a rapid strategy to identify compounds that enhance intracellular antibacterial activity by modulating host pathways. Here, a high-throughput screen of 6297 clinically approved compounds in S. aureus-infected A549 cells identified 5-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine (5-FdC) as an effective intracellular inhibitor. When combined with rifapentine (5FR), 5-FdC displayed synergistic activity across community- and hospital-acquired MRSA and MSSA strains, as well as in different host cell types, including non-tumorigenic bronchial cells. Metabolomic and host RNA-sequencing analyses showed that 5-FdC treatment activated host stress-response and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways while restoring infection-induced metabolic imbalances, particularly in amino acid and central carbon metabolism. These transcriptional and metabolic changes correlated with reduced intracellular bacterial markers. In vivo, the 5FR combination significantly decreased bacterial loads in Galleria mellonella and murine pneumonia models without detectable toxicity. This study presents the largest repurposing screen performed against intracellular S. aureus and identifies a synergistic host- and pathogen-targeted combination that enhances bacterial clearance through coordinated modulation of host DDR, stress, and metabolic responses.
Production of Multiple Variants of the Antimicrobial Sactipeptide Gnavucin D by the Human Gut Isolate Mediterraneibacter gnavus HB038.
Ding M, de Farias FM, O'Connor PM … +7 more , Huang X, Ross FC, Kennedy EC, Hawkes CP, Hill C, Stanton C, Ross RP
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42178752 · Full text
While several bacteriocins have been identified from gut-isolated cultures, there remains a need for the discovery of bacteriocins with varying inhibition spectra for strain applications such as microbiome editing, patho...
While several bacteriocins have been identified from gut-isolated cultures, there remains a need for the discovery of bacteriocins with varying inhibition spectra for strain applications such as microbiome editing, pathogen elimination and colonization resistance. With this in mind, here we describe a new antibacterial sactipeptide gnavucin D, produced by Mediterraneibacter gnavus HB038 isolated from a healthy 2-year-old child. Gnavucin D has activity against the pathogens Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus agalactiae, Bacillus cereus, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. The gene cluster includes five structural genes in tandem that encode for three different core peptides (29 amino acids each) with molecular masses of 2704.21 (D1), 2734.23 (D2/D3), and 2732.21 (D4/D5) Da. The nearest relative to these bacteriocins was found to be another sactipeptide thurincin H produced by Bacillus thuringiensis with which it shares 30% identity. Although the amino acids encoding the gnavucin and thurincin are similar with regard to putative functions, their homology to each other is low, varying from 30% to 55%. Interestingly, all these bacteriocins had short leader peptides of only 9 amino acids. Gnavucin D was found to be extremely stable to temperature, pH and proteolysis which is possibly a reflection of the sulfur to carbon post-translational modifications. The observed molecular masses of the 3 different peptides correspond to four modifications, yielding a structurally restricted, most likely double-hairpin conformation which is characteristic of such sactipeptides. Consequently, gnavucin D can be a promising candidate for selective antibacterial activity against human pathogens.
Unraveling Oral Dysbiosis: Microbial Complexity in Common Oral Diseases.
Kang Z, Huang H, Lin J … +6 more , Niu Y, Chen J, Tang J, Hu Z, Liu P, Qu J
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42178691 · Full text
The oral microbiome is highly intricate, hosting billions of bacteria and other microorganisms that form biofilms on various oral surfaces. An imbalanced ecological relationship between the microbial community and the ho...
The oral microbiome is highly intricate, hosting billions of bacteria and other microorganisms that form biofilms on various oral surfaces. An imbalanced ecological relationship between the microbial community and the host can lead to various oral diseases. This narrative review explores the current understanding of the correlation between the microbiome and oral diseases. The main body of this manuscript is divided into seven parts, including a review of current research on oral microbial colonization and early life development, an introduction to five common oral diseases related to microorganisms, and a discussion on the relationship between dental caries and periodontal disease at the microbial level. Our aim in presenting this review is to offer a valuable resource for further research on the role of oral microorganisms in diagnosing and treating oral diseases. The oral microbiome's significant impact and diversity characteristics on health and disease have been recognized; however, there remains a severe lack of systematic understanding of its functions, host interactions, and environmental factors. Comprehensive research is urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms that maintain its ecological balance, providing a scientific foundation for the precise prevention and control of oral diseases. This review comprehensively synthesizes current knowledge regarding oral microbial dysbiosis in the context of the major oral diseases mentioned and proposes a conceptual framework grounded in microbial ecology to elucidate disease progression and guide therapeutic strategies.
Emerging Dissemination of bla in Bovine E. coli in Spain Associated With IncHI2 Plasmids.
Ocejo M, Oporto B, Hurtado A
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42163526 · Full text
Food-producing animals act as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which may serve as sources of infection in humans. A selection of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli isolates recovered from healthy (n = 37) and dis...
Food-producing animals act as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which may serve as sources of infection in humans. A selection of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli isolates recovered from healthy (n = 37) and diseased animals (n = 26) were subjected to long-read whole-genome sequencing to characterize their genomic diversity, phylogeny, resistome, mobilome, and the genetic environment of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Isolates showed high genetic diversity (36 STs, seven phylogroups, 42 serotypes, 24 fimH types) and a diverse resistome, with CTX-M enzymes as the most prevalent ESBL type and bla and bla predominating. Most ARGs were plasmid-encoded (71.9%), with IncHI2 plasmids harboring the highest number of ARGs (8-20) and carrying complex multidrug resistance islands interspersed with integrons, transposons, and insertion sequences. All 15 IncHI2 plasmids were found exclusively in bovine isolates of multiple phylogroups (5) and STs (13), and most (13/15) carried bla. This finding suggests a dissemination of this ESBL gene through a shared plasmid rather than a single dominant clone. This study reveals an emerging circulation of bla in bovine E. coli in Spain and identifies IncHI2 plasmids as major vehicles driving its spread. The presence of these plasmids in genetically diverse and potentially zoonotic linages reinforces their relevance from a One Health and food-chain perspective.
Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential of Vanadium-Based MXenes for Biomedical Applications.
Rosato R, Rosenkranz A, Perini G … +11 more , Santarelli G, Augello A, Zambrano DF, Cervantes I, Plebani NA, Cometto FP, Spirito M, Sanguinetti M, Palmieri V, Papi M, De Maio F
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42145249 · Full text
MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, have emerged as highly interesting antimicrobial nanomaterials. While mostly Ti-based MXenes have been explored in this field, ou...
MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, have emerged as highly interesting antimicrobial nanomaterials. While mostly Ti-based MXenes have been explored in this field, our work aims at characterizing and investigating the antibacterial and biocompatibility profiles of two vanadium-based MXenes (V₂CTₓ and V₄C₃Tₓ) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two clinically relevant pathobionts. First, the as-synthesized nanomaterials were chemically and structurally characterized to confirm their morphology and structural integrity. After setting up two distinct experimental models (static and dynamic), the antibacterial activity was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFUs) counting and scansion electron microscopy (SEM). Cellular cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and crystal violet characterization (CV). To further evaluate the MXenes' properties, the antimicrobial activity was tested in in-vitro infection models using both epithelial (Caco-2) and macrophage (J774) cells measuring CFUs. To assess the oxidative stress contributing to MXenes' antibacterial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was valued in infected cells after treatment. V₂CTₓ and V₄C₃Tₓ showed an antibacterial activity concentration and condition dependent. The dynamic incubation improved the bacterial reduction, supporting a "nano-knife" mechanism linked to the physical disruption of the membrane. Finally, V₂CTₓ and V₄C₃Tₓ significantly reduced the intracellular bacterial burden in infected Caco-2 epithelial cells in comparison with macrophages. Importantly, MXenes' treatment did not result in marked ROS stimulation, suggesting that their antibacterial activity mainly arose from physical interactions. Our findings highlight that vanadium-based MXenes have good biocompatibility and are moderately effective antimicrobial nanomaterials, emphasizing the need to use commonly recognized and standardized experimental models to elucidate their potential antimicrobial applications.
Susceptibility-Guided Versus Empirical Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection in a High Resistance Setting: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Lu K, Zou X, Lang C … +9 more , Zang L, Yang X, Sang W, Wang J, Feng Q, Mu Y, Liu L, Xu C, Zhao J
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42144812 · Full text
Clarithromycin resistance is a major determinant of treatment failure, and the benefits of susceptibility-guided therapy in high-resistance settings remains incompletely understood. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness...
Clarithromycin resistance is a major determinant of treatment failure, and the benefits of susceptibility-guided therapy in high-resistance settings remains incompletely understood. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the susceptibility-guided compared with the empirical therapy in treatment-naïve H. pylori infection in a high resistance setting. In this single-centre, randomised, superiority trial, 500 treatment-naïve adults were allocated (1:1) to susceptibility-guided sequential therapy (SGT) or empirical clarithromycin -containing quadruple therapy (ET). Clarithromycin and levofloxacin antimicrobial resistance were determined using PCR. The primary endpoint was first-line eradication in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Sensitivity analyses were performed using complete-case and multiple imputation approaches. Among the 494 analysed participants (244 SGT, 250 ET), resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin was 69.3% and 51.6%, respectively. In the ITT analysis, first-line eradication was achieved in 59.8% of participants in the SGT group and 62.8% in the ET group [absolute risk difference -3.0%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.882, 95% confidence interval (CI, 0.614-1.268), p = 0.499]. Per-protocol eradication rates were 84.4% and 89.7%, respectively [absolute risk difference -5.3%; OR = 0.620, 95% CI (0.328-1.173), p = 0.139]. Notably, despite a clarithromycin resistance rate approaching 70%, empirical clarithromycin-containing quadruple therapy achieved a high per-protocol eradication rate. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results. In a high resistance region, PCR-based susceptibility-guided sequential therapy did not demonstrate superiority over empirical treatment. However, empirical clarithromycin -containing quadruple therapy maintained satisfactory efficacy. Overall, these findings have implications for treatment strategy selection in high-resistance microbiological settings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier: NCT05549115.
When First-Line Therapies Fail: Surgical Site Infections and the Declining Antimicrobial Utility in a Resource-Limited Nation.
Nwachukwu IE, Rivera CW, Reyes VM … +3 more , Salazar D, Harris-Thurton L, Husaini DC
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42112753 · Full text
UNLABELLED: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to surgical care in resource-limited settings. This study describes the epidemiology of AMR in surgical site and wound infections in Belize from 2018 to...
UNLABELLED: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to surgical care in resource-limited settings. This study describes the epidemiology of AMR in surgical site and wound infections in Belize from 2018 to 2024. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of national laboratory data focused on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus from surgical and wound specimens. Resistance phenotypes (ESBL, MRSA), susceptibility profiles, and temporal-spatial trends were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 850 isolates, ESBL production among Enterobacteriaceae more than doubled from 25% to > 45% over 7 years, while MRSA remained persistently elevated (55%-65%). Critical treatment gaps emerged: over one-third of ESBL isolates showed resistance to both oral (ciprofloxacin) and intravenous (gentamicin) options. ESBL infections clustered in central Belize and following cesarean sections; MRSA predominated in diabetic amputations. Antibiotic consumption preceded resistance by approximately 6 months. Sentinel carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus were detected. CONCLUSION: AMR is prevalent in Belize, with rapidly expanding ESBL rates and significant therapeutic limitations. Urgent interventions are needed, including updated treatment guidelines, targeted antimicrobial stewardship, and enhanced infection control in high-burden areas.
Safety Evaluation of Weissella paramesenteroides MW-142 Isolated From Traditional Fermented Mulberry Wine.
Huang J, Huang YY, Liu DM … +4 more , Yao QB, Tang J, Zeng SP, Liu LJ
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42112552 · Full text
Weissella paramesenteroides MW-142 is a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolated from traditional fermented mulberry wine, with prior optimization of its high-density cultivation indicating industrial potential. To ensure it...
Weissella paramesenteroides MW-142 is a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolated from traditional fermented mulberry wine, with prior optimization of its high-density cultivation indicating industrial potential. To ensure its safe application in food and pharmaceuticals, this study comprehensively evaluated the biosafety of MW-142 through phenotypic and genomic analyses. An acute oral toxicity test in mice (20.0 mL/kg body weight, corresponding to 9.5 × 10 CFU/mL) showed no signs of poisoning or mortality over 14 days, with histopathological analysis confirming normal organ morphology. Hemolysis tests revealed no hemolytic zones (γ-hemolysis). Biochemical assays for harmful metabolites (indole, nitroreductase, amino acid decarboxylase, and azoreductase) were negative. Genomic screening using the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB) and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) identified 83 putative virulence-associated genes; however, over half shared < 50% sequence similarity with known determinants, and no classical toxin genes (e.g., hemolysins, enterotoxins) were found. Only intrinsic, low-risk antibiotic resistance genes were identified, and these were not associated with mobile genetic elements. These findings establish MW-142 as a safe candidate for industrial applications, providing a scientific basis for its further development as a probiotic or biopreservative.
Unveiling Marine Vesicle Uptake in Vibrio spp: Taxonomic and Environmental Insights.
Adda Nekrouf N, Maestre-Carballa L, Lluesma-Gomez M … +2 more , Rubio-Portillo E, Martinez-Garcia M
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42108598 · Full text
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in diverse functions in nature, from biogeochemical cycles to pathogenesis. Here, we investigate whether taxonomy represents a boundary that constrains the uptake of vesicles bet...
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in diverse functions in nature, from biogeochemical cycles to pathogenesis. Here, we investigate whether taxonomy represents a boundary that constrains the uptake of vesicles between different marine species. We focus on Vibrio spp. since they are ubiquitous and play different roles, including in diseases affecting humans and marine organisms, such as corals. Spectral flow cytometry data showed intra- and inter-species uptake of EVs from the pathogenic Vibrio kanaloae and Vibrio coralliilyticus by different Vibrio strains and species, including other marine and non-marine Gram-negative and Gram-positive recipient bacteria. EV fusion efficiencies with recipient cells ranged from 53% to 99%, although these values may vary depending on the nutrient status of the cells. Data suggest that EV fusion between cells from different taxa can occur regardless the phylogenetic distance between the EV donor and recipient cell and the quantity of EVs added. Data revealed that nutrient conditions did not play a significant role in the number of EVs released by the analyzed Vibrio spp., although differences were observed in the amount of DNA exported in EVs (p-value = 0.02), with more bulk vesicular DNA cargo in diluted nutrient conditions. Nearly the entire genome of the targeted Vibrio spp. was detected in the EV fraction. Our data suggest that taxonomic distance between the EV donor and recipient cell is not a major boundary.
An Economical Bioprocess for Lipopeptide Production From Bacillus subtilis.
Maral-Gül D, Günay Z, Mis B … +1 more , Eltem R
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42101088 · Full text
Phytopathogenic fungi such as Fusarium solani (F. solani), Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), and Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) cause plant diseases, leading to significant yield losses. Lipopeptides (LPs), secondary metabo...
Phytopathogenic fungi such as Fusarium solani (F. solani), Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), and Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) cause plant diseases, leading to significant yield losses. Lipopeptides (LPs), secondary metabolites produced by Bacillus strains, exhibit antifungal properties against these pathogens. In this study, the LP production potential of Bacillus isolates was investigated, and the best-performing Bacillus sp. was selected for the optimization of the production medium and parameters. Hemolytic activities of Bacillus isolates were screened using blood agar, revealing that all 69 isolates exhibited hemolytic activity. The isolates were cultivated in Lysogeny Broth (LB) medium, and LP extractions were performed. The antifungal activity of LP extracts against F. solani, R. solani, and B. cinerea was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. The iturin and surfactin content of LP extracts was analyzed by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Five Bacillus sp. with high LP production potential were selected, and their cell growth was examined. Among them, Bacillus subtilis 4-Ka-22 demonstrated the highest cell growth. The cost-effective optimized production medium was determined as 0.1% molasses, 1% soybean meal, 0.5% CaCl, and 1% glycerol, with production parameters set at 30°C, 195 rpm, pH 5, and a 4.3% inoculum ratio. Compared to LB medium, cell growth increased by 13.4-fold, confirming successful optimization.
Oral Microbiome Resilience During SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Diversity Shifts After COVID-19 Vaccination in a Hispanic Population.
Vargas-Robles D, Santos Agrait JL, Suárez-Pérez J … +6 more , Vázquez F, Dominicci-Maura A, Sariol CA, Zorrilla C, Romaguera J, Godoy-Vitorino F
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42092264 · Full text
The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the oral microbiome remains poorly understood, particularly in the Hispanic population. Oral samples from 62 individuals (38 SARS-CoV-2 positive, 24 negative) were analyz...
The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the oral microbiome remains poorly understood, particularly in the Hispanic population. Oral samples from 62 individuals (38 SARS-CoV-2 positive, 24 negative) were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, comparing diversity and taxa by infection and symptoms. Longitudinal data from 11 participants assessed microbiome changes as the infection resolved over time. To assess the impact of vaccination, we further examined 68 consistently SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals with paired samples collected before and after vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with alpha diversity, while beta diversity showed a non-significant but marginal trend (p = 0.051). Prevotella nanceiensis was consistently depleted in infected individuals, even after excluding recent antibiotic users, suggesting a reproducible association with infection status rather than a diagnostic marker. Among infected participants, mucosa-related symptoms were associated with lower Veillonella parvula abundance. Longitudinal data revealed stable microbiome profiles with slightly reduced variance in alpha diversity following viral clearance. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccination in consistently negative individuals was associated with significant increases in Shannon (p = 0.050) and Simpson diversity (p = 0.017), indicating greater evenness without expansion of richness. Beta diversity analyses showed vaccination-related shifts in community composition (PERMANOVA p = 0.026), with increases in Treponema, Campylobacter, Oribacterium, and Selenomonas, and a decrease in Haemophilus. The oral microbiome of Hispanics with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared resilient, with only subtle taxonomic alterations. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with short-term increases in diversity and compositional shifts, highlighting its influence on oral microbial ecology.
Understanding Responsible Antimicrobial Practices and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Farmers in Rangpur, Bangladesh.
Ara AM, Boby F, Taluckder M … +1 more , Shahiduzzaman M
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42092259 · Full text
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, intensified in low- and middle-income countries by rampant antibiotic misuse in livestock and poultry. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, intensified in low- and middle-income countries by rampant antibiotic misuse in livestock and poultry. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of 537 farmers in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to identify drivers and pathways of high-risk antimicrobial use (AMU). Data on demographics, farm characteristics, and AMR-related KAP scores were collected, with disease treatments mapped to WHO AWaRe classifications. Logistic regression identified predictors of responsible practices, while additional analyses and visualizations explored patterns of antimicrobial use and misuse pathways. Results showed that 42.9% of antibiotic use was high-risk, with nearly half of diseases treated using Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) from the Watch or Reserve groups, intended primarily for human medicine. Colistin and ciprofloxacin, last-resort drugs for human health, were commonly used for routine poultry diseases, raising serious public health concerns. Three misuse pathways emerged: (i) antibiotics applied to viral diseases, (ii) reliance on Watch/Reserve antibiotics for bacterial infections, and (iii) antibiotic use for parasitic diseases. Paravets and veterinarians influenced 76.2% of prescribing decisions, underscoring their pivotal role. AMR training was associated with more responsible practices, yet high practice scores did not consistently align with knowledge or attitudes, revealing a gap between behavior and awareness. Immediate One Health stewardship interventions combining regulatory enforcement, improved diagnostics, and sweeping educational reform are essential to reduce AMR risks and safeguard public health in Bangladesh.
Targeting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Fusion Machinery With Antiviral Peptides: In Silico Exploration of the Heptad Repeat 2 Domain.
Alotaiq N, Dermawan D, Chtita S
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42082899 · Full text
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains a significant global health threat, necessitating the development of effective antiviral therapeutics. Targeting the heptad repeat 2 (HR2) domain of the MER...
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains a significant global health threat, necessitating the development of effective antiviral therapeutics. Targeting the heptad repeat 2 (HR2) domain of the MERS-CoV spike protein offers a promising strategy to inhibit viral fusion and entry into host cells. This study investigates a panel of antiviral peptides (AVPs), focusing on Griffithsin, Brevinin-2, and CCL20, to evaluate their potential as fusion inhibitors against the HR2 domain. Employing comprehensive computational approaches, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and MM/PBSA binding free energy calculations, we characterized the peptide-protein interactions and stability of these AVPs in complex with HR2. Our results demonstrate that Griffithsin, Brevinin-2, and CCL20 exhibit stronger binding affinities (- 213.69, -168.83, and -165.17 kcal/mol, respectively) compared to the standard inhibitor Peptide-6 (- 49.73 kcal/mol). MD simulations reveal stable complexes and indicate disruption of critical hydrogen bonds in the Ile1255-Gln1271 region of HR2, essential for six-helix bundle formation and viral fusion. Physicochemical analyses further suggest favorable stability, half-life, and low hemolytic potential, supporting their suitability as therapeutic candidates. These findings align with prior studies highlighting the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of Griffithsin and validate the therapeutic promise of Brevinin-2 and CCL20. While this computational investigation lays the groundwork, further in vitro and in vivo validation and optimization of pharmacokinetics and delivery are necessary for clinical development. This study advances the rational design of peptide-based fusion inhibitors targeting MERS-CoV and provides valuable insights into antiviral strategies against emerging coronaviruses.
Biological Degradation of Spent Coffee Grounds by White Rot Fungi.
Civzele A, Sila A, Mezule L
Microbiologyopen · 2026 Jun · PMID 42077002 · Full text
Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are extensively generated as a byproduct of coffee production and consumption. Improper disposal of SCG contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and the loss of valuabl...
Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are extensively generated as a byproduct of coffee production and consumption. Improper disposal of SCG contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and the loss of valuable resources when landfilled or discharged into sewage systems. In response, this study investigates the biodegradation potential of SCG using selected wood-decay fungi known for their ability to secrete a wide spectrum of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes and degrade complex organic compounds. White rot fungi, such as Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus dryinus, and Trametes versicolor, were cultivated in SCG-containing media to evaluate the degradation efficiency, fermentable sugar dynamics, and fungal enzyme secretion patterns. All tested fungi were able to metabolize SCG and exhibited active enzyme secretion during cultivation. P. dryinus and T. versicolor efficiently secreted both cellulases and laccases, with T. versicolor demonstrating laccase activity of 721.193 ± 41.72 U/L, indicating high oxidative potential. Fungal cultivation and enzyme production resulted in a significant carbohydrate degradation in SCG. The most significant decrease was observed in P. dryinus, which achieved a 43.32% reduction in SCG carbohydrates, while T. versicolor and I. lacteus ensured reductions of 39.07% and 35.55%, respectively. The findings demonstrate that SCG can serve as a low-cost substrate for fungal enzyme production, particularly for laccase generation by T. versicolor, while simultaneously enabling SCG biomass degradation. Together, the study shows the potential of white rot fungi for the biological treatment of SCG, contributing to the development of more sustainable strategies for coffee waste valorization as an alternative to environmentally harmful disposal routes.
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