Folia Microbiologica[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Effects of empagliflozin and metformin on biofilm formation and pathogenicity factors of urinary Escherichia coli isolates.
Temel A, Ateş A, Aksoyalp ZŞ
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42234242 · Publisher ↗
Escherichia coli, a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), forms biofilms that contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Antidiabetic medications have gained attention for their potential antimicrobial effects, th...
Escherichia coli, a major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), forms biofilms that contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Antidiabetic medications have gained attention for their potential antimicrobial effects, though data remain limited. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of empagliflozin and metformin against urinary E. coli isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined via broth microdilution, and synergistic interactions were assessed using the checkerboard method. Biofilm inhibition at sub-inhibitory drug concentrations was evaluated spectrophotometrically, and gene expression of fimH and luxS, were analyzed using RT-qPCR. Empagliflozin and metformin inhibited bacterial growth, with MICs ranging from 3.12-6.25 mg/mL and 25-50 mg/mL, respectively. A synergistic effect was observed in two isolates. Both drugs significantly reduced biofilm formation (51.8-72.9%) and downregulated fimH and luxS gene expression (p < 0.01). This study showed that empagliflozin and metformin could have inhibitory effects against urinary E. coli isolates, supporting their potential in drug repurposing strategies. Empagliflozin and metformin demonstrated significant dose-dependent in vitro antivirulence and antibiofilm activities, further supported by the downregulation of key virulence-associated genes (fimH and luxS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the in vitro effects of empagliflozin against urinary E. coli isolates, and further investigation is required to determine the impact of antidiabetic medications on E. coli.
Jaroslav Šterzl and his rise to prominence.
Městecký J
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42215826 · Publisher ↗
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Isolation, genomic characterization, and biofilm eradication activity of vB_PaP_DMTU_1, a novel lytic bacteriophage against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Bora D, Singh AK, Jha AN … +1 more , Mandal M
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42213357 · Publisher ↗
Biofilm-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections pose significant therapeutic challenges owing to their intrinsic resistance to conventional antibiotics. With targeted bacterial lysis and biofilm degr...
Biofilm-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections pose significant therapeutic challenges owing to their intrinsic resistance to conventional antibiotics. With targeted bacterial lysis and biofilm degradation capabilities, bacteriophage therapy (phage therapy) has re-emerged as a promising alternative antimicrobial strategy. In this study, a novel lytic bacteriophage, vB_PaP_DMTU_1, was isolated from sewage wastewater in Nagaon, India, and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whole-genome sequencing, and comprehensive biological assays. TEM micrographs revealed the podoviral morphology of the phage. Genomic analysis classified it within the Zobellviridae family and Paundecimvirus genus, containing a linear double-stranded DNA of 49 kbp with a GC content of 44.98%. Genome annotation identified 83 open reading frames (ORFs), with 25 encoding functional proteins related to structure, metabolism, infection, DNA replication, transcription regulation, packaging, and cell lysis, including 58 hypothetical proteins, one tRNA and ten Rho-dependent transcription terminator genes. The genome lacks lysogeny and CRISPR-associated genes. The phage demonstrated pH stability (6-10), UV resistance, thermal tolerance (up to 50℃), and robust lytic activity with a 30 min latent period and a burst size of ~ 100 virions per host cell. It achieved 93.58% eradication of 72 h mature biofilms at MOI = 10. Stability studies over 24 months revealed optimal phage preservation in liquid lysate formulations, followed by lyophilized powders and alginate beads. These findings establish bacteriophage vB_PaP_DMTU_1 as a promising phage therapy candidate against P. aeruginosa biofilms, significantly contributing to the arsenal of phage-based biocontrol strategies.
Gnotobiotic mouse models as tools for dissecting the role of the microbiota in allergy: contributions from the laboratory of gnotobiology in Nový Hrádek.
Schabussova I, Kozakova H, Inic-Kanada A … +5 more , Wiedermann U, Hrncir T, Hudcovic T, Srutkova D, Schwarzer M
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42213356 · Publisher ↗
Gnotobiotic mouse models occupy a unique position in allergy research as the only systems that allow causal links between defined microbial inputs and specific immune outcomes. This review summarises the long-term contri...
Gnotobiotic mouse models occupy a unique position in allergy research as the only systems that allow causal links between defined microbial inputs and specific immune outcomes. This review summarises the long-term contributions of the Laboratory of Gnotobiology at the Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Nový Hrádek, covering two decades of mechanistic research following the germ-free (GF) models pioneered by Professor Jaroslav Šterzl. The review is structured around three themes. First, GF BALB/c mice retain full capacity for Th2 sensitisation and mucosal tolerance, but allergy outcomes are strongly influenced by endotoxin content of the mouse chow, an often overlooked variable that should be explicitly controlled. Second, defined microbial colonisation during the perinatal period reduces allergic sensitisation through mechanisms including mucosal tolerance induction, tolerogenic dendritic cell programming, gut barrier restoration, and regulatory immune responses. Third, the microbiota is required not only for sensitisation but also for development of the intestinal mast cell effector compartment that mediates IgE-dependent disease; this function is not restored by a single probiotic strain and likely requires greater microbial complexity. Together, these findings define microbiota-allergy interactions in mechanistic terms. They identify dietary endotoxin as a key experimental confound and establish the perinatal period (encompassing maternal and neonatal microbial exposure) as critical for both prevention of sensitisation and maturation of effector responses. They also show that single-strain probiotics and complex microbiota reconstitution target distinct components of allergic disease. The review concludes by highlighting methodological considerations, open questions, and future directions, including postbiotics and extracellular vesicle-based approaches in allergy modulation.
EDTA enhances antimicrobial activity of PR-39 and Protegrin-1 antimicrobial peptides against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in serum.
Vacek L, Pavelka A, Lipový B … +9 more , Brtníková J, Straková P, Jeklová E, Šefranko M, Kleknerová DP, Volný F, Janda L, Vojtová L, Růžička F
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42207438 · Publisher ↗
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a frequent and clinically challenging pathogen responsible for both acute and chronic infections. Antimicrobial peptides are emerging as a promising class of novel t...
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a frequent and clinically challenging pathogen responsible for both acute and chronic infections. Antimicrobial peptides are emerging as a promising class of novel therapeutic agents due to their broad-spectrum activity, rapid bactericidal activity, and low potential to induce antimicrobial resistance. The antimicrobial efficacy of these peptides can be further enhanced by EDTA. However, their activity is often reduced in the presence of serum, which contains multiple inhibitory components. In this study, EDTA fully restored the antimicrobial activity of PR-39 and Protegrin-1 in serum. Moreover, incorporation of chitosan increased the antimicrobial efficacy of the PR-39/Protegrin-1/EDTA formulation. These findings demonstrate that PR-39, Protegrin-1, EDTA, and chitosan can act synergistically, supporting the feasibility of integrating these components into a unified therapeutic platform.
Interplay between enterotoxigenicity, antimicrobial resistance, and persistence mechanisms in Staphylococcus spp. across different origins.
Koreneková J, Olejníková P, Hrušková M … +5 more , Vavreková A, Mitura M, Hisirová S, Koščová J, Bírošová L
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42207437 · Publisher ↗
Staphylococcus spp. represent a persistent concern in food-related environments due to the interplay between virulence traits, antimicrobial resistance, and persistence mechanisms. This study comparatively characterized...
Staphylococcus spp. represent a persistent concern in food-related environments due to the interplay between virulence traits, antimicrobial resistance, and persistence mechanisms. This study comparatively characterized antimicrobial resistance, persistence phenotypes, and enterotoxigenic potential in 83 Staphylococcus isolates from food, humans, and animals. Phenotypic production of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEA-SEE) was detected in 59% of isolates, including coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), accounting for 20% of enterotoxigenic isolates. Classical se genes (sea-see) were identified in 46% of isolates, with sea and sec most prevalent. None of the isolates was fully susceptible to all tested antibiotics and 48% were multidrug-resistant, with the highest resistance rates for erythromycin, penicillin, and clindamycin. The mecA gene was detected in 61% of isolates; however, phenotypic cefoxitin resistance was mainly observed in human-derived isolates, indicating mecA presence did not consistently correspond to phenotypic expression. Higher EtBr IC₅₀ values were associated with increased tolerance to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, indicating a link between efflux activity and antimicrobial tolerance. All isolates formed biofilm, with significantly higher biofilm intensity in enterotoxin-positive food-derived isolates (p = 0.002), demonstrating an association between enterotoxigenicity and persistence traits. Comparative analysis revealed higher antimicrobial resistance in human- and animal-derived isolates, whereas food-derived isolates showed a combination of enterotoxigenicity and strong biofilm formation. These findings indicate that food-associated staphylococci may pose a relevant food safety risk due to the interplay between toxin production and persistence. Furthermore, the detection of enterotoxigenic CoNS supports their consideration alongside S. aureus in food safety assessments.
Centenary of Jaroslav Šterzl : This article celebrates the fact that the fields of immunology in the East and West are now on par, which is largely thanks to the genius and perseverance of Jaroslav Šterzl.
Lefkovits I
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42207436 · Publisher ↗
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Gut microbiota and cancer immunotherapy: from dysbiosis to personalized immune checkpoint blockade optimization.
Akram F, Zainab S, Shabbir I … +1 more , Haq IU
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42201625 · Publisher ↗
Cancer has become one of the most prominent causes of death worldwide due to its increasing mortality rate. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is an effective regimen for tumor control. Still, it faces challenges, includ...
Cancer has become one of the most prominent causes of death worldwide due to its increasing mortality rate. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is an effective regimen for tumor control. Still, it faces challenges, including primary resistance and interindividual variations, thereby directing the field towards a new era of immunotherapy adjuncts. Recent studies have shown that the microbiota of cancer patients influences the outcomes of ICB (immune checkpoint blockade) therapy through microbiome-immune system crosstalk. Homeostatic commensal microbial consortia aid in combating tumors by enhancing immunity, whereas dysbiotic microbes facilitate cancer development by mediating immunosuppression. Microbiota modulation via microbiome-targeted interventions, including fecal microbiota transplantation or washed microbiota transplantation from responders, biotic supplements, and dietary modifications, can convert primary resistance to durable responses and thus augment immunotherapy responsiveness in cancer treatment. This review discusses the dual nature of microbiota in mediating the development and treatment of cancer, its crucial role in shaping ICB therapy responsiveness, and the identification of microbial biomarkers into a refined Discovery-Validation-Clinical (DVC) pipeline linked to multi-omics profiling and personalized microbiome-modulation interventions for ICB therapy optimization. In addition, it presents the translational clinical decision framework that highlights patient stratification, intervention timing, and implementation barriers to support clinical translation. Ultimately, the gut microbiome emerges as a "force multiplier" of cancer ICB therapy, thereby enabling microbiome-guided precision oncology and strengthening a roadmap toward personalized cancer care.
Heterologous expression of wild-type and Lys99Ala mutant L-asparaginase from Lachancea thermotolerans in Pichia pastoris: culture optimization and laboratory-scale bioreactor production.
Çaloğlu Susamaz B, Koschorreck K, Urlacher VB … +1 more , Binay B
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42184074 · Publisher ↗
L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme of significant therapeutic value within the pharmaceutical industry, primarily due to its clinical efficacy in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Despite its benefits, the...
L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme of significant therapeutic value within the pharmaceutical industry, primarily due to its clinical efficacy in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Despite its benefits, the clinical application of commercially available bacterial-derived L-ASNases is frequently impeded by severe hypersensitivity reactions and immunogenicity. This limitation has necessitated the exploration of novel L-ASNase variants and the development of alternative heterologous expression systems that minimize adverse immune responses. As unicellular eukaryotic models, yeast-based expression platforms represent a robust alternative for the production of therapeutic proteins. In the present study, the asnase gene from Lachancea thermotolerans (L. thermotolerans, LtASNase), along with its Lys99Ala mutant variant was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). To maximize yield, cultivation parameters were systematically optimized, followed by scale-up in a bioreactor under stabilized conditions. Initial shake-flask cultivations of the wild-type and mutant LtASNase yielded maximum whole-cell activities of 191 U g (628 U L) and 57 U gdcw (174 U L⁻¹) over induction periods of three and two days, respectively. Process optimization identified the ideal conditions as pH 6.0 and 20 °C for the wild-type enzyme, and pH 7.5 and 16 °C for the mutant. Notably, bioreactor-scale expressions facilitated 4- and 7-fold increase in volumetric whole-cell activity for the wild-type and mutant enzymes, compared to shake-flask results. These findings suggest that P. pastoris is a viable host for microbial LtASNase production, achieving yields higher than established Escherichia coli (E. coli) systems; however, further investigation into secretory expression pathways is required to provide cost-effective production.
Modulating effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA15 on immune response and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.
Chen Z, Cheng Q, Zhang X … +3 more , Sheng Z, Shi L, Zhang Y
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42176174 · Publisher ↗
The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in modulating host immune homeostasis. Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus, as a predominant probiotic, has garnered significant research interest for its potential immunoregulatory...
The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in modulating host immune homeostasis. Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus, as a predominant probiotic, has garnered significant research interest for its potential immunoregulatory capabilities. In this study, a strain of L. acidophilus, designated LA15, was selected based on its superior performance in promoting RAW264.7 cell viability, gastrointestinal tolerance, and in vitro adhesion. Using a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mouse model, we demonstrated LA15 administration significantly increased body weight, enhanced organ indices, and elevated serum cytokine levels. Additionally, LA15 contributed to the preservation of intestinal tissue integrity and enhances barrier function. Moreover, it modulated the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Specifically, LA15 administration leads to an increased relative abundance of beneficial genera such as unclassified_Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Lactobacillus, and Candidatus_Saccharimonas, while reducing populations of opportunistic pathogens including Desulfurvibrio and Helicobacter. These findings suggest that LA15 possesses notable immunostimulatory effects and could serve as a promising candidate for ameliorating immunosuppression-related conditions.
ESBL and carbapenemase-producing enteric pathogens in animal-origin foods: a one health perspective.
Khan SA, Siddiqui SA, Samreen … +3 more , Ahmad I, Neyaz LA, Abulreesh HH
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42176173 · Publisher ↗
The frequent detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in foods of animal origin raises concerns regarding the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR...
The frequent detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in foods of animal origin raises concerns regarding the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dairy products, poultry, beef, and pork are considered key reservoirs. Multiple studies have indicated a correlation between isolates of food, animal, and human origin. Animal food chains often encompass high ESBL prevalence, whereas comparatively less prevalent CPE are also globally emerging in retail meat and poultry. Antibiotic resistance genes (bla, bla, and bla) encoded by mobile genetic elements are known to contribute to dissemination across bacterial species as well as in the ecological niche. Horizontal gene transfer of plasmid-mediated genes further contaminates other environmental reservoirs, which complicates control points. Several studies depict a significant variation between low- and middle-income countries, often having high prevalence due to limited food safety controls and antibiotic stewardship. Such food-borne pathogens colonize human systems through food intake, occupational exposure, or handling, leading to serious public health implications. The current review summarizes global evidence on the prevalence and transmission of ESBL-E and CPE in animal food origin with particular emphasis on resistance mechanisms, reservoir and regional occurrence patterns within a One Health framework, and the need for integrated cross-sectoral surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship strategies to mitigate their spread.
Gut microbiome-mediated bioactive ingredients and health benefits of medicinal and edible fermented products: A comprehensive review.
Liu C, Zhang S, Yue Q … +5 more , Sun X, Zheng K, Li K, Su L, Zhao L
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42176172 · Publisher ↗
Fermented foods and beverages represent dynamic biological ecosystems that integrate microbial communities, bioactive metabolites, and host interactions to promote health across nutritional, functional, and therapeutic d...
Fermented foods and beverages represent dynamic biological ecosystems that integrate microbial communities, bioactive metabolites, and host interactions to promote health across nutritional, functional, and therapeutic domains. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes current evidence on medicinal and edible fermented products, focusing on their bioactive generation, molecular mechanisms, and systemic health outcomes mediated by the gut microbiome. Fermentation processes, driven by lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and mixed consortia, transform substrates into 31 key bioactives, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bioactive peptides, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and modified polyphenols. These compounds arise through microbial proteolysis, glycolysis, and biotransformation, enhancing bioavailability and functionality compared to unfermented counterparts. Mechanistically, bioactives strengthen gut barrier integrity via tight-junction upregulation and mucin production; modulate immunity through Toll-like receptor activation and T-cell differentiation; regulate metabolism by improving glucose/lipid profiles; and mitigate inflammation via NF-κB inhibition and Nrf2 activation. Gut microbiota-host crosstalk extends these effects systemically, influencing the gut-brain axis and extra-intestinal organs. Epidemiological and clinical data link regular consumption particularly of yogurt, kimchi, and kefir-to reduced risks of colorectal cancer (dose-response patterns), type 2 diabetes (8-15% HbA1c reductions), cardiovascular disease (5-10% cholesterol lowering), and enhanced immune resilience (20-35% fewer infections). Benefits also encompass gastrointestinal health (IBS symptom relief), neuroprotection (cognitive improvements), and cancer prevention. Despite promising findings, challenges persist in standardization, microbial viability during processing, and long-term human trials. Future directions emphasize multi-omics integration, AI-driven precision fermentation, and personalized interventions to validate fermented products as evidence-based therapeutics, bridging traditional practices with modern nutrition science.
Integrated kinetic and thermo-catalytic analysis of β-Xylosidase production by Aspergillus sp. under variable carbon substrates.
Jatoi AS, Ahmed S, Ahmed AFMB … +1 more , Junejo A
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42176171 · Publisher ↗
The production, kinetics, thermodynamics, and catalytic properties of β-xylosidase synthesized by Aspergillus niger were systematically investigated using different carbon sources under batch fermentation conditions. Amo...
The production, kinetics, thermodynamics, and catalytic properties of β-xylosidase synthesized by Aspergillus niger were systematically investigated using different carbon sources under batch fermentation conditions. Among the substrates evaluated, disaccharides exhibited the strongest inductive effect on enzyme synthesis, with lactose yielding the highest specific enzyme productivity (Yₚ/ₓ = 480 IU g⁻¹ cells), followed by galactose (434 IU g⁻¹ cells), sucrose (391 IU g⁻¹ cells), and cellobiose (377 IU g⁻¹ cells). Xylose also acted as an effective inducer, producing a significant enzyme yield of 333 IU g⁻¹ cells. In contrast, glucose-supported cultures showed only basal enzyme production (2-5 IU g⁻¹ cells), confirming strong carbon catabolite repression. The induction ratio for xylose relative to glucose was approximately 66-67 fold, indicating a regulatory mechanism governed by both substrate induction and growth-dependent repression. Kinetic analysis demonstrated a close association between cell growth and enzyme formation, with Luedeking-Piret constants of α = 560 ± 90 IU g⁻¹ cells and β = 4.5 ± 0.5 IU g⁻¹ h⁻¹, indicating a mixed growth-associated and non-growth-associated production pattern. The maximum specific productivity (qP) was achieved at an optimal fermentation temperature of 35-37 °C. Thermodynamic analysis revealed an activation enthalpy (ΔH‡) of 45 kJ mol⁻¹ for enzyme production, while the activation enthalpy for thermal inactivation was lower (28 kJ mol⁻¹), indicating that enzyme denaturation requires less energy and is more temperature-sensitive than its synthesis. The partially purified β-xylosidase exhibited optimal catalytic activity at 55 °C and demonstrated considerable thermostability, retaining 50% of its activity for approximately 231 h at 50 °C, 165 h at 55 °C, and 63 h at 60 °C. The midpoint inactivation temperature (Tₘ) was determined to be 65 °C. The activation energy for substrate hydrolysis was 57 kJ mol⁻¹, increasing to 89 kJ mol⁻¹ upon enzyme denaturation. Additionally, the enzyme remained stable over a broad pH range of 5.0-7.0. Overall, the high inducibility, well-defined kinetic behavior, and substantial thermal stability of β-xylosidase produced by Aspergillus niger highlight its strong potential for industrial applications in lignocellulosic biomass conversion, biofuel production, and food-processing biotechnologies.
Integrated in vitro and in silico characterization of Dittrichia viscosa methanolic extract: phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities.
Mezi I, Heni S, Meliani S … +4 more , Becheker A, Boughrara B, Boughendjioua H, Menacer R
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42176170 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Dittrichia viscosa is a highly adaptable Mediterranean plant, recognized for its bioactive metabolites and potential applications in phytoremediation and phytotherapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investiga...
BACKGROUND: Dittrichia viscosa is a highly adaptable Mediterranean plant, recognized for its bioactive metabolites and potential applications in phytoremediation and phytotherapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate in vitro and in silico the methanolic extract of D. viscosa from El Tarf region to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities and the anti-breast cancer property. METHODS: The methanolic extract was characterized by LC-MS, and its biological activities were evaluated in vitro. Key compounds were further examined through in silico molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and ADMET predictions to assess their interactions with therapeutic targets and pharmacokinetic properties. RESULTS: component analysis revealed riboflavin and chlorogenic acid as the main constituents, suggesting that the plant may represent a natural source of Vitamin B2. The extract exhibited notable antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 0.0153 mg/mL, lower than that of ascorbic acid) and showed anti-inflammatory activity based on protein denaturation inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.0102 mg/mL). Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Bacillus cereus, MRSA, multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Moderate antiproliferative activity was noted against MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 131.8 ± 0.83 mg/mL). Molecular docking and 300 ns dynamics simulations suggested stable binding of folic acid, kaempferol, and β-carotene to tubulin, peroxiredoxin 5, DNA gyrase B, and COX-1. ADMET predictions suggested favorable pharmacokinetics and low organ toxicity for these compounds. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Dittrichia viscosa may represent a source of bioactive compounds, highlighting its possible relevance for further pharmacological investigation.
The role of liquid biopsy in the molecular characterization of HPV-related cancers.
Zebardast A, Javadi K
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42165979 · Publisher ↗
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers represent a significant and growing global health burden, encompassing cervical, anogenital, and an increasing proportion of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, particularly...
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers represent a significant and growing global health burden, encompassing cervical, anogenital, and an increasing proportion of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, particularly oropharyngeal cancer. While tissue biopsy remains the cornerstone of diagnosis and initial molecular characterization, its invasive nature and inability to capture tumor heterogeneity or dynamic molecular changes limit its utility for longitudinal disease monitoring. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a powerful, minimally invasive approach that enables real-time assessment of tumor- and virus-derived biomarkers from blood, saliva, and other body fluids. Among these, circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPV-DNA) has demonstrated exceptional specificity and sensitivity, in HPV-driven malignancies, where viral DNA serves as a highly tumor-specific marker. Advances in analytical platforms, including droplet digital PCR and next-generation sequencing, have markedly improved the detection of low-abundance circulating biomarkers, enabling applications ranging from early detection and treatment response monitoring to minimal residual disease assessment and early identification of recurrence. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of liquid biopsy in HPV-related cancers.
Nanomaterial-nucleic acid probe synergy: accelerating rapid pathogen detection and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in bloodstream infections.
Zhu B
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42165978 · Publisher ↗
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain among the most lethal clinical syndromes, driven in large part by diagnostic delays that compel empiric, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and expose patients to avoidable toxicity...
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain among the most lethal clinical syndromes, driven in large part by diagnostic delays that compel empiric, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and expose patients to avoidable toxicity and resistance selection. Conventional blood culture-based workflows, although diagnostically definitive, are intrinsically slow, often requiring 24-72 h, and are therefore poorly matched to the time-critical demands of sepsis management, where each hour of delayed appropriate therapy measurably increases mortality. In this context, nano-enabled nucleic acid diagnostics represent a promising but largely preclinical strategy for improving analytical sensitivity and turnaround time. This critical translational review examines how engineered nanomaterials spanning plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles, fluorescent quantum dots, upconversion nanoparticles, and two-dimensional materials synergize with programmable nucleic acid recognizers, including aptamers, CRISPR/Cas effectors, DNAzymes, and conformational probes, to enable rapid, ultrasensitive detection of pathogens and resistance determinants directly from whole blood. Rather than reviewing nanomaterials and nucleic acid probes as separate toolkits, this article focuses on how their co-design at the nano-bio interface enables clinically actionable whole-blood diagnostics. We elucidate how convergence engineering at the nano-bio interface governs signal amplification, background suppression, and assay robustness in complex biological matrices. Particular emphasis is placed on front-end enrichment strategies, optical and magnetic transduction mechanisms, and multiplexed readout architectures that together enable species-level identification and early antimicrobial susceptibility profiling within clinically relevant timeframes, typically ~ 1-6 h in research settings. Beyond analytical performance, we critically assess interconnected translational barriers including batch-to-batch reproducibility, standardization of bioconjugation protocols, antifouling strategies, and evolving regulatory frameworks, which collectively govern the trajectory from laboratory innovation to clinical adoption. At present, direct-from-blood phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing remains technically challenging, and clinical adoption is limited by reproducibility, matrix tolerance, and workflow integration. By integrating mechanistic insight with clinical positioning, this review frames nano-probe diagnostics as promising candidates for next-generation BSI management that may support more timely and precise therapy once analytical robustness, standardization, and clinical validation are achieved.
A comprehensive study on Salmonella enterica serovar Richmond in farmed fish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus: insights into zoonotic potential, virulence and antimicrobial resistance.
Parida SN, Tripathy PS, Kumar N … +6 more , Tyagi A, Rout AK, Kumar G, Parhi J, Behera BK, Pandey PK
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42165977 · Publisher ↗
Salmonella enterica serovar Richmond is an emerging pathogen from contaminated animal food, posing a risk of global foodborne outbreaks. Few reports have documented this species in live aquatic organisms. In this study,...
Salmonella enterica serovar Richmond is an emerging pathogen from contaminated animal food, posing a risk of global foodborne outbreaks. Few reports have documented this species in live aquatic organisms. In this study, Salmonella Richmond COFI-RLBCAU-I was isolated from live Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, and its pathogenicity was tested on the three most culturable fish species, P. hypophthalmus, Labeo rohita, and Oreochromis niloticus. The results showed that the bacteria are non-pathogenic to these three species. Techniques, including β-hemolytic activity, Gram staining, biochemical tests such as IMViC, nanopore-based whole-genome sequencing, and in silico serotyping, identified this strain as S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Richmond. The de novo-assembled genome totalled 4,919,008 base pairs with a GC content of 52.06%. Phylogenomic analysis based on NCBI GenBank serotypes revealed that COFI-RLBCAU-I clusters closely with Salmonella Richmond CGA007471575. A protein-language model using PathogenFinder2 suggested that the strain may be potentially pathogenic to humans, with a score of 0.9637 out of 1. Gene ontology classification included 39 biological processes, 17 cellular components, and 8 molecular functions. The genome contains six prophage regions linked to bacteriophage. The study also identified 29 virulence genes and 2 antimicrobial resistance genes. Methylation analysis across the genome revealed methylated bases, including 4mC, 5mC, and 6 mA at various positions. This research presents the first comprehensive study on Salmonella Richmond isolated from farm-raised fish, emphasizing its potential as a zoonotic pathogen for humans.
A brief recollection of the "Prague School of Immunology" and a reflection on the evolutionary meaning of immunity in general.
Šíma P, Větvička V
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42159850 · Publisher ↗
The purpose of this short treatise is not to repeat the generally well-known history of immunological disciplines, nor to describe in detail the multitude of leading scientists and discoverers who contributed to the achi...
The purpose of this short treatise is not to repeat the generally well-known history of immunological disciplines, nor to describe in detail the multitude of leading scientists and discoverers who contributed to the achievements of immunology over the centuries. This has already been discussed many times and has generally entered the awareness of specialists-not only immunologists but also all those involved in related biomedical sciences, and even interested laypeople. The aim here is to recall something that is mentioned far less often and is gradually almost falling into oblivion: that Czechoslovak immunology, immediately from its very first steps-and also as one of the first in the world-began to develop an evolutionary-comparative approach to explaining the origin and development of immunological reactions.
Identification of antigonorrhoeal phytochemical lead compounds using a metabolomics-guided approach.
Lumu PL, Moyo P, Onana A … +5 more , McMillan PM, Wooding M, Malgas S, Maharaj VJ, Cosa S
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42159849 · Publisher ↗
Neisseria gonorrhoeae remains a high-priority pathogen according to the World Health Organisation Bacterial Priority Pathogens List. In South Africa, increasing antimicrobial resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, an...
Neisseria gonorrhoeae remains a high-priority pathogen according to the World Health Organisation Bacterial Priority Pathogens List. In South Africa, increasing antimicrobial resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and penicillin is limiting available treatment options for N. gonorrhoeae infections. This challenge necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutics, with natural products representing a promising source of novel scaffolds. This study employed a metabolomics-guided approach to tentatively identify antigonorrhoeal compounds from South African medicinal plants. Sixteen crude extracts prepared by ultrasonic extraction, and 112 solid-phase extraction (SPE) fractions, were screened against N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49981 using broth microdilution. Leaves from Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet and leaves and twigs from Terminalia phanerophlebia Engl. & Diels yielded the most active samples, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 6.25 µg/mL. SPE fractions from both plants were analysed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Data were processed using the Waters UNIFI platform and analysed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) in MetaboAnalyst 6.0. Putative compounds were annotated using in silico tool, including SIRIUS, complemented by MassLynx, and a literature search, enabling tentative annotation of 23 compounds. Of these, 12 were prioritised by the Neisseria Bayesian model (score ≥ 0.5), including kaempferol and carvacrol in H. odoratissimum, and vitexin and isoscopoletin in T. phanerophlebia. Tanimoto similarity analysis revealed low structural similarity to ciprofloxacin (< 0.30), indicating novelty relative to fluoroquinolone scaffolds. These findings provide candidate compounds for further validation and demonstrate that integrating metabolomics with computational prediction can accelerate antigonorrhoeal discovery.
Golden age of Czechoslovak immunology and what followed - a personal view.
Hořejší V
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 May · PMID 42154434 · Publisher ↗
Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of two giants of world immunology-Milan Hašek and Jaroslav Šterzl. The following text is one of the articles in a special issue of Folia Microbiologica commemorating th...
Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of two giants of world immunology-Milan Hašek and Jaroslav Šterzl. The following text is one of the articles in a special issue of Folia Microbiologica commemorating the "golden age of Czechoslovak immunology" associated with these two figures.
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