Folia Microbiologica[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Bacteria of the genus Asaia contaminating non-alcoholic beverages produce biogenic amines, posing a health risk.
Šviráková E, Purkrtová S, Junková P … +5 more , Jelínková M, Felsberg J, Němečková I, Buňková L, Rajchl A
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Mar · PMID 41770492 · Publisher ↗
Bacteria of the genus Asaia, which frequently contaminate non-alcoholic beverages, are considered undesirable from both health and technological perspective. Contamination with Asaia spp. results in reduced beverage qual...
Bacteria of the genus Asaia, which frequently contaminate non-alcoholic beverages, are considered undesirable from both health and technological perspective. Contamination with Asaia spp. results in reduced beverage quality, manifested by off-odours, turbidity, sediment formation, and biofilm development. Certain species, such as Asaia bogorensis and A. lannensis, are opportunistic pathogens capable of causing severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. Although the production of biogenic amines (BAs) by Asaia spp. is of toxicological relevance, it remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify 11 strains of Asaia spp. isolated from industrially contaminated non-alcoholic non-carbonated beverages and to assess their potential to produce BAs, based on previous reports concerning acetic acid bacteria. All isolates were identified as A. lannensis with ≥99.64% identity by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, further confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS using a custom in-house database. All identified 16S rRNA sequences and MALDI-TOF MS protein spectra, including those of three reference Asaia spp. strains, have been deposited in the newly created BioProject PRJNA1282453. HPLC analysis revealed that all 11 A. lannensis isolates and two reference Asaia spp. strains produced BAs, with total concentrations ranging from 2.20 to 824.20 mg L–1. The highest level (824.20 mg L–1) was detected in isolate A. lannensis 12, dominated by putrescine (785.30 mg L–1) and cadaverine (22.50 mg L–1). This study provides the first evidence that Asaia spp. can produce biogenic amines (BAs), highlighting their potential health risk in non-alcoholic beverages and the need to monitor and control A. lannensis to ensure beverage safety.
Structure-based discovery of Plasmodium falciparum DPAP-1 inhibitor and its experimental validation as an antimalarial agent.
Verma D, Tripathi M, Rathore S … +4 more , Ahmad I, Saeed M, Dwivedi VD, Tripathi RC
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Mar · PMID 41770491 · Publisher ↗
Malaria remains one of the world’s most persistent and deadly infectious diseases, largely driven by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) strains that have developed resistance to conventional treatments. To explore new...
Malaria remains one of the world’s most persistent and deadly infectious diseases, largely driven by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) strains that have developed resistance to conventional treatments. To explore new therapeutic options, the food vacuole enzyme Dipeptidyl Aminopeptidase-1 (DPAP-1) of P. falciparum was selected due to its crucial biological role. A comprehensive virtual screening of a natural compound library derived from plants led to the identification of three promising molecules (Hesperidin methylchalcone, Cepharanthine, and 6-Methoxydihydroavicine). These ligands demonstrated strong docking interactions and complex stability during 500-ns molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the MM-GBSA calculation revealed that all these molecules exhibited relatively high binding affinities, particularly Hesperidin methylchalcone, which had a low free energy of binding (ΔG = -63.73 kcal/mol). Machine learning predictions estimated high biological activity, with Hesperidin methylchalcone achieving a pIC₅₀ value of 8.6. Experimental validation through P. falciparum 3D7 growth inhibition assays confirmed a dose-dependent reduction in parasitemia at nanomolar concentrations (50–1000 nM), demonstrating strong inhibition at 500 nM and 1000 nM. Together, these computational and experimental results highlight Hesperidin methylchalcone as a potent antimalarial candidate with favorable pharmacological and dynamic properties, warranting further preclinical investigation for the development of malaria therapy.
Effect of selected microplastics on the development and spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Cverenkárová K, Hrušková M, Olejníková P … +4 more , Tulipánová A, Imreová Z, Mackuľak T, Bírošová L
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Mar · PMID 41770490 · Publisher ↗
Microplastics are particles of synthetic and biodegradable polymers with a size of up to 5 mm that have been detected in almost every part of the environment and the food chain. Research has linked microplastics to the d...
Microplastics are particles of synthetic and biodegradable polymers with a size of up to 5 mm that have been detected in almost every part of the environment and the food chain. Research has linked microplastics to the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment and the food chain. The objectives of this paper were to evaluate the mutagenicity and toxicity of model microplastics to Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium, to evaluate the impact of model microplastics on the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin in S. Typhimurium, and to assess the behavior of microplastics in contact with different bacteria and DNA. Model microplastics of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, a polylactic acid/polyhydroxybutyrate blend, and glitter, as well as their leachates in phosphate buffer or wastewater, had no mutagenic effects on S. Typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Smaller microplastics (0.09-1.25 mm and 0.5 mm in size) had a more pronounced effect on the emergence and development of ciprofloxacin resistance in S. Typhimurium. The highest increase in mutation frequency and mutation rate was observed with polylactic acid microplastics and 7-day glitter leachate. Plasmid DNA containing the ampicillin resistance gene was minimally adsorbed onto microplastics; the highest adsorption rate was observed after 6 h on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene microplastics. The model strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four resistant isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus formed biofilms on all model microplastics, with the most pronounced biofilm formation observed on polyvinyl chloride microplastics.
Plasmid-mediated resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae clinical strains from South Poland, 2014-2021.
Białecka J, Rak K, Białecka A … +4 more , Kiecka A, Rojek-Zakrzewska D, Brzychczy-Włoch M, Zawilińska B
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41762431 · Publisher ↗
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global public health concern. This resistance may result from the presence of plasmid-encoded proteins or mutations within chromosomal genes. Tetracyclines are...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global public health concern. This resistance may result from the presence of plasmid-encoded proteins or mutations within chromosomal genes. Tetracyclines are used in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in high-risk populations. In this study, the susceptibility of 116 N. gonorrhoeae strains to penicillin and tetracycline was evaluated. Plasmid-mediated resistance was determined using both phenotypic and molecular methods. Among the analysed strains, 15 (12.9%) and 47 (40.5%) were resistant to penicillin and tetracycline, respectively. Plasmid-mediated resistance to penicillin and/or tetracycline was confirmed in 27 (23.3%) strains. The blaTEM gene of the African type was detected in all PPNG strains, while the tetM gene of either the Dutch or American variant was identified in HLTR strains. A statistically significant correlation between the presence of blaTEM and tetM plasmid-encoded resistance genes suggests a potential cooccurrence of resistance mechanisms within the gonococcal population. The strains with plasmid-mediated resistance were classified into 14 NG-MAST sequence types (STs), with ST11461 and ST14769 being the most common.
Salmonella infection in chickens: pathogen, pathogenesis, and dietary non-drug feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics - a comprehensive review.
El-Shall NA, Adiguzel MC, Abd El-Ghany WA … +1 more , Gamal WA
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41762430 · Publisher ↗
Salmonella infections in poultry can result in systemic, localized diseases, or prolonged asymptomatic carriers. Avian host-specific Salmonellae such as S. Pullorum and S. Gallinarum can spread vertically or horizontally...
Salmonella infections in poultry can result in systemic, localized diseases, or prolonged asymptomatic carriers. Avian host-specific Salmonellae such as S. Pullorum and S. Gallinarum can spread vertically or horizontally from diseased birds or contaminated feed, water, or litter (fecal-oral route), resulting in significant mortality rates of up to 80% in chicks and poults during 1st 2-3 weeks of age. Furthermore, one of the most common food-borne diseases in humans is caused by Paratyphoid Salmonellae. The antibiotic overuse or misuse in animal production raises concerns due to the formation of resistant bacteria or genes and tissue residues. Currently, Salmonellae are among the most antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cause the most severe infections in both human and animals. Besides biosecurity, the inclusion of feed additives such as probiotics and their derivavtives, phytobiotics, nanoparticles, and egg yolk immunoglobulins can help to lessen the burden of Salmonella infections (colonization and shedding) in poultry and enhance health and immune response. Additionally, bacteriophages, the bacteria-specific viruses, are considered a biocontrol measure for Salmonella depending on using the appropriate phage, doses, time, and route of administration. These interventions have the potential to replace conventional antibiotics in therapeutic settings by exhibiting bactericidal effects without the risk of emerging antibiotic-resistant strains or intestinal dysbiosis. Moreover, the synergistic interactions between these interventions can provide a more inclusive, efficient, and integrated approach for managing Salmonellosis in poultry flocks. This current review aims to spotlight on the avian Salmonella infections and the role of antibiotic alternatives to control it.
Deciphering microbial biofilm: mechanism, infection, and advanced approaches for control.
Pathak A, Singh J, Swati … +1 more , Dwibedi V
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41758321 · Publisher ↗
Microbial biofilms are densely organised microbial communities that adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, encased within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Microorganisms within these biofilm structures gain en...
Microbial biofilms are densely organised microbial communities that adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, encased within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Microorganisms within these biofilm structures gain enhanced protection, versatility, and resistance to external stresses, antibiotics, and host immune systems. The biofilm formation follows a series of steps, including initial microbial adherence, microcolony establishment, EPS production, regulation by quorum sensing (QS), and dispersal. This flexibility enables biofilm survival in multiple environments, such as medical devices and natural systems, posing serious challenges in healthcare, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The review focuses on the mechanisms involved in biofilm formation and discusses the role of EPS in promoting biofilm stability and resistance to antimicrobials. It addresses biofilm-associated infections in medical environments, such as chronic wounds, cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and complications with implanted medical devices. The capacity of biofilm-forming microorganisms to evade immune responses and persist through extended antibiotic use highlights the urgent demand for novel therapeutic approaches. The discussion includes emerging strategies for biofilm control, including anti-biofilm agents, QS inhibitors, enzymatic treatments, and innovative combination therapies combining antibiotics with biofilm-disrupting agents. Emerging technologies, like antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), CRISPR-Cas systems, nanotechnology, and bioelectric therapies, present innovative biofilm disruption and removal approaches. This paper discusses the effectiveness of natural products, plant-derived compounds, and bacteriophage therapies for mitigating biofilm-associated infections linked to biofilms. The review examines the dynamic challenges posed by biofilms, particularly their role in chronic and device-related infections, which contribute to significant healthcare complications. The study highlights the significance of adopting new approaches to overcome biofilm-induced antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, this paper discusses the promising potential of emerging technologies, such as nanomaterials, QS interference, and biofilm-specific antimicrobial agents, in enhancing biofilm control and prevention measures across clinical, industrial, and environmental domains.
The antimicrobial potential of Fomitopsis Pinicola across multiple applications.
Zazouli S, Mannani N
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41758320 · Publisher ↗
The rise of antimicrobial resistance represents a major threat to global health, highlighting the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. Fomitopsis pinicola, a wood-decaying fungus commonly found in coniferous fores...
The rise of antimicrobial resistance represents a major threat to global health, highlighting the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. Fomitopsis pinicola, a wood-decaying fungus commonly found in coniferous forests, has attracted increasing attention as a potential source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. Over the past decade, approximately 150 compounds, predominantly lanostane-triterpenoids, have been isolated from F. pinicola, with 18 compounds evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. Additional classes of bioactive constituents, including phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, further contribute to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential. Despite the limited number of experimental studies, F. pinicola extracts have demonstrated notable in vitro activity against highly resistant bacterial pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as clinically relevant fungal species such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial potential of F. pinicola remains insufficiently explored, as the mechanisms of action and possible synergistic interactions among its bioactive constituents are still poorly understood. The aim of this review is to critically examine the chemical diversity of antimicrobial compounds reported from F. pinicola, summarize the current evidence regarding their antimicrobial activities, and highlight key limitations related to mechanistic insight, synergistic effects, and reproducibility. By integrating fragmented findings, this review seeks to clarify the relevance of F. pinicola as a promising natural source of antimicrobial agents within the broader context of rising antimicrobial resistance.
Correction to: Plant antimicrobials: extraction, characterization and activity against foodborne microorganisms.
França F, Campos de Souza J, O'Connor PM … +2 more , Matos AP, de Jesus Pimentel-Filho N
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41722018 · Publisher ↗
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Fungicidal efficacy of green-synthesized organosolv lignin-capped silver-based nanoparticles against amphotericin B-resistant Candida tropicalis.
Fernandes DGDS, Andrade VB, da Silva JP … +6 more , Ferreira FF, Colussi F, Michelin M, Santos AR, da Silva FD, Garcia W
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41722017 · Publisher ↗
In recent years, cases of resistance to major antifungal drugs have been reported for Candida species. The growing resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal agents demands the development of new and effective antifu...
In recent years, cases of resistance to major antifungal drugs have been reported for Candida species. The growing resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal agents demands the development of new and effective antifungal strategies. Organosolv lignin-capped silver-based nanoparticles constitute a promising strategy, combining the antifungal activity of metallic silver with the biocompatibility and sustainability of organosolv lignin. In this context, we report a fast green photochemical method for synthesizing plasmonic silver/silver chloride nanoparticles capped with organosolv lignin (OL/Ag/AgCl-NPs) for antifungal applications. The OL/Ag/AgCl-NPs possess a well-defined spherical three-layered architecture, comprising a semiconductor AgCl core, an intermediate metallic silver surface, and a thin outer organosolv lignin layer. The cytotoxicity of the OL/Ag/AgCl-NPs in VERO cells was confirmed to be concentration-dependent. Crucially, cells exposed to toxic doses recovered metabolic activity comparable to controls, suggesting potentially reversible cytotoxic effects. The broad-spectrum antifungal agent Amphotericin B (AmB) effectively inhibited the growth of pathogenic Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata) and Pichia kudriavzevii (formerly Candida krusei), both displaying a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.19 µg/mL. In contrast, pathogenic Candida tropicalis exhibited resistance to AmB. Notably, OL/Ag/AgCl-NPs exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against N. glabratus, P. kudriavzevii, and AmB-resistant C. tropicalis, with MIC values of 1.09 µg/mL, 2.18 µg/mL, and 2.18 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the results revealed that the OL/Ag/AgCl-NPs exhibited a fungistatic effect against N. glabratus and P. kudriavzevii, while exhibited a fungicidal effect against the AmB-resistant C. tropicalis. These findings are particularly relevant given the challenge of treating resistant fungal infections and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies. This study advances organosolv lignin-based nanomaterials, offering a promising platform for future biomedical applications.
Microbial exopolysaccharides in environmental remediation: production, mechanisms, and challenges.
Singh A, Sharma A, Sundaram S
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41712135 · Publisher ↗
Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are increasingly recognized as effective, biodegradable, and low-toxicity biomaterials for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments. Their high metal-binding capacity, c...
Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are increasingly recognized as effective, biodegradable, and low-toxicity biomaterials for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments. Their high metal-binding capacity, chemical tunability, and microbial renewability make EPS attractive alternatives to conventional physicochemical adsorbents. Although numerous studies have reported the application of EPS in the removal of heavy metals and other toxic pollutants, existing literature remains fragmented, with limited integration of EPS production pathways, structure-function relationships, comparative adsorption performance and limited guidance on scalable production strategies. A key contribution is a consolidated comparative analysis of adsorption capacities of EPS, derived from different microbial taxa against major heavy metals, enabling informed selection of high-performing EPS systems for remediation applications. Furthermore, the review systematically categorizes the major metabolic pathways involved in EPS biosynthesis and identifies key microorganisms utilizing these pathways, highlighting regulatory factors influencing EPS yield and composition. Special emphasis is placed on bioreactor-based EPS production strategies, including batch, fed-batch, and continuous systems, and their role in improving productivity, consistency, and scalability. Emerging approaches such as EPS-based nanocomposites, hybrid materials, and bioengineered microbial systems are also discussed as promising solutions to overcome these limitations. This article provides a comprehensive and critical synthesis of microbial EPS in environmental remediation, focusing on their biosynthesis pathways, physicochemical characteristics, and adsorption mechanisms governing pollutant sequestration. By integrating microbial physiology with performance-oriented remediation outcomes, this review identifies critical bottlenecks and future research priorities required to advance microbial EPS from laboratory demonstrations toward cost-effective and scalable environmental remediation technologies.
Cost-effective production and characterization of prodigiosin: a promising candidate for antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and fabric staining applications.
Shekh S, Rathore DS, Raval U … +7 more , Parjapati B, Jhala D, Raval S, Patel A, Joshi M, Joshi CG, Singh NK
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41712134 · Publisher ↗
Prodigiosin is naturally synthesized red pigment derived from Serratia marcescens. The present study probes into one-step cost-effective production, characterization as well as in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activit...
Prodigiosin is naturally synthesized red pigment derived from Serratia marcescens. The present study probes into one-step cost-effective production, characterization as well as in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity. The statistical optimization of the surface area and moisture content of peanut oil cake as a solid substrate leads to a fifty-fold increase in prodigiosin production. Prodigiosin extracted from Serratia marcescens strain BAB 3285 was purified in acidified methanol and further characterized by HPLC and LC-MS/MS to confirm its purity, integrity, and molecular mass. The pigment demonstrated strong free radical scavenging potential, effective staining properties across diverse fabric types, and significant inhibitory activity against infectious organisms, including clinical dermatophytic fungi and bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, antiproliferative assays revealed IC50 values of 134 ± 1.7 µM against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and 397 ± 7.9 µM against the normal fibroblast cell line, indicating selective cytotoxicity. Further, saleable cost comparison for 1 mg of purified prodigiosin obtained from present study compared to conventional media, modified media I and modified media II in the reported study are ∼2713.11 INR (∼32.6$), ∼20,302.46 INR (∼243.96$), 9,229.41 INR (∼110.91$) and 14,502.66 INR (∼174.27$) respectively. The economic gain achieved as well as potential activities in the present study is remarkable which can be further upscale and commercialized for industrial production.
Evaluation of the effects of hybrids of metronidazole and eugenol analogues as inhibitors of the Staphylococcus aureus NorA efflux pump: an in vitro and in silico analysis.
Dos Santos Sa L, de Oliveira Borges JA, da Silva Santos FRM … +14 more , Roque Paulo CL, Alves DS, de Sousa Rodrigues EY, de Almeida RS, Gonçalves SA, de Morais Oliveira Tintino CD, Franco LL, Trinca ALM, Novais DH, Pereira FN, do Silva Leandro MKN, de Araújo-Neto JB, Coutinho HDM, Rocha JE
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41697521 · Publisher ↗
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus-type bacterium responsible for colonizing various sites of the host’s body, thus generating several pathologies such as pneumonia, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and even cas...
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus-type bacterium responsible for colonizing various sites of the host’s body, thus generating several pathologies such as pneumonia, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and even cases of sepsis. Eugenol, dihydroeugenol, guaiacol, and phenol are phenolic compounds with antimicrobial activities, as is the drug metronidazole; therefore, eight substances were synthesized by coupling metronidazole with the molecules mentioned above, thus originating the compounds AD1–AD8. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and the capacity of the compounds AD1–AD8 to amplify the action of norfloxacin and ethidium bromide against the S. aureus 1199B strain through the inhibition of the NorA efflux pump. Broth microdilution assays were performed to determine the MIC and to analyze the association of the compounds AD1–AD8 with norfloxacin and ethidium bromide, along with the membrane permeability test and molecular docking. The compounds AD1–AD8 obtained positive results as they exhibited a potentiating effect by reducing the MIC of norfloxacin and ethidium bromide against 1199B, thus evidencing interference with the functioning of the NorA efflux pump, which had already been predicted by the data obtained from the molecular docking assay, in addition to having demonstrated significant effects by acting on the S. aureus membrane. The information obtained from this research is in line with what is reported in the literature regarding the effects observed with eugenol, dihydroeugenol, and guaiacol and their derivatives when combined with other antibiotics against S. aureus strains that possess efflux pumps, with competitive inhibition being observed, as well as the possibility that the reduction in MIC may have occurred due to a reduction in gene expression levels. Further assays are needed to evaluate these possibilities. Based on the presented data, it was found that the compounds AD1–AD8 exhibit promising aspects to act as antibiotic adjuvants.
Draft genome sequences and comparative analyses of Spiroplasma citri strains from various hosts.
Khanchezar A, Izadpanah K, Lagzian A … +1 more , Ghorbani A
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41686346 · Publisher ↗
Spiroplasma citri is a plant pathogenic bacterium that infects a wide range of hosts. In Iran, S. citri is responsible for causing several important diseases, including citrus stubborn, sesame yellows, and safflower necr...
Spiroplasma citri is a plant pathogenic bacterium that infects a wide range of hosts. In Iran, S. citri is responsible for causing several important diseases, including citrus stubborn, sesame yellows, and safflower necrotic yellows. The beet leafhopper Circulifer haematoceps is a common vector for S. citri transmission in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. For the first time, we sequenced the whole genome of three Iranian strains D10, D12, and D4 isolated from plants (citrus and sesame) and the insect hosts, originating from Fars Province, for a better understanding of their genetics, and differences and evolution. We compared genomes of these strains and several other S. citri whole genomes from the NCBI database to discover single/multiple nucleotide variations (SNVs/MNVs), deletions, insertions and replacements and so on. Analyses showed that strain D10 from citrus had 99.49, 99.45, 98.79 and 98.78% whole genome similarity with strains C189, R8-A2T, D4 (from leafhopper) and D12 (from sesame), respectively. Iranian strain D10 had the lowest and D12 had the highest number of detected SNVs and MNVs compared to the strain R8-A2T. In a whole-genome comparison of the three studied strains rather R8-A2T showed the lowest amount of rearrangement. On the other hand, a comparison of the whole genome of S. citri and its close relative S. melliferum showed extensive rearrangement in blocks of genomes. We found a high level of genetic changes within three Iranian strains. While there was no indication of the presence of mutS, mutL (DNA mismatch repair loci) and recA genes throughout the annotated genomes, there was a highlighted presence of repeated regions and transposase genes. The lack of universal DNA mismatch repair and the recA gene, and the abundance of mobile genetic elements, may account for the high rate of genetic changes. The fructose, trehalose and triacylglycerol metabolism operons predicted can be responsible for Spiroplasma pathogenic pathways. This study expands a better understanding of S. citri genetics and evolution in the hosts. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying S. citri pathogenesis and transmission, which could aid in the development of new strategies for disease control.
Harnessing the power of abiotic inducers to enhance fungal secondary metabolite production: a review.
Bagoghli N, Eslami A, Kashefifard S … +5 more , Rizi NSM, Raoufi S, Yari S, Yazdanpanah Z, Ardestani FZ
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41670828 · Publisher ↗
Fungi and yeasts are prolific producers of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with extensive applications in pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and industrial biotechnology. Conventional strategies to enhance me...
Fungi and yeasts are prolific producers of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with extensive applications in pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and industrial biotechnology. Conventional strategies to enhance metabolite production have largely relied on rational metabolic and genetic engineering; however, these approaches are often constrained by incomplete pathway knowledge, metabolic burden, regulatory complexity, and biosafety concerns associated with genetically engineered microorganisms. In recent years, the application of abiotic stresses has emerged as a powerful and complementary strategy to activate silent biosynthetic gene clusters and redirect metabolic fluxes without direct genetic manipulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of abiotic stress-based approaches for enhancing secondary metabolite production in fungi and yeasts. We systematically examine the effects of major stress categories, including osmotic, oxidative, pH, solvent-induced, radiation, and heavy metal stresses, on microbial metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Evidence from diverse fungal and yeast models demonstrates that controlled stress exposure can significantly increase the yield and diversity of metabolites such as pigments, carotenoids, antibiotics, statins, lipids, organic acids, osmolytes, and antioxidants. Importantly, this review highlights that stress responses are highly strain- and metabolite-specific, underscoring the need for tailored stress packages optimized for individual industrial strains or target compounds. We also discuss universally stress-responsive metabolites, such as proline and trehalose, which consistently accumulate under multiple stress conditions and represent promising leverage points for metabolic improvement. Overall, abiotic stress-induced metabolic engineering offers a cost-effective, flexible, and non-GMO strategy to enhance fungal and yeast metabolite production, with significant implications for industrial biotechnology and natural product discovery.
Beauveria bassiana GHA strain produces a plethora of chemical compounds under different culture conditions.
Ramírez-Cáceres Y, García-Gutiérrez C, Santiago-Adame R … +3 more , Villegas-Mendoza JM, Torres-Ortega JA, Rosas-García NM
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41665847 · Publisher ↗
Entomopathogenic fungi produce chemical compounds that may provide different biological activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence their production. This work aimed to determine the production of chemical compo...
Entomopathogenic fungi produce chemical compounds that may provide different biological activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence their production. This work aimed to determine the production of chemical compounds during the growth of the Beauveria bassiana GHA strain in nine different culture media. The media used were malt extract agar (MEA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), Spezieller Nahrstoffarmer agar (SNA), Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) enriched with yeast extract; yeast extract casein peptone dextrose agar (YEPDA), and potato dextrose-fungus (Agaricus bisporus) (PDF) as well as oats based medium (OBM), rice based medium (RBM), and CHEERIOS (Whole oats, Nestlé) based medium (CHBM). The GHA strain was incubated in each medium at 28 °C for 21 days. The fungal growth was measured by biomass production, and the production of chemical compounds was evaluated through a GC-MS analysis. Results indicated significant differences in biomass production among the different culture media. The highest biomass production was observed in the SDA and OBM, while no growth was observed in the PDA, MEA, and SNA media. The GC-MS analysis detected 156 compounds, including 54 extracted with methanol, 65 with ethyl acetate, and 37 with hexane. The number of compounds varied according to the media used. These chemical compounds correspond to amines, alcohols, fatty acids, and amino acids, among many others. The nutrients available in the growth media have an essential influence on the chemical compound production by B. bassiana GHA strain.
Microbe-derived surfactant as promising Anti-Biofilm agent: current insights and future prospects.
Guchhait KC, Dey S, Panda AK … +1 more , Ghosh C
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41661391 · Publisher ↗
Structured communities of microbial cells within an extracellular polymeric matrix, called biofilms are a significant cause of the persistence and severity of chronic infection. These biofilm-mediated infections pose sig...
Structured communities of microbial cells within an extracellular polymeric matrix, called biofilms are a significant cause of the persistence and severity of chronic infection. These biofilm-mediated infections pose significant complications in the treatment plans since they are more resistant to conventional antimicrobial drugs and they are also resistant to the host immune system. Hence, new approaches should be warranted over the traditional therapies to counter such infections. The use of biosurfactants is one of the promising strategies, as these amphiphilic molecules that are produced by microorganisms are present naturally and have strong antibiofilm capabilities. Biosurfactants, including rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, and lipopeptides, work in a range of ways, including interfering with the integrity of biofilms, modulation of microbial adhesion, and quorum sensing. This review discusses the biofilm characteristics and the step of biofilm development along with the detailed analyses of the major biosurfactants and their mechanisms of action as an alternative to the conventional therapy. Moreover, we have pointed out the most recent case studies on biosurfactants with their antibiofilm activities as well as biosurfactant-coated surfaces in biofilm prevention on medical devices to provide the new opportunities in managing biofilm-related infections. Overall, this review brings the better understanding about different biosurfactants to integrate it into clinical treatments.
Effects of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf on Helicobacter pylori induced gastritis in rats: anti- Helicobacter pylori and anti gastritis properties.
Aydin E, Açikgoz B, Kocak Sezgin A … +3 more , Koldemir Gunduz M, Kaymak G, Simsek S
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41642557 · Publisher ↗
We evaluated the antimicrobial and host-directed effects of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (P. furfuracea) against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) associated gastritis. The acetone extract inhibited H. pylori growth i...
We evaluated the antimicrobial and host-directed effects of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (P. furfuracea) against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) associated gastritis. The acetone extract inhibited H. pylori growth in vitro, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.625 µg/mL, and modestly reduced pre-formed biofilms. In a rat model of indomethacin- and H. pylori induced gastritis, oral P. furfuracea treatment lowered gastric bacterial load and urease activity, shifted the cytokine profile toward an anti-inflammatory pattern (reduced interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and restored interleukin-10 [IL-10]), improved oxidative status (decreased malondialdehyde [MDA] and total oxidant status [TOS], increased reduced glutathione [GSH] and total antioxidant status [TAS]), and downregulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) transcripts. These molecular and biochemical changes were accompanied by better preservation of gastric mucosal architecture and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Overall, P. furfuracea exhibited a dual profile, combining direct anti H. pylori activity with mucosa-protective, host-directed effects. These findings support further development of standardized P. furfuracea preparations, including mechanistic, phytochemical, and dose–response studies, as potential adjuncts to conventional H. pylori therapies.
Genomic and taxonomic characterization of strain CCM 2573: Uncovering unique genetic features and description of Macrococcus caseolyticus subsp. lactis subsp. nov.
Mašlaňová I, Nováková D, Švec P … +8 more , Kovařovic V, Sedláček I, Botka T, Šedo O, Neumann-Schaal M, Vives J, Doškař J, Pantůček R
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Feb · PMID 41632443 · Publisher ↗
Strain CCM 2573 is a Gram-positive bacterium that has been intensively studied in the past due to its distinct chemotaxonomic properties, but its reliable taxonomic classification has not been satisfactorily clarified. W...
Strain CCM 2573 is a Gram-positive bacterium that has been intensively studied in the past due to its distinct chemotaxonomic properties, but its reliable taxonomic classification has not been satisfactorily clarified. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses performed in this study revealed that the strain belongs to the Macrococcus caseolyticus phylogenetic clade. Genome-to-genome comparisons confirmed the closest relationship to the type strains of M. caseolyticus subsp. hominis CCM 7927 and M. caseolyticus subsp. caseolyticus DSM 20597. However, the strain harbored unique genomic elements distinguishing it from its nearest phylogenetic neighbors. Its accessory genome contains dozens of insertion sequences, a 92-kbp composite transposon with unique palindromic repeat loci associated with a CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system, a pseudo-staphylococcal chromosome cassette, and several additional genomic islets. Unlike other macrococci, strain CCM 2573 exhibits a specific peptidoglycan composition (L-Lys-Gly₂-Ser₂-Gly) and shows a higher phylogenetic divergence of aminoacyltransferases (FemABX) involved in interpeptide bridge synthesis. In addition, it reveals distinct biochemical characteristics from both subspecies of M. caseolyticus, particularly in its ability to produce acid from galactose, cellobiose, melezitose, and turanose, as well as in its susceptibility to novobiocin. The MALDI-TOF mass spectra enable differentiation of the strain from other type strains of the genus Macrococcus. The results of polyphasic taxonomy obtained in this study showed that strain CCM 2573 belongs to the species M. caseolyticus, but it is distinct from both validly named M. caseolyticus subspecies. We propose to assign the analyzed strain as a new subspecies, Macrococcus caseolyticus subsp. lactis subsp. nov. The type strain is CCM 2573 (= DSM 20227).
Evaluation of physcion isolated from endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus ASH3 as an antiviral agent against coxsackievirus B4 and herpes simplex virus type 1: in silico-supported in vitro study.
Bukhari K, Elkhouly HI, Hasan SF … +8 more , Soliman AG, Selim HMRM, Sidkey NM, El-Hosainy A, Saleh A, Fahim AM, Ghareeb MA, Hamed AA
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41619079 · Publisher ↗
Physcion, an anthraquinone compound from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus ASH3, isolated from Lotus hebranicus, has been studied for its antiviral activity against Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) and Herpes simplex v...
Physcion, an anthraquinone compound from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus ASH3, isolated from Lotus hebranicus, has been studied for its antiviral activity against Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the in silico and in vitro study. The MTT assay was performed to investigate cytotoxicity on Vero cells with CC₅₀ of 452.25 ± 4.91 µg/mL and maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) of 125 µg/mL, indicating that physcion has relatively low cytotoxicity. At the MNTC, physcion displayed potent antiviral activity with inhibition rates of 90.52% for CVB4 and 83.22% for HSV-1. The IC₅₀ for CVB4 was 70.7 ± 0.86 µg/mL, while HSV-1 was 78.23 ± 0.83 µg/mL; both of which had selectivity index values (SI = 6.40 and 5.78, respectively) that indicate a wide therapeutic index and potent antifungal activity, respectively. Molecular docking studies showed that physcion interacts stably with several viral protein targets, such as HSV-1 DNA polymerase-processivity factor (PDB: 8OJA), HSV UDG (PDB: 5AYS), and the CVB4 terminase complex (PDB: 6M5U), with binding energies from − 5.8 to -7.5 kcal/mol. The docking poses made meaningful hydrogen bonds with key residues such as Ser1183, Lys1136, ArgA134, TyrA138, and Gln223, as well as supporting hydrophobic interactions and π–π stacking that stabilizes the binding. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the complexes remained conformationally stable during the 100 ns trajectories with RMSD fluctuations of ≤ 2 Å and maintained hydrogen-bond occupancies. The ADMET profile suggested stringent plasma-protein binding (99.49%), adherence to Lipinski’s and Golden-Triangle rules, modest oral absorption, and low cardiotoxicity (hERG = 0.04), supporting its potential as an orally bioavailable antiviral lead. Overall, the combined in vitro and computational results show physcion is a safe, naturally-derived antiviral candidate with dual activity against human viruses, regardless of enveloped or non-enveloped types. This study represents the first report of the antiviral activity of physcion isolated from A. fumigatus ASH3, positioning it as a promising scaffold to develop novel broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.
Characterization and biological activities of endophytic bacteria from Vernonia anthelmintica flowers.
Rustamova N, Wali A, Litao N … +3 more , Movlanov J, Davranov K, Yili A
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41609982 · Publisher ↗
Endophytic bacteria associated with medicinal plants are a vital component of the plant microbiome and represent a valuable biological resource. This study investigates the diversity and biological activities of endophyt...
Endophytic bacteria associated with medicinal plants are a vital component of the plant microbiome and represent a valuable biological resource. This study investigates the diversity and biological activities of endophytic bacteria isolated from the flowers of Vernonia anthelmintica, a medicinal plant native to China. The research focuses on evaluating the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of natural products derived from these bacteria, as well as their effects on melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in B16 cells. A total of 32 bacterial strains were isolated and cultured, of which eight crude extracts exhibiting antimicrobial activity were selected for further analysis. These isolates. belong to four genera: Bacillus, Streptococcus, Priestia and Paenibacillus. Among them, Priestia megaterium XJB-41 demonstrated the most substantial pharmacological potential, warranting further investigation to optimize its culture conditions for enhanced bioactive compound production. The optimal growth conditions for P. megaterium XJB-41 were determined to be LB and Nutrient Broth (NB) media, with peptone as the carbon source and yeast extract as the nitrogen source, under 24 h of incubation. These conditions significantly enhanced both bacterial growth and metabolite yield. Moreover, two secondary metabolites: cyclo(D-leu-L-pro) [1] and 2-benzoxazolone [2] were isolated for the first time from the ethyl acetate fraction of P. megaterium XJB-41. This strain shows promise for further investigation as a potential source of therapeutic agents.
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