Folia Microbiologica[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci in healthcare settings: clonal analysis, resistance profiles, and biofilm formation of strains isolated from hospitalized patients.
Klesiewicz K, Mrowiec P, Kania K … +5 more , Hojda S, Witek K, Kasperski T, Chmielarczyk A, Karczewska E
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41606402 · Publisher ↗
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), are a significant public health threat. This study aimed to perform molecular characterization of E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates with r...
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), are a significant public health threat. This study aimed to perform molecular characterization of E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates with respect to glycopeptide and phenotypic resistance, and clonal relatedness. A total of 45 isolates (41 E. faecium, 4 E. faecalis) were obtained from clinical specimens collected at the University Hospital in Kraków, Poland. Isolates were screened on chromogenic media, identified by Matrix-Assisted Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of vanA/vanB genes. Biofilm formation was assessed on culture media, and clonal relationships were determined using PFGE. Among the isolates, 86.7% harbored vanA and 13.3% vanB genes. E. faecium remained resistant mainly to ampicillin and teicoplanin, but susceptible to tigecycline and linezolid. E. faecalis showed partial susceptibility to ampicillin, tigecycline and linezolid, but frequent resistance to teicoplanin and reduced susceptibility to imipenem. Biofilm assessment revealed that 88.9% of isolates produced high biofilm levels. PFGE analysis identified several clonal groups among Enterococcus faecium, with clone A being the most prevalent (9 strains). The predominance of clonal strains and their robust biofilm production underscore the dissemination potential of VRE in hospital settings. High levels of antibiotic resistance highlight the limited therapeutic options available. Comprehensive preventive and control measures are essential to mitigate transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens in healthcare environments. These findings provide recent epidemiological data on VRE circulation and highlight the clinical relevance of a dominant, biofilm-forming clonal lineage in a tertiary-care setting.
Novel Koutsourovirus phages disrupt clinical multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae biofilms: genomic and functional characterization.
Souda I, Boubekri K, Boutadjine HE … +4 more , Thebti A, Ouzari HI, Hatton BD, Asker D
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41586996 · Publisher ↗
The rise of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens poses a critical global public health threat. Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) causes severe, life-threatening infections due to both intrinsic and acquired resistanc...
The rise of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens poses a critical global public health threat. Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) causes severe, life-threatening infections due to both intrinsic and acquired resistance to last-line antibiotics. Its ability to form resilient biofilms further complicates treatment, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapies. Phage therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, offering targeted antibacterial activity and the capacity to co-evolve with bacterial resistance. Here, we report the characterization of novel phages with potent antibiofilm activity against a multidrug-resistant E. cloacae clinical strain BOJ39. Phages were isolated from diverse environmental sources in Algeria. Host-range, thermal and pH stabilities, lytic and antibiofilm assays were assessed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) whole-genome sequencing with bioinformatic analyses were used for morphological and genomic characterization. Seventeen phages showing halo formation around plaques (designated ECHP) were selected. TEM revealed podovirus morphology. ECHP maintained infectivity across broad temperatures (2–70 °C) and pH (2–12) ranges. Despite a narrow host range, ECHP showed strong lytic and antibiofilm activity against BOJ39. Genomic analysis revealed nine distinct genotypes among the ECHP isolates, which collectively constitute a putative novel species within the genus Koutsourovirus. No toxin, resistance, or virulence genes were detected, and a unique bifunctional virion-associated depolymerase was identified. ECHP Phages represent a novel Koutsourovirus lineage with strong lytic and anti-biofilm activity against multidrug-resistant and biofilm forming ECC. Their genetic safety and anti-biofilm potential highlight their promise as candidates for therapeutic development and as sources of novel antibacterial agents.
Structure-based and machine learning-assisted identification of natural phytochemicals targeting Mycobacterium leprae InhA for anti-mycobacterial therapeutics.
Rehman ZU, Alzahrani AR, Al-Bazi MM … +5 more , Banjabi AA, Alzahrani HA, Alzahrani MM, Alkholifi FK, Imran M
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41575667 · Publisher ↗
Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) is the bacterium that causes leprosy. It is a public health problem in many regions, especially in developing countries. The situation is getting worse and worse as drug resistance spread...
Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) is the bacterium that causes leprosy. It is a public health problem in many regions, especially in developing countries. The situation is getting worse and worse as drug resistance spreads. InhA is one of the most important proteins for M. leprae's survival. It helps make mycolic acid, an important part of the bacterial cell envelope; hence, InhA is a good target for developing new anti-leprosy drugs. In this study, we focused on identifying natural plant-derived compounds (phytochemicals) capable of inhibiting InhA function using sophisticated computer-based techniques, including molecular docking, simulations, DFT calculations, and machine learning. After structure-based virtual screening, docking scores helped us narrow down the list to Hinokiflavone, 3,29-Dibenzoyl Rarounitriol, and 4'-O-Methylochnaflavone. Molecular dynamics simulations (500 ns) showed that Hinokiflavone and 4'-O-Methylochnaflavone had stable binding and only small changes, which confirmed that the protein-ligand interactions were strong. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Free Energy Landscape (FEL) analyses showed that the InhA-ligand complexes were stable in shape and exhibited clear low-energy states. Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) analysis showed that the reactivity and electronic profiles were good, especially for Hinokiflavone, which had a small HOMO-LUMO gap. Furthermore, a machine-learning-based QSAR model was used to predict the biological activity values (pIC₅₀) of these compounds post-simulation. The best KNN model showed that the pIC₅₀ values of these compounds were greater than 7.0, exceeding the activity threshold of pIC₅₀ ≥ 6.0. This means they are active inhibitors. These results underscore the potential of these phytochemicals as InhA inhibitors for the management of M. leprae infections and offer a robust in silico prediction for subsequent experimental validation.
Determination of phytocompounds and their role in inhibition of efflux pump-related resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA7.
Natarajan J, Singh S, S SL … +4 more , Ramachandran I, Sharma D, R B, Swaminathan P
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41545797 · Publisher ↗
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) remains a global health threat, with efflux pump-based mechanisms being a significant contributor to bacterial drug resistance, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative strategi...
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) remains a global health threat, with efflux pump-based mechanisms being a significant contributor to bacterial drug resistance, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative strategies such as plant-based phytochemicals. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that heavily depends on its Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux systems, like MexAB-OprM, as its resistance pathway against antibiotics. By inhibiting these efflux pumps, the pathogen can potentially be susceptible to the same antibiotics it was resistant to. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants offer a large scale of bioactive compounds with potential efflux inhibitory properties. However, the inhibitory effects and activity of bioactive compounds from Brassica nigra and Foeniculum vulgare remain largely unexplored, especially with P. aeruginosa. In this study, the crude extracts from mustard and fennel were evaluated for their ability to affect the efflux resistance in P. aeruginosa PA7 (MTCC 1688). Mustard extract demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect and increased antibiotic susceptibility compared to Fennel extract, which was supported by intracellular accumulation and bacterial growth behaviour. GC-MS profiling helped identify key components of the extract, and molecular docking revealed that mustard-based compounds showed a higher affinity towards the MexB protein. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of compounds from mustard and MexB interactions as potential ligands. Overall, the findings suggest that the mustard phytochemicals may be a promising natural efflux pump inhibitor capable of increasing the potency of antibiotic activity against P.aeruginosa, increasing their relevance in combating AMR.
Methionine suppresses autophagy in Cryptococcus neoformans: Impact of GPP2 gene deletion on the expression of autophagy-related genes.
Padilla AAÁ, Martho KFC, Felizardo G … +2 more , Pascon RC, Vallim MA
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41545796 · Publisher ↗
Autophagy is an essential intracellular degradation and recycling system for macromolecules and organelles, crucial for cell survival under nutrient stress conditions. In fungi, the genes involved in vesicle assembly dur...
Autophagy is an essential intracellular degradation and recycling system for macromolecules and organelles, crucial for cell survival under nutrient stress conditions. In fungi, the genes involved in vesicle assembly during autophagy have been extensively characterized. However, in the pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, the autophagy pathway remains less understood, particularly regarding its potential connections with virulence and pathogenicity. Our previous work identified Gpp2 as a key player in the biosynthesis of the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine. Through transcriptomic analysis, we observed that through transcriptomic analysis, we observed that deletion of GPP2 in C. neoformans leads to the repression of several core autophagy genes (ATG1, ATG2, ATG4, ATG15, VPS15, and VPS30), likely as an indirect consequence of altered methionine metabolism, while upregulating PEP4 expression. Since methionine is known to repress autophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we hypothesized that this amino acid might similarly regulate autophagy in C. neoformans. Our experiments demonstrated that both endogenous and exogenous methionine inhibit the expression of autophagy-related genes not only in the wild-type H99 strain but also in gpp2Δ and gpr4Δ mutant strains. Intriguingly, we found that GPR4 deletion creates a mutant unable to sense exogenous methionine, consequently releasing the repression of autophagy genes. Furthermore, microscopic analyses revealed that methionine supplementation substantially reduces autophagosome formation compared to methionine-deprived conditions. These results lead us to conclude that methionine biosynthesis regulation in gpp2Δ strains affects autophagy similarly to S. cerevisiae; GPR4 encodes a functional methionine receptor in C. neoformans; and methionine availability directly impacts autophagic flux, where the methionine receptor Gpr4 links extracellular amino acid availability to the intracellular control of autophagy likely via the Cys3/Gpp2 regulatory axis. This work provides crucial insights into the metabolic regulation of autophagy in pathogenic fungi and opens new avenues for understanding fungal pathogenesis mechanisms.
Molecular docking, dynamics and experimental approach integrated identification of phytopharmaceuticals against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
Saima, Sharma HK, Latha S … +6 more , Lather V, Tewari D, Sharma R, Jain GK, Pandita D, Kumar A
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41540178 · Publisher ↗
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is indeed a significant public health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide which can range from mild skin infections to life-threatening conditions like bloodst...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is indeed a significant public health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide which can range from mild skin infections to life-threatening conditions like bloodstream infections and pneumonia. The aim of the current study is to decipher the possible mechanism of some selected natural compounds against MRSA. The natural compounds were selected based on our earlier systematic literature review. The selected compounds were screened against various targets of MRSA using molecular docking techniques. The stability of selected compounds was checked using molecular dynamics. Further, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) was predicted using QikProp module. All the computational studies were conducted using the Schrodinger Maestro version 13.5.128. In-vitro assays were conducted to check the anti-bacterial effects of selected natural compounds against MRSA. Among 60 selected natural compounds, theasinensin A, xanthohumol, luteolin, oxyresveratrol, liquiritigenin and baicalin has shown the energetically favoured binding conformation in the active site of targets. Further, molecular dynamics results have shown the stable conformation of xanthohumol and theasinensin A in the active site of targets. Further, the pharmacokinetic profile of xanthohumol was found to be better among other natural compounds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of xanthohumol was found to be 3.12 µg/mL as indicated by disk diffusion and micro broth dilution assays. Xanthohumol can be promising anti-bacterial agent against MRSA through multi modal mechanism. However, further detailed experimental studies are required to confirm its possible antibacterial mechanisms.
Plant antimicrobials: extraction, characterization and activity against foodborne microorganisms.
França F, de Souza JC, O'Connor PM … +2 more , Matos AP, Pimentel-Filho NJ
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41538126 · Publisher ↗
Plant-derived antimicrobials have been extensively studied due to their strong activity against foodborne and spoilage microorganisms, as well as their availability from diverse and cost-effective natural sources. A wide...
Plant-derived antimicrobials have been extensively studied due to their strong activity against foodborne and spoilage microorganisms, as well as their availability from diverse and cost-effective natural sources. A wide range of bioactive plant compounds, including phenolics, essential oils, alkaloids, lectins, and antimicrobial peptides have demonstrated significant potential in controlling microbial contamination in food systems. This review uniquely integrates advances in the extraction, purification, and molecular characterization of plant extracts and their bioactive antimicrobial compounds, along with insights into their mechanisms of action and in silico discovery approaches. Among these diverse bioactives, phenolics, essential oils, and antimicrobial peptides have shown the most promising potential for food applications. Recent progress in molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations has accelerated the identification and optimization of plant antimicrobials, revealing their possible roles in inhibiting quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Despite these advances, knowledge gaps remain regarding their safety, stability, and interactions within complex food matrices, which must be addressed for industrial application. Overall, this review highlights both the opportunities and challenges in employing plant-derived antimicrobials as sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives, aligning food safety with consumer demand for natural products.
Isolation and assessment of fungi derived from wastewater for sustainable energy generation.
Sah N, Chauhan N
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41530614 · Publisher ↗
Urbanization has intensified the demand for different sustainable energy-generating solutions. One promising approach is the treatment of wastewater using electrochemical setups. A microbial fuel cell (MFC), an electroch...
Urbanization has intensified the demand for different sustainable energy-generating solutions. One promising approach is the treatment of wastewater using electrochemical setups. A microbial fuel cell (MFC), an electrochemical setup, can be highly effective for wastewater treatment as it simultaneously generates bioelectricity. This study focuses on the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of electrogenic fungal species from wastewater samples (WWS) collected from the Uttarakhand region. Using the potentiostat, an electrochemical workstation, we screened a total of 70 different fungal isolates and identified 10 distinct fungal strains as potent current generators. Morphological characterization of these strains revealed several fungal structures, including hyphae and spores. The most potent fungi were further analyzed based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and genomic sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The obtained sequences were subjected to Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis, and the corresponding fungal isolates were assigned genus names after comparison with representative sequences available in GeneBank. ITS sequencing for the top three potent fungi revealed their highest resemblance to Aspergillus flavus (99.09%), Diaporthe caryae isolate KM 19 (96.18%), and Montagnula donacina (100.00%). Among these, the strain closely related to Aspergillus flavus demonstrated the highest current output. This isolate has been successfully submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database under the accession number PX226319. The selected strain will be integrated into a dual-chambered microbial fuel cell (DC-MFC) system to evaluate its bioelectric performance under optimized conditions. Overall, this research established a foundation for identifying the potent fungal strains from local microbial communities present in wastewater for sustainable energy production.
Comparative population genomic analysis of Brevibacterium casei isolated from a tuberculosis patient.
Deb S, Kumari L, Singh UB
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41528640 · Publisher ↗
Brevibacterium casei, previously considered as non-pathogenic to human host is now drawing attention due to its association with frequent infections in immunocompromised patients suffering from leukemia and HIV. Despite...
Brevibacterium casei, previously considered as non-pathogenic to human host is now drawing attention due to its association with frequent infections in immunocompromised patients suffering from leukemia and HIV. Despite growing incidence of B. casei infections, limited number of genomes have been sequenced to date, this restricts our understanding on ge-nomic heterogeneity and the evolution of pathogenic B.casei strains. Here, we sequenced the whole genome of B. casei HOS 100 strain isolated from a tuberculosis patient. The genome size was 3.8 Mb and G + C content 67.94%. Present study estimates the genetic diversity and factors effecting evolutionary dynamics of B. casei strains. Phylogenomic and population genomic analyses reveal that recombination, horizontal gene transfer, and the ongoing expansion of the pangenome contribute to the genetic diversity and potential emergence of genetically distinct B. casei strains.
Glutathione redox system as a therapeutic target for Plasmodium: Opportunities, Challenges, and future perspectives.
Mahato RP, Kumbham S, Kumar S … +1 more , Ch S
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41526801 · Publisher ↗
Glutathione (GSH) serves as an essential guardian for parasites, protecting them from the onslaught of oxidative stress. As hemoglobin breaks down and energy is harvested through the intricate mitochondrial respiratory p...
Glutathione (GSH) serves as an essential guardian for parasites, protecting them from the onslaught of oxidative stress. As hemoglobin breaks down and energy is harvested through the intricate mitochondrial respiratory pathway, GSH meticulously creates a reducing environment, akin to a fortress against oxidative damage. The metabolic pathways involving GSH in parasites are complex and markedly different from those in human hosts, rendering them a compelling target in the battle against multidrug-resistant parasites. This review illuminates the critical role of GSH in the survival of malaria parasites and the impact of key enzyme inhibitors on the GSH redox pathway. Recent discoveries surrounding significant enzyme inhibitors as GST, GR, GS, and GP, are explored, shedding light on the potential of combination therapies while underscoring the obstacles posed by selective drug targeting and the imperative to navigate drug resistance. Moreover, the review delves into the forefront of research on the metabolic pathways of GSH in parasites, unveiling a trove of promising drug targets for strategies aimed at treating malaria in an era plagued by multidrug resistance and offers hope for innovative therapeutic approaches against one of the world's most persistent diseases.
Biosynthesis of auxin under cr (VI) stress conditions by thermophilic Brevibacillus borstelensis SSAU-3T.
Agrawal M, Sharma A, Sundaram S
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41525018 · Publisher ↗
Rapid industrialization, technological advancement, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and ongoing climatic fluctuations have collectively imposed severe stress on global agricultural productivity. Among the various...
Rapid industrialization, technological advancement, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and ongoing climatic fluctuations have collectively imposed severe stress on global agricultural productivity. Among the various environmental pollutants, hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) poses a substantial threat to plant growth and soil fertility due to its high toxicity, mobility, and bioavailability. Cr (VI) disrupts the biosynthetic pathways of essential phytohormones, particularly auxins, by inhibiting enzymatic activities and cellular signaling mechanisms, ultimately leading to reduced crop yield and impaired physiological functions. To mitigate such effects, the exploration of robust microbial candidates capable of tolerating heavy metal stress while promoting plant growth is imperative. In the present study, a novel thermophilic bacterium, Brevibacillus borstelensis SSAU-3T, was isolated and characterized for its dual ability to withstand Cr (VI) toxicity and synthesize auxins under elevated temperature conditions. The strain demonstrated significant auxin production in the presence of Cr (VI) concentrations up to 20 ppm, beyond which a gradual decline was observed. Optimization studies revealed that maximum auxin synthesis occurred at pH 7.0, temperature 55 °C, tryptophan concentration of 1%, and an incubation period of six days, while salinity exhibited negligible effects up to 100 g/L. Among the various nutrient sources tested, lactose and tryptone were identified as the most effective carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, for optimal auxin synthesis. The auxins produced were extracted using solvent partitioning and analyzed via Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), which revealed variation in auxin profiles depending on the nutritional composition of the growth medium. Further confirmation and structural elucidation were achieved using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), validating the synthesis of indole-based auxin derivatives and associated metabolites. This study highlights the biotechnological potential of B. borstelensis SSAU-3T as a thermophilic, Cr (VI)-tolerant, auxin-producing microorganism with direct applications in sustainable agriculture. Its use as a bioinoculant in chromium-contaminated or high-temperature soils offers an eco-friendly and resilient strategy for restoring soil health and enhancing crop productivity in stress-prone agroecosystems.
Unravelling rhizosphere competent plant growth promoting bacteria for mainstreaming finger millet to climate smart agriculture.
Kumari P, Netam RS, Kumar P
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41511617 · Publisher ↗
Climate change induced abiotic stresses pose a major challenge to global food security, particularly in crops grown in marginal environments such as finger millet. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria has emerged a...
Climate change induced abiotic stresses pose a major challenge to global food security, particularly in crops grown in marginal environments such as finger millet. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria has emerged as a promising strategy to alleviate the detrimental impacts of stress and enhance plant development. In the present study, we investigated 30 bacterial isolates from finger millet rhizosphere and prioritized them based on their plant growth-promoting attributes using Bonitur Scale. Sixteen isolates were further evaluated for key competence traits, including tolerance to salinity, temperature and drought, antibiotic resistance, amylase production, biofilm and exopolysaccharide (EPS) formation, and root colonization ability. Three EPS-producing and drought-tolerant isolates (A11, P1a and B16a) were selected for pot experiments to assess their role in mitigating drought stress in finger millet. Inoculated plants showed significantly improved growth under water stress compared to uninoculated controls. Enhanced total sugars, proteins, phenolics, catalase activity, delayed wilting and better chlorophyll retention contributed to the improved drought tolerance of bacterized seedlings. Field evaluation of eight isolates further demonstrated reduced blast incidence and improved crop performance. Based on 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis, four potent strains (A10, A11, P1a and B16a) were identified as belonging to the genus Bacillus. These isolates exhibit strong PGP and stress-alleviating capacities, highlighting their potential as effective bioinoculants for improving finger millet productivity under climate-induced stress conditions and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Antileishmanial, antioxidant and anti-hemolytic activities of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles mediated by Teucrium stocksianum Boiss leaf extract.
Ahmad I, Ullah I, Hassan I … +5 more , Shah L, Ullah R, Neelab, Ijaz T, Simeoni M
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41493711 · Publisher ↗
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of the vector borne parasitic disease, causing skin lesion and ulcer. Several studies have reported the resistance of cutaneous leishmaniasis parasite to antimonial drugs....
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of the vector borne parasitic disease, causing skin lesion and ulcer. Several studies have reported the resistance of cutaneous leishmaniasis parasite to antimonial drugs. Hence, there is a need to develop cheaper and effective alternative therapies for resistance breakdown. In the current study we report the effectiveness of Teucrium stocksianum extract mediated green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against Leishmania tropica (KMU25), a causative species of cutaneous leishmanaisis. ZnONPs was successfully synthesised at 70 °C by continuous stirring (2 h) of aqueous extract (5 mg/mL) and Zinc acetate solution (2 g/50 mL, pH: 8) in 1:9. The characterization of these NPs showed a UV-Vis surface plasmon resonance at 365 nm, hexagonal morphology with irregular shapes through scanning electron microscopy, average crystal size 21.48 ± 5.2 nm through XRD analysis and the complex metabolites attachments to the surface of the particles was confirmed by FTIR. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay-based antioxidant activity showed 50% free radical scavenging at 624.94 µg/mL and 798.45 µg/mL for extract and ZnONPs, respectively. The hemolysis assay revealed moderate cytotoxicity with a LD value of 3807.54 µg/mL and 1537.16 µg/mL for the extract and ZnONPs, respectively. The antileishmanial activities were examined at different concentration (50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL) using MTT cell viability assays. The LD values 1895.63 µg/mL (for extract) and 837.07 µg/mL (for extract mediated ZnONPs) were estimated, showing enhanced antileishmanial activity of ZnONPs compared to the extract. Moreover, the ZnONPs were nontoxic towards normal RBCs, making it a potential candidate as an interesting topical nanomedicine against cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Potential of phage therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot infections.
Rastegar S, Kalantar-Neyestanaki D, Mohammadpour S … +5 more , Samareh A, Samare-Najaf M, Moghadam MT, Sabouri S, Hosseini-Nave H
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41493710 · Publisher ↗
Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) represent a significant challenge in managing chronic wounds, primarily due to their susceptibility to bacterial infections. The complexity of these infections necessitates a multifaceted...
Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) represent a significant challenge in managing chronic wounds, primarily due to their susceptibility to bacterial infections. The complexity of these infections necessitates a multifaceted therapeutic approach that involves collaboration between different medical specialties. Key elements of this treatment include reducing pressure on the affected area, removing dead tissue through debridement, and prescribing antibiotics tailored to the infection. These measures are critical to achieving positive patient outcomes. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase, it is becoming increasingly important to prevent chronic foot infections from worsening to the point of amputation. Phage therapy may play a more prominent role in treating DFIs and provide a way to reduce reliance on systemic antibiotics amid concerns over antibiotic resistance. While numerous treatments are available for DFIs, this review explores the potential of a novel approach, phage therapy, as a viable option for treating diabetic foot infections. With this study, we hope to shed light on the therapeutic potential of phage therapy and address one of the most pressing challenges in diabetic wound care.
Class C sortases of the SrtBCD pilus cluster involved in the virulence of Streptococcus suis in the mouse model.
Guo G, Li P, Gao J … +4 more , Li Q, Yu Y, An J, Zhang W
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2026 Jan · PMID 41489707 · Publisher ↗
Streptococcus suis is an important swine pathogen that severely damages the pig industry worldwide. It’s also a zoonotic pathogen leading to meningitis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome. Although almost 100 vir...
Streptococcus suis is an important swine pathogen that severely damages the pig industry worldwide. It’s also a zoonotic pathogen leading to meningitis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome. Although almost 100 virulence-associated factors were identified, the pathogenesis mechanism remains unclear. Three single-gene deletion mutants and one triple-gene deletion mutant were created in order to study the roles of class C sortase, which is ordinarily in charge of pili subunit cell wall anchoring in Gram-positive bacteria. Flow cytometry revealed that the cell wall distribution of major pilin in the same gene cluster is unaffected by the deletion of class C sortases. qRT-PCR verified that the deletion of one sortase gene would influence the transcription of other sortases in the same gene cluster, and the animal challenge assay demonstrated that the virulence of the triple deletion mutant was reduced. Additionally, the in vitro tests using HEp-2 and RAW264.7 cells demonstrated that class C sortase could participate in the initial colonization and anti-phagocytosis steps. Taken together, this study reported the class C sortases in the srtBCD pilus cluster directly involved in the pathological process of S. suis in the mouse model.
Ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis: Advancing bacterial genetics for sustainable agriculture.
Holman DE, Basson G, Klein A … +1 more , Keyster M
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2025 Dec · PMID 41460574 · Publisher ↗
Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a strong alkylating agent commonly used to induce random point mutations, particularly G: C to A: T transitions, by ethylating guanine bases in DNA. Its mutagenic properties, which stem fr...
Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a strong alkylating agent commonly used to induce random point mutations, particularly G: C to A: T transitions, by ethylating guanine bases in DNA. Its mutagenic properties, which stem from the transfer of ethyl groups to nucleophilic sites within cells, allow for the creation of various mutant libraries, aiding research in bacterial physiology, metabolism, and antibiotic resistance. This review briefly examines the mechanisms behind EMS mutagenesis and its applications in both forward and reverse genetics. In forward genetics, mutants generated by EMS with altered traits help identify the genetic mutations responsible, while reverse genetics focuses on analyzing specific gene functions. Although there are challenges like mutation stability and reversion, advancements in high-throughput screening methods have improved the effectiveness of EMS mutagenesis. The review also emphasizes the significant impact of EMS-induced bacterial mutants in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Notable examples include the creation of non-pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum mutants for controlling bacterial wilt, as well as Bacillus and Pseudomonas mutants that enhance biosurfactant production and bioremediation efforts. Furthermore, EMS mutagenesis has led to the development of stress-tolerant strains that can survive under drought, salinity, and heavy metal conditions, along with strains that improve phosphorus solubilization and nitrogen fixation, contributing to better soil health and plant growth. By connecting fundamental research with practical applications, EMS mutagenesis remains a vital tool for tackling global issues in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and microbial biotechnology.
Biocontrol potential of fungal endophytes isolated from Thevetia Peruviana (Pers.). K. Schum.
Saha P, Koul D, Chaubey A
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2025 Dec · PMID 41460573 · Publisher ↗
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum., commonly known as yellow oleander, is a toxic evergreen shrub harbouring pharmacologically active compounds with untapped biocontrol potential. The present study provides the first s...
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum., commonly known as yellow oleander, is a toxic evergreen shrub harbouring pharmacologically active compounds with untapped biocontrol potential. The present study provides the first species-level investigation of fungal endophytes from the root, bark, flower, and fruit of T. peruviana, highlighting their enzymatic and biocontrol potential. Seven species have been reported for the first time from Thevetia peruviana: Pseudoascochyta pratensis TP-RF5, Neocosmospora rubicola TP-RF14, Botryotrichum geniculatum TP-BF1, Colletotrichum aotearoa TP-BF4, Botryosphaeria wangensis TP-BF8, Diaporthe sennicola TP-BF12, and Nothophoma macrospora TP-FlF1. Some of them exhibit significant hydrolytic enzyme activity, particularly chitinase and cellulase, and demonstrated substantial inhibition (≥ 50%) of phytopathogens (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium fujikuroi, Alternaria calandulae and Aspergillus nishimurae). Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between chitinase activity and antifungal efficacy, highlighting the prominent role of enzymatic degradation in biocontrol. In contrast, cellulase activity was negatively correlated with Fusarium spp., which might be indicative of complex interactions. Catalase activity negatively correlated with biocontrol potential, indicative of indirect antagonistic effects, whereas amylase, lipase, and protease showed no significant association with antifungal efficacy. Overall, the study underscores the biocontrol and biotechnological potential of T. peruviana endophytic fungi and warrants further investigation of their metabolites and in vivo efficacy.
The interplay of microbiome, molecular mechanisms, and fertility -an integrated review.
Zhang X, Li C, Feng X … +1 more , Yuan X
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2025 Dec · PMID 41452451 · Publisher ↗
The human microbiome, particularly the gut and reproductive tract microbiota, plays a critical role in regulating fertility through complex molecular and immunological mechanisms. This review synthesizes emerging evidenc...
The human microbiome, particularly the gut and reproductive tract microbiota, plays a critical role in regulating fertility through complex molecular and immunological mechanisms. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on the bidirectional communication along the gut-reproductive axis, emphasizing how microbial-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (butyrate), bile acids, and indoles, modulate systemic inflammation, immune tolerance, hormone metabolism, and energy homeostasis. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, is strongly associated with a range of reproductive pathologies, including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency, impaired spermatogenesis, and recurrent implantation failure. Furthermore, site-specific microbiomes, such as Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal and uterine communities, are vital for successful implantation and pregnancy maintenance. External factors including diet, environmental toxins, and antibiotic use can disrupt these microbial ecosystems, whereas interventions like probiotics like Lactobacillus and Clostridium butyricum, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation offer promising avenues for restoring microbial and reproductive health. However, translational challenges remain, including methodological heterogeneity in microbiome research and the need to establish causal mechanisms beyond correlation. Future efforts should prioritize multi-omics integration, randomized controlled trials, and personalized microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics to effectively address infertility.
Lipopolysaccharide of Klebseilla pneumoniae as a potential vaccine target: extraction, purification and structural insights.
Murtaza I, Bashir S, Altaf I … +3 more , Bashir R, Al-Arifa N, Latif K
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2025 Dec · PMID 41452450 · Publisher ↗
Klebseilla pneumoniae, poses a major health concern and its lipopolysaccharide act as a potential immunogenic target for vaccine production. The study was aimed to extract, characterize and structural analysis of lipopol...
Klebseilla pneumoniae, poses a major health concern and its lipopolysaccharide act as a potential immunogenic target for vaccine production. The study was aimed to extract, characterize and structural analysis of lipopolysaccharide from local clinical isolate of Klebseilla pneumoniae by using different analytical techniques. In January 2024 due to large number of pneumonia infections, clinical sample of Klebseilla pneumoniae was collected from tertiary care hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan. Bacterial strain was characterized and antibiotic testing was performed using disk diffusion method. Lipopolysaccharide was extracted, quantified and characterized by various analytical methods such as Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay, SDS-PAGE, High Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transfer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results showed that Klebseilla pneumoniae had highest resistant to most β-lactams and aminoglycosides whereas less sensitive to colistin, merpenem and imipenem. Hot phenol-water method yields purified lipopolysaccharide that was further confirmed by SDS-PAGE that demonstrated O-polysaccharide and lipid A moiety. While HPLC revealed 80-90% purity compared with commercial standard. FTIR spectrum showed distinctive peaks at 3331.10 cm⁻¹, 2216.21 cm⁻¹, 1982.82 cm⁻¹, and 667.37 cm⁻¹, corresponding to hydroxyl, alkyne/nitrile, carbon bonds, and pyranose ring structures, which revealed sugar moieties such as glucosamine that are key components of lipid A in lipopolysaccharide whereas GC-MS detected vital immunogenic components phenylephrine, 1-adamantane methylamine and α-bisabolol. It is concluded that lipopolysaccharide isolated from local isolate of K. pneumoniae represented the structurally validated and immunologically active biomolecules, act as a potential vaccine candidate to address antimicrobial resistance in developing countries.
Role of exopolysaccharide secreted by Chlorella vulgaris SSAU 8 and Desertifilum salkalinema SSAU 7 in fertility enhancement of saline soil.
Maurya N, Sharma A, Sundaram S
Folia Microbiol (Praha) · 2025 Dec · PMID 41452449 · Publisher ↗
Soil salinization has emerged as a major constraint to global agricultural productivity, severely disrupting soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant establishment. This study evaluates the functional potential of the...
Soil salinization has emerged as a major constraint to global agricultural productivity, severely disrupting soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant establishment. This study evaluates the functional potential of the cyanobacterium Desertifilum salkalinema SSAU-7 and the microalga Chlorella vulgaris SSAU-8 as bio-ameliorants for saline soils. Both isolates demonstrated high salinity tolerance and exhibited key plant growth-promoting traits, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production. Under escalating salt concentrations, D. salkalinema SSAU-7 and the mixed consortium maintained stable photosynthetic activity and enhanced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion, while C. vulgaris SSAU-8 showed reduced photo-physiological performance at 10 g L⁻¹ salinity. Soil microcosm experiments revealed that microbial inoculation facilitated the development of biological soil crusts (BSCs), which significantly improved soil physicochemical properties over 75 days. Notably, treated soils exhibited reduced pH (7.5-8.0), a 209% increase in total organic carbon, a 10% enhancement in porosity, and an 8% reduction in bulk density. EPS emerged as a critical driver of soil aggregation and fertility restoration by integrating essential structural components within the saline matrix. The BSC-amended soils further promoted Oryza sativa germination and early seedling vigor, underscoring the agricultural relevance of these microbial consortia. Collectively, our findings establish cyanobacteria-microalgae co-cultures as a promising eco-engineering strategy for reclaiming saline landscapes and strengthening soil resilience under salt stress.
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