Future microbiology最新文献

Aim: This study aims to explore the role of propionylation at the K32 residue of the global regulator Fis in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and its influence on the pathogenicity of the bacteria.

Materials & methods: Bacterial strains were cultured in media with sodium propionate supplementation. The propionylation status of Fis was determined through Western blot and mass spectrometry analyses. The DNA-binding capability of Fis was assessed using EMSA. The invasion and survival capacities of S. Typhi were examined using T84 cells and THP-1 macrophages.

Results: Propionylation at the K32 site of Fis was found to down-regulate its DNA-binding ability, leading to a reduction in the invasion and survival of S. Typhi within host cells. The K32Q mutant exhibited significantly decreased invasion and survival capabilities compared to the wild-type and K32R mutant strains.

Conclusion: Propionylation of Fis at the K32 residue impacts the pathogenicity of S. Typhi, shedding light on the role of post-translational modifications in bacterial infections.

Prohibitins (PHBs) are members of a highly conserved family of proteins, including prohibitin1 and prohibitin2. These proteins are predominantly localized in mitochondria, the nucleus, and cell membranes, where they play critical roles in mitochondrial biogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and other biological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that both PHB1 and PHB2 can act as a complex or independently to participate in the pathogen infection process. This review focuses on the regulatory roles of PHB1 and PHB2 in viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections, providing a theoretical basis and innovative perspectives for a comprehensive understanding of the roles and mechanisms of PHB1 and PHB2 in the regulation of microbial infections. Due to exerting multiple functions, PHB proteins have been recognized as a potential target for therapeutic interventions, with the expectation that targeting PHB proteins will provide new strategies for the treatment of infection-related diseases.

Aim: To investigate the nucleotide sequences associated with transposable elements carrying bla_CTX-M allelic variants as potential markers for the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes between domestic animals, humans and the environment.

Materials & methods: We conducted whole-genome sequencing and analyzed the nucleotide sequences of most abundant bla_CTX-M allelic variants (bla_CTX-M-27, bla_CTX-M-55, and bla_CTX-M-65) in commensal Escherichia coli (n = 20) from household members in Quito and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) (n = 149) isolated from nine clinics in Quito, Ecuador.

Results: The Ecuadorian commensal E. coli and UPEC displayed identical nucleotide sequences surrounding the bla_CTX-M gene and the synteny was similar to those found in other parts of the world; however phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genetic environments in Ecuadorian isolates were unique.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the nucleotide sequences flanking the bla_CTX-M genes may be useful for resolving ARG transmission pathways, especially inter-regional analyses.

Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that often causes severe infections in immunosuppressed patients. Among Trichosporon species, T. asahii is the most pathogenic and lethal species. Current research faces challenges related to unknown pathogenic mechanisms, complex resistance mechanisms, insufficiently rapid and accurate diagnostic methods, and insufficient research on susceptibility to infection. These issues need to be explored in depth. This review summarizes research progress on the origin and classification of T. asahii, its virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiological characteristics, infection modes, diagnostic methods, drug treatment options, and drug resistance mechanisms. Traditional culture combined with molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing, has improved the accuracy and speed of detection. Treatment relies mainly on azole antifungal drugs and amphotericin B; however, patients are facing the problem of drug resistance. New techniques, such as gene knockout and gene sequencing, have identified resistance mechanisms, thus supporting the development of novel antifungal drugs. In summary, an in-depth study of T. asahii will aid in developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods and improve patient prognosis.

Aim: Chronic wound infections present a prevalent medical issue and a multifaceted problem that significantly impacts healthcare systems worldwide. Biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria are fundamental virulence factors implicated in the complexity and persistence of bacterial-associated wound infections, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased risk of infection. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial effectiveness of commonly employed bioactive wound healing compositions with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness against common bacterial pathogens encountered in chronic wounds - Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to identify optimal wound product composition for managing chronic wound infections.

Methods: This study tested the antibacterial and antibiofilm effectiveness of four bioactive wound healing materials by performing in vitro antibacterial assays and measuring ion release profiles.

Results: The anti-biofilm effectiveness differed extensively among the biomaterials tested and slightly among the bacterial species. Particularly, copper and zinc-doped borate bioactive glass wound healing compositions inhibited the three clinically relevant bacteria in both planktonic and biofilm forms, which were found to be ascribed to the copper and zinc gradual release.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that copper and zinc-doped bioactive glasses hold great promise for improving chronic wound management by providing strong antibacterial action and promoting faster healing.

At present, the prevalence of infectious diseases is rising annually, making it an important risk factor for human health that should not be neglected. Consequently, infection control and prevention have become even more important. The key to determining and designing the most effective anti-infectious medication depends upon the immediate and accurate identification of the causative agent. The standard techniques used for routine infection screening and surveillance tests are shifting toward biosensors. Furthermore, biosensors are projected to be employed for microbiological detection to satisfy the higher accuracy required for clinical diagnosis. This is because of their compact size, real-time monitoring and ability to analyze large sample numbers with less sophistication and manpower requirement, which have allowed them to develop quickly with extensive uses. Biosensors have multiple applications in food safety, environmental surveillance, drug sensing and national security because they offer several advantages such as quick response, outstanding sensitivity, remarkable selectivity, high degree of accuracy and precision, ease of use and affordable price. This review highlights the performance aspects of recently developed biosensors for the detection of infectious bacteria and viruses in biological and environmental samples and emphasizes the significance of nanotechnology in signal amplification for enhanced biosensor performance and dependability.

Enterococcus gallinarum (E. gallinarum), an opportunistic pathogen with intrinsic resistance to vancomycin, has rarely been reported as a predominant pathogen responsible for biliary tract infections. Here, we report a case of biliary tract infections caused by E. gallinarum and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a 57-year-old Chinese woman with symptoms of upper abdomen pain for 10 days. The patient initially received empiric treatment with cefmetazole but failed to improve. Subsequently, bile cultures identified E. gallinarum and E. coli, and cefmetazole was switched to linezolid and meropenem based on drug susceptibility testing. After 10 days of antibiotic therapy, the patient successfully recovered and was discharged from the hospital. The findings of this case remind us that E. gallinarum may be the causative factor of biliary tract infections, and timely identification of the causative organism and appropriate antibiotic treatment is important for optimal patient recovery.

Aim: To evaluate the anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) potential of the hybrid oxadiazol-4-methoxynaphthalene (6n) derived from N-acylhydrazone (4k).Materials & methods: The study determined the minimal inhibitory concentration of (6n) against Mtb H₃₇Rv and Mtb clinical isolates, potential combination of (6n) with anti-tuberculosis drugs and carried out time kill curve assay of Mtb H₃₇Rv. Additional contribution for the analysis of (6n) was explored by in silico pharmacokinetics, and in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity determinations.Results: The newly synthesized molecule (6n) demonstrated anti-Mtb activity, low cytotoxicity and selectivity for Mtb.Conclusion: The derivative (6n) emerges as a potential anti-TB drug candidate.