Future microbiology最新文献

Conventional itraconazole (c-ITZ) can be used for a variety of fungal infections although variable absorption has been a significant limitation. Super-bioavailable itraconazole (SUBA-ITZ) is a novel formulation that overcomes absorption concerns by utilizing a polymer-matrix to disperse active drug and facilitate dissolution. The pH-driven matrix allows concurrent proton pump inhibitor administration without significant effects on drug concentrations. The enhanced bioavailability of SUBA-ITZ allows for lower dosing, while achieving similar serum concentrations as c-ITZ and SUBA-ITZ is now US FDA approved in the treatment of blastomycosis, histoplasmosis and aspergillosis. Common side effects of SUBA-ITZ include gastrointestinal disorders, peripheral edema and drug-induced hypertension. Given the significant differences in pharmacokinetics between the formulations, c-ITZ and SUBA-ITZ capsules are not considered interchangeable. It is important to note that drug errors may occur when transitioning a patient from one formulation to another.

Aim: The aim was to highlight the incidence and epidemiology of C. difficile infections (CDI) in a tertiary Greek hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A single-center prospective observational cohort study was conducted (October 2021 until April 2022). 125 C. difficile isolates were cultured from hospitalized patients stool samples and screened by PCR for toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), binary toxin (cdtA and cdtB) genes and the regulating gene of tcdC.Results: The incidence of CDI increased to 13.1 infections per 10,000 bed days. The most common PCR ribotypes identified included hypervirulent RT027-related RT181 (73.6%), presumably hypervirulent RT126 (8.0%) and toxin A negative RT017 (7.2%).Conclusion: Although the incidence of CDI increased significantly, the CDI epidemiology remained stable.

Aim: Understanding molecular mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced inflammation is important for developing new therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal diseases.Materials & methods: We designed an H. pylori-neutrophil infection model and explored the effects of H. pylori infection on neutrophils.Results: H. pylori infected neutrophils showed a low level of apoptosis. H. pylori stimulation activated the NACHT/LRR/PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)-gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pathway for interleukin (IL)-1β secretion. However, IL-1β secretion was not completely dependent on GSDMD, as inhibition of autophagy significantly reduced IL-1β release, and autophagy-related molecules were significantly upregulated in H. pylori-infected neutrophils.Conclusion: Therefore, H. pylori infection inhibits neutrophils apoptosis and induces IL-1β secretion through autophagy. These findings may be utilized to formulate therapeutic strategies against H. pylori mediated chronic gastritis.

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island (cagPAI) encodes 31 genes that assemble the cag type IV secretion system (T4SS) apparatus, which includes structures such as the outer membrane core complex, periplasmic ring, inner membrane complex and bacterial hairs. These proteins interact with each other to inject CagA into the host gastric epithelium. There are also individual unique functions that help H. pylori interfere with host cellular pathways, modulate the immune response and colonize the host for a long time. However, the functions of some of the proteins remain unclear. This review summarizes what is known about the structure and function of these auxiliary components and discusses their role in H. pylori pathogenesis.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a 'star strain' that has attracted much attention in recent years. A. muciniphila can effectively regulate host metabolism, significantly affect host immune function, and play an important role in balancing host health and disease. As one of the organs most closely related to the gut (the two can communicate through the hepatic portal vein and bile duct system), liver is widely affected by intestinal microorganisms. A growing body of evidence suggests that A. muciniphila may alleviate liver-related diseases by improving the intestinal barrier, energy metabolism and regulating inflammation through its protein components and metabolites. This paper systematically reviews the key roles of A. muciniphila and its derivatives in maintaining liver health and improving liver disease.

We report a case of Vandammella animalimorsus in an adult female patient following a cat scratch/bite. Animal bite/scratches may lead to zoonotic transmission of bacteria that subsequently lead to infection. Wound management and antimicrobial therapy is often necessary. The organism was initially misidentified as Neisseria animaloris/zoodegmatis and highlights the difficulty of correctly identifying some bacteria in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Sporotrichosis, a mycosis resulting from cutaneous or subcutaneous infection with the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix, has been reported in China, particularly in the northeast region. In this review, we conducted a thorough examination of the recent advancements in sporotrichosis in China, encompassing aspects such as etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment strategies. Within the Chinese context, fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis represents the prevailing clinical manifestation. Fungal culture stands as the gold standard for diagnosing sporotrichosis, while polymerase chain reaction techniques can enhance both the specificity and sensitivity of diagnosis. Besides conventional systemic antifungal agents, alternative modalities such as Chinese herbal medicines, photodynamic therapy and laser therapy show potential efficacy against sporotrichosis.

Aim: To investigate the impact of human herpes virus (HHV) carriage on lung microbiota, and its correlation with clinical features and laboratory indicators in patients.Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 outpatient lung infection cases, which were divided into HHV (n = 15) and non-HHV (n = 15) groups. mNGS detected microbial composition. Microbial diversity and abundance were tested using Shannon and Chao1 indices. Their relationship with laboratory indicators were explored.Results: Significant differences in microbial abundance and distribution were found between two groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, HHV group showed negative correlations (p < 0.05) between Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Streptococcus and basophil/eosinophil percentages.Conclusion: HHV carriage impacts lung microbiota, emphasizing the need for clinicians to pay attention to HHV reactivation in outpatient lung infection patients.