Future microbiology最新文献

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.

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.

Bladder cancer (BCa) remains a significant global health challenge, with increasing interest in the role of the bladder microbiome in its pathogenesis, progression and treatment outcomes. The complex relationship between bladder cancer and the microbiome, as well as the potential impact of probiotics on treatment effectiveness, is currently under investigation. Research suggests that the microbiota may influence BCa recurrence prevention and enhance the efficacy of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Recent studies reveal differences in the bladder microbiome between individuals without bladder cancer and those with the disease. In the healthy bladder, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus are consistently identified as the most prevalent genera. However, in men, the predominant bacterial genera are Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Streptococcus, while in women with bladder cancer, Gardnerella and Lactobacillus are dominant. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus spp., can exhibit anti-tumor properties by competing with pathogenic strains involved in carcinogenesis or by producing regulatory substances. They regulate cancer signaling, induce apoptosis, inhibit mutagenic activity, downregulate oncogene expression, induce autophagy, inhibit kinases, reactivate tumor suppressors and prevent metastasis. These mechanisms have shown promising results in both preclinical and some clinical studies.

Aims: Spinal neurocysticercosis is a rare central nervous system infection caused by the larval form of the Taenia solium. Due to its rarity, most knowledge is derived from isolated case reports. This review aims to evaluate existing case reports and observational studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the disease's clinical presentation and treatment outcomes.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was performed across various databases. The review included case reports, case series, and observational studies, and it is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024496957).

Results: This review analyzed 206 spinal neurocysticercosis cases (from 171 published reports). Symptoms persisted for one week to six months in 49% of cases, and common presentations included paraparesis/quadriparesis (61.7%) and neck/limb/back pain (40.8%). CSF abnormalities were observed in 23.8%. Thoracic involvement was most frequent (39.3%), followed by cervical (27.2%). Neurocysticercosis lesions in other regions, primarily the brain, were found in 18.9%. Differential diagnoses included spinal cord tumors (13.1%). Treatment often involved surgery alone (32%) or with cysticidal drugs (45.6%), with a 91.3% improvement rate, indicating favorable outcomes.

Conclusions: Spinal neurocysticercosis primarily affects the thoracic and cervical regions. Most patients respond well to medical therapy; surgery is mainly for progressive neurological deficits.