Pub Date : 2025-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107708
Sergio Mascarenhas Morgado, Erica Lourenço da Fonseca, Ana Carolina Paulo Vicente
{"title":"Superintegron of Vibrio paracholerae as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes","authors":"Sergio Mascarenhas Morgado, Erica Lourenço da Fonseca, Ana Carolina Paulo Vicente","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107708","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107708"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107704
Andrew Chantha Hean , Rinoj Mathew , Frank Chu , Linda Awdishu
Objective
Prior literature elucidating the ratio of vancomycin clearance by the kidneys to creatinine clearance is conflicting. Further studies are warranted evaluating vancomycin clearance, especially in the critically ill population.
Methods
This retrospective exploratory analysis includes data from a decade of pulmonary/medical or cardiac ICU admissions where a serum creatinine, vancomycin concentration, and 24-hour timed urine collection were obtained within a 72-hour period. Patients with dialysis prior to, or 48 hours after, urine collection were excluded. The primary outcome was the ratio of vancomycin clearance (CLv) to creatinine clearance measured by timed urine collection (mCLcr). Exploratory outcomes also included (1) P30 accuracy and bias of CLv, BSA adjusted 2021 CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration (EPI) creatinine eGFR, Jelliffe creatinine clearance, and Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance equations when compared to mCLcr; (2) the correlations of clearances to mCLcr; and (3) the number of patients with augmented renal clearance for each kidney function estimating equation.
Results
A total of 56 eligible subjects were analysed. The ratio of CLv to mCLcr was 0.64. Although CLv showed the lowest P30 accuracy, it was the most correlated with mCLcr along with the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine eGFR to mCLcr.
Conclusions
In critically ill patients who warrant medical, pulmonary, or cardiac ICU admission, the ratio of total vancomycin clearance to mCLcr measured by timed urine collection may differ from other populations. CLv and the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation may be more correlated to mCLcr by timed urine collection. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
{"title":"Vancomycin clearance compared to creatinine clearance by timed urine collection in the intensive care unit","authors":"Andrew Chantha Hean , Rinoj Mathew , Frank Chu , Linda Awdishu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107704","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107704","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Prior literature elucidating the ratio of vancomycin clearance by the kidneys to creatinine clearance is conflicting. Further studies are warranted evaluating vancomycin clearance, especially in the critically ill population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective exploratory analysis includes data from a decade of pulmonary/medical or cardiac ICU admissions where a serum creatinine, vancomycin concentration, and 24-hour timed urine collection were obtained within a 72-hour period. Patients with dialysis prior to, or 48 hours after, urine collection were excluded. The primary outcome was the ratio of vancomycin clearance (CLv) to creatinine clearance measured by timed urine collection (mCLcr). Exploratory outcomes also included (1) P30 accuracy and bias of CLv, BSA adjusted 2021 CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration (EPI) creatinine eGFR, Jelliffe creatinine clearance, and Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance equations when compared to mCLcr; (2) the correlations of clearances to mCLcr; and (3) the number of patients with augmented renal clearance for each kidney function estimating equation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 56 eligible subjects were analysed. The ratio of CLv to mCLcr was 0.64. Although CLv showed the lowest P30 accuracy, it was the most correlated with mCLcr along with the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine eGFR to mCLcr.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In critically ill patients who warrant medical, pulmonary, or cardiac ICU admission, the ratio of total vancomycin clearance to mCLcr measured by timed urine collection may differ from other populations. CLv and the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation may be more correlated to mCLcr by timed urine collection. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107704"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145850061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107703
Haotian Xu , Tingjuan Zhang , Xueying Cui , Jingyi Guo , Pengpeng Min , Chengjin Wu , Xinyan Tang , Longjie Zhou , Linfang Wang , Xi Li
Objective
The emergence of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA)-resistant carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) poses a major clinical challenge in contemporary clinical practice. In this study, we report the first identification of blaKPC-78, which is driven by a mutation from blaKPC-2 in a clinical CRPA strain.
Methods
Six blaKPC-78 CRPA isolates, along with two blaKPC-2 strains from one patient, were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), conjugation, and growth assays. Mechanistic investigations included structural modelling and docking, cloning experiments, efflux inhibition, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Results
The emergence of CZA resistance in CRPA isolates was driven by a mutation from blaKPC-2 to blaKPC-78 during CZA therapy. The AST results showed that all KPC-78-producing CRPA exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype. WGS revealed that these strains belong to ST463, and blaKPC-78 gene was located in a type I plasmid and carried by the Tn6296 transposon. Additionally, the co-occurrence of efflux pump overexpression and KPC-78 enzyme's stronger binding affinities for both ceftazidime and avibactam contributed to high-level resistance to CZA in CRPA. Moreover, despite the slower logarithmic growth of KPC-78-producing P. aeruginosa in monoculture, in vitro competitive co-culture experiments revealed that it conferred a competitive advantage over the KPC-2-producing strains.
Conclusions
We report the first identification of blaKPC-78 in CRPA, delineate its evolutionary trajectory, and describe its genetic characteristics. The elevated hydrolytic activity of the KPC-78 producing strain, along with the overexpression of efflux pumps, contributes to its high-level resistance to CZA. Considering the widespread occurrence of ST463 CRPA in China, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance of KPC-producing CRPA.
{"title":"Development of ceftazidime–avibactam resistance driven by conversion of blaKPC-2 to blaKPC-78 during treatment of ST463 carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection","authors":"Haotian Xu , Tingjuan Zhang , Xueying Cui , Jingyi Guo , Pengpeng Min , Chengjin Wu , Xinyan Tang , Longjie Zhou , Linfang Wang , Xi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The emergence of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA)-resistant carbapenem-resistant <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> (CRPA) poses a major clinical challenge in contemporary clinical practice. In this study, we report the first identification of <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-78,</sub> which is driven by a mutation from <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-2</sub> in a clinical CRPA strain.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Six <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-78</sub> CRPA isolates, along with two <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-2</sub> strains from one patient, were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), conjugation, and growth assays. Mechanistic investigations included structural modelling and docking, cloning experiments, efflux inhibition, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The emergence of CZA resistance in CRPA isolates was driven by a mutation from <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-2</sub> to <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-78</sub> during CZA therapy. The AST results showed that all KPC-78-producing CRPA exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype. WGS revealed that these strains belong to ST463, and <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-78</sub> gene was located in a type I plasmid and carried by the Tn<em>6296</em> transposon. Additionally, the co-occurrence of efflux pump overexpression and KPC-78 enzyme's stronger binding affinities for both ceftazidime and avibactam contributed to high-level resistance to CZA in CRPA. Moreover, despite the slower logarithmic growth of KPC-78-producing <em>P. aeruginosa</em> in monoculture, <em>in vitro</em> competitive co-culture experiments revealed that it conferred a competitive advantage over the KPC-2-producing strains.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We report the first identification of <em>bla</em><sub>KPC-78</sub> in CRPA, delineate its evolutionary trajectory, and describe its genetic characteristics. The elevated hydrolytic activity of the KPC-78 producing strain, along with the overexpression of efflux pumps, contributes to its high-level resistance to CZA. Considering the widespread occurrence of ST463 CRPA in China, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance of KPC-producing CRPA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107703"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145850089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107702
Genzhu Wang
{"title":"Comments on ‘Acute kidney injury associated with colistin sulphate vs. polymyxin B sulphate therapy: A real-world, retrospective cohort study’","authors":"Genzhu Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107702","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107702"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145843534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107697
Jingli Liao , Chao Li , Jingxian Liu , Wei Wu , Xiaohui Huang , Yanfei Mao , Lixia Li
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Meropenem is a first-line treatment for severe infections; however, its efficacy is increasingly compromised by drug resistance. This situation underscores the urgent need to optimise dosing strategies and establish precise efficacy evaluation systems.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of the initial meropenem regimen by analysing factors associated with its clinical efficacy in critically ill patients, as well as to define predictive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 critically ill patients treated with meropenem. Logistic regression was employed to analyse factors influencing clinical efficacy and bacterial clearance rates, while Cox regression was utilised to assess factors affecting 30-d mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify PK/PD targets using the first therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) serum concentrations, and assessed the predictive performance of trough (C<sub>min</sub>) and peak (C<sub>max</sub>) concentrations concerning clinical efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The clinical effectiveness of meropenem in critically ill patients was found to be 56.6%. Independent risk factors affecting clinical efficacy included C<sub>min</sub> (< 6 mg/L vs. ≥ 6 mg/L), urinary tract infections, tigecycline combination therapy, meropenem-sensitive vs. meropenem-resistant pathogens, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (2–5 vs. > 5), and neutrophil counts. Notably, patients receiving prolonged infusion (≥ 2 h) achieved both significantly higher meropenem trough concentrations and better clinical efficacy than those on intermittent infusion. The bacterial clearance rate was 39.0%, which was associated with C<sub>min</sub> (< 8 mg/L vs. ≥ 8 mg/L) and the presence of meropenem-sensitive vs. resistant bacteria. The 30-d mortality rate was 20.0%, linked to age, pulmonary infections, tigecycline combination therapy, surgical history, hospital stay duration, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores. Optimal efficacy was achieved with C<sub>min</sub> ≥ 5.3 mg/L and C<sub>max</sub> ≥ 39.4 mg/L, with higher thresholds required for bloodstream infections (C<sub>min</sub> ≥ 7.3 mg/L; C<sub>max</sub> ≥ 49.1 mg/L).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Meropenem demonstrates significant efficacy against severe infections caused by sensitive pathogens, particularly in cases of urinary tract infections. We identified that a C<sub>min</sub> of ≥ 5.3 mg/L and a C<sub>max</sub> of ≥ 39.4 mg/L are associated with optimal clinical efficacy. Based on these findings, we propose an initial dosing strategy tailored to renal function and the site of infection. Our results underscore the value of early TDM in identifying patients at risk of suboptimal exposure, which provides a crucial foundation for subsequent do
{"title":"Enhancing meropenem therapy in critical care: A retrospective study of PK/PD target attainment and therapeutic drug monitoring","authors":"Jingli Liao , Chao Li , Jingxian Liu , Wei Wu , Xiaohui Huang , Yanfei Mao , Lixia Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Meropenem is a first-line treatment for severe infections; however, its efficacy is increasingly compromised by drug resistance. This situation underscores the urgent need to optimise dosing strategies and establish precise efficacy evaluation systems.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of the initial meropenem regimen by analysing factors associated with its clinical efficacy in critically ill patients, as well as to define predictive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 critically ill patients treated with meropenem. Logistic regression was employed to analyse factors influencing clinical efficacy and bacterial clearance rates, while Cox regression was utilised to assess factors affecting 30-d mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify PK/PD targets using the first therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) serum concentrations, and assessed the predictive performance of trough (C<sub>min</sub>) and peak (C<sub>max</sub>) concentrations concerning clinical efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The clinical effectiveness of meropenem in critically ill patients was found to be 56.6%. Independent risk factors affecting clinical efficacy included C<sub>min</sub> (< 6 mg/L vs. ≥ 6 mg/L), urinary tract infections, tigecycline combination therapy, meropenem-sensitive vs. meropenem-resistant pathogens, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (2–5 vs. > 5), and neutrophil counts. Notably, patients receiving prolonged infusion (≥ 2 h) achieved both significantly higher meropenem trough concentrations and better clinical efficacy than those on intermittent infusion. The bacterial clearance rate was 39.0%, which was associated with C<sub>min</sub> (< 8 mg/L vs. ≥ 8 mg/L) and the presence of meropenem-sensitive vs. resistant bacteria. The 30-d mortality rate was 20.0%, linked to age, pulmonary infections, tigecycline combination therapy, surgical history, hospital stay duration, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores. Optimal efficacy was achieved with C<sub>min</sub> ≥ 5.3 mg/L and C<sub>max</sub> ≥ 39.4 mg/L, with higher thresholds required for bloodstream infections (C<sub>min</sub> ≥ 7.3 mg/L; C<sub>max</sub> ≥ 49.1 mg/L).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Meropenem demonstrates significant efficacy against severe infections caused by sensitive pathogens, particularly in cases of urinary tract infections. We identified that a C<sub>min</sub> of ≥ 5.3 mg/L and a C<sub>max</sub> of ≥ 39.4 mg/L are associated with optimal clinical efficacy. Based on these findings, we propose an initial dosing strategy tailored to renal function and the site of infection. Our results underscore the value of early TDM in identifying patients at risk of suboptimal exposure, which provides a crucial foundation for subsequent do","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107697"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145843619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The relative efficacy of antibiotic classes for pyelonephritis and complicated UTI (cUTI) remains unclear, as different antibiotic classes vary in antimicrobial activity, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, clinical-trial registries and conference abstracts through 30 November 2025. Randomised controlled trials comparing antibiotic classes in adults with pyelonephritis/complicated UTI (cUTI) were eligible (PROSPERO CRD42023448020). Five comparisons were analysed: quinolones vs β-lactams, cephalosporins vs penicillins, aminoglycosides vs quinolones or beta-lactams, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole vs quinolones or beta-lactams and ESBL-active agents vs non-ESBL-active antibiotics. The primary outcome was clinical cure by day 7. We compiled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using fixed-effect meta-analyses. Risk of bias was assessed with ROB 2.0 and evidence certainty using GRADE.
Results
Thirty-seven RCTs were included, comprising 7,904 mainly hospitalized participants (62.7% women). Most had some risk-of-bias concerns. No significant difference in clinical cure was observed with moderate evidence certainty, across all comparisons. Relapse increased significantly with TMP/SMX compared to quinolones or beta-lactams (RR 2.34 [1.29, 4.24]) and microbiological cure improved with ESBL-active antibiotics (RR 1.07 [1.02, 1.13], very low certainty evidence). TMP/SMX increased adverse events and aminoglycosides increased nephrotoxicity and resistance acquisition.
Conclusions
Clinical cure was comparable across all comparisons. This supports basing antibiotic selection on local resistance patterns, patient factors and toxicity profiles rather than presumed class superiority.
{"title":"Antibiotic class comparisons for the treatment of pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Digbijay Kunwar , Itay Zahavi , Judit Olchowski , Hagar Dallasheh , Mical Paul","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The relative efficacy of antibiotic classes for pyelonephritis and complicated UTI (cUTI) remains unclear, as different antibiotic classes vary in antimicrobial activity, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, clinical-trial registries and conference abstracts through 30 November 2025. Randomised controlled trials comparing antibiotic classes in adults with pyelonephritis/complicated UTI (cUTI) were eligible (PROSPERO CRD42023448020). Five comparisons were analysed: quinolones vs β-lactams, cephalosporins vs penicillins, aminoglycosides vs quinolones or beta-lactams, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole vs quinolones or beta-lactams and ESBL-active agents vs non-ESBL-active antibiotics. The primary outcome was clinical cure by day 7. We compiled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using fixed-effect meta-analyses. Risk of bias was assessed with ROB 2.0 and evidence certainty using GRADE.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-seven RCTs were included, comprising 7,904 mainly hospitalized participants (62.7% women). Most had some risk-of-bias concerns. No significant difference in clinical cure was observed with moderate evidence certainty, across all comparisons. Relapse increased significantly with TMP/SMX compared to quinolones or beta-lactams (RR 2.34 [1.29, 4.24]) and microbiological cure improved with ESBL-active antibiotics (RR 1.07 [1.02, 1.13], very low certainty evidence). TMP/SMX increased adverse events and aminoglycosides increased nephrotoxicity and resistance acquisition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Clinical cure was comparable across all comparisons. This supports basing antibiotic selection on local resistance patterns, patient factors and toxicity profiles rather than presumed class superiority.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107696"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107695
Yingzhe Wang , Shigan Ye , Yuan Deng , Yingting Huang , Xiaoliang Zhu
Objective
Biofilm formation is one of the causes of azole resistance in Candida albicans. Although zinc is an essential trace element involved in biofilm regulation, its specific mechanistic role remains unclear. Here, we systematically evaluated the effects and mechanisms of zinc deficiency on biofilm formation and drug resistance.
Methods
Intracellular zinc deficiency was induced using the zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) and a CSR1 knockout strain, as confirmed using zinquin fluorescence. Biofilm formation and susceptibility were assessed using standardized microdilution techniques, including sessile minimum inhibitory concentration (sMIC) determinations via the XTT reduction assay, while drug interactions were assessed using a checkerboard assay. Efflux pump activity was measured using a Rhodamine 6 G assay and transcriptomic analysis was performed to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Pathogenicity was validated using a Galleria mellonella infection model.
Results
Zinc deficiency inhibited biofilm development at all stages. Low-concentration TPEN (5 µM) reduced the sessile minimum inhibitory concentration (sMIC) of fluconazole by more than 16-fold and ultimately reversed its azole resistance. This effect was mechanistically associated with the downregulation of key biofilm-related transcription factors and multidrug efflux pumps, as revealed by transcriptomic analysis, which also indicated that zinc deficiency triggered ribosomal remodelling and activated glucose metabolism. Survival analysis in the G. mellonella infection model confirmed that zinc deficiency reduced the overall pathogenicity of C. albicans biofilms.
Conclusions
These results validate zinc homeostasis as a novel therapeutic strategy against drug-resistant and recurrent fungal infections, especially those involving biofilms.
{"title":"Zinc deficiency reverses biofilm azole resistance in Candida albicans","authors":"Yingzhe Wang , Shigan Ye , Yuan Deng , Yingting Huang , Xiaoliang Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Biofilm formation is one of the causes of azole resistance in <em>Candida albicans</em>. Although zinc is an essential trace element involved in biofilm regulation, its specific mechanistic role remains unclear. Here, we systematically evaluated the effects and mechanisms of zinc deficiency on biofilm formation and drug resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Intracellular zinc deficiency was induced using the zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) and a <em>CSR1</em> knockout strain, as confirmed using zinquin fluorescence. Biofilm formation and susceptibility were assessed using standardized microdilution techniques, including sessile minimum inhibitory concentration (sMIC) determinations via the XTT reduction assay, while drug interactions were assessed using a checkerboard assay. Efflux pump activity was measured using a Rhodamine 6 G assay and transcriptomic analysis was performed to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Pathogenicity was validated using a <em>Galleria mellonella</em> infection model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Zinc deficiency inhibited biofilm development at all stages. Low-concentration TPEN (5 µM) reduced the sessile minimum inhibitory concentration (sMIC) of fluconazole by more than 16-fold and ultimately reversed its azole resistance. This effect was mechanistically associated with the downregulation of key biofilm-related transcription factors and multidrug efflux pumps, as revealed by transcriptomic analysis, which also indicated that zinc deficiency triggered ribosomal remodelling and activated glucose metabolism. Survival analysis in the <em>G. mellonella</em> infection model confirmed that zinc deficiency reduced the overall pathogenicity of <em>C. albicans</em> biofilms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results validate zinc homeostasis as a novel therapeutic strategy against drug-resistant and recurrent fungal infections, especially those involving biofilms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107695"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145827678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107688
{"title":"International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC) News and Information Page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107688","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 1","pages":"Article 107688"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107693
Danni Pu , Xianxia Zhuo , Rongrong Song , Chunhui Wang , Jiankang Zhao , Bin Cao
Objectives
Cefiderocol is an ultimate antibiotic option for Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP). While resistance often involves metallo-β-lactamases, mechanisms in KPC-producing strains are unclear. This study aimed to elucidate novel cefiderocol resistance mechanisms in a clinical KPC-producing ST11-KL64 CR-hvKP isolate.
Methods
Cefiderocol-resistant mutants were generated through in vitro experimental evolution. Resistance-associated mutations were identified by whole-genome sequencing. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed to characterize global regulatory changes and were validated by qRT-PCR and targeted genetic manipulation. Additional tests examined siderophore production, intracellular iron levels, bacterial fitness, oxidative stress tolerance, and macrophage survival.
Results
All high-level cefiderocol-resistant mutants acquired a gain-of-function mutation in the sensor kinase EnvZ (V145G). Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses showed that the envZ mutation drove marked downregulation of catecholate siderophore receptors (cirA and fepA), impairing cefiderocol uptake. In parallel, the TonB–ExbB–ExbD energy transduction complex was independently and stably downregulated, synergistically contributing to resistance. Notably, envZ mutation–associated repression of the enterobactin biosynthesis gene entB paradoxically increased cefiderocol susceptibility, indicating a regulatory trade-off. Resistant mutants exhibited reduced siderophore production, impaired intracellular iron accumulation, and significant fitness costs, including attenuated growth, reduced oxidative stress tolerance, and decreased survival within macrophages.
Conclusions
In conclusion, this work uncovers a novel cefiderocol resistance mechanism in KPC-producing ST11-KL64 CR-hvKp, initiated by the envZ mutation, which causes the downregulation of catecholate siderophore receptors. This receptor repression, combined with the stable downregulation of the TonB-ExbB-ExbD energy complex, severely impairs cefiderocol's “Trojan horse” active uptake. This resistance mechanism is accompanied by a fitness trade-off, providing critical insights into the evolution of these superbugs.
{"title":"EnvZ mutation–driven downregulation of catecholate siderophore receptors and concurrent TonB complex repression confer cefiderocol resistance in a KPC-producing ST11-KL64 hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae","authors":"Danni Pu , Xianxia Zhuo , Rongrong Song , Chunhui Wang , Jiankang Zhao , Bin Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Cefiderocol is an ultimate antibiotic option for Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> (CR-hvKP). While resistance often involves metallo-β-lactamases, mechanisms in KPC-producing strains are unclear. This study aimed to elucidate novel cefiderocol resistance mechanisms in a clinical KPC-producing ST11-KL64 CR-hvKP isolate.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cefiderocol-resistant mutants were generated through <em>in vitro</em> experimental evolution. Resistance-associated mutations were identified by whole-genome sequencing. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed to characterize global regulatory changes and were validated by qRT-PCR and targeted genetic manipulation. Additional tests examined siderophore production, intracellular iron levels, bacterial fitness, oxidative stress tolerance, and macrophage survival.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All high-level cefiderocol-resistant mutants acquired a gain-of-function mutation in the sensor kinase EnvZ (V145G). Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses showed that the <em>envZ</em> mutation drove marked downregulation of catecholate siderophore receptors (<em>cirA</em> and <em>fepA</em>), impairing cefiderocol uptake. In parallel, the TonB–ExbB–ExbD energy transduction complex was independently and stably downregulated, synergistically contributing to resistance. Notably, <em>envZ</em> mutation–associated repression of the enterobactin biosynthesis gene <em>entB</em> paradoxically increased cefiderocol susceptibility, indicating a regulatory trade-off. Resistant mutants exhibited reduced siderophore production, impaired intracellular iron accumulation, and significant fitness costs, including attenuated growth, reduced oxidative stress tolerance, and decreased survival within macrophages.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In conclusion, this work uncovers a novel cefiderocol resistance mechanism in KPC-producing ST11-KL64 CR-hvKp, initiated by the <em>envZ</em> mutation, which causes the downregulation of catecholate siderophore receptors. This receptor repression, combined with the stable downregulation of the TonB-ExbB-ExbD energy complex, severely impairs cefiderocol's “Trojan horse” active uptake. This resistance mechanism is accompanied by a fitness trade-off, providing critical insights into the evolution of these superbugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107693"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145800434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107691
Abdullah T. Aslan , Patrick N.A. Harris , David L. Paterson
{"title":"In reply to the letter to editor regarding “Comparison of ceftazidime-avibactam with other appropriate antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of OXA-48- or KPC-producing Enterobacterales infections in Turkiye: A multi-centre retrospective matched-cohort study”","authors":"Abdullah T. Aslan , Patrick N.A. Harris , David L. Paterson","doi":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2025.107691","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13818,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents","volume":"67 2","pages":"Article 107691"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145742497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}