Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a globally distributed marine pathogen that causes serious disease in diverse aquatic species. In this study, a pathogenic strain isolated from diseased juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) was identified as V. parahaemolyticus through physiological, biochemical characteristics and PCR-based molecular analysis. The strain exhibited a LD50 of 3.12 × 106 CFU/mL in challenge assays. Histopathological examination revealed gill filament adhesion with swelling and inflammatory infiltration in infected crabs. The hepatopancreatic tubules exhibited luminal deformation and basement membrane disruption. PCR analysis confirmed that the isolate harbored the virulence genes tlh, toxR, VP1686, and VP1670. Furthermore, plate-based assays also demonstrated its production of protease, lecithinase, amylase, and gelatinase. To elucidate the host immune response in E. sinensis, expression levels of LecA, LecB, LecG, lectin, proPO, and ALF were quantified in gill and hepatopancreatic tissues. All genes except lectin were significantly upregulated in gills and hepatopancreatic tissues. These findings established V. parahaemolyticus as the causative pathogen of mass mortality in farmed juvenile crabs and characterized the corresponding host immune response, providing a foundation for developing disease control strategies in E. sinensis aquaculture.
{"title":"Pathogenicity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with mass mortality events in juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)","authors":"Liying Zhou , Qian Xu , Wei Liu , Dexia Miao , Xiaojian Gao , Xiaojun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</em> is a globally distributed marine pathogen that causes serious disease in diverse aquatic species. In this study, a pathogenic strain isolated from diseased juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (<em>Eriocheir sinensis</em>) was identified as <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> through physiological, biochemical characteristics and PCR-based molecular analysis. The strain exhibited a LD<sub>50</sub> of 3.12 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/mL in challenge assays. Histopathological examination revealed gill filament adhesion with swelling and inflammatory infiltration in infected crabs. The hepatopancreatic tubules exhibited luminal deformation and basement membrane disruption. PCR analysis confirmed that the isolate harbored the virulence genes <em>tlh</em>, <em>toxR</em>, <em>VP1686</em>, and <em>VP1670</em>. Furthermore, plate-based assays also demonstrated its production of protease, lecithinase, amylase, and gelatinase. To elucidate the host immune response in <em>E. sinensis</em>, expression levels of <em>LecA</em>, <em>LecB</em>, <em>LecG</em>, <em>lectin</em>, <em>proPO</em>, and <em>ALF</em> were quantified in gill and hepatopancreatic tissues. All genes except <em>lectin</em> were significantly upregulated in gills and hepatopancreatic tissues. These findings established <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> as the causative pathogen of mass mortality in farmed juvenile crabs and characterized the corresponding host immune response, providing a foundation for developing disease control strategies in <em>E. sinensis</em> aquaculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108251"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145781515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108249
Yufang Lin , Xuechao Li
Objective
To explore the effects of acupuncture on osteogenic signaling and gut microbiota in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Method
AS mice were treated with drug (oral sulfasalazine) or acupuncture (Du Mai meridian and Jia Ji acupoints). After one month of treatment, pathological alterations in the Achilles tendon tissue were observed. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone gla protein (BGP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), expressions of microRNA-21 (miR-21), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and SMAD Family Member 1 (Smad1) in the Achilles tendon tissue, as well as ALP, BGP, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and Wnt Family Member 5a (Wnt5a) levels, were measured. Further, 16S Ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing technology was used to analyze changes in the gut microbiota.
Results
After drug and acupuncture treatments, pathological scores were reduced. Both drug and acupuncture treatments downregulated ALP, although only the drug treatment led to a reduction in BGP. Moreover, the mRNA levels of miR-21, BMP-2, and Smad1, along with the protein levels of ALP, BGP, and Wnt5a in the drug and acupuncture groups, showed varying degrees of reduction, while DKK1 level was increased. The results of the analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology revealed that bacterial richness was significantly increased in both treatment groups compared to AS model mice (P < 0.05), with a more pronounced elevation observed in the acupuncture group than in the drug group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Acupuncture may alleviate AS by modulating osteogenic pathways and gut microbiota, thus reducing inflammation and pathological ossification.
{"title":"Acupuncture treatment May improve the bone metabolism and pathological ossification by regulating the gut microbiota of AS mice","authors":"Yufang Lin , Xuechao Li","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the effects of acupuncture on osteogenic signaling and gut microbiota in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>AS mice were treated with drug (oral sulfasalazine) or acupuncture (Du Mai meridian and Jia Ji acupoints). After one month of treatment, pathological alterations in the Achilles tendon tissue were observed. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone gla protein (BGP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), expressions of microRNA-21 (miR-21), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and SMAD Family Member 1 (Smad1) in the Achilles tendon tissue, as well as ALP, BGP, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and Wnt Family Member 5a (Wnt5a) levels, were measured. Further, 16S Ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing technology was used to analyze changes in the gut microbiota.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After drug and acupuncture treatments, pathological scores were reduced. Both drug and acupuncture treatments downregulated ALP, although only the drug treatment led to a reduction in BGP. Moreover, the mRNA levels of miR-21, BMP-2, and Smad1, along with the protein levels of ALP, BGP, and Wnt5a in the drug and acupuncture groups, showed varying degrees of reduction, while DKK1 level was increased. The results of the analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology revealed that bacterial richness was significantly increased in both treatment groups compared to AS model mice (<em>P</em> < 0.05), with a more pronounced elevation observed in the acupuncture group than in the drug group (<em>P</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture may alleviate AS by modulating osteogenic pathways and gut microbiota, thus reducing inflammation and pathological ossification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108249"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Human breast milk is increasingly recognized not only as nourishment but as a dynamic medium of biological information-delivering nutrients, immune molecules, and microbial ecosystems critical to early development. While each mother transmits a unique immunological and microbiota profile, the developmental impact of amplifying this diversity remains unexplored. Here, we introduce the Vyarna Booster: a novel, shelf-stable powder formed by combining lyophilized breast milk from multiple verified providers to intentionally exceed the microbial diversity found in any single sample. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed bacterial composition across fresh (F), individually lyophilized (L), and mixed composite (M) samples from 13 mothers. The composite formulation exhibited greater microbial richness and evenness than any source sample, with consistently elevated abundance of commensals such as Streptococcus salivarius and Lactococcus raffinolactis. This increased diversity was reproducible across independently assembled mixes. While we do not claim viability or clinical outcomes, the observed taxonomic amplification suggests a previously untested mechanism for engineering postnatal microbial exposure. We propose the Vyarna Booster as a new class of infant nutritional supplement-one that augments the natural limits of human milk through deliberate bioinformational combination, and raises foundational questions about the boundaries of maternal transmission, microbial design, and early life programming.
{"title":"The Vyarna Bio Information Booster: Maximization of microbiome bioinformation diversity through the combination of the lyophilized Human Breast Milk of multiple providers.","authors":"Pedro Alvarado Chavarría, Faisal Sheraz Shah, Amna Hafeez, Sameen Zafar, Khushbukhat Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108243","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human breast milk is increasingly recognized not only as nourishment but as a dynamic medium of biological information-delivering nutrients, immune molecules, and microbial ecosystems critical to early development. While each mother transmits a unique immunological and microbiota profile, the developmental impact of amplifying this diversity remains unexplored. Here, we introduce the Vyarna Booster: a novel, shelf-stable powder formed by combining lyophilized breast milk from multiple verified providers to intentionally exceed the microbial diversity found in any single sample. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed bacterial composition across fresh (F), individually lyophilized (L), and mixed composite (M) samples from 13 mothers. The composite formulation exhibited greater microbial richness and evenness than any source sample, with consistently elevated abundance of commensals such as Streptococcus salivarius and Lactococcus raffinolactis. This increased diversity was reproducible across independently assembled mixes. While we do not claim viability or clinical outcomes, the observed taxonomic amplification suggests a previously untested mechanism for engineering postnatal microbial exposure. We propose the Vyarna Booster as a new class of infant nutritional supplement-one that augments the natural limits of human milk through deliberate bioinformational combination, and raises foundational questions about the boundaries of maternal transmission, microbial design, and early life programming.</p>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":" ","pages":"108243"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145794339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108241
Rewan Abdelaziz , Alshimaa A. Khalil , Rania Ali , Mohamed Taha Yassin , Fatimah Olyan Al-Otibi , Mohamed Ragab AbdelGawwad , Shaimaa A.A. Ahmed
The present study investigated the antibacterial efficacy of telomycin nanoparticles (TNPs). Telomycin, a bioactive metabolite of Streptomyces abietis PP752347, was loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of telomycin against pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus was determined to be 1.0 ± 1.00 μg/mL and 2.0 ± 1.00 μg/mL, respectively, against different strains. Meanwhile, the (MIC50) of TNPS against the same strains was .125 ± 1.00 μg/mL and 1.0 ± 1.00 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological changes in S. aureus treated with TNPS were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the bioactive metabolite extracts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while SEM was employed to characterize the nanoparticles. For the in vivo experiment, 120 African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were divided into four groups: the first group served as the negative control (neither challenged nor treated); the second group (TNPS) received TNPS treatment (100 μg/L); the third group (SA) represented the positive control, infected with S. aureus; and the fourth group (SA + TNPS) was infected with S. aureus and treated with TNPS. Infected fish (SA and SA + TNPS groups) received an intraperitoneal injection of S. aureus (1.6 × 106 CFU/mL). The findings demonstrated that all infected groups exhibited noticeable clinical signs resulting from S. aureus infection. TNPS administration via immersion significantly reduced the negative impacts of infection on liver and kidney biomarkers, innate immune responses, antioxidant levels, serum gonadotropic hormones, and hepatic expression levels of both Caspase-3 and TNF-α. TNPS treatment significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated S. aureus–induced clinical symptoms and hepatorenal dysfunction. It enhanced innate immunity (lysozyme, nitric oxide, MPO, and IL-1β expression), antioxidant capacity, and sex hormone levels, while reversing histopathological alterations in the liver, kidney, spleen, and ovaries. Furthermore, TNPs reduced hepatic expression of both Caspase-3 and TNF-α. These findings indicate that TNPs (100 μg/L) is safe for African catfish and exhibits potent antibacterial activity, supporting its potential as a promising and eco-friendly therapeutic agent for aquaculture.
{"title":"Telomycin nanoparticles from Streptomyces abietis: Effects on hepatorenal function, antioxidant activity, immune responses, and histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) challenged with Staphylococcus aureus","authors":"Rewan Abdelaziz , Alshimaa A. Khalil , Rania Ali , Mohamed Taha Yassin , Fatimah Olyan Al-Otibi , Mohamed Ragab AbdelGawwad , Shaimaa A.A. Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study investigated the antibacterial efficacy of telomycin nanoparticles (TNPs). Telomycin, a bioactive metabolite of <em>Streptomyces abietis</em> PP752347, was loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC<sub>50</sub>) of telomycin against pathogenic strains of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> was determined to be 1.0 ± 1.00 μg/mL and 2.0 ± 1.00 μg/mL, respectively, against different strains. Meanwhile, the (MIC<sub>50</sub>) of TNPS against the same strains was .125 ± 1.00 μg/mL and 1.0 ± 1.00 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological changes in <em>S. aureus</em> treated with TNPS were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the bioactive metabolite extracts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while SEM was employed to characterize the nanoparticles. For the <em>in vivo</em> experiment, 120 African catfish (<em>Clarias gariepinus</em>) were divided into four groups: the first group served as the negative control (neither challenged nor treated); the second group (TNPS) received TNPS treatment (100 μg/L); the third group (SA) represented the positive control, infected with <em>S. aureus</em>; and the fourth group (SA + TNPS) was infected with <em>S. aureus</em> and treated with TNPS. Infected fish (SA and SA + TNPS groups) received an intraperitoneal injection of <em>S. aureus</em> (1.6 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/mL). The findings demonstrated that all infected groups exhibited noticeable clinical signs resulting from <em>S. aureus</em> infection. TNPS administration via immersion significantly reduced the negative impacts of infection on liver and kidney biomarkers, innate immune responses, antioxidant levels, serum gonadotropic hormones, and hepatic expression levels of both Caspase-3 and TNF-α. TNPS treatment significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) alleviated <em>S. aureus</em>–induced clinical symptoms and hepatorenal dysfunction. It enhanced innate immunity (lysozyme, nitric oxide, MPO, and IL-1β expression), antioxidant capacity, and sex hormone levels, while reversing histopathological alterations in the liver, kidney, spleen, and ovaries. Furthermore, TNPs reduced hepatic expression of both Caspase-3 and TNF-α. These findings indicate that TNPs (100 μg/L) is safe for African catfish and exhibits potent antibacterial activity, supporting its potential as a promising and eco-friendly therapeutic agent for aquaculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108241"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108240
Haiqin Wang, Yan Xu
Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to be a leading pathogen responsible for severe respiratory related diseases among children, often demanding prolonged treatment with antibiotics. In this study, we developed a chitosan-modified PLGA/alginate nanoparticles for controlled doxycycline delivery (CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs) with the goal of improving therapeutic effect while reducing dosing frequency and treatment-related difficulties. The fabricated NPs demonstrated a well-defined spherical structure with an average diameter close to 50-70 nm, a stable negative surface charge, and a notably high drug encapsulation capability, confirming their suitability for inhalation-based antimicrobial therapy. In vitro drug release studies confirmed sustained Doxy release over 72 hours under different pH conditions. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against of S. pneumoniae, showing significantly improved bactericidal activity compared to free Doxy and other combinations. Further, the crystal violet assay and fluorescent microscopy analysis reveals that, the S. pneumoniae biofilm thickness was significantly reduced with visible disintegration of EPS matrix when exposed to CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs. Cytocompatibility assays on fibroblast (L929) and human lung epithelial cells (L-132) confirmed the safety profile of the CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs for pediatric use. The results proposed that the fabricated CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs signifies a promising targeted delivery platform for the effective management of pediatric pneumococcal infections.
{"title":"Development of Chitosan-Functionalized PLGA/Alginate Polymeric Nanoparticles for Controlled Doxycycline Release in Pediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections.","authors":"Haiqin Wang, Yan Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to be a leading pathogen responsible for severe respiratory related diseases among children, often demanding prolonged treatment with antibiotics. In this study, we developed a chitosan-modified PLGA/alginate nanoparticles for controlled doxycycline delivery (CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs) with the goal of improving therapeutic effect while reducing dosing frequency and treatment-related difficulties. The fabricated NPs demonstrated a well-defined spherical structure with an average diameter close to 50-70 nm, a stable negative surface charge, and a notably high drug encapsulation capability, confirming their suitability for inhalation-based antimicrobial therapy. In vitro drug release studies confirmed sustained Doxy release over 72 hours under different pH conditions. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against of S. pneumoniae, showing significantly improved bactericidal activity compared to free Doxy and other combinations. Further, the crystal violet assay and fluorescent microscopy analysis reveals that, the S. pneumoniae biofilm thickness was significantly reduced with visible disintegration of EPS matrix when exposed to CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs. Cytocompatibility assays on fibroblast (L929) and human lung epithelial cells (L-132) confirmed the safety profile of the CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs for pediatric use. The results proposed that the fabricated CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs signifies a promising targeted delivery platform for the effective management of pediatric pneumococcal infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":" ","pages":"108240"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145794352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108250
Verónica Rosales-Islas, J Fernando Montes-García, Gerardo A Ramírez-Paz-Y-Puente, Gloria Luz Paniagua-Contreras, José A Gutiérrez-Pabello, Edgar Zenteno, Candelario Vázquez-Cruz, Erasmo Negrete-Abascal
Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes pneumonic infections in different ruminants. It is also part of the respiratory tract microbiome, but it descends into the lower respiratory tract under stress, causing shipping fever. The stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine have been suggested to induce Mh biofilm dispersion, but their roles in virulence have not been shown. In this study, the effects of these two hormones on Mh growth and on the expression of adhesins, proteases, and biofilm formation are evaluated. Physiological concentrations (1-5 ng/mL) of epinephrine and norepinephrine increase the growth of Mh and the expression of 42- and 75-kDa gelatin proteases, induce biofilm dispersion, and decrease biofilm protein and carbohydrate concentrations. At 50 or 500 ng/mL concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine, the expression of OmpA and OmpH adhesins and 42- and 100-kDa casein proteases increases. Bacterial adhesion to bovine monocytes or oral epithelial cells also increases, but antibodies against OmpH and OmpA diminish adhesion. Our results strongly suggest that epinephrine and norepinephrine modulate the expression of Mh virulence factors.
{"title":"Epinephrine and norepinephrine increase the growth and expression of adhesins and proteases in Mannheimia haemolytica.","authors":"Verónica Rosales-Islas, J Fernando Montes-García, Gerardo A Ramírez-Paz-Y-Puente, Gloria Luz Paniagua-Contreras, José A Gutiérrez-Pabello, Edgar Zenteno, Candelario Vázquez-Cruz, Erasmo Negrete-Abascal","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes pneumonic infections in different ruminants. It is also part of the respiratory tract microbiome, but it descends into the lower respiratory tract under stress, causing shipping fever. The stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine have been suggested to induce Mh biofilm dispersion, but their roles in virulence have not been shown. In this study, the effects of these two hormones on Mh growth and on the expression of adhesins, proteases, and biofilm formation are evaluated. Physiological concentrations (1-5 ng/mL) of epinephrine and norepinephrine increase the growth of Mh and the expression of 42- and 75-kDa gelatin proteases, induce biofilm dispersion, and decrease biofilm protein and carbohydrate concentrations. At 50 or 500 ng/mL concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine, the expression of OmpA and OmpH adhesins and 42- and 100-kDa casein proteases increases. Bacterial adhesion to bovine monocytes or oral epithelial cells also increases, but antibodies against OmpH and OmpA diminish adhesion. Our results strongly suggest that epinephrine and norepinephrine modulate the expression of Mh virulence factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":" ","pages":"108250"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145781471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108247
Anais L. Lucero-Olachea , Raúl O. Martínez-Rincón , Carmen Rodríguez-Jaramillo , Irais Ramírez-Sánchez , Bruno Gómez-Gil , Dariel Tovar-Ramírez , José Luis Balcázar , Eduardo Quiroz-Guzmán
Bacterial pathogens of the family Vibrionaceae are widespread in aquatic environments and pose a substantial threat to economically important fish species. In this study, we isolated and characterized a Vibrio diabolicus strain using whole-genome sequencing, which yielded a 5,039,696 bp genome distributed across two chromosomes: a larger chromosome (3,108,246 bp) and a smaller one (1,931,450 bp). The genome encoded multiple multidrug resistance genes and several virulence-associated factors, including the type III secretion system chaperone VcrH on the large chromosome and thermolabile hemolysin (tlh) on the smaller chromosome. Additional genes of interest present on the larger chromosome included clpA, clpS, clpX, clpP, two putative cas3 type I genes, and TnXax1, a Tn3 family transposase. Pathogenicity was assessed through a four-day intraperitoneal infection bioassay in juvenile Seriola rivoliana using bacterial concentrations of 1.4 × 101, 2.36 × 103, and 2.1 × 106 CFU/mL. Although no mortality was recorded, infected fish presented pronounced pathological alterations, including severe hemorrhages, muscle necrosis, granulomatous inflammation, and degeneration of intestinal tissues. Marked mucosal hyperplasia and increased infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes were also observed in the intestine. Overall, these findings provide genomic and pathological insights into a V. diabolicus strain circulating in marine aquaculture systems and highlight its potential role as an emerging opportunistic pathogen capable of causing significant sublethal tissue damage despite limited mortality.
{"title":"Genomic characterization and pathological effects of Vibrio diabolicus in experimentally infected juvenile Seriola rivoliana","authors":"Anais L. Lucero-Olachea , Raúl O. Martínez-Rincón , Carmen Rodríguez-Jaramillo , Irais Ramírez-Sánchez , Bruno Gómez-Gil , Dariel Tovar-Ramírez , José Luis Balcázar , Eduardo Quiroz-Guzmán","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial pathogens of the family <em>Vibrionaceae</em> are widespread in aquatic environments and pose a substantial threat to economically important fish species. In this study, we isolated and characterized a <em>Vibrio diabolicus</em> strain using whole-genome sequencing, which yielded a 5,039,696 bp genome distributed across two chromosomes: a larger chromosome (3,108,246 bp) and a smaller one (1,931,450 bp). The genome encoded multiple multidrug resistance genes and several virulence-associated factors, including the type III secretion system chaperone <em>VcrH</em> on the large chromosome and thermolabile hemolysin (<em>tlh</em>) on the smaller chromosome. Additional genes of interest present on the larger chromosome included <em>clpA</em>, <em>clpS</em>, <em>clpX</em>, <em>clpP</em>, two putative cas3 type I genes, and TnXax1, a Tn3 family transposase. Pathogenicity was assessed through a four-day intraperitoneal infection bioassay in juvenile <em>Seriola rivoliana</em> using bacterial concentrations of 1.4 × 10<sup>1</sup>, 2.36 × 10<sup>3</sup>, and 2.1 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/mL. Although no mortality was recorded, infected fish presented pronounced pathological alterations, including severe hemorrhages, muscle necrosis, granulomatous inflammation, and degeneration of intestinal tissues. Marked mucosal hyperplasia and increased infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes were also observed in the intestine. Overall, these findings provide genomic and pathological insights into a <em>V. diabolicus</em> strain circulating in marine aquaculture systems and highlight its potential role as an emerging opportunistic pathogen capable of causing significant sublethal tissue damage despite limited mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108247"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-15DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108246
Ashok Kumar , Abhishek Verma , V. Mahajan , Harbir Singh , G. Filia , Rajsukhbir Singh , Jagmeet Kaur , M.S. Bal
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, posing a significant threat to small ruminant health and rural livelihoods in Punjab, India. The objective of the present study was to investigate cases of per-acute mortality caused by Morbillivirus caprinae, which resulted in the death of 24.86 % (134/539) of animals across ten different sheep and goat farms. The overall morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate were observed during the outbreak investigation. However, necropsy and histopathological findings were strongly indicative of Morbillivirus caprinae infection in domestic small ruminants. The presence of PPRV was confirmed through Sandwich ELISA and one-step RT-PCR assays. The study also investigated potential interspecies transmission between goats and sheep in mixed flocks during a recent PPR outbreak. Genetic analysis of samples from affected flocks in neighboring regions revealed close similarity with other Asian PPRV isolates, indicating possible regional viral circulation.
Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleocapsid (N) protein gene revealed that the virus belonged to Lineage IV and was detected in samples from infected sheep, domestic goats, and animals from mixed farms. These findings suggest the likely spread of Lineage IV PPRV strains within the small ruminant population in the region, potentially originating from domestic goats.
{"title":"Clinicopathological and molecular characterization of Morbillivirus caprinae Lineage IV in PPR outbreak among small ruminants of Punjab","authors":"Ashok Kumar , Abhishek Verma , V. Mahajan , Harbir Singh , G. Filia , Rajsukhbir Singh , Jagmeet Kaur , M.S. Bal","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, posing a significant threat to small ruminant health and rural livelihoods in Punjab, India. <strong>The objective of the present study was to investigate cases of per-acute mortality caused by <em>Morbillivirus caprinae</em>, which resulted in the death of 24.86 % (134/539) of animals across ten different sheep and goat farms.</strong> The overall morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate were observed during the outbreak investigation. However, necropsy and histopathological findings were strongly indicative of <em>Morbillivirus caprinae</em> infection in domestic small ruminants. The presence of PPRV was confirmed through Sandwich ELISA and one-step RT-PCR assays. The study also investigated potential interspecies transmission between goats and sheep in mixed flocks during a recent PPR outbreak. Genetic analysis of samples from affected flocks in neighboring regions revealed close similarity with other Asian PPRV isolates, indicating possible regional viral circulation.</div><div>Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleocapsid (N) protein gene revealed that the virus belonged to Lineage IV and was detected in samples from infected sheep, domestic goats, and animals from mixed farms. These findings suggest the likely spread of Lineage IV PPRV strains within the small ruminant population in the region, potentially originating from domestic goats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108246"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-14DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108245
J. Harish , M.K. Prasannakumar , R. Karan , B.P. Maruthi Prasad , K.N. Pallavi , H.C. Lohithaswa , G. Punith , Noor Ayesha
Maize stalk rot is a major constraint to crop productivity, caused by a complex of Fusarium species. This study investigated the diversity, genetic structure and host-pathogen interactions associated with stalk rot in Indian maize. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates collected during 2022–2023 identified species from three major complexes: Fusarium fujikuroi (FFSC), F. incarnatum-equiseti (FIESC) and F. solani (FSSC), with F. verticillioides being the predominant pathogen. Genetic analysis using ITS, TEF-1α and RPB-2 markers revealed high within-population variability and moderate differentiation across populations. DNA polymorphism and neutrality tests suggested intense selection pressures and population expansion events, especially at the TEF-1α and ITS loci. Transcriptomic analysis of infected maize revealed 6948 differentially expressed genes. Upregulated genes were associated with fungal recognition, cell wall degradation and antimicrobial compound production, while downregulated genes indicated suppression of photosynthesis, protein folding and cytoskeletal functions. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted significant changes in pathways related to lipid metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, oxidative stress and energy reallocation. Biochemical assays confirmed the elevated activity of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (cellulase, β-glucosidase and pectate lyase), peaking at 4–6 days post-infection, supporting their role in tissue maceration. LC-MS/MS-based metabolite profiling revealed a clear metabolic shift in infected maize, characterized by an increased accumulation of secondary metabolites, including flavonoid glycosides and phenylpropanoids, in contrast to the dominance of primary metabolism in healthy tissues. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic, biochemical and metabolic responses of maize to stalk rot, underscoring the need for management and resistance breeding strategies targeting diverse Fusarium species.
{"title":"Genetic diversity, haplotyping, integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic insights in Fusarium stalk rot of maize","authors":"J. Harish , M.K. Prasannakumar , R. Karan , B.P. Maruthi Prasad , K.N. Pallavi , H.C. Lohithaswa , G. Punith , Noor Ayesha","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Maize stalk rot is a major constraint to crop productivity, caused by a complex of <em>Fusarium</em> species. This study investigated the diversity, genetic structure and host-pathogen interactions associated with stalk rot in Indian maize. Phylogenetic analysis of isolates collected during 2022–2023 identified species from three major complexes: <em>Fusarium fujikuroi</em> (FFSC), <em>F. incarnatum</em>-<em>equiseti</em> (FIESC) and <em>F. solani</em> (FSSC), with <em>F. verticillioides</em> being the predominant pathogen. Genetic analysis using ITS, <em>TEF-1α</em> and <em>RPB-2</em> markers revealed high within-population variability and moderate differentiation across populations. DNA polymorphism and neutrality tests suggested intense selection pressures and population expansion events, especially at the <em>TEF-1α</em> and ITS loci. Transcriptomic analysis of infected maize revealed 6948 differentially expressed genes. Upregulated genes were associated with fungal recognition, cell wall degradation and antimicrobial compound production, while downregulated genes indicated suppression of photosynthesis, protein folding and cytoskeletal functions. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted significant changes in pathways related to lipid metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, oxidative stress and energy reallocation. Biochemical assays confirmed the elevated activity of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (cellulase, β-glucosidase and pectate lyase), peaking at 4–6 days post-infection, supporting their role in tissue maceration. LC-MS/MS-based metabolite profiling revealed a clear metabolic shift in infected maize, characterized by an increased accumulation of secondary metabolites, including flavonoid glycosides and phenylpropanoids, in contrast to the dominance of primary metabolism in healthy tissues. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic, biochemical and metabolic responses of maize to stalk rot, underscoring the need for management and resistance breeding strategies targeting diverse <em>Fusarium</em> species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108245"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108242
Muhammad Bilal Habib , Maryam Aftab , Afreenish Amir , Faheem Ullah , Naseer Ali Shah , Fatima Javed , Nadhirah Mohamad Zain , Aamer Ikram , Muhammad Kamran , Mamoon Ur Rasheed
Background/objectives
Treatment failure and increased death rates may arise from the presence of drug-resistant microorganisms in the hospital environment. The purpose of this study was to devise new therapeutic hydrogel formulations to target drug resistant bacteria.
Methodology
In this study injectable hydrogel was developed containing Chitosan (CH) Methacrylic acid (MAA) and Glutaraldehyde, via polymerization technique, with subsequent loading of Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and Colistin (CT). Physicochemical characterization was performed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta sizer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and drug release assays were conducted to predict the hydrogel's injectable therapeutic applications. Molecular Docking, simulation analysis was performed to evaluate the binding affinities of hydrogel components to their respective target. A broth microdilution method was employed to assess the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy.
Results
The CH-MAA hydrogel showed remarkable swelling, excellent biodegradability, and cytocompatibility. The hydrogels followed non-Fickian drug release indicated by the computed "n" values of 0.45–0.89. The CH-MAA hydrogel showed excellent antibacterial effects with a significant decrease in MIC values (5 μg/mL). The IONPs loaded hydrogels showed significant decrease in MIC value (0.78 μg/mL) as compared to IONP standalone (50 μg/mL). CT resistant A. baumannii was successfully targeted by CT loaded hydrogel which showed a remarkable MIC (1.25 μg/mL).
Conclusions
Current findings suggest that the newly designed CH-MAA injectable hydrogel could be a novel therapeutic agent with antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against these highly resistant bacteria to combat AMR.
{"title":"Development and characterization of dual-functional polymeric hydrogels: A Sustainable approach for drug delivery and antimicrobial applications","authors":"Muhammad Bilal Habib , Maryam Aftab , Afreenish Amir , Faheem Ullah , Naseer Ali Shah , Fatima Javed , Nadhirah Mohamad Zain , Aamer Ikram , Muhammad Kamran , Mamoon Ur Rasheed","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/objectives</h3><div>Treatment failure and increased death rates may arise from the presence of drug-resistant microorganisms in the hospital environment. The purpose of this study was to devise new therapeutic hydrogel formulations to target drug resistant bacteria.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>In this study injectable hydrogel was developed containing Chitosan (CH) Methacrylic acid (MAA) and Glutaraldehyde, via polymerization technique, with subsequent loading of Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and Colistin (CT). Physicochemical characterization was performed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta sizer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and drug release assays were conducted to predict the hydrogel's injectable therapeutic applications. Molecular Docking, simulation analysis was performed to evaluate the binding affinities of hydrogel components to their respective target. A broth microdilution method was employed to assess the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The CH-MAA hydrogel showed remarkable swelling, excellent biodegradability, and cytocompatibility. The hydrogels followed non-Fickian drug release indicated by the computed \"n\" values of 0.45–0.89. The CH-MAA hydrogel showed excellent antibacterial effects with a significant decrease in MIC values (5 μg/mL). The IONPs loaded hydrogels showed significant decrease in MIC value (0.78 μg/mL) as compared to IONP standalone (50 μg/mL). CT resistant <em>A. baumannii</em> was successfully targeted by CT loaded hydrogel which showed a remarkable MIC (1.25 μg/mL).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Current findings suggest that the newly designed CH-MAA injectable hydrogel could be a novel therapeutic agent with antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against these highly resistant bacteria to combat AMR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108242"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145763505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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