Microbial pathogenesis最新文献

{"title":"Immunomodulatory effects of the TIRAP/MAL rs8177374 (S180L) variant: Meta-Analytic evidence from severe and Plasmodium falciparum malaria","authors":"Noelia Ivett González-Castillo ,&nbsp;Sandra Guadalupe Prado-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Omar Iñiguez-Mosqueda ,&nbsp;Liliana Íñiguez-Gutiérrez ,&nbsp;Jorge Manuel Silva-Jara ,&nbsp;Mariana Díaz-Zaragoza ,&nbsp;Omar Graciano-Machuca","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The rs8177374 (S180L) polymorphism in <em>TIRAP</em> has been implicated in altered susceptibility to various infectious diseases, including malaria, though results across studies have been inconsistent.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between the TIRAP/MAL rs8177374 polymorphism and malaria susceptibility, including severe malaria and <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> infection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted up to December 31, 2024, without language or geographic restrictions. Case-control and cohort studies reporting genotype and allele frequencies of rs8177374 in malaria patients and controls were included. Studies with control groups deviating from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated under six genetic models using fixed- or random-effects meta-analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q and I² statistics. Sensitivity analyses were performed using a leave-one-out approach. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's and Begg's tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten studies comprising 4103 malaria cases and 2460 controls were included. No significant association was observed between rs8177374 and overall malaria susceptibility under any genetic model. In contrast, the T allele and heterozygous genotypes (TC) were consistently associated with a lower risk of severe malaria (T vs. C: OR = 0.51, 95 % CI: 0.40–0.65, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Conversely, in the P. falciparum subgroup, the variant was linked to an increased risk of infection (T vs. C: OR = 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.09–1.98, <em>p</em> = 0.012). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these associations, and no single study significantly influenced the pooled estimates.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Limited number of studies in subgroup analyses, high heterogeneity in several comparisons, and geographic restriction to Asian and African populations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The rs8177374 polymorphism is not associated with overall malaria or <em>P. falciparum</em> malaria, but shows a protective effect against severe malaria. These results support a modulatory role of TIRAP/MAL in malaria pathogenesis and warrant further functional and multi-ethnic studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108226"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696251","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}

{"title":"Secnidazole and metronidazole in the treatment of Trichomoniasis: Comparative study of the mechanism of action and development of innovative 3D printed intrauterine devices","authors":"Ágata Giuseppe Menezes ,&nbsp;Fernanda Gomes Cardoso ,&nbsp;Giulia Bongiorni Galego ,&nbsp;Lenon Machado Alves ,&nbsp;Marcelo Dutra Arbo ,&nbsp;Solange Cristina Garcia ,&nbsp;Maiara Callegaro Velho ,&nbsp;Janine Boniatti ,&nbsp;Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck ,&nbsp;Tiana Tasca","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108222","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108222","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trichomonas vaginalis</em> is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of five <em>T. vaginalis</em> isolates to secnidazole and metronidazole – two of the three FDA-approved treatments. We also investigated their mechanisms of action and explored the use of 3D printing technology for delivering anti-<em>T. vaginalis</em> therapy. <em>In vitro</em> susceptibility assays were performed using secnidazole and metronidazole. To investigate their mechanisms of action, we assessed reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production, lipid peroxidation, type of cell death, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene expression by qRT-PCR. DNA integrity was evaluated using the comet assay. Additionally, we designed 3D-printed intrauterine devices (IUDs) loaded with each drug to evaluate their efficacy in eradicating <em>T. vaginalis</em>. All isolates were more susceptible to secnidazole than to metronidazole. Neither drug increased ROS/RNS levels or lipid peroxidation. However, both downregulated SOD expression in most isolates and induced apoptosis-like cell death, evidenced by phosphatidylserine exposure. No DNA strand breaks were detected. Drug-loaded 3D-printed IUDs eradicated <em>T. vaginalis</em> trophozoites within 24 h, with secnidazole achieving this effect as early as 10 h post-treatment. Secnidazole and metronidazole appear to disrupt redox homeostasis through a mechanism independent of ROS/RNS, likely by downregulating SOD and increasing cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress. Both drugs induced apoptosis-like cell death without causing DNA damage. The drug-loaded devices represent a promising strategy for localized and personalized treatment. This is the first proof-of-concept for a 3D-printed IUD loaded with secnidazole and metronidazole demonstrating trichomonacidal action and highlighting a novel, localized drug delivery strategy with potential applications in personalized medicine for the treatment of trichomoniasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108222"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145695686","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}

{"title":"Human metapneumovirus: Insights into immune evasion, pathogenesis and liposome-based vaccine strategies","authors":"Fahad A. Alhumaydhi ,&nbsp;Mohammad Hamza Khan ,&nbsp;Masood Alam Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108224","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108224","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) remains a major contributor to respiratory diseases, particularly affecting infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. HMPV, first identified in 2001, has been a prominent cause of respiratory tract infections, ranging from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Despite its impact, there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific antivirals treatments targeting HMPV. The virus evades host immunity by suppressing interferon signaling through pathways such as RIG-I/MAVS and JAK-STAT, and by impairing dendritic cell maturation, which collectively delays adaptive immunity. Vaccine development efforts focus on live-attenuated, subunit, viral vector-based, and mRNA platforms, with the F protein identified as the primary target for eliciting neutralizing antibodies. Advancements such as lipid nanoparticles and virus-like particles have enhanced vaccine delivery and immunogenicity. Understanding HMPV-host immune interactions is essential for reducing the global disease burden and advancing both novel preventive and therapeutic interventions. This review consolidates current knowledge on HMPV virology, immune evasion, and vaccine development while highlighting emerging diagnostic innovations and multivalent vaccine platforms. Global research collaboration remains crucial in combating HMPV-related respiratory diseases and improving preventive strategies. Future directions emphasize to develop multivalent vaccines against multiple respiratory viruses, the optimization of adjuvants, and the deployment of modular vaccine platforms to address antigenic variability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108224"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145665492","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}

{"title":"A hyphenated approach of chemical profiling, anti-bacterial assays, and molecular docking to validate the traditionally claimed anti-bacterial (Krimiroga) potential of Cyperus rotundus L.","authors":"Raman Singh ,&nbsp;Shamli Chandel ,&nbsp;Shourabh Rav ,&nbsp;Anmol ,&nbsp;Gaurav Aggarwal ,&nbsp;Dharam Singh ,&nbsp;Upendra Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cyperus rotundus</em> L. is an invasive weed plant traditionally known for its anti-bacterial potential, as documented in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India (API). The present work focuses on systematic validation of anti-bacterial potential (<em>krimiroga</em>) of this plant by evaluating its extract, fractions, and essential oil [extracted using hydrodistillation and deep eutectic solvent (DES)] against Gram-positive (<em>Bacillus subtilis</em>, <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>), and Gram-negative (<em>Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium</em>) bacterial type strains. The percentage inhibition of each sample, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. Anti-bacterial assay revealed potent activity of <em>n</em>-butanol fraction (81.67–100 %) and EOs (81.20–100 %) against targeted bacterial type strains. UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and GC-MS-based chemical profiling led to the identification of fifty major metabolites. Further, these identified compounds were screened <em>in silico</em>, targeting the proteins of selected bacteria. Molecular docking study revealed potent docking scores (kcal/mol) against different bacterial proteins (higher than positive control), such as rotunduside H (−11.32), scirpusin B (−11.62) against <em>E. coli</em>; scirpusin B (−10.35) and scirpusin A (−9.80) against <em>S. aureus</em>; aristolochic acid (−6.88) against <em>S. typhimurium;</em> and epicatechin gallate (−12.28) and methoxycyperotundol (−11.24) against <em>B. subtilis.</em> Hence, the present work highlights a systematic approach for identifying anti-bacterial leads to scientifically validate traditionally documented knowledge. EOs exhibited higher <em>in vitro</em> activity than the extract/fractions (with the <em>n</em>-butanol fraction showing the highest efficacy), and can be utilized for preparing anti-bacterial formulations with potential applications in food coatings, packaging materials, surface disinfectants, and wound dressings, following proper safety evaluations and regulatory compliance studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108220"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145687659","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}

{"title":"Plasmatic biochemical changes in COVID-19: Relevant markers that reflect patient genotypic predisposal","authors":"Jeferson S. Ursulino ,&nbsp;Eloiza L.L. Tanabe ,&nbsp;Aldilane L.X. Marques ,&nbsp;Elaine C.O. da Silva ,&nbsp;Juliana G.C. Leal ,&nbsp;Larissa S. Pinto ,&nbsp;Edmilson R.R. Júnior ,&nbsp;Luana K.C. Santos ,&nbsp;Carolinne Sales-Marques ,&nbsp;Jorg A.P.M. Coelho ,&nbsp;Marcos V.S. Sales ,&nbsp;Eduardo J.S. Fonseca ,&nbsp;Thiago S. Fragoso ,&nbsp;Emiliano O. Barreto ,&nbsp;Alexandre U. Borbely ,&nbsp;Ana C.R. Leite ,&nbsp;Thiago M. Aquino","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The emergence of COVID-19 as a global health threat, particularly exacerbated in pre-existing chronic conditions, underscores the imperative for continuous exploration of biomarkers to enhance clinical management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employs multidimensional techniques, analyzing COVID-19 and control blood samples through plasma NMR, Raman spectroscopy, and leukocyte SNP genotyping.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>NMR metabolomics identifies heightened levels of L-lactic acid, D-glucose, VLDL/LDL, L-glutamic acid, and 1-methyl-histidine in COVID-19, alongside reduced levels of L-alanine and L-histidine. ROC curves exhibit robust discriminatory power, affirming the model's efficacy in distinguishing COVID-19 from control samples. Raman spectroscopy unveils bands associated with molecular vibrations of amino acids, lipids, and carotenoids in COVID-19. SNP genotyping reveals the rs2070788-TMPRSS2 association with elevated COVID-19 risk and rs8259-CD147 association with protective effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings provides a comprehensive investigation of acute COVID-19, highlighting novel biomarkers, particularly the correlation between 1-methyl-histidine levels and the TMPRSS2 GG + AG genotype.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108225"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145687705","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}

{"title":"Zinc oxide-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite: A promising antiviral agent against acyclovir-sensitive and resistant herpes simplex virus type 1","authors":"Zahra Salavatiha ,&nbsp;Ahmad Tavakoli ,&nbsp;Seyed Jalal Kiani ,&nbsp;Farah Bokharaei-Salim ,&nbsp;Alijan Tabarraei ,&nbsp;Ahmad Dehdast ,&nbsp;Vahid Pirhajati Mahabadi ,&nbsp;Roya Mokari Nejad ,&nbsp;Seyed Hamidreza Monavari","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108223","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108223","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strains have emerged as a health concern in both immunocompromised and healthy individuals, necessitating the development of effective treatments. Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered innovative approaches for treating viral infections. In this study, the antiviral effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) conjugated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)—a ZnO-PVA nanocomposite—was investigated against both acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 strains.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The ZnO-PVA nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Its cytotoxicity was evaluated with an MTT assay, and its antiviral activity was assessed via quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of the nanocomposite on viral antigen expression was confirmed by an immunofluorescence assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At the highest non-toxic concentration (800 μg/mL), the nanocomposite reduced the viral loads of acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 strains by 99.5 % and 98.3 %, respectively (p-values &lt;0.001). Furthermore, treatment of HSV-1-infected cells with the ZnO-PVA nanocomposite significantly decreased the expression of viral antigens compared to the control group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The ZnO-PVA nanocomposite exhibited significant antiviral effects against both acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108223"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145687643","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}

{"title":"Synergistic interaction between tuberculosis and depression: Changes in miRNA expression","authors":"Kevser Elçi ,&nbsp;Necmiye Canacankatan ,&nbsp;Cem Yalaza ,&nbsp;Mukadder Çalıkoğlu ,&nbsp;Semra Erdoğan ,&nbsp;Gönül Aslan","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108211","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Depression in TB patients results in non-adherence to anti-TB treatment, prolonged infectiousness, drug resistance and constitutes a significant obstacle to the elimination of TB. Understanding and addressing the social and biological complexities of TB is critical to controlling TB. In this study, the expression levels of miR-128–3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-223–3p, miR-221–3p, miR-24–3p, miR-107, miR-134–5p, miR-135a and miR-1202 which are associated with Depression (DP) pathology, were investigated in active Tuberculosis (TB), patients in order to evaluate the synergy between TB and DP.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The study was carried out with 2 groups: TB Patient Group and Control Group. Expression levels of miRNAs were detected by Real-Time PCR method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>It was determined that miR-128–3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-223–3p, miR-221–3p, miR-24–3p, miR-107, miR-134–5p and miR-135a expression levels in the TB Patient Group showed a statistically significant increase compared to the Control Group (p &lt; 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in miR-1202 levels (p = 0.169).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The fact that miR-128–3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-223–3p, miR-221–3p and miR-24–3p, whose expressions were detected to increase in DP patients in previous studies, were also found to be increased in TB patients in this study, suggests that the miRNAs mentioned may be effective in the synergy between TB and DP. In addition, miR-24–3p, miR-107, miR-134–5p and miR-135a, whose expression was increased in TB patients in this study, can be considered as new biomarker candidates for TB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"211 ","pages":"Article 108211"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145677666","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}

{"title":"Antimicrobial and therapeutic effect of gold Nanoparticle–Aptamer conjugated antimicrobial peptide RW-BP100 in Brucella canis infected mice and RAW 264.7 cells","authors":"Seong Eun Cho ,&nbsp;Tran Xuan Ngoc Huy ,&nbsp;Trang Thi Nguyen ,&nbsp;Ched Nicole Turbela Aguilar ,&nbsp;Said Abdi Salad ,&nbsp;Il-Hwa Hong ,&nbsp;Won-Gi Min ,&nbsp;Hu-Jang Lee ,&nbsp;Ji-Hyun Yeom ,&nbsp;Suk Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108217","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108217","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine brucellosis is a common zoonosis worldwide, but treatment is challenging due to the stealthy and chronic infection caused by the bacterium <em>Brucella</em> (<em>B.</em>) <em>canis</em>. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for combating drug-resistant microbes, and gold nanoparticle aptamer (AuNP-Apt) aids the delivery of peptides to mammalian cells. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of AuNP-Apt^His conjugated antimicrobial peptide RW-BP100^His (AuNP-Apt^His-RW-BP100^His) against <em>B. canis</em> in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and BALB/c mice. <em>In vitro</em>, a high concentration of RW-BP100^His alone had a bactericidal effect. AuNP-Apt^His-RW-BP100^His inhibited intracellular bacterial replication and decreased nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells infected with <em>B. canis</em>. The production of proinflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells was elevated after AuNP-Apt^His-RW-BP100^His treatment. <em>In vivo</em>, AuNP-Apt^His-RW-BP100^His treatment reduced bacterial burden and microgranulomas in the liver and spleen. CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T cells, and Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and TNF were elevated in the treated mice. The results indicate that the therapeutic mechanism of AuNP-Apt^His-RW-BP100^His is immunomodulation of the infected host to upregulate cell-mediated immunity for <em>B. canis</em> clearance. Therefore, it is a promising candidate to treat canine brucellosis as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 108217"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145668989","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}

{"title":"Bactericidal activity of mastic resin against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus and its therapeutic efficacy in experimental pyoderma/impetigo","authors":"Nana Komai ,&nbsp;Yuta Kaga ,&nbsp;Mao Kaneki ,&nbsp;Chiharu Ohira ,&nbsp;Naoki Iwahsita ,&nbsp;Jumpei Uchiyama ,&nbsp;Tomoki Fukuyama","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, inappropriate usage of antibiotics has led to a rapid increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Mastic is a natural resin obtained from the stems and leaves of <em>Pistacia lentiscus</em> trees. We previously demonstrated its anti-inflammatory potential for alleviating atopic dermatitis symptoms, however, its direct effects on Staphylococci are unclear. This study was performed to verify the bactericidal effects of mastic at different concentrations against staphylococcal species <em>in vitro</em> and to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic potential of mastic in a mouse model of pyoderma/impetigo. Mastic showed bactericidal effects against methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> based on counting of the bacterial colonies and measurement of the ATP content. The effects of mastic on cytotoxicity and inflammatory cytokine release induced by staphylococcal strains were monitored using a human keratinocyte cell line. A murine model of pyoderma/impetigo was developed through intracutaneous administration of staphylococci in BALB/c mice. Lesion size analysis, histological examination, bacterial count, and gene expression analyses were performed. Mastic exhibited significant bactericidal effects against both strains of staphylococci. Cellular cytotoxicity and cytokine production induced by both strains of staphylococci were significantly inhibited by mastic pre-treatment. Mastic pre-treatment of mice also significantly inhibited the development of pyoderma/impetigo induced by both strains of staphylococci. Pyoderma induced by <em>S. pseudintermedius</em> was also significantly alleviated by therapeutic treatment with 1 % mastic; however, this effect was less pronounced for <em>S. aureus</em>-induced symptoms. These findings indicate the potential of mastic administration as a preventive and therapeutic approach for managing <em>Staphylococcus</em>-associated skin diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 108216"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145668946","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}

{"title":"Advancements in photodynamic therapy for tuberculosis treatment","authors":"Siqi Lin ,&nbsp;Qianqian Zhang ,&nbsp;Juan Liu ,&nbsp;Bojie Lin ,&nbsp;Daina Zhao ,&nbsp;Jiayi Yang ,&nbsp;Jia Fang ,&nbsp;Jun-Fa Xu ,&nbsp;Jiang Pi ,&nbsp;Fen Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of drug-resistant strains of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> (Mtb), coupled with lengthy treatment cycles and adverse side effects of traditional therapies, poses a significant global challenge in the form of tuberculosis (TB). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) generates reactive oxygen species that target specific tissues or cells via light irradiation at specific wavelengths. It directly disrupts critical structures and components of Mtb to exert its anti-TB effects. Unlike traditional antibiotics that rely on specific targets for efficacy, PDT prevents the occurrence of drug resistance at the mechanism level. Moreover, research indicates that multiple photosensitizers (such as methylene blue and porphyrin derivatives) demonstrate significant bactericidal effects against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> in vitro. It can also serve as an adjunct to conventional anti-TB drugs to improve therapeutic efficacy. However, tuberculosis infections predominantly occur in the deep tissues of the lungs. Achieving precise targeted delivery of photosensitizers to the lungs and ensuring their effective activation at deep infection sites, while overcoming the technical limitations of light sources—namely their limited excitation capacity and difficulty in effectively reaching deep pulmonary tuberculosis lesions—has become the core bottleneck for the clinical translation and application of this therapy. In this review, we discuss the principles and mechanisms of PDT, explore the structural characteristics and anti-infective capabilities of various photosensitizers. Finally, we discuss its current clinical applications in tuberculosis patients and future potential, offering novel perspectives for tuberculosis treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18599,"journal":{"name":"Microbial pathogenesis","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 108207"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145661555","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}