Pathogens最新文献

Platelets are critical for hemostasis and play an active role in immune responses to infection. While thrombocytopenia in sepsis is associated with poor outcomes, platelet dysfunction remains less explored. This prospective observational pilot study investigated the relationship between platelet dysfunction and sepsis severity using multiple platelet function tests. Ten adults with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the ICU of "Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli" and seven healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at admission (T0), after 48 h (T1), and after 7 days (T2). Controls were sampled only at T0. Besides platelet count, hemostatic platelet function was assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA), thromboelastography (TEG), and platelet activation markers (P-selectin and PAC-1 expression), whereas immune platelet function was assessed by investigation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates and soluble plasma levels of CD40L. Platelet function was correlated with procalcitonin levels and SOFA scores. While thrombocytopenia developed after 48 h, hemostatic and immune platelet dysfunctions were already evident at T0. Platelet function abnormalities were correlated with sepsis severity, as reflected by higher SOFA scores and elevated procalcitonin levels, particularly at T0. Early platelet dysfunction, preceding thrombocytopenia, may represent a potential early indicator of sepsis severity and support timely intervention for hemostatic and immune platelet-dependent abnormalities in septic patients.

(1) Background: The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is the most widespread raptor in Romania. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of chewing louse species and the factors influencing the epidemiology of louse infestation in the national bird populations. (2) Methods: Between 2012 and 2025, a total of 131 buzzards were collected from all over Romania, which were either roadkilled or died due to health issues. These birds were parasitologically examined, the gathered lice were identified, and epidemiological parameters were determined. (3) Results: The overall prevalence of louse infestation was 77.9%, with 4389 specimens collected. Five species were identified: Degeeriella fulva (55.7%), Craspedorrhynchus platystomus (37.4%), Colpocephalum nanum (42.0%), Colpocephalum turbinatum (7.6%), and Laemobothrion maximum (2.3%). Among the factors influencing the evolution of louse infestations, birds' age statistically significantly affected only the mean intensity (48.0 in subadults and 28.6 in adults, p < 0.001). Combined origin and season through temperatures and relative humidity also influenced the mean intensity of infestations. Sex-ratio and nymph-to-female ratio were, in the majority, female-biased and nymph-biased. (4) Conclusions: Lice infestation patterns of common buzzards are shaped more commonly by environmental and biogeographic context than by host sex, with temperature, humidity gradients, and region of origin primarily influencing mean intensity rather than prevalence. In addition, sex ratios were consistently female-biased across all lice species, and nymph-to-female ratios suggested contrasting demographic trajectories among taxa, with evidence of expanding infrapopulations in some species and more senescent structures in others.

Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant clinical challenge due to their increased antibiotic tolerance and strong association with multidrug-resistant pathogens. The biofilm protects bacteria against antimicrobial agents and host immune response through a complex matrix, altered cell metabolism, activation of quorum sensing, and overexpression of efflux pumps. Despite the availability of numerous therapeutic strategies, the effectiveness of treatment of these infections remains limited, justifying the search for new pharmaceutics, e.g., compounds of natural origin. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid from the plants of the Berberidaceae family, is of growing interest due to its broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of berberine against the biofilm forming Gram-(+) and Gram-(-) bacteria. Its effect on bacterial cell adhesion, modulation of quorum sensing, inhibition of extracellular matrix synthesis, disruption of biofilm maturation, and the dispersion process are discussed. The role of berberine as an adjuvant to antibiotic therapy was also analyzed, in particular, its ability to restore bacterial sensitivity to different classes of antibiotics. The pharmacokinetic limitations of berberine and the prospects for the use of modern delivery systems are also considered. The collected data indicate that berberine is a promising factor supporting the treatment of biofilm-related infections.

Chronic hepatitis delta is the most severe form of viral hepatitis and is associated with rapid progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although bulevirtide (BLV) effectively inhibits hepatitis D virus (HDV) entry, immunological biomarkers reflecting treatment response and residual viral activity remain poorly defined. This study investigated the serum profiles of interleukin-37 (IL-37) and IL-36 isoforms (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ) in 22 HBV/HDV-coinfected patients receiving BLV monotherapy (2 mg/day). Serum cytokine levels were measured by ELISA at baseline (BL) and after 48 weeks of BLV treatment (TW48) and compared with HBV-monoinfected patients under nucleos(t)ide-analogue therapy and healthy donors. Patients were stratified according to virological, biochemical, and combined responses. At both BL and TW48, serum IL-37, IL-36α, and IL-36β levels were significantly higher in HBV/HDV-coinfected patients than in comparison groups (all p < 0.05), independent of treatment response, indicating a persistent cytokine signature during BLV therapy. IL-36β levels significantly decreased over time, particularly in biochemical non-responders (p = 0.0469), whereas IL-36α remained elevated and differed at TW48 between combined responders and non-responders (p = 0.0400). IL-36γ was detectable only in a small subset of patients. Notably, in a subgroup of patients evaluated at week 96, baseline IL-37 levels were significantly lower in those achieving virological response compared with non-responders (p = 0.0275). Moreover, IL-37 was the only cytokine showing a significant positive correlation with HDV RNA levels at TW48 when quantified by the AltoStar^® assay (p = 0.033; R² = 0.7563). Overall, HBV/HDV-coinfected patients display a distinct IL-37/IL-36 cytokine profile during BLV therapy. The association between IL-37 and residual viremia supports further investigation of this cytokine as a complementary biomarker for monitoring low-level viral activity during treatment.

Understanding the determinants of host specificity in Dirofilaria immitis can be advanced through the use of the nonpermissive Mongolian gerbil (jird) model. We hypothesized that host immunity dictates D. immitis establishment following the third larval molt. Jirds were infected intraperitoneally with 100 Brugia malayi (permissive control) or D. immitis third-stage larvae (L3). Necropsies occurred at 1, 3, 10, and 36 days post infection (dpi) to quantify larvae via peritoneal lavage. Initial recovery at 1 dpi showed 37.4% for B. malayi but only 0.4% for D. immitis (p < 0.0001). Dirofilaria immitis recovery increased to 23.6% by 3 dpi, suggesting a period of transient tissue residence during the third molt. Recovery for both species decreased by 10 dpi. Brugia malayi reached the immature adult stage (15.2%) by 36 dpi, whereas no viable D. immitis were recovered (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that D. immitis larvae encounter a robust cellular response, primarily macrophages, shortly after the third molt. Identifying the specific larval stage at which establishment fails provides critical insight into the mechanisms governing filarial host specificity.

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic fungal infection of the oral mucosa, most frequently caused by Candida albicans. Its development is influenced by local factors, such as denture use and oral hygiene, as well as systemic conditions including diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Accurate diagnosis requires both clinical evaluation and mycological testing. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, and the species distribution of Candida isolates in patients diagnosed with oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of medical documentation was conducted to evaluate patient demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, denture use, and results of mycological examinations confirming oral candidiasis. Results: A total of 71 patients (49 women and 22 men), aged 21-85 years (mean 59.6 ± 16 years), were included in the study. Fungal etiology was confirmed in all cases, with Candida albicans identified most frequently (81.69%). Among comorbidities, cardiovascular diseases were most common (30.99%), followed by diabetes (14.08%), and chronic periodontitis, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases (each 11.27%). Removable dentures were used by 18.30% of patients, and nicotine addiction was reported in 9.86%. All strains were susceptible to the tested antifungals, except for species with known intrinsic resistance. Conclusions: Oral candidiasis in this cohort predominantly affected women and older adults, with Candida albicans remaining the most common etiological agent. Denture use emerged as an important local predisposing factor and was associated with a higher proportion of infections caused by non-albicans species. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation and routine mycological testing to guide targeted antifungal therapy, especially in patients with risk factors such as denture use or systemic comorbidities.

Background: Periodontal disease results from a complex interaction between the microbial biofilm and the host immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare, in samples of dental plaque in periodontal patients, the presence of periodontal bacteria before and after two different non-surgical treatments: ozone (O₃) therapy and a desiccant agent (HybenX, HBX, administered one or three times).

Methods: Molecular biology techniques were used to estimate the effect of the two treatments on different periodontal pathogen microorganisms. The presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Actinomyces naeslundii and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was investigated by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) at baseline (T = 0, before oral hygiene), one week (T = 1), two weeks (T = 2), one month (T = 3) and three months (T = 4) after treatment.

Results: P. intermedia was the most frequently detected pathogen in the study population, further quantified by qPCR in samples positive to mPCR at baseline (T = 0) and at the end of treatment (T = 4). The qPCR results showed evident decreases in load after treatment with HBX ^x1, HBX ^x3 and O₃; nevertheless, comparison between groups and between time points (from T = 0 to T = 4) did not show any significant differences (p = 0.3 and p = 0.8). For P. gingivalis, the O₃ therapy showed a reduction in detection after two weeks and after one month, while HBX showed a great reduction in its presence when administered three times.

Conclusion: Both agents were effective in reducing the presence of the periodontal pathogens in the dental pockets of patients affected by chronic periodontal diseases. In particular, HBX applied three times showed greater improvement compared to a single application.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity associates with cardiovascular disease in healthy adults, but associations are unclear in people living with HIV (PLWH) despite their high CMV burden. However, CMV antibody levels correlated with inflammatory biomarkers only in PLWH who subsequently developed coronary artery disease (CAD), so the effects of CMV in an individual may vary. Here we investigate the role of CMV-encoded interleukin-10 (cmvIL-10) in PLWH on anti-retroviral therapy. Plasma levels of cmvIL-10 and antibodies reactive with a cmvIL-10 peptide or a lysate of CMV-infected fibroblasts were assessed in PLWH with or without CAD. cmvIL-10 was assessed at diagnosis/selection (T0) and 12 months earlier (T-12), with anti-cmvIL-10 also assessed at -24 and -36 months (n = 36-58/group). Plasma cmvIL-10 was recorded as positive in 5-10 PLWH per group, irrespective of CAD status. Of 21 PLWH with detectable cmvIL-10, only six were positive at both timepoints. Anti-cmvIL-10 was measurable in all samples, at levels independent of cmvIL-10, CAD or time of sampling. Amongst PLWH without CAD, the detection of cmvIL-10 associated with higher levels of CXCL10 (T0 and T-12) and lower levels of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra; T0 only). At T-12, anti-cmvIL-10 correlated with IL-1Ra in PLWH without CAD (p = 0.01), and sCD14 in PLWH with CAD (p = 0.01). Anti-cmvIL-10 correlated with VCAM-1 at several timepoints in both groups. Hence, cmvIL-10 may be produced episodically, inducing anti-cmvIL-10 peptide antibody, which may represent levels of the cytokine averaged over time. Plasma levels of cmvIL-10 and anti-cmvIL-10 antibody associated differently with inflammatory biomarkers in PLWH with and without CAD, suggesting mechanisms by which host responses to CMV may have different clinical consequences.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is routinely used in clinical microbiology for rapid species identification; however, its potential to support early antimicrobial decision-making remains under active investigation. Rapid discrimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) at the time of identification could facilitate earlier optimization of antimicrobial therapy and infection control measures. In this study, MALDI-TOF MS spectral data were analyzed to evaluate supervised machine learning-based differentiation of MRSA and MSSA. A total of 91 S. aureus isolates (37 MRSA and 54 MSSA) were included, with methicillin susceptibility determined by the cefoxitin disk diffusion test according to EUCAST guidelines and used as the reference standard. MALDI-TOF MS spectra were acquired following standard on-plate extraction, subjected to quality control, and preprocessed prior to analysis. Principal component analysis demonstrated partial but consistent separation between MRSA and MSSA isolates. A Random Forest classifier was trained and validated using stratified 10-fold cross-validation, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 81.3% and a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.916. Class-specific analysis revealed high precision for MRSA (95.5%) and excellent recall for MSSA (98.1%). These findings indicate that MALDI-TOF MS combined with machine learning can provide clinically relevant information for rapid MRSA/MSSA differentiation and may serve as a cost-free decision-support approach in routine clinical microbiology workflows, complementing standard phenotypic susceptibility testing.

Dengue is considered the most prevalent mosquito-borne arboviral disease worldwide, representing a public health challenge as its incidence has tripled in the last 30 years. The World Health Organization reports 390 million infections annually in more than 129 countries, with approximately 96 million symptomatic cases and around 40,000 deaths. Mexico is a hyperendemic country, with high prevalence and significant outbreaks. In 2024, a surge was observed, with approximately 125,000 infections and nearly 480 deaths. The states with the most cases and deaths were Colima and Jalisco, respectively, placing significant strain on healthcare services and driving up costs. The disease's epidemiology from 2014 to 2025 is characterized by marked seasonality and periodicity, and by the simultaneous circulation of all four serotypes. In recent years, a notable increase in DENV-3 has been observed. In 2025, there were 21,981 confirmed cases; Sonora recorded the highest incidence, while Jalisco and Sinaloa reported the highest number of deaths. This study provides a unique decadal analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of dengue in Mexico, highlighting potential challenges and emphasizing the importance of epidemiological surveillance and future approaches, such as vaccine provision in the country, to mitigate the high mortality rate and associated costs.