Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.009
Pei-Yun Kuo , Cheng-Yen Kao
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major human pathogen, infecting nearly half of the global population. It has evolved remarkable adaptability to the harsh gastric environment, contributing to gastrointestinal diseases and gastric cancer. During infection, H. pylori encounters various environmental stresses, including acidity, reactive species, metal ion fluctuations, and osmotic changes. Two-component systems (TCSs) are key regulatory mechanisms that enable bacteria to respond to such environmental stimuli. Compared to other gram-negative bacteria, H. pylori encodes a relatively limited number of TCSs, consisting of four (ArsRS, CrdRS, FlgRS, and CheY1Y2A) along with two orphan regulators (HP1021 and HsrA). These systems regulate gene transcription, playing essential roles in bacterial adaptation and survival. Additionally, the global regulator CsrA, positioned at the center of the regulatory hierarchy, orchestrates stress response mechanisms. This review summarizes how H. pylori utilizes TCSs and CsrA to modulate cellular responses under environmental stresses. We further explore potential interactions among these regulators and discuss the feasibility of targeting TCSs and CsrA as alternative strategies for H. pylori treatment.
{"title":"Regulatory Networks in Helicobacter pylori: The Roles of Two-Component Systems and CsrA in Stress Adaptation","authors":"Pei-Yun Kuo , Cheng-Yen Kao","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Helicobacter pylori</em> (<em>H. pylori</em>) is a major human pathogen, infecting nearly half of the global population. It has evolved remarkable adaptability to the harsh gastric environment, contributing to gastrointestinal diseases and gastric cancer. During infection, <em>H. pylori</em> encounters various environmental stresses, including acidity, reactive species, metal ion fluctuations, and osmotic changes. Two-component systems (TCSs) are key regulatory mechanisms that enable bacteria to respond to such environmental stimuli. Compared to other gram-negative bacteria, <em>H. pylori</em> encodes a relatively limited number of TCSs, consisting of four (ArsRS, CrdRS, FlgRS, and CheY1Y2A) along with two orphan regulators (HP1021 and HsrA). These systems regulate gene transcription, playing essential roles in bacterial adaptation and survival. Additionally, the global regulator CsrA, positioned at the center of the regulatory hierarchy, orchestrates stress response mechanisms. This review summarizes how <em>H. pylori</em> utilizes TCSs and CsrA to modulate cellular responses under environmental stresses. We further explore potential interactions among these regulators and discuss the feasibility of targeting TCSs and CsrA as alternative strategies for <em>H. pylori</em> treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 632-640"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144568141","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.003
Andrew Po-Liang Chen , Chien-Yu Cheng , Chun-Yuan Lee , Wang-Da Liu , Mao-Wang Ho , Wei-Yen Chen , Tun-Chieh Chen , Bo-Huang Liou , Han-Chuan Chuang , Mao-Song Tsai , Meng-Yu Cheng , Hung-Jen Tang , Hung-Chin Tsai , Mei-Hui Lee , Kai-Hsiang Chen , Chen-Hsiang Lee , Chia-Wei Liu , Yi-Chien Lee , Cheng-Hsun Yang , Chia-Jui Yang
Background
By June 2024, Taiwan reported 381 Mpox virus (MPXV) cases and one death. This study aims to analyze the characteristics and clinical presentations during the first outbreak of Mpox in Taiwan.
Methods
The study was conducted across 16 hospitals and included patients aged 20 and older diagnosed with Mpox between May 2022 and March 2024. Data on demographics, symptoms, medication, vaccination history, and laboratory results were collected. Patients with HIV (PWH) were classified based on their HIV plasma viral load (PVL): undetectable viral load (UDVL) was defined as PVL<50 copies/ml, while detectable viral load (DVL) was higher. Statistical analyses examined differences among HIV-negative individuals, PWH with UDVL, and PWH with DVL, with P < .05 considered significant.
Results
A total of 178 patients were analyzed; 99.4 % were male, with 94.9 % identifying as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men. Two-thirds were PWH, and among them, two-thirds had UDVL. PWH with UDVL showed a lower incidence of concurrent STIs compared to those with DVL (P < .05), with syphilis being the most common STI. The vaccination rate against MPXV was about 7 %, with only nine patients vaccinated prior to acquiring the infection. Symptoms often included fever, and infections predominantly affected the genitourinary system. The number of vesicles was significantly associated with PVL (P < .05), with UDVL patients exhibiting fewer vesicles and less confluent skin lesions than those with DVL.
Conclusion
Most MPXV infections in Taiwan occur among PWH, particularly those with UDVL. Enhanced screening, vaccination efforts, and integrated STI testing are crucial in addressing this outbreak.
{"title":"Disproportionate presentation of Mpox among people with HIV: A multicenter retrospective cohort study in Taiwan","authors":"Andrew Po-Liang Chen , Chien-Yu Cheng , Chun-Yuan Lee , Wang-Da Liu , Mao-Wang Ho , Wei-Yen Chen , Tun-Chieh Chen , Bo-Huang Liou , Han-Chuan Chuang , Mao-Song Tsai , Meng-Yu Cheng , Hung-Jen Tang , Hung-Chin Tsai , Mei-Hui Lee , Kai-Hsiang Chen , Chen-Hsiang Lee , Chia-Wei Liu , Yi-Chien Lee , Cheng-Hsun Yang , Chia-Jui Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>By June 2024, Taiwan reported 381 Mpox virus (MPXV) cases and one death. This study aims to analyze the characteristics and clinical presentations during the first outbreak of Mpox in Taiwan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted across 16 hospitals and included patients aged 20 and older diagnosed with Mpox between May 2022 and March 2024. Data on demographics, symptoms, medication, vaccination history, and laboratory results were collected. Patients with HIV (PWH) were classified based on their HIV plasma viral load (PVL): undetectable viral load (UDVL) was defined as PVL<50 copies/ml, while detectable viral load (DVL) was higher. Statistical analyses examined differences among HIV-negative individuals, PWH with UDVL, and PWH with DVL, with P < .05 considered significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 178 patients were analyzed; 99.4 % were male, with 94.9 % identifying as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men. Two-thirds were PWH, and among them, two-thirds had UDVL. PWH with UDVL showed a lower incidence of concurrent STIs compared to those with DVL (P < .05), with syphilis being the most common STI. The vaccination rate against MPXV was about 7 %, with only nine patients vaccinated prior to acquiring the infection. Symptoms often included fever, and infections predominantly affected the genitourinary system. The number of vesicles was significantly associated with PVL (P < .05), with UDVL patients exhibiting fewer vesicles and less confluent skin lesions than those with DVL.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Most MPXV infections in Taiwan occur among PWH, particularly those with UDVL. Enhanced screening, vaccination efforts, and integrated STI testing are crucial in addressing this outbreak.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 663-669"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546325","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-07-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.07.013
Chou-Jui Lin , Chih-Bin Lin , Shun-Tien Chien , Yi-Wen Huang , Jen-Jyh Lee , Chih-Hsin Lee , Ming-Chih Yu , Chen-Yuan Chiang
Background
Active tuberculosis drug-safety monitoring and management (aDSM) is recommended in the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. We established comprehensive aDSM and conducted a nationwide multicenter prospective study in Taiwan.
Methods
We designed a treatment initiation form to capture characteristics of patients at baseline, a treatment review form to monitor symptoms, blood tests, QT intervals, and audiometry during treatment, and an adverse event report form for reporting severe adverse events (grade 3 or more), serious adverse events and adverse events resulting in discontinuation of anti-tuberculosis drugs. Severity of adverse events were categorized by using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03, and causality was assessed by using the World Health Organization – Uppsala Monitoring Centre system.
Results
Of 333 patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis enrolled from May 2017 to February 2020, 329 (98.8 %) had adverse events and 196 (58.9 %) had severe adverse events during treatment. The top three severe adverse events were metabolism disorders (104, 31.2 %), hearing impairment (102, 30.6 %), and hepatotoxicity (64, 19.2 %). Of 403 severe adverse events reported, 284 (70.5 %) were classified as drug-related. The top five drugs associated with severe adverse events were bedaquiline (27.6 %), clofazimine (26.7 %), kanamycin (25.1 %), pyrazinamide (22.4 %) and linezolid (22.2 %). Forty-four (13.2 %) patients were hospitalized and 15 (4.5 %) had prolonged hospitalization due to adverse events. One death was considered drug-related.
Conclusion
Severe adverse events in the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis were more frequent than previously reported and needed to be closely monitored and timely managed by systematic and comprehensive aDSM.
{"title":"Active drug-safety monitoring and management in the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis: a nationwide multicenter prospective study","authors":"Chou-Jui Lin , Chih-Bin Lin , Shun-Tien Chien , Yi-Wen Huang , Jen-Jyh Lee , Chih-Hsin Lee , Ming-Chih Yu , Chen-Yuan Chiang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.07.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.07.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Active tuberculosis drug-safety monitoring and management (aDSM) is recommended in the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. We established comprehensive aDSM and conducted a nationwide multicenter prospective study in Taiwan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We designed a treatment initiation form to capture characteristics of patients at baseline, a treatment review form to monitor symptoms, blood tests, QT intervals, and audiometry during treatment, and an adverse event report form for reporting severe adverse events (grade 3 or more), serious adverse events and adverse events resulting in discontinuation of <em>anti</em>-tuberculosis drugs. Severity of adverse events were categorized by using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03, and causality was assessed by using the World Health Organization – Uppsala Monitoring Centre system.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 333 patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis enrolled from May 2017 to February 2020, 329 (98.8 %) had adverse events and 196 (58.9 %) had severe adverse events during treatment. The top three severe adverse events were metabolism disorders (104, 31.2 %), hearing impairment (102, 30.6 %), and hepatotoxicity (64, 19.2 %). Of 403 severe adverse events reported, 284 (70.5 %) were classified as drug-related. The top five drugs associated with severe adverse events were bedaquiline (27.6 %), clofazimine (26.7 %), kanamycin (25.1 %), pyrazinamide (22.4 %) and linezolid (22.2 %). Forty-four (13.2 %) patients were hospitalized and 15 (4.5 %) had prolonged hospitalization due to adverse events. One death was considered drug-related.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Severe adverse events in the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis were more frequent than previously reported and needed to be closely monitored and timely managed by systematic and comprehensive aDSM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 735-742"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144786041","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-06DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.08.002
Po-Hsuan Tseng , Ling-Shan Syue , Ching‐Chi Lee , Bo-Ming Huang , Sheng-Jie Yeh , Wen-Chien Ko , Nan-Yao Lee
Background
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are serious complications in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and may have worsened clinical outcomes. We evaluated clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with BSI and compared them to a matched non-COVID-19 BSI cohort.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan, and included adult patients hospitalized with concurrent COVID-19 and bloodstream infection (BSI) from January 2022 to April 2023. We compared survivors and non-survivors and assessed risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Propensity score matching (1:10) was used to compare COVID-19 BSI patients with non-COVID-19 BSI patients from 2017 to 2019.
Results
Among 104 COVID-19 patients with BSI, 26.0 % died during hospitalization. Male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.87, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.51–22.83, p = 0.011), diabetes mellitus (aOR 3.89, 95 % CI 1.07–14.21, p = 0.040), Ct value ≤ 20 at diagnosis (aOR 5.15, 95 % CI 1.06–24.98, p = 0.042), Pitt bacteremia score ≥4 (aOR 5.84, 95 % CI 1.48–23.01, p = 0.012), and hospital-onset BSI (aOR 19.45, 95 % CI 3.33–113.54, p < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. Hospital-onset BSI cases had higher rates of resistant and polymicrobial infections. Compared to non-COVID-19 BSI patients, COVID-19 BSI cases had more primary BSI and higher inappropriate empirical therapy use, though COVID-19 status itself was not independently associated with 30-day mortality after matching.
Conclusions
BSIs in COVID-19 patients are linked to high mortality, particularly in hospital-acquired infections. Timely diagnosis, risk stratification, and targeted therapy remain crucial.
{"title":"Bloodstream infections in hospitalized adults with COVID-19: clinical characteristics and outcomes","authors":"Po-Hsuan Tseng , Ling-Shan Syue , Ching‐Chi Lee , Bo-Ming Huang , Sheng-Jie Yeh , Wen-Chien Ko , Nan-Yao Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are serious complications in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and may have worsened clinical outcomes. We evaluated clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with BSI and compared them to a matched non-COVID-19 BSI cohort.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan, and included adult patients hospitalized with concurrent COVID-19 and bloodstream infection (BSI) from January 2022 to April 2023. We compared survivors and non-survivors and assessed risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Propensity score matching (1:10) was used to compare COVID-19 BSI patients with non-COVID-19 BSI patients from 2017 to 2019.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 104 COVID-19 patients with BSI, 26.0 % died during hospitalization. Male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.87, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.51–22.83, p = 0.011), diabetes mellitus (aOR 3.89, 95 % CI 1.07–14.21, p = 0.040), Ct value ≤ 20 at diagnosis (aOR 5.15, 95 % CI 1.06–24.98, p = 0.042), Pitt bacteremia score ≥4 (aOR 5.84, 95 % CI 1.48–23.01, p = 0.012), and hospital-onset BSI (aOR 19.45, 95 % CI 3.33–113.54, p < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. Hospital-onset BSI cases had higher rates of resistant and polymicrobial infections. Compared to non-COVID-19 BSI patients, COVID-19 BSI cases had more primary BSI and higher inappropriate empirical therapy use, though COVID-19 status itself was not independently associated with 30-day mortality after matching.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>BSIs in COVID-19 patients are linked to high mortality, particularly in hospital-acquired infections. Timely diagnosis, risk stratification, and targeted therapy remain crucial.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 701-707"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144876972","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.004
Chung-Ching Lin , Chien-Hsiang Su , Wei-Chien Huang , Yuan-Man Hsu
Background/purpose(s)
Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth contributes to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) through biofilm formation, bacterial invasion, and immune evasion. These factors lead to persistent infections and complications, especially in cases of refractory CRS. This study examines baicalein's effects on bacterial virulence and host responses using Calu-3 cells as an in vitro testing platform.
Methods
Baicalein's effects on S. aureus-induced epithelial damage were evaluated in a Calu-3 cell co-culture model. The analyses included bacterial clumping, biofilm formation, internalization, tight junction integrity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and key signaling pathways.
Results
Baicalein inhibited bacterial clumping, biofilm formation, and internalization by downregulating key virulence genes (fnbpA, fnbpB, clfB, rot, sarA, and icaR). It also suppressed the Agr and LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing systems, which regulate virulence and biofilm development. In host cells, baicalein reduced S. aureus-induced apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and attenuated oxidative stress and autophagy. Furthermore, it restored epithelial barrier integrity by preserving ZO-1 localization.
Conclusion
Baicalein demonstrates potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for reducing CRS recurrence and minimizing prolonged antibiotic use by effectively targeting S. aureus virulence and disrupting bacterial communication. This approach offers a promising solution for managing CRS and reducing reliance on antibiotics.
{"title":"Molecular mechanisms of baicalein in treating recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro study","authors":"Chung-Ching Lin , Chien-Hsiang Su , Wei-Chien Huang , Yuan-Man Hsu","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/purpose(s)</h3><div><em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> overgrowth contributes to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) through biofilm formation, bacterial invasion, and immune evasion. These factors lead to persistent infections and complications, especially in cases of refractory CRS. This study examines baicalein's effects on bacterial virulence and host responses using Calu-3 cells as an <em>in vitro</em> testing platform.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Baicalein's effects on <em>S. aureus</em>-induced epithelial damage were evaluated in a Calu-3 cell co-culture model. The analyses included bacterial clumping, biofilm formation, internalization, tight junction integrity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and key signaling pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Baicalein inhibited bacterial clumping, biofilm formation, and internalization by downregulating key virulence genes (<em>fnbpA</em>, <em>fnbpB</em>, <em>clfB</em>, <em>rot</em>, <em>sarA</em>, and <em>icaR</em>). It also suppressed the Agr and LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing systems, which regulate virulence and biofilm development. In host cells, baicalein reduced <em>S. aureus</em>-induced apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and attenuated oxidative stress and autophagy. Furthermore, it restored epithelial barrier integrity by preserving ZO-1 localization.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Baicalein demonstrates potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for reducing CRS recurrence and minimizing prolonged antibiotic use by effectively targeting <em>S. aureus</em> virulence and disrupting bacterial communication. This approach offers a promising solution for managing CRS and reducing reliance on antibiotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 720-727"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144183070","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.005
Xueying Yang , Fanghui Shi , Shujie Chen , Ziang Liu , Yangjianchen Xu , Gregory A. Poland , Sharon Weissman , Bankole Olatosi , Jiajia Zhang , Xiaoming Li
Background
This study aims to estimate the time-varying effects of primary and booster COVID-19 vaccination and past SARS-CoV-2 infection on subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection (including new infection and re-infection) in people with HIV (PWH).
Methods
A population-based cohort was retrieved from the integrated statewide HIV electronic health record (EHR) dataset, COVID-19 vaccination dataset, and COVID-19 diagnoses dataset between March 2, 2020 and April 14, 2022. The pre-specified outcome was any SARS-CoV-2 infection. We used Cox regression to estimate the time-varying effects of primary and booster vaccination and past infection on the risks of subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Results
A total of 18,509 eligible PWH who had documentation of COVID-19 testing or COVID-19 vaccination records were included for analysis. The effectiveness of primary vaccination against infection, compared with being unvaccinated, was relatively low (26.70 %, 95 % CI: 12.10 %, 38.88 %) at two months, while the effectiveness of a booster dose after two months was high (43.53 %, 95 %CI: 27.54 %, 55.99 %), compared with primary vaccination only (e.g., first two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single dose of Janssen). The effectiveness of past COVID-19 infection during Pre-Delta and Delta dominant periods at one month against reinfection was (67.43 %; 95 %CI: 52.74 %, 77.55 %) and (64.57 %; 95 %CI: 1.39 %, 87.27 %), respectively.
Conclusion
Natural immunity conferred from past COVID-19 infection in PWH against reinfection appeared to be higher than vaccine-induced immunity. Boosters were more effective than the primary series alone in preventing subsequent infection.
{"title":"Effects of COVID-19 vaccination and past SARS-CoV-2 infection on subsequent COVID-19 infection in people with HIV","authors":"Xueying Yang , Fanghui Shi , Shujie Chen , Ziang Liu , Yangjianchen Xu , Gregory A. Poland , Sharon Weissman , Bankole Olatosi , Jiajia Zhang , Xiaoming Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aims to estimate the time-varying effects of primary and booster COVID-19 vaccination and past SARS-CoV-2 infection on subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection (including new infection and re-infection) in people with HIV (PWH).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A population-based cohort was retrieved from the integrated statewide HIV electronic health record (EHR) dataset, COVID-19 vaccination dataset, and COVID-19 diagnoses dataset between March 2, 2020 and April 14, 2022. The pre-specified outcome was any SARS-CoV-2 infection. We used Cox regression to estimate the time-varying effects of primary and booster vaccination and past infection on the risks of subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 18,509 eligible PWH who had documentation of COVID-19 testing or COVID-19 vaccination records were included for analysis. The effectiveness of primary vaccination against infection, compared with being unvaccinated, was relatively low (26.70 %, 95 % CI: 12.10 %, 38.88 %) at two months, while the effectiveness of a booster dose after two months was high (43.53 %, 95 %CI: 27.54 %, 55.99 %), compared with primary vaccination only (e.g., first two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single dose of Janssen). The effectiveness of past COVID-19 infection during Pre-Delta and Delta dominant periods at one month against reinfection was (67.43 %; 95 %CI: 52.74 %, 77.55 %) and (64.57 %; 95 %CI: 1.39 %, 87.27 %), respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Natural immunity conferred from past COVID-19 infection in PWH against reinfection appeared to be higher than vaccine-induced immunity. Boosters were more effective than the primary series alone in preventing subsequent infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 688-694"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144217691","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.003
Jonathan A. Garellek , Taylor Wang , Marcia Epstein , Angela Kim , Adam Zimilover , Margaret Gorlin , Stefan Juretschko , Miriam A. Smith
Background
This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence and risk factors for Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) bacteremia recurrence in patients following first episode of GBS bacteremia.
Methods
This was a retrospective observational study evaluating admitted patients from January 1, 2016 to 12/31/2019. Non-pregnant patients ≥18 years old with GBS bacteremia were included. Recurrence was defined as admission due to GBS bacteremia within 1 year after a positive GBS blood culture.
Results
Nineteen out of 388 patients with GBS bacteremia had recurrence. There was a significant increase in recurrence in patients allergic to β-lactams, in patients with implantable cardiac devices (ICDs), and in patients who did not receive β-lactams or vancomycin as empiric treatment. The estimated odds of recurrence in patients with allergy to β-lactams was 3.1 times the odds of recurrence without allergy after adjusting for ICD status (95 % CI, 1.1–8.9, p < 0.04). The estimated odds for recurrence in patients with ICDs were 5.8 times the odds of patients without ICDs controlling for β-lactam allergy (95 % CI, 1.7–19.9, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our study suggests that GBS bacteremia recurrence is associated with presence of ICDs, β-lactam allergy, and not having received β-lactams or vancomycin as initial treatment.
{"title":"Recurrence of Streptococcus agalactiae bacteremia – risk factors and complications","authors":"Jonathan A. Garellek , Taylor Wang , Marcia Epstein , Angela Kim , Adam Zimilover , Margaret Gorlin , Stefan Juretschko , Miriam A. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence and risk factors for <em>Streptococcus agalactiae</em> (GBS) bacteremia recurrence in patients following first episode of GBS bacteremia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a retrospective observational study evaluating admitted patients from January 1, 2016 to 12/31/2019. Non-pregnant patients ≥18 years old with GBS bacteremia were included. Recurrence was defined as admission due to GBS bacteremia within 1 year after a positive GBS blood culture.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nineteen out of 388 patients with GBS bacteremia had recurrence. There was a significant increase in recurrence in patients allergic to β-lactams, in patients with implantable cardiac devices (ICDs), and in patients who did not receive β-lactams or vancomycin as empiric treatment. The estimated odds of recurrence in patients with allergy to β-lactams was 3.1 times the odds of recurrence without allergy after adjusting for ICD status (95 % CI, 1.1–8.9, <em>p</em> < 0.04). The estimated odds for recurrence in patients with ICDs were 5.8 times the odds of patients without ICDs controlling for β-lactam allergy (95 % CI, 1.7–19.9, <em>p</em> < 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our study suggests that GBS bacteremia recurrence is associated with presence of ICDs, β-lactam allergy, and not having received β-lactams or vancomycin as initial treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 715-719"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087008","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-06-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.008
Chun-Ming Chang , Long Yin Lam , Ho Yin Pekkle Lam , Pin-Ying Kao , Shih-Ting Hsu , Wen-Jui Wu , Kai-Chih Chang , Chih-Yang Huang
Background
It has been shown that the human breast harbors a rich and diverse microbiome, with significant differences observed between tumor tissue and normal breast tissue. Recently, Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) has been shown to affect breast cancer growth, but the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic.
Methods
Breast cancer tissues were obtained from clinical patients and analyzed for the microbiome composition using 16S rDNA sequencing and qPCR. Both serum and intratumoral cytokine levels were measured to assess their correlation with intratumoral F. nucleatum. Breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived cancer cells were infected with different strains of F. nucleatum, followed by different analyses. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy individuals to investigate the immunoregulatory effect of F. nucleatum.
Results
Our results identified a higher abundance of F. nucleatum in breast cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal breast tissue, which strongly correlated with intratumoral IL-1β levels. In vitro studies confirmed this correlation, demonstrating that infection of breast cancer cells with F. nucleatum promotes tumor growth. Further investigation suggested that F. nucleatum induces IL-1β secretion in both breast cancer cells and PBMCs, but only IL-1β secreted by breast cancer cells stimulates cancer cell growth. Inhibition of NLRP3 reversed the growth-promoting effect of F. nucleatum on breast cancer cells.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrate the role of F. nucleatum in stimulating breast cancer cell growth. Therefore, targeting intratumoral F. nucleatum could provide a promising therapeutic approach to combat breast cancer.
{"title":"Potential role of intratumoral Fusobacterium nucleatum and interleukin-1 beta in breast cancer cell growth","authors":"Chun-Ming Chang , Long Yin Lam , Ho Yin Pekkle Lam , Pin-Ying Kao , Shih-Ting Hsu , Wen-Jui Wu , Kai-Chih Chang , Chih-Yang Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>It has been shown that the human breast harbors a rich and diverse microbiome, with significant differences observed between tumor tissue and normal breast tissue. Recently, <em>Fusobacterium nucleatum</em> (<em>F. nucleatum</em>) has been shown to affect breast cancer growth, but the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Breast cancer tissues were obtained from clinical patients and analyzed for the microbiome composition using 16S rDNA sequencing and qPCR. Both serum and intratumoral cytokine levels were measured to assess their correlation with intratumoral <em>F. nucleatum</em>. Breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived cancer cells were infected with different strains of <em>F. nucleatum</em>, followed by different analyses. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy individuals to investigate the immunoregulatory effect of <em>F. nucleatum</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results identified a higher abundance of <em>F. nucleatum</em> in breast cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal breast tissue, which strongly correlated with intratumoral IL-1β levels. In vitro studies confirmed this correlation, demonstrating that infection of breast cancer cells with <em>F. nucleatum</em> promotes tumor growth. Further investigation suggested that <em>F. nucleatum</em> induces IL-1β secretion in both breast cancer cells and PBMCs, but only IL-1β secreted by breast cancer cells stimulates cancer cell growth. Inhibition of NLRP3 reversed the growth-promoting effect of <em>F. nucleatum</em> on breast cancer cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results demonstrate the role of <em>F. nucleatum</em> in stimulating breast cancer cell growth. Therefore, targeting intratumoral <em>F. nucleatum</em> could provide a promising therapeutic approach to combat breast cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 641-651"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144287209","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-06-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.002
Yi-Chun Chen , Cheng-Hsun Chiu , Chih-Jung Chen
Background
This study assessed the prevalence and severity of neurological and psychiatric long COVID symptoms among healthcare workers (HCWs) based on their COVID-19 status, aiming to unravel the complexities associated with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods
A cohort of 467 HCWs from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan, who received at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccines, were surveyed for long COVID symptoms. Participants were categorized into symptomatic (n = 224), asymptomatic (n = 21), and absence of COVID-19 (n = 222) groups based on diagnostic criteria involving questionnaire responses, medical records, and anti-nucleoprotein antibody data. Through a comprehensive set of questionnaires, symptoms, memory dysfunction, anxiety, and depression were rigorously evaluated and statistically analyzed for group comparisons.
Results
Despite meticulous data collection, the study revealed no statistically significant differences in the severity of neurological and psychiatric long COVID symptoms across the COVID-19 status groups. Noteworthy trends were observed, including higher instances of memory problems worsening over time, elevated anxiety levels in symptomatic cases, and subtle indicators of increased depression severity in this subgroup. The findings underscored the multifactorial nature of long COVID manifestations and the impact of COVID-19 history on reported symptoms.
Conclusion
The study highlighted potential biases in symptom reporting that may inflate long COVID prevalence estimates. While the robust methodology shed light on diverse health profiles among HCWs, future research should focus on longitudinal designs and objective diagnostic measures to provide more accurate assessments of long COVID's burden.
{"title":"Neurological and psychiatric aspects of long COVID among vaccinated healthcare workers: An assessment of prevalence and reporting biases","authors":"Yi-Chun Chen , Cheng-Hsun Chiu , Chih-Jung Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study assessed the prevalence and severity of neurological and psychiatric long COVID symptoms among healthcare workers (HCWs) based on their COVID-19 status, aiming to unravel the complexities associated with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cohort of 467 HCWs from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan, who received at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccines, were surveyed for long COVID symptoms. Participants were categorized into symptomatic (n = 224), asymptomatic (n = 21), and absence of COVID-19 (n = 222) groups based on diagnostic criteria involving questionnaire responses, medical records, and anti-nucleoprotein antibody data. Through a comprehensive set of questionnaires, symptoms, memory dysfunction, anxiety, and depression were rigorously evaluated and statistically analyzed for group comparisons.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Despite meticulous data collection, the study revealed no statistically significant differences in the severity of neurological and psychiatric long COVID symptoms across the COVID-19 status groups. Noteworthy trends were observed, including higher instances of memory problems worsening over time, elevated anxiety levels in symptomatic cases, and subtle indicators of increased depression severity in this subgroup. The findings underscored the multifactorial nature of long COVID manifestations and the impact of COVID-19 history on reported symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study highlighted potential biases in symptom reporting that may inflate long COVID prevalence estimates. While the robust methodology shed light on diverse health profiles among HCWs, future research should focus on longitudinal designs and objective diagnostic measures to provide more accurate assessments of long COVID's burden.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 670-677"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512814","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-06-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.001
Chun-Hui Xu , Li-Ning Zhang , Teng Liu , Guo-Qing Zhu , Yu-Ping Fan , Xin Chen , Yu-Yan Shen , Yue-Tian Yu , Yuan-Yuan Shi , Er-Lie Jiang , Si-Zhou Feng
Background/purpose(s)
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious fungal infection, and its diagnosis is diverse, especially in patients with hematological disorders. This study aims to determine the optimal diagnostic strategy for IPA in such patients by comparing various microbiological tests.
Methods
A total of 490 blood and 138 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples collected from 182 IPA and 407 no-IPA patients (based on EORTC/MSGERC criteria) were retrospectively analyzed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), Aspergillus-PCR, and galactomannan (GM) (enzyme immunoassay [EIA] and lateral flow assay [LFA]).
Results
In BALF samples, GM-EIA, GM-LFA, Aspergillus-PCR, and mNGS showed sensitivities of 68.1 %, 53.2 %, 83.0 %, and 59.6 %—all higher than in blood (43.7 %, 34.4 %, 51.7 %, 55.0 %). In blood samples, mNGS had the highest sensitivity (71.9 %) in neutropenic patients, which was further improved when combined with GM-EIA (77.1 %). In non-neutropenic patients, Aspergillus-PCR was the most sensitive assay (47.3 %), with sensitivity improving to 56.4 % when combined with GM-EIA. Blood test sensitivities were lower in patients with prolonged antifungal therapy (≥7 days) vs. <7 days (Aspergillus-PCR: 38.6 % vs. 57.0 %; mNGS: 31.8 % vs. 64.5 %; GM-EIA: 27.3 % vs. 50.5 %; all P < 0.05), with no impact on BALF results.
Conclusion
BALF is critical for accurate IPA diagnosis, particularly in patients with prior antifungal therapy. BALF Aspergillus-PCR offers optimal sensitivity, while blood-based mNGS and PCR are recommended for neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients, respectively. Combining molecular methods with GM testing enhances diagnostic performances. Tailored strategies are essential to improve early detection and clinical outcomes in high-risk hematologic populations.
{"title":"Performance of Galactomannan, Aspergillus-PCR, and Metagenomic sequencing for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in hematological patients","authors":"Chun-Hui Xu , Li-Ning Zhang , Teng Liu , Guo-Qing Zhu , Yu-Ping Fan , Xin Chen , Yu-Yan Shen , Yue-Tian Yu , Yuan-Yuan Shi , Er-Lie Jiang , Si-Zhou Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/purpose(s)</h3><div>Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious fungal infection, and its diagnosis is diverse, especially in patients with hematological disorders. This study aims to determine the optimal diagnostic strategy for IPA in such patients by comparing various microbiological tests.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 490 blood and 138 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples collected from 182 IPA and 407 no-IPA patients (based on EORTC/MSGERC criteria) were retrospectively analyzed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), <em>Aspergillus</em>-PCR, and galactomannan (GM) (enzyme immunoassay [EIA] and lateral flow assay [LFA]).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In BALF samples, GM-EIA, GM-LFA, <em>Aspergillus</em>-PCR, and mNGS showed sensitivities of 68.1 %, 53.2 %, 83.0 %, and 59.6 %—all higher than in blood (43.7 %, 34.4 %, 51.7 %, 55.0 %). In blood samples, mNGS had the highest sensitivity (71.9 %) in neutropenic patients, which was further improved when combined with GM-EIA (77.1 %). In non-neutropenic patients, <em>Aspergillus</em>-PCR was the most sensitive assay (47.3 %), with sensitivity improving to 56.4 % when combined with GM-EIA. Blood test sensitivities were lower in patients with prolonged antifungal therapy (≥7 days) vs. <7 days (<em>Aspergillus</em>-PCR: 38.6 % vs. 57.0 %; mNGS: 31.8 % vs. 64.5 %; GM-EIA: 27.3 % vs. 50.5 %; all <em>P</em> < 0.05), with no impact on BALF results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>BALF is critical for accurate IPA diagnosis, particularly in patients with prior antifungal therapy. BALF <em>Aspergillus</em>-PCR offers optimal sensitivity, while blood-based mNGS and PCR are recommended for neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients, respectively. Combining molecular methods with GM testing enhances diagnostic performances. Tailored strategies are essential to improve early detection and clinical outcomes in high-risk hematologic populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 743-750"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144287208","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}
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