Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.04.005
Yun-Ying Wang , Min Jiang , Shuang-Juan Liu , Wei Wei , Xiao-Hui Zhan , Di Mu
Purposes
The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of resistance of clinically isolated K. pneumoniae, which is alternately resistant to carbapenems and ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA), and therapeutic strategies.
Methods
Whole-genome sequencing was used to determine the resistance mechanisms of K. pneumoniae. In vitro antibiotic induction experiments were used to verify the reversibility of blaKPC mutations in these strains. Checkerboard analysis and growth curve analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy of imipenem (IMP) combined with CZA.
Results
The clinical strains exhibited alternating resistance and susceptibility to IMP and CZA during clinical treatment, namely, resistance-susceptibility-resistance to IMP and susceptibility-resistance-susceptibility to CZA. The resistance mechanism involved blaKPC mutation, which changed from blaKPC2 to blaKPC33 and then back to blaKPC2. In addition, the blaKPC14 in the CZA-resistant K. pneumoniae strain reverted to blaKPC2 after treatment with carbapenem, confirming the reversibility of the blaKPC mutations under the selective pressure of antibiotics. For KPC-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) with the above drug-resistant phenotype, the combination of IMP and CZA had synergistic effects, indicating better bactericidal efficacy than IMP, MER, or CZA alone.
Conclusion
This study revealed that CRKP developed CZA resistance due to blaKPC mutation, and carbapenem susceptibility was restored. After retreatment with carbapenem, the strains showed carbapenem resistance, and they regained susceptibility to CZA. For the first time, we showed that the blaKPC mutation was reversible. For such clinical isolates, the combination of IMP and CZA could delay or prevent mutations in blaKPC and have a synergistic effect.
{"title":"The synergistic effect of imipenem combined with ceftazidime-avibactam against Klebsiella pneumoniae with alternating resistance to CZA and carbapenem","authors":"Yun-Ying Wang , Min Jiang , Shuang-Juan Liu , Wei Wei , Xiao-Hui Zhan , Di Mu","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purposes</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of resistance of clinically isolated <em>K. pneumoniae</em>, which is alternately resistant to carbapenems and ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA), and therapeutic strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Whole-genome sequencing was used to determine the resistance mechanisms of <em>K. pneumoniae</em>. In vitro antibiotic induction experiments were used to verify the reversibility of <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC</em></sub> mutations in these strains. Checkerboard analysis and growth curve analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy of imipenem (IMP) combined with CZA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The clinical strains exhibited alternating resistance and susceptibility to IMP and CZA during clinical treatment, namely, resistance-susceptibility-resistance to IMP and susceptibility-resistance-susceptibility to CZA. The resistance mechanism involved <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC</em></sub> mutation, which changed from <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC2</em></sub> to <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC33</em></sub> and then back to <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC2</em></sub>. In addition, the <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC14</em></sub> in the CZA-resistant <em>K. pneumoniae</em> strain reverted to <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC2</em></sub> after treatment with carbapenem, confirming the reversibility of the <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC</em></sub> mutations under the selective pressure of antibiotics. For KPC-producing <em>K. pneumoniae</em> (KPC-Kp) with the above drug-resistant phenotype, the combination of IMP and CZA had synergistic effects, indicating better bactericidal efficacy than IMP, MER, or CZA alone.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study revealed that CRKP developed CZA resistance due to <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC</em></sub> mutation, and carbapenem susceptibility was restored. After retreatment with carbapenem, the strains showed carbapenem resistance, and they regained susceptibility to CZA. For the first time, we showed that the <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC</em></sub> mutation was reversible. For such clinical isolates, the combination of IMP and CZA could delay or prevent mutations in <em>bla</em><sub><em>KPC</em></sub> and have a synergistic effect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 728-734"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144095991","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.012
Bo-Ming Huang , Wen-Chia Tsai , Po-Lin Chen
{"title":"A 71-year-old man with fever and small pulmonary nodules following repeated choking","authors":"Bo-Ming Huang , Wen-Chia Tsai , Po-Lin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.06.012","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 753-754"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661121","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}
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the specific T cell population that suppress inflammatory immunity. Independent of their inhibitory activities, Tregs exhibit unique capacity to repair tissue damage. Rapid progresses are made in the processing and engineering of Tregs for clinical applications. Tregs have been used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, transplantation rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Osteoarthritis is one of the major diseases that affect at least 600 million people worldwide. Osteoarthritis is characterized by physical erosion of cartilage, accompanied with chronic and low-grade inflammation. Tregs possess abilities to increase osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, repair bone physical damage, and increase bone mass. Tregs are therefore candidate therapeutics for osteoarthritis for both inflammation resolution and tissue repairing. In this review, we will summarize the recent development in using Tregs in immunotherapy, and the potential of using Tregs in osteoarthritis.
{"title":"Therapeutic application of regulatory T cell in osteoarthritis","authors":"Wan-Chen Hsieh , Tzu-Sheng Hsu , Kuan-Wen Wu , Ming-Zong Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the specific T cell population that suppress inflammatory immunity. Independent of their inhibitory activities, Tregs exhibit unique capacity to repair tissue damage. Rapid progresses are made in the processing and engineering of Tregs for clinical applications. Tregs have been used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, transplantation rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Osteoarthritis is one of the major diseases that affect at least 600 million people worldwide. Osteoarthritis is characterized by physical erosion of cartilage, accompanied with chronic and low-grade inflammation. Tregs possess abilities to increase osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, repair bone physical damage, and increase bone mass. Tregs are therefore candidate therapeutics for osteoarthritis for both inflammation resolution and tissue repairing. In this review, we will summarize the recent development in using Tregs in immunotherapy, and the potential of using Tregs in osteoarthritis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 623-631"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057429","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.002
Chun Yi Lee , Tsung Hua Wu , Yu Ping Fang , Jih Chin Chang , Hung Chun Wang , Shou Ju Lin , Yen Ray Huang , Yu Chuan Chang
Objects
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a well-recognized respiratory viral pathogen and contributes to significant disease burden among children and high-risk populations. This study describes the epidemiology, clinical features and circulating genotypes of a post-pandemic HMPV outbreak in Taiwan, 2023.
Methods
Hospitalized children with HMPV infection confirmed by molecular diagnostics at two hospitals between January and June 2023 were enrolled in this study. Some nasal swabs were obtained from enrolled patients and sent for HMPV genotype sequencing. Medical information was retrieved and analyzed retrospectively.
Results
The HMPV cases were first identified in February and peaked in May and June. A total of 69 HMPV cases were identified in this study (22.5 %, 69/306). The median age of infected cases was 43 months, and 34 were male (49.3 %). Half of the cases (38, 55.1 %) were diagnosed with bronchopneumonia or pneumonia. Forty patients received bronchodilator therapy (60 %), and 36 were treated with antibiotics (52.2 %). Phylogenetic analysis indicated lineages A2.2.2 and B2 were predominant genotypes for this outbreak. In addition, 73.3 % of HMPV-A strains were confirmed as the A2.2.2 with a 111 nt duplication variant.
Conclusion
HMPV lineage A2.2.2 111nt-dup and B2 were responsible for the 2023 HMPV outbreak in Taiwan. A long-term nationwide HMPV surveillance system is mandatory in Taiwan.
{"title":"Clinical features and genomic characteristics of post-pandemic human metapneumovirus infections in hospitalized Taiwanese children","authors":"Chun Yi Lee , Tsung Hua Wu , Yu Ping Fang , Jih Chin Chang , Hung Chun Wang , Shou Ju Lin , Yen Ray Huang , Yu Chuan Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmii.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objects</h3><div>Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a well-recognized respiratory viral pathogen and contributes to significant disease burden among children and high-risk populations. This study describes the epidemiology, clinical features and circulating genotypes of a post-pandemic HMPV outbreak in Taiwan, 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Hospitalized children with HMPV infection confirmed by molecular diagnostics at two hospitals between January and June 2023 were enrolled in this study. Some nasal swabs were obtained from enrolled patients and sent for HMPV genotype sequencing. Medical information was retrieved and analyzed retrospectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The HMPV cases were first identified in February and peaked in May and June. A total of 69 HMPV cases were identified in this study (22.5 %, 69/306). The median age of infected cases was 43 months, and 34 were male (49.3 %). Half of the cases (38, 55.1 %) were diagnosed with bronchopneumonia or pneumonia. Forty patients received bronchodilator therapy (60 %), and 36 were treated with antibiotics (52.2 %). Phylogenetic analysis indicated lineages A2.2.2 and B2 were predominant genotypes for this outbreak. In addition, 73.3 % of HMPV-A strains were confirmed as the A2.2.2 with a 111 nt duplication variant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HMPV lineage A2.2.2 <sub>111nt-dup</sub> and B2 were responsible for the 2023 HMPV outbreak in Taiwan. A long-term nationwide HMPV surveillance system is mandatory in Taiwan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56117,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection","volume":"58 6","pages":"Pages 708-714"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121525","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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