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Med. Sci. Forum, 2025, ECA 2025

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics

Online | 21–23 May 2025

Volume Editors:

Manuel Simões, University of Porto, Portugal

Marc Maresca, Aix-Marseille University, France

Number of Papers: 7
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Cover Story (view full-size image): The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics (ECA2025) was held from 21 to 23 May 2025, organized by the MDPI journal Antibiotics. This event aimed to be a highly interactive forum, [...] Read more.
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90 pages, 658 KB  
Conference Report
Abstracts of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics
by Manuel Simões and Marc Maresca
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035001 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1021
Abstract
The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics (ECA2025) was an online conference held on 21–23 May 2025, organized by the MDPI journal Antibiotics. This event aims to bring together researchers and scholars to discuss a wide range of topics covering the aim [...] Read more.
The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics (ECA2025) was an online conference held on 21–23 May 2025, organized by the MDPI journal Antibiotics. This event aims to bring together researchers and scholars to discuss a wide range of topics covering the aim and scope of Antibiotics. We envision this conference as a highly interactive forum open to diverse interaction between its participants. It serves as a platform covering a broad range of topics, publishing papers on all aspects of antibiotics and encompassing the general fields of biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, and pharmacology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
8 pages, 224 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence in Escherichia coli from Broiler Production Unit: Genetic Insights for One Health
by Jessica Ribeiro, Vanessa Silva, Gilberto Igrejas, Sandrina A. Heleno, Filipa S. Reis and Patrícia Poeta
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035002 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock contributes to antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic risk. This study investigated 19 Escherichia coli isolates from broiler feces (Savinor, Portugal), characterizing resistance genes, virulence factors, integrases, and phylogenetic groups by PCR. Most isolates carried ampC, tetA, [...] Read more.
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock contributes to antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic risk. This study investigated 19 Escherichia coli isolates from broiler feces (Savinor, Portugal), characterizing resistance genes, virulence factors, integrases, and phylogenetic groups by PCR. Most isolates carried ampC, tetA, blaCTX-M, and qnrS; all harbored fimA, and six had int1. Phylogroup A predominated. Resistance was mainly found in commensal groups, highlighting adaptation to poultry environments. The findings underscore the need for regional antimicrobial resistance monitoring and One Health strategies. Stewardship, biosecurity, and alternative measures are vital to mitigate antimicrobial resistance spread and zoonotic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
11 pages, 5546 KB  
Proceeding Paper
RhsP2 Protein as a New Antibacterial Toxin Targeting RNA
by Tamara Nami Haj Marza
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035003 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
Many bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have encoded many toxins like RhsP2 that target non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in a similar mechanism to ART components; bacterial RNA loses its function of amino acid translation. A virtual screening approach was used to investigate RhsP2, [...] Read more.
Many bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have encoded many toxins like RhsP2 that target non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in a similar mechanism to ART components; bacterial RNA loses its function of amino acid translation. A virtual screening approach was used to investigate RhsP2, which targets 16s rRNAs and then disrupts the translation of bacterial amino acids to proteins. Rifamycin is the bioreference as it forms a stable complex with the bacterial RNA in its active sites. Using different docking software can determine the best predicted conformations between RhsP2/16S and rRNA, and analyzing the docking score for both Affinity Binding and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of particle coordinates helps choose the most appropriate drugs by using tools such as bioinformatics platforms and databases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
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7 pages, 1045 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Surveillance of Antimicrobial Use in Animal Production: A Cross-Sectional Study of Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
by Aliyu Abdulkadir, Marvelous Oluwashina Ajayi and Halima Abubakar Kusfa
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035004 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Measuring antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal production can provide useful data for monitoring AMU over time, which will promote antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reduction. This study involved the daily collation and validation of active primary drug sales and prescription data from veterinary outlets and [...] Read more.
Measuring antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal production can provide useful data for monitoring AMU over time, which will promote antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reduction. This study involved the daily collation and validation of active primary drug sales and prescription data from veterinary outlets and clinics of the Kaduna metropolis. In total, 83.7% of the identified antimicrobials were in the form of oral medication, and most were registered antibiotics (52.8%). Parenteral and topical forms were also identified, with 94% also being antibiotics. The estimated AMU was 282 mg/kg population correction unit (PCU). Poultry represented the most significant population, constituting 99% (31,502,004) of the study population. The class-specific AMU was antibiotics, with 274 mg/kg PCU. The antiprotozoal AMU was 418 mg/kg PCU. The anthelminthic AMU was the highest at 576 mg/kg PCU. This study has provided useful and practical information on the trends in antimicrobial use in animals, with poultry being the most important animal population involved in AMU and oxytetracycline being the most abused antibiotic in animal production. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) should be targeted at poultry populations, with an emphasis on reducing antibiotic use/consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
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12 pages, 806 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm: A Clinical and Environmental Hazard
by Bindu Sadanandan and Kavyasree Marabanahalli Yogendraiah
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035005 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
This review explores the biofilm architecture and drug resistance of Enterococcus faecalis in clinical and environmental settings. The biofilm in E. faecalis is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional, mushroom-like or multilayered structure, characteristically forming diplococci or short chains interspersed with water channels for nutrient exchange [...] Read more.
This review explores the biofilm architecture and drug resistance of Enterococcus faecalis in clinical and environmental settings. The biofilm in E. faecalis is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional, mushroom-like or multilayered structure, characteristically forming diplococci or short chains interspersed with water channels for nutrient exchange and waste removal. Exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular DNA create a protective matrix. Persister cells within the biofilm contribute to antibiotic resistance and survival. The heterogeneous architecture of the E. faecalis biofilm contains both dense clusters and loosely packed regions that vary in thickness, ranging from 10 to 100 µm, depending on the environmental conditions. The pathogenicity of the E. faecalis biofilm is mediated through complex interactions between genes and virulence factors such as DNA release, cytolysin, pili, secreted antigen A, and microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules, often involving a key protein called enterococcal surface protein (Esp). Clinically, it is implicated in a range of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and surgical wound infections. The biofilm serves as a nidus for bacterial dissemination and as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance. The effectiveness of first-line antibiotics (ampicillin, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides) is diminished due to reduced penetration, altered metabolism, increased tolerance, and intrinsic and acquired resistance. Alternative strategies for biofilm disruption, such as combination therapy (ampicillin with aminoglycosides), as well as newer approaches, including antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and biofilm-disrupting agents (DNase or dispersin B), are also being explored to improve treatment outcomes. Environmentally, E. faecalis biofilms contribute to contamination in water systems, food production facilities, and healthcare environments. They persist in harsh conditions, facilitating the spread of multidrug-resistant strains and increasing the risk of transmission to humans and animals. Therefore, understanding the biofilm architecture and drug resistance is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate their clinical and environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
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7 pages, 316 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Restoration of Antibiotic Effectiveness with P. hartigii Extract Against Multidrug-Resistant E. coli 
by Eda Altınöz, Ilgaz Akata and Ergin Murat Altuner
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035006 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 68
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance poses a critical threat to global health, largely driven by bacterial efflux pumps that expel antibiotics and reduce their efficacy. This study investigated the potential of Phellinus hartigii ethyl acetate extract (Ph-Ace) to inhibit efflux pumps and restore antibiotic activity against [...] Read more.
Antibiotic resistance poses a critical threat to global health, largely driven by bacterial efflux pumps that expel antibiotics and reduce their efficacy. This study investigated the potential of Phellinus hartigii ethyl acetate extract (Ph-Ace) to inhibit efflux pumps and restore antibiotic activity against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. In vitro assays demonstrated that Ph-Ace effectively inhibited efflux pumps, enhancing the efficacy of resistant antibiotics. GC/MS analysis identified key components such as nonadecane and octacosane. These findings suggest Ph-Ace as a promising natural efflux pump inhibitor. Further molecular and clinical studies are required to confirm its therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
10 pages, 3033 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Based Detection of Amoxicillin and Ampicillin for Advancing Antibiotic Monitoring with Optical Techniques
by Vinicius Pereira Anjos, Maria Renata Valente Brandão Freire, Raffaele Stasi, Daniela Fátima Teixeira Silva and Denise Maria Zezell
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035007 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 947
Abstract
Introduction: Amoxicillin and Ampicillin are among the most widely used antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. While traditional drug monitoring methods often face challenges relative to accuracy and analysis speed, optical-based techniques offer a promising alternative. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), a well-established tool, [...] Read more.
Introduction: Amoxicillin and Ampicillin are among the most widely used antibiotics for treating bacterial infections. While traditional drug monitoring methods often face challenges relative to accuracy and analysis speed, optical-based techniques offer a promising alternative. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), a well-established tool, is particularly suited for this purpose. As their molecular structures and characteristic infrared absorption features are very similar, they could be difficult to differentiate using FTIR spectroscopy. Hence, chemometric analysis is important to overcome this challenge. This study introduces a novel approach to the standard methods of antibiotic detection and monitoring, leveraging the capabilities of vibrational spectroscopy and helping in antimicrobial stewardship. Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR)–FTIR is carried out with chemometric tools to investigate Amoxicillin and Ampicillin over different degradation processes. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used in the fingerprint region to detect differences between the studied antibiotics. Additionally, absorbance intensity in the fingerprint region was monitored to assess the degradation of each antibiotic over time. To achieve this, the area under the curve was calculated and subjected to inferential statistical tests for both intragroup (the degradation of the same antibiotic) and intergroup (degradation within the same time interval, comparing the two antibiotics) comparisons. All analyses were performed in OriginLab and using Python in the Google Colab and Orange environments. For the calculations of the limit of detection (LoD), the method based on the calibration curve was used. Through the experiments, it was possible to identify the fingerprints of each antibiotic and statistically separate them, despite both belonging to the same class of antibiotics, where the spectral peaks appear in the same region. For degradation, all tests were conducted with a significance level of α = 5%. In this investigation, our results show several quantification characteristics with a detection limit of 96.76 mM for Ampicillin and 66.01 mM for Amoxicillin using the peak intensity. This research demonstrates that FTIR spectroscopy is effective for antibiotic detection and has the potential to be further developed into a monitoring protocol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
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