You seem to have javascript disabled. Please note that many of the page functionalities won't work as expected without javascript enabled.

Search for Articles:

Title / Keyword

Author / Affiliation / Email

Journal

Article Type

Advanced Search

Section

Special Issue

Volume

Issue

Number

Page

Logical OperatorOperator

Search Text

Search Type

Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Activates Mitophagy Through Cargo Receptor and Phagophore Formation
The Evolving Global Epidemiology of Human Melioidosis: A Narrative Review
Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Leishmania spp.
The Ubiquitous Wilt-Inducing Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum—A Review of Genes Studied with Mutant Analysis

Journal Description

Pathogens

Pathogens is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on pathogens and pathogen-host interactions published monthly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, PubAg, CaPlus / SciFinder, AGRIS, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Microbiology) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Immunology and Microbiology )
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Companion journals for Pathogens include: Parasitologia and Bacteria.

Impact Factor: 3.3 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.5 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2076-0817

Latest Articles

17 pages, 4604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

N-Acetylcysteine as a Host-Directed Therapy Against Clarithromycin-Resistant Mycobacterium abscessus

by Shuqi Yang, Ying Zhang, Jinchuan Xu, Zhenyan Chen, Yang Ren, Yujiao Long, Xuejiao Huang, Juanxi Liu, Huan Huang, Shiqi Xie, Ruiqing Ma, Yajuan Dong, Xiaoyong Fan, Zhidong Hu and Feng Li

Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040302 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2025

(1) Background: The treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) infections resistant to clarithromycin (CLR) is highly challenging. Traditional non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) chemotherapy may disturb the immune homeostasis of the host by increasing oxidative stress; therefore, host-directed immunotherapy is an alternative option [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) infections resistant to clarithromycin (CLR) is highly challenging. Traditional non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) chemotherapy may disturb the immune homeostasis of the host by increasing oxidative stress; therefore, host-directed immunotherapy is an alternative option for infections caused by M. abscessus. (2) Method: A clinical isolate of CLR-resistant M. abscessus was screened, and then the therapeutic effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against CLR-resistant M. abscessus infection were evaluated in Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) cells and murine models. RNA sequencing and Western blot were used to profile the protective immune responses induced by NAC. The contribution of candidate signaling pathways was confirmed by the corresponding inhibitor and agonist. (3) Results: NAC immunotherapy led to a significant reduction in bacterial loads both in THP-1 cells and murine infection models, which was associated with enhanced antioxidant effects and downregulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)–mitogen-activated protein ki-nase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6)–p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated inflammatory immune responses. The inhibitor of p38 signaling mimicked the protective effect of NAC, while the agonist attenuated it, suggesting that the p38 pathway is crucial in NAC-mediated immune protection against M. abscessus infection. (4) Conclusion: Our study suggests that NAC could be used as a host-directed therapy agent against drug-resistant M. abscessus infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influence of Occult Hepatitis B Infection on Blood Transfusion Safety and Its Countermeasures

by Meng Yi, Shuchang Dai, Lin Fang, Bo Pan, Bin Fan, Yiming Pan and Zhong Liu

Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040301 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2025

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a serious public health issue. Although a number of effective hepatitis B vaccines are available, hepatitis B still poses a threat to global public health. Patients with OBI are usually asymptomatic, but there may be active HBV [...] Read more.

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a serious public health issue. Although a number of effective hepatitis B vaccines are available, hepatitis B still poses a threat to global public health. Patients with OBI are usually asymptomatic, but there may be active HBV DNA present in their blood, leading to the risk of virus transmission during blood transfusions or organ transplantation, constituting a hazard to the health of recipients and increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although China has progressed in the development of blood-screening technology, OBI is still a significant hidden danger to blood transfusion safety. Therefore, in blood screening and blood transfusion, strengthening the monitoring and management of OBI is crucial to ensure blood safety and protect public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transfusion-Transmitted Infections)

11 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling Dysgeusia in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical and Laboratory Insights from Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Romania

by Elena Camelia Kouris, Sînziana Irina Mirea, Sigrid Covaci, Monica Luminița Luminos and Victor Daniel Miron

Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040300 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2025

Introduction: Dysgeusia has been regarded as a clinical feature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection since the onset of the pandemic. The initial circulating variants were linked to the presence of dysgeusia; however, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, the incidence of dysgeusia has [...] Read more.

Introduction: Dysgeusia has been regarded as a clinical feature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection since the onset of the pandemic. The initial circulating variants were linked to the presence of dysgeusia; however, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, the incidence of dysgeusia has decreased. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and characteristics of patients with dysgeusia from the onset of the pandemic to the Omicron variant. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from March 2020 to December 2021, among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the main infectious diseases hospital in Romania. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and interpreted in relation to the presence or absence of dysgeusia. Results: The incidence of dysgeusia was 32.0%, with the majority of cases (44.2%) occurring in patients with the Beta SARS-CoV-2 variant. Dysgeusia has been predominantly observed in mild to moderate cases of the disease. The presence of obesity and hypertension has been shown to be negatively associated with the development of dysgeusia (OR = 0.45, OR = 0.39, respectively). In patients with dysgeusia, inflammatory changes such as lymphopenia were significantly less frequently identified (OR = 0.22, p < 0.001), as were increased C-reactive protein (OR = 0.12, p < 0.001) and increased interleukin-1 (OR = 0.42, p = 0.002), increased fibrinogen (OR = 0.31, p < 0.001), and increased ferritin (OR = 0.27, p < 0.001) compared to patients without dysgeusia. The incidence of acute respiratory failure was higher in the dysgeusia group (71.2% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.001). This was accompanied by a milder management of patients with dysgeusia and a median duration of hospitalization that was two days shorter. Conclusions: The presence or absence of dysgeusia in patients with COVID-19 appears to correlate with both the inflammatory response and outcome. In the context of evolving circulating viral variants, which seem to be associated with a lower incidence of dysgeusia, continuous monitoring of patients who develop this disorder remains essential to clarify the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved and to assess the potential of dysgeusia as a predictor of the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)

20 pages, 4616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Techniques to Unravel Causative Bacterial Ecological Shifts in Chronic Urinary Tract Infection

by Catherine C. Y. Chieng, Qingyang Kong, Natasha S. Y. Liou, Mariña Neira Rey, Katie L. Dalby, Neil Jones, Rajvinder Khasriya and Harry Horsley

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030299 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) presents with protracted lower urinary tract symptoms and elevated urinary leukocyte counts, but its bacterial etiological agents remain obscure. In this cross-sectional investigation, we aimed to unravel the role of the bladder microbiota in chronic UTI pathogenesis by [...] Read more.

Chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) presents with protracted lower urinary tract symptoms and elevated urinary leukocyte counts, but its bacterial etiological agents remain obscure. In this cross-sectional investigation, we aimed to unravel the role of the bladder microbiota in chronic UTI pathogenesis by studying the host immune response. Urine samples were collected from healthy controls (HT), chronic UTI patients who had not initiated treatment (PT) and those undergoing treatment (OT), then sorted into white blood cell (WBC) and epithelial cell (EPC) fractions. Bacteria associated with both fractions were identified by chromogenic agar culture coupled with mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA sequencing. Distinct WBC-exclusive bacteria were observed in the healthy population, but this pattern was less obvious in patients, plausibly due to epithelial shedding and breaching of the urothelial barrier. We also described a bacterial fingerprint guided by Escherichia that was able to stratify patients based on symptom severity. Clustering analyses of mean rank changes revealed highly statistically significant upward and downward ecological shifts in communities of bacteria between the healthy and diseased populations. Interestingly, many of the most abundant genera identified in sequencing remained stable when compared between the study cohorts. We concluded that reshuffling of the urinary microbiome, rather than the activity of a single known urinary pathogen, could drive chronic UTI. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clonal Dissemination of NDM-Producing Proteus mirabilis in a Teaching Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia

by Nadia Jaidane, Lamia Tilouche, Saoussen Oueslati, Delphine Girlich, Sana Azaiez, Aymeric Jacquemin, Laurent Dortet, Walid Naija, Abdelhalim Trabelsi, Thierry Naas, Wejdene Mansour and Rémy A. Bonnin

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030298 - 20 Mar 2025

Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) is an opportunistic pathogen involved in urinary tract infections as well as various nosocomial infections. Emerging resistances to beta-lactams in this species complicates potential treatment since it is intrinsically resistant to colistin. Eleven isolates of carbapenem-non-susceptible P. [...] Read more.

Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) is an opportunistic pathogen involved in urinary tract infections as well as various nosocomial infections. Emerging resistances to beta-lactams in this species complicates potential treatment since it is intrinsically resistant to colistin. Eleven isolates of carbapenem-non-susceptible P. mirabilis were identified in Sousse Hospital, Tunisia, from January 2018 to December 2022. MICs were determined and isolates were sequenced to determine their resistomes, sequence types, virulence factors, and their clonal relationships. Susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were resistant to carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, and the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination. They remained susceptible to the aztreonam/avibactam combination. All isolates produced NDM-1 carbapenemase and ArmA 16S rRNA methylase. In addition, one isolate co-produced the bla_VEB-6 gene. All isolates belonged to ST135, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that they were closely related. This study described the first outbreak of NDM-1-producing P. mirabilis in Tunisia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Ocular Symptoms in Pre- and Perimenopausal Woman Infected with Demodex spp.

by Danuta Kosik-Bogacka, Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk, Renata Pilarczyk, Daria Schneider-Matyka, Karolina Kot, Konrad Grzeszczak, Joanna Pyzia and Elżbieta Grochans

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030297 - 20 Mar 2025

The aim of this study was to determine the subjective ocular symptoms in pre- and perimenopausal women infected with Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis. Eyelashes were taken from pre- and perimenopausal women aged from 45 to 69 years (n = 253) and [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the subjective ocular symptoms in pre- and perimenopausal women infected with Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis. Eyelashes were taken from pre- and perimenopausal women aged from 45 to 69 years (n = 253) and younger women aged from 3 to 40 (n = 204) from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship located in Poland. The prevalence of mites was analyzed according to age and subjective ocular symptoms. Demodex spp. were detected in 75/253 (29.64%) of pre- and perimenopausal women and in 25/204 (12.25%) of younger women. Demodex folliculorum or D. brevis was observed in 72/252 (28.45%) and 1/253 (0.4%) of pre- and perimenopausal women, respectively, but the coinfection of D. folliculorum and D. brevis was noted in 2/253 (0.79%) of women. In young women, only D. folliculorum was detected. Single Demodex spp., multiple parasites, and numerous mites were reported in about 75%, 17%, and 8% of the examined women, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between Demodex spp. infestation and the occurrence of dryness of the eyes. Changes occurring in the female body during the pre- and perimenopausal periods lead to an increased incidence of Demodex spp. infestation. Women who report dryness of the eyes should have their eyelashes microscopically examined for Demodex spp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Parasitic Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Veterinary and Food Matrices Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

by Icía Bermúdez-Fornos, Alberto Cepeda, Alejandro Garrido-Maestu and Alexandre Lamas

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030296 - 19 Mar 2025

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic human pathogen of high relevance due to its ability to acquire antibiotic resistance. This pathogen is included, along with Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp., in the ESKAPE group, [...] Read more.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic human pathogen of high relevance due to its ability to acquire antibiotic resistance. This pathogen is included, along with Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp., in the ESKAPE group, which consists of the most important bacterial pathogens resistant to antibiotics in clinical setups. Due to the importance of the rapid identification of infection-causative agents, a novel method for the rapid identification of K. pneumoniae was developed in the present work. This novel method was based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and evaluated in real-time LAMP, as well as in end-point colorimetric LAMP. Additionally, the method was evaluated in two different clinical samples, namely, blood and urine, along with a food sample, namely, milk; four DNA purification protocols were also evaluated (thermal lysis, chelex, magnetic beads, and glass milk). The results revealed differences in the performance of the LAMP assays depending on the specific combination of the matrix–DNA purification protocol. Overall, the protocol reporting the best results in all the matrices was the one based on chelex, with which it was possible to reach an LOD50 below 10 CFU/mL after a short pre-enrichment step of 6 h in TSB. The method demonstrated reliability, sensitivity, and simplicity and could be performed by non-trained personnel thanks to the colorimetric format. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Caspase-1 and Caspase-4 in Modulating Gingival Epithelial Cell Responses to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Infection

by Kartheyaene Jayaprakash Demirel, Alessandra Neves Guimaraes and Isak Demirel

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030295 - 18 Mar 2025

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bacterial infection and immune dysregulation. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is a key pathogen linked to disease progression. Caspase-1 and caspase-4 regulate inflammasome activation and cytokine release, yet their roles in gingival epithelial immunity [...] Read more.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bacterial infection and immune dysregulation. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is a key pathogen linked to disease progression. Caspase-1 and caspase-4 regulate inflammasome activation and cytokine release, yet their roles in gingival epithelial immunity remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the involvement of caspase-1 and caspase-4 in regulating the immune response to A. actinomycetemcomitans infection in gingival epithelial cells. Human gingival epithelial cells (Ca9-22) and caspase-1- and caspase-4-deficient cells were infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans for 24 h. Inflammatory mediator release was analyzed using Olink proteomics. Bacterial colonization and invasion were assessed using fluorescence-based assays and gentamicin protection assays. Caspase-1- and caspase-4-deficient cells showed significantly altered cytokine and chemokine profiles after infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans, showing reduced IL-17C and IL-18 release. We also found an increased release of TGF-α and LIF from caspase-4-deficient cells, along with elevated levels of the chemokines IL-8, CXCL9, and CXCL10. Additionally, both caspase-1- and caspase-4-deficient cells showed increased bacterial colonization and invasion, particularly in caspase-4-deficient cells. These findings suggest that caspase-1 and caspase-4 play distinct yet essential roles in gingival epithelial immunity, regulating cytokine release, barrier integrity, and defense against A. actinomycetemcomitans colonization. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance Evaluation of Listeria monocytogenes Strains from Food and Human Samples

by Annamaria Castello, Vincenzina Alio, Marina Torresi, Gabriella Centorotola, Alexandra Chiaverini, Francesco Pomilio, Ignazio Arrigo, Anna Giammanco, Teresa Fasciana, Marco Francesco Ortoffi, Antonietta Gattuso, Giuseppa Oliveri, Cinzia Cardamone and Antonella Costa

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030294 - 18 Mar 2025

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen, markedly persistent even in harsh environments and responsible for high hospitalization and mortality rates. The aim of the present study was to detect the strains circulating in Sicily over a five-year period and characterize their antimicrobial [...] Read more.

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen, markedly persistent even in harsh environments and responsible for high hospitalization and mortality rates. The aim of the present study was to detect the strains circulating in Sicily over a five-year period and characterize their antimicrobial resistance profiles. The key element of this study was the sharing of data among various entities involved in food control and clinical surveillance of listeriosis in order to develop an integrated approach for this pathogen. A total of 128 isolates were analyzed, including 87 food-source strains and 41 clinical specimens. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for sequence type (ST) and clonal complex (CC) identification through multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer method. The majority of strains belonged to serotype IVb (34/41 and 53/87 of clinical and food-source isolates, respectively) and were subtyped as CC2-ST2 (28/34 and 41/53 of clinical and food-source isolates respectively). Most of the isolates were susceptible to the main antimicrobials recommended for treatment of listeriosis. Resistance (R) and intermediate resistance (I) percentages worthy of attention were found against oxacillin (R: 85.9%) and clindamycin (I: 34.6%) in the food-source isolates and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (R: 29.23%) in the clinical isolates. Also, 7.7% of the food-source isolates were multidrug resistant. Our results highlight how the punctual comparison between food and clinical strains is an essential tool for effectively tracking and preventing foodborne outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 914 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unlocking the Interactions Between the Whole-Body Microbiome and HPV Infection: A Literature Review

by Myrto Papamentzelopoulou and Vassiliki C. Pitiriga

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030293 - 18 Mar 2025

The human microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining human homeostasis, acting as a key regulator of host immunity and defense mechanisms. However, dysbiotic microbial communities may cause disruption of the symbiotic relationship between the host and the local microbiota, leading to the [...] Read more.

The human microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining human homeostasis, acting as a key regulator of host immunity and defense mechanisms. However, dysbiotic microbial communities may cause disruption of the symbiotic relationship between the host and the local microbiota, leading to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including viral infections and cancers. One of the most common infectious agents causing cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which accounts for more than 90% of cervical cancers. In most cases, the host immune system is activated and clears HPV, whereas in some cases, the infection persists and can lead to precancerous lesions. Over the last two decades, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and bioinformatics has allowed a thorough and in-depth analysis of the microbial composition in various anatomical niches, allowing researchers to unveil the interactions and the underlying mechanisms through which the human microbiota could affect HPV infection establishment, persistence, and progression. Accordingly, the present narrative review aims to shed light on our understanding of the role of the human microbiome in the context of HPV infection and its progression, mainly to cervical cancer. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms by which the composition and balance of microbial communities exert potential pathogenic or protective effects, leading to either HPV persistence and disease outcomes or clearance. Special interest is given to how the microbiome can modulate host immunity to HPV infection. Lastly, we summarize the latest findings on the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics in preventing and/or treating HPV infections and the potential of vaginal microbiota transplantation while highlighting the significance of personalized medicine approaches emerging from NGS-based microbiome profiling and artificial intelligence (AI) for the optimal management of HPV-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncogenic Viruses: Advances in Molecular Diagnosis, Prevention Strategies and Therapy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Diversity, Virulome, and Resistome of Streptococcus agalactiae in Northeastern Brazil: Are Multi-Host Adapted Strains Rising?

by Vinicius Pietta Perez, Luciana Roberta Torini, Fernanda Zani Manieri, Suellen Bernardo de Queiroz, Jorhanna Isabelle Araujo de Brito Gomes, Lauro Santos Filho, Eloiza Helena Campana, Celso Jose Bruno de Oliveira, Eduardo Sergio Soares Sousa and Ilana Lopes Baratella Cunha Camargo

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030292 - 17 Mar 2025

Streptococcus agalactiae, known as group B streptococci (GBS), colonizes the digestive and genitourinary tracts and causes neonatal diseases and infections in immunocompromised and elderly individuals. GBS neonatal disease prevention includes intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. We characterized 101 GBS isolates obtained from patients in [...] Read more.

Streptococcus agalactiae, known as group B streptococci (GBS), colonizes the digestive and genitourinary tracts and causes neonatal diseases and infections in immunocompromised and elderly individuals. GBS neonatal disease prevention includes intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. We characterized 101 GBS isolates obtained from patients in João Pessoa, northeastern Brazil, owing to the need to develop and implement vaccines to prevent GBS infections. Capsular types were determined using multiplex-PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined using disc diffusion or the gradient strip method. Clonal diversity was evaluated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Fourteen selected isolates had the genome sequenced and evaluated for virulence and resistance genes. The GBS population had high clonal diversity, with serotype Ia and V prevalence. Among the sequenced isolates, we detected antibiotic resistance genes (ant(6)-Ia, catA8, ermA, ermB, lsaE, lsnuB, mefA/msrD, tetM, tetO, and tetS), several virulence genes, and mobile genetic elements integrated into the chromosome. The most frequent Sequence Type (ST) was ST144, followed by ST196, ST28, ST19, ST12, ST23, ST103, and the new ST1983 (CC103). Phylogenetically, ST103 and ST1983 were distant from the other STs. Our data revealed highly virulent GBS strains in this population and a new ST that could be related to a zoonotic origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2967 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Can Bacteriophages Be Effectively Utilized for Disinfection in Animal-Derived Food Products? A Systematic Review

by Rafail Fokas, Zoi Kotsiri and Apostolos Vantarakis

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030291 - 16 Mar 2025

Food safety is a paramount public health concern, particularly with the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This systematic review explores the efficacy of bacteriophages as a novel and environmentally sustainable approach to controlling multi-resistant and non-resistant bacterial pathogens in animal-derived food products. Following PRISMA [...] Read more.

Food safety is a paramount public health concern, particularly with the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This systematic review explores the efficacy of bacteriophages as a novel and environmentally sustainable approach to controlling multi-resistant and non-resistant bacterial pathogens in animal-derived food products. Following PRISMA guidelines, data from multiple studies were synthesized to evaluate bacteriophage applications across diverse food matrices, including beef, poultry, seafood, and dairy. The findings highlight significant variability in bacteriophage efficacy, influenced by factors such as food matrix properties, bacterial strains, and application methods. Phage cocktails and their combination with thermal treatments consistently demonstrated superior bacterial reduction compared to single-phage applications, which yielded variable results. Interestingly, the absence of a clear dose-response relationship underscores the need for a more detailed understanding of phage-host interactions and environmental influences. This review addresses a critical gap in the literature by advocating for matrix-specific, targeted phage applications over generalized approaches. Additionally, it underscores the transformative potential of bacteriophages as sustainable alternatives to chemical disinfectants in modern food safety practices. These insights provide a framework for future research aimed at optimizing bacteriophage efficacy and scaling their application in real-world food production systems. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expanded Gram-Negative Activity of Marinopyrrole A

by Clare F. Euteneuer, Brianna N. Davis, LeeAnna M. Lui, Andrew J. Neville and Paul H. Davis

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030290 - 16 Mar 2025

The rise of bacterial infections is a global health issue that calls for the development and availability of additional antimicrobial agents. Known for its in vitro effects on Gram-positive organisms, the drug-like small molecule marinopyrrole A was re-examined for the potential of broader [...] Read more.

The rise of bacterial infections is a global health issue that calls for the development and availability of additional antimicrobial agents. Known for its in vitro effects on Gram-positive organisms, the drug-like small molecule marinopyrrole A was re-examined for the potential of broader efficacy against a wider array of microbes. We uncovered selective efficacy against an important subset of Gram-negative bacteria from three genera: Neisseria, Moraxella, and Campylobacter. This susceptibility is correlated with the absence of canonical LPS in these specific Gram-negative species, a phenomenon observed with other hydrophobic anti-microbial compounds. Further, when exposed to molecules which inhibit the LpxC enzyme of the LPS synthesis pathway, previously resistant LPS-producing Gram-negative bacteria showed increased susceptibility to marinopyrrole A. These results demonstrate marinopyrrole A’s efficacy against a broader range of Gram-negative bacteria than previously known, including N. gonorrhea, a species identified as a priority pathogen by the WHO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bibliometric Analysis of HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma from 2000 to 2023

by Yingying Cui, Wei Li and Binbin Li

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030289 - 15 Mar 2025

Human-papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC) is a distinct disease characterized by unique clinical and molecular features compared to HPV-negative OPSCC. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of HPV-positive OPSCC research was conducted in this study to identify key trends, research hotspots, and emerging [...] Read more.

Human-papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC) is a distinct disease characterized by unique clinical and molecular features compared to HPV-negative OPSCC. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of HPV-positive OPSCC research was conducted in this study to identify key trends, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers in the field. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The distributions of contributors, including countries, institutions, authors, journals, and cooperative networks related to HPV-positive OPSCC, were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.3.R1, and the R package Bibliometrix 4.0.0. In addition, the most influential publications and high-frequency keywords were identified and analyzed to discern key topics in this field. A total of 3895 articles and reviews on HPV-positive OPSCC were identified, involving 106 countries, 620 journals, and 18949 authors. The main contributors include the USA (1908 publications), Johns Hopkins University (310 publications), the journal Head and Neck (320 publications), and Erich M. Sturgis (94 publications). The top three keywords are “survival”, “radiotherapy”, and “p16”. There has been a steadily increasing research interest in HPV-positive OPSCC over the last 23 years. Current studies focus on diagnosis, treatment strategies, prognosis, recurrence, and disease surveillance. This bibliometric analysis highlights key contributors and emerging themes, offering insights for future research directions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Evidence of Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) as a Natural Definitive Host for Several Sarcocystis Species

by Petras Prakas, Tamara Kalashnikova, Naglis Gudiškis, Donatas Šneideris, Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu and Dalius Butkauskas

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030288 - 15 Mar 2025

Sarcocystis parasites infect a wide range of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and have complex two-host prey–predator life cycle. Sarcocysts are mainly found in the muscles of intermediate hosts, and oocysts sporulate in the intestines of the definitive host. The raccoon dog [...] Read more.

Sarcocystis parasites infect a wide range of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and have complex two-host prey–predator life cycle. Sarcocysts are mainly found in the muscles of intermediate hosts, and oocysts sporulate in the intestines of the definitive host. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), native to Asia and invasive in Europe, is a known disease carrier. However, studies on raccoon dogs in the transmission of Sarcocystis are scarce. Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 26 raccoon dog carcasses were collected in Lithuania. The results of a light microscopy examination indicated that 50% of the samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts and sporulated oocysts. Based on nested PCR and sequencing of cox1, 88.5% of the samples were positive for these parasites. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of 11 different Sarcocystis species. Eight species, including S. alces, S. capracanis, S. hjorti, S. iberica, S. linearis, S. morae, S. tenella, and S. venatoria were reported for the first time in raccoon dogs as definitive hosts. The identified Sarcocystis species were linked to intermediate hosts, such as cervids, wild boars, pigs, goats, and sheep. These findings suggest that raccoon dogs play a key role in the spread of Sarcocystis, particularly species infecting cervids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases in the Contemporary World)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species in Diarrheic Children in Cameroon

by Bertrand Sone, Lum Abienwi Ambe, Mireille Nguele Ampama, Constance Ajohkoh, Desmond Che, Julien Alban Nguinkal, Anja Taubert, Carlos Hermosilla and Faustin Kamena

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030287 - 14 Mar 2025

Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of preventive [...] Read more.

Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of preventive measures. To better control disease transmission and develop effective prevention strategies, a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity of circulating species is crucial. While cryptosporidiosis has previously been reported in Cameroon, information on the genetic diversity of parasite strains is lacking. In a large cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and March 2021 in four regions of Cameroon, Southwest, Littoral, Center and West, a total of 1119 fecal samples of children (n = 1119) were collected and genetically analyzed. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium strains circulating in this patient cohort in Cameroon. Using modified Ziehl–Neelsen fecal smear staining, an overall prevalence of 8.5% (96/1119) was recorded. PCR analysis revealed a prevalence of 15.4% in the Center, 7.2% in the Littoral, 10.5% in the West, and 13.1% in the Southwest regions. Molecular analysis identified Cryptosporidium. hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum as circulating species, with all subtype families suggesting anthroponotic transmission. No zoonotic subtypes of C. parvum were detected. These findings confirm that cryptosporidiosis transmission in Cameroon is primarily anthroponotic. Nonetheless, much larger epidemiological surveys, including other patient cohorts, are necessary for final confirmation of this statement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Parasitic Pathogens)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Retinal Organoid Model of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

by Liam M. Ashander, Grace E. Lidgerwood, Amanda L. Lumsden, João M. Furtado, Alice Pébay and Justine R. Smith

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030286 - 14 Mar 2025

The health burden of ocular toxoplasmosis is substantial, and there is an unmet need for safe and curative anti-microbial drugs. One major barrier to research on new therapeutics is the lack of in vitro human-based models beyond two-dimensional cultured cells and tissue explants. [...] Read more.

The health burden of ocular toxoplasmosis is substantial, and there is an unmet need for safe and curative anti-microbial drugs. One major barrier to research on new therapeutics is the lack of in vitro human-based models beyond two-dimensional cultured cells and tissue explants. We aimed to address this research gap by establishing a human retinal organoid model of ocular toxoplasmosis. Retinal organoids, generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells and grown to two stages of organization, were incubated with a suspension of live or heat-killed GT-1 strain T. gondii tachyzoites, or medium without tachyzoites. Both developing (1 month post-isolation) and matured (6 months post-isolation) organoids were susceptible to infection. Spread of live parasites from the margin to the entire organoid over 1 week was indicated by immunolabelling for T. gondii surface antigen 1. This progression was accompanied by changes in the levels of selected tachyzoite transcripts—SAG1, GRA6, and ROP16—and human cytokine transcripts—CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL10, and IL6—in infected versus control conditions. Our human retinal organoid model of ocular toxoplasmosis offers the opportunity for many future lines of study, including tachyzoite interactions with retinal cell populations and leukocyte subsets, parasite stage progression, and disease processes of different T. gondii strains, as well as drug testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases in the Contemporary World)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

65 pages, 2112 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploiting Wolbachia as a Tool for Mosquito-Borne Disease Control: Pursuing Efficacy, Safety, and Sustainability

by Riccardo Moretti, Jue Tao Lim, Alvaro Gil Araujo Ferreira, Luigi Ponti, Marta Giovanetti, Chow Jo Yi, Pranav Tewari, Maria Cholvi, Jacob Crawford, Andrew Paul Gutierrez, Stephen L. Dobson and Perran A. Ross

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030285 - 14 Mar 2025

Despite the application of control measures, mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a serious threat to human health. In this context, exploiting Wolbachia, a common symbiotic bacterium in insects, may offer effective solutions to suppress vectors or reduce their competence in transmitting several [...] Read more.

Despite the application of control measures, mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a serious threat to human health. In this context, exploiting Wolbachia, a common symbiotic bacterium in insects, may offer effective solutions to suppress vectors or reduce their competence in transmitting several arboviruses. Many Wolbachia strains can induce conditional egg sterility, known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), when infected males mate with females that do not harbor the same Wolbachia infection. Infected males can be mass-reared and then released to compete with wild males, reducing the likelihood of wild females encountering a fertile mate. Furthermore, certain Wolbachia strains can reduce the competence of mosquitoes to transmit several RNA viruses. Through CI, Wolbachia-infected individuals can spread within the population, leading to an increased frequency of mosquitoes with a reduced ability to transmit pathogens. Using artificial methods, Wolbachia can be horizontally transferred between species, allowing the establishment of various laboratory lines of mosquito vector species that, without any additional treatment, can produce sterilizing males or females with reduced vector competence, which can be used subsequently to replace wild populations. This manuscript reviews the current knowledge in this field, describing the different approaches and evaluating their efficacy, safety, and sustainability. Successes, challenges, and future perspectives are discussed in the context of the current spread of several arboviral diseases, the rise of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations, and the impact of climate change. In this context, we explore the necessity of coordinating efforts among all stakeholders to maximize disease control. We discuss how the involvement of diverse expertise—ranging from new biotechnologies to mechanistic modeling of eco-epidemiological interactions between hosts, vectors, Wolbachia, and pathogens—becomes increasingly crucial. This coordination is especially important in light of the added complexity introduced by Wolbachia and the ongoing challenges posed by global change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Control Strategies to Fight Mosquito-Borne Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Adult RSV Infections: A Retrospective Analysis at University Hospital Center Zagreb (2022–2024)

by Antonio Perčinić, Tara Vuletić, Nina Lizzul, Andrea Vukić Dugac, Ana Gverić Grginić, Irena Tabain, Dragan Jurić and Ana Budimir

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030284 - 14 Mar 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory infections in adults, particularly among older adults and individuals with chronic diseases. While traditionally linked to pediatric populations, RSV’s impact on adults, especially the elderly, is increasingly recognized but remains understudied in many [...] Read more.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory infections in adults, particularly among older adults and individuals with chronic diseases. While traditionally linked to pediatric populations, RSV’s impact on adults, especially the elderly, is increasingly recognized but remains understudied in many regions. This retrospective study, conducted at the University Hospital Center Zagreb from October 2022 to April 2024, is the first to analyze RSV-positive adults in Croatia. Using RT-PCR testing, we evaluated clinical and epidemiological characteristics in both hospitalized and outpatient populations, focusing on those aged > 65 years. Among 2631 tested individuals, the RSV prevalence was 5.25%, with older adults experiencing the most severe outcomes, including pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, and intensive care admissions. Seasonal analysis confirmed a winter peak in RSV cases, while chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were strongly associated with higher complication rates. These findings demonstrate that older adults with comorbidities bear the greatest burden of RSV infection, highlighting the need for the early identification of high-risk patients. By providing detailed insights into RSV-related outcomes in this population, this study supports the development of targeted prevention and management strategies to reduce the burden of RSV in vulnerable groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Neglected Pathogens in the Balkans)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 134 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Emergence and Control of African Swine Fever

by Lauro Velazquez-Salinas

Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030283 - 14 Mar 2025

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal and contagious viral disease found in domestic pigs, wild boars, and wild suids, and it has significant economic consequences [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergence and Control of African Swine Fever)

More Articles...

Submit to Pathogens Review for Pathogens

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

View More...

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

E-Mail Alert

News

21 March 2025
Meet Us at the 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Virology (ASV 2025), 14–17 July 2025, Montréal, Québec, Canada

18 March 2025
Meet Us at the 9th European Congress of Virology 2025 (ECV2025), 27–30 April 2025, Cavtat, Croatia

18 March 2025
Meet Us at the International Virus Bioinformatics Meeting 2025 (ViBioM2025), 13–15 May 2025, Lisbon, Portugal

More News & Announcements...

Topics

Propose a Topic

Topic in Animals, Arthropoda, Insects, Pathogens, Vaccines, Veterinary Sciences

Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Topic Editors: Alina Rodriguez-Mallon, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Deadline: 31 March 2025

Topic in Biomolecules, Foods, Metabolites, Microorganisms, Pathogens, Bacteria

Bioinformatics, Machine Learning and Risk Assessment in Food Industry Topic Editors: Bing Niu, Suren Rao Sooranna, Pufeng Du
Deadline: 31 July 2025

Topic in Animals, Pathogens, Veterinary Sciences, Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic Vector-Borne Diseases of Companion Animals Topic Editors: Anastasia Diakou, Donato Traversa
Deadline: 30 September 2025

Topic in JoF, Microbiology Research, Microorganisms, Pathogens

Pathophysiology and Clinical Management of Fungal Infections Topic Editors: Allan J. Guimarães, Marcos de Abreu Almeida
Deadline: 30 November 2025

More Topics

Conferences

Announce Your Conference

1–3 April 2025 The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Microbiology

21–23 May 2025 The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics: Challenges and Strategies for the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

21–23 May 2025 The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics——Challenges and Strategies for the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

More Conferences...

Special Issues

Propose a Special Issue

Special Issue in Pathogens

Feline Coronavirus Infections Guest Editors: Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Petra Cerna
Deadline: 31 March 2025

Special Issue in Pathogens

Hospital-Acquired Infections and Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Pathogens Guest Editor: Karolina Akinosoglou
Deadline: 31 March 2025

Special Issue in Pathogens

Advances in Animal Parasitic Diseases Guest Editors: Georgiana Deak, Lavinia Ciucǎ, Harold Salant
Deadline: 31 March 2025

Special Issue in Pathogens

Parasites Series: Parasitic Infection, Characterisation and Host Health, Parasitic Diversity and Host Range Guest Editors: Jill Austen, Alireza Zahedi, Nawal Hijjawi
Deadline: 31 March 2025

More Special Issues

Topical Collections

Topical Collection in Pathogens

Campylobacter Infections Collection Collection Editors: Ingrid Hansson, Eva Olsson Engvall

Topical Collection in Pathogens

SARS-CoV Infections Collection Editor: Lisa Gralinski

Topical Collection in Pathogens

Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens Collection Editors: Sheng-Fan Wang, Wen-Hung Wang, Arunee Thitithanyanont

Topical Collection in Pathogens

Regional Impact of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Collection Editors: Sergio E. Bermúdez, Victor Montenegro H., José Reck, Abdul Ghafar

More Topical Collections

Back to TopTop