Biomedicines

Editorial

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4 pages, 137 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies

by Vijay Singh Gondil

Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020457 - 13 Feb 2025

Viewed by 804

Abstract

The introduction of antibiotics in clinical use has revolutionized modern medicine practices and significantly contributed to the control of bacterial infections, which were the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout human history [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

Research

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20 pages, 9892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of Novel Escherichia coli O157:H7 Phage SPEC13 as a Therapeutic Agent for E. coli Infections In Vitro and In Vivo

by Md. Sharifull Islam, Jie Fan, Md Suzauddula, Ishatur Nime and Fan Pan

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092036 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 3167

Abstract

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a recognized food-borne pathogen causing severe food poisoning at low doses. Bacteriophages (phages) are FDA-approved for use in food and are suggested as natural preservatives against specific pathogens. A novel phage must be identified and studied to develop a [...] Read more.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a recognized food-borne pathogen causing severe food poisoning at low doses. Bacteriophages (phages) are FDA-approved for use in food and are suggested as natural preservatives against specific pathogens. A novel phage must be identified and studied to develop a new natural preservative or antimicrobial agent against E. coli O157:H7. The phage SPEC13 displayed broad host range and was classified within the Ackermannviridae family based on its observed characteristics by a TEM and genome analysis. In 10 min, this phage achieves a remarkable 93% adsorption rate with the host. Its latency period then lasts about 20 min, after which it bursts, releasing an average of 139 ± 3 PFU/cell. It exhibited robustness within a pH range of 4 to 12, indicating resilience under diverse environmental circumstances. Furthermore, SPEC13 demonstrated stability at an ambient temperature up to 60 °C. A whole genome and phylogenetics analysis revealed that SPEC13 is a novel identified phage, lacking a lysogenic life cycle, antibiotic resistance genes, or genes associated with virulence, thereby presenting a promising biological agent for therapeutic application. Animal studies showed that SPEC13 effectively controlled the growth of harmful bacteria, resulting in a significant improvement in colon health, marked by reduced swelling (edema) and tissue damage (mucosal injury). The introduction of SPEC13 resulted in a substantial decrease in quantities of E. coli O157:H7, reducing the bacterial load to approximately 5 log CFU/g of feces. In conclusion, SPEC13 emerges as a promising inclusion in the array of phage therapy, offering a targeted and efficient approach for addressing bacterial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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16 pages, 9563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Potential of Green-Synthesized Graphene–Silver Nanocomposite against Multidrug-Resistant Nosocomial Pathogens

by Preeti Negi, Jatin Chadha, Kusum Harjai, Vijay Singh Gondil, Seema Kumari and Khem Raj

Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051104 - 16 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2186

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk to global health, impacting millions of individuals globally. These infections have increased rates of morbidity and mortality due to the prevalence of widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Graphene-based nanoparticles (GBNs) are known to possess extensive antimicrobial properties [...] Read more.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk to global health, impacting millions of individuals globally. These infections have increased rates of morbidity and mortality due to the prevalence of widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Graphene-based nanoparticles (GBNs) are known to possess extensive antimicrobial properties by inflicting damage to the cell membrane, suppressing virulence, and inhibiting microbial biofilms. Developing alternative therapies for HAIs and addressing AMR can be made easier and more affordable by combining nanoparticles with medicinal plants harboring antimicrobial properties. Hence, this study was undertaken to develop a novel graphene–silver nanocomposite via green synthesis using Trillium govanianum plant extract as a reducing agent. The resulting nanocomposite comprised silver nanoparticles embedded in graphene sheets. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of graphene–silver nanocomposites were investigated against several nosocomial pathogens, namely, Candida auris, Candida glabrata, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nanocomposite displayed broad-range antimicrobial potential against the test pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging between 31.25 and 125.0 µg/mL, and biofilm inhibition up to 80–96%. Moreover, nanocomposite-functionalized urinary catheters demonstrated hemocompatibility towards sheep erythrocytes and imparted anti-fouling activity to the biomaterial, while also displaying biocompatibility towards HEK 293 cells. Collectively, this investigation highlights the possible application of green-synthesized GBNs as an effective alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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15 pages, 1642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Outer Membrane Vesicles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exhibiting Growth Inhibition against Acinetobacter baumannii

by Jin-Woong Suh, Jae-Seong Kang, Jeong-Yeon Kim, Sun-Bean Kim, Young-Kyung Yoon and Jang-Wook Sohn

Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030556 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2647

Abstract

We investigated the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and their effect on Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) growth in vitro. The inhibitory effects of PA on AB were assessed using a cross-streak assay. The OMVs were extracted through high-speed centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, [...] Read more.

We investigated the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and their effect on Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) growth in vitro. The inhibitory effects of PA on AB were assessed using a cross-streak assay. The OMVs were extracted through high-speed centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, and ultracentrifugation and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking assays (NTAs). Proteomic analysis was conducted to compare the OMVs of different PA strains. PA022 exhibited more pronounced inhibition of AB growth compared with PA ATCC 27853. TEM confirmed the presence of OMVs in both PA022 and PA ATCC 27853, revealing phospholipid bilayer structures. The NTA revealed similar sizes and concentrations. Proteomic analysis identified 623 and 538 proteins in PA022 and PA ATCC 27853 OMVs, respectively, with significant proportions of the outer membrane and extracellular proteins, respectively. Importantly, PA022 OMVs contained six known virulence factors and motility-associated proteins. This study revealed the unique characteristics of PA OMVs and their inhibitory effects on AB growth, shedding light on their role in bacterial interactions. Proteomic analysis provides valuable insights into potential pathogenic functions and therapeutic applications against bacterial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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15 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Antimicrobial Effects of Ibuprofen Combined with Standard-of-Care Antibiotics against Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens

by Qingquan Chen, Marleini Ilanga, Sabona B. Simbassa, Bhagath Chirra, Kush N. Shah and Carolyn L. Cannon

Biomedicines 2023, 11(11), 2936; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11112936 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2880

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common life-shortening genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Lungs of CF patients are often colonized or infected with microorganisms requiring frequent courses of antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections have been a [...] Read more.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common life-shortening genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Lungs of CF patients are often colonized or infected with microorganisms requiring frequent courses of antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections have been a growing concern in CF patients. Chronic bacterial infections and concomitant airway inflammation damage the lungs, ultimately leading to respiratory failure. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that high-dose ibuprofen reduces the rate of pulmonary function decline in CF patients. This beneficial effect has been attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen. Previously, we have confirmed that high-dose ibuprofen demonstrates antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa both in vitro and in vivo. However, no study has examined the antimicrobial effect of combining ibuprofen with standard-of-care antimicrobials. Here, we evaluated the possible synergistic activity of combinations of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), namely, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, with commonly used antibiotics for CF patients. The drug combinations were screened against different CF clinical isolates. Antibiotics that demonstrated increased efficacy in the presence of ibuprofen were further tested for potential synergistic effects between these NSAIDS and antimicrobials. Finally, a survival analysis of a P. aeruginosa murine infection model was used to demonstrate the efficacy of the most potent combination identified in in vitro screening. Our results suggest that combinations of ibuprofen with commonly used antibiotics demonstrate synergistic antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant, clinical bacterial strains in vitro. The efficacy of the combination of ceftazidime and ibuprofen against resistant P. aeruginosa was demonstrated in an in vivo pneumonia model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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9 pages, 3563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preclinical Studies on the Safety and Toxicity of Photoditazine in the Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy of Uropathogenic Bacteria

by Olga Streltsova, Artem Antonyan, Nadezhda Ignatova, Katerina Yunusova, Vadim Elagin and Vladislav Kamensky

Biomedicines 2023, 11(8), 2283; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082283 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1497

Abstract

The ‘dusting’ technique of lithotripsy for the removal of infected urinary calculi and the wide use of drainage after endoscopic surgery may stimulate spreading of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one promising method for the elimination these strains. The purpose [...] Read more.

The ‘dusting’ technique of lithotripsy for the removal of infected urinary calculi and the wide use of drainage after endoscopic surgery may stimulate spreading of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one promising method for the elimination these strains. The purpose of our study was to evaluate alterations of renal pelvis morphology and renal function in laboratory animals after bactericidal regimens of PDT. Renal pelvises of pigs were filled with Photoditazine and then assessed either by examining the accumulation of Photoditazine in the urothelium or by illumination with a laser at a wavelength of 662 nm. A renal test and a complete blood count was performed to assess a negative effect of the treatment on health. Structural alterations of the kidney tissues were analyzed by histological examination. No photosensitizer fluorescence was detected in the urothelium of the pelvis. Histological study showed that PDT caused minor changes to the urothelium of the renal pelvis but did not affect the underlying connective tissue. No renal function abnormalities were found after PDT. Thus, the study indicates that antibacterial PDT is a safety technique that can complement common antibiotic therapy in the surgical treatment of urolithiasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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16 pages, 7228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Vivo Bactericidal Potential of Mangifera indica Mediated Silver Nanoparticles against Aeromonas hydrophila in Cirrhinus mrigala

by Muhammad Akram Raza, Zakia Kanwal, Saira Riaz, Maira Amjad, Shafqat Rasool, Shahzad Naseem, Nadeem Abbas, Naushad Ahmad and Suliman Yousef Alomar

Biomedicines 2023, 11(8), 2272; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082272 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

The present study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from leaves’ extract of Mangifera indica (M. indica) and their antibacterial efficacy against Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) in Cirrhinus mrigala (C. mrigala). The prepared M. indica mediated [...] Read more.

The present study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from leaves’ extract of Mangifera indica (M. indica) and their antibacterial efficacy against Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) in Cirrhinus mrigala (C. mrigala). The prepared M. indica mediated silver nanoparticles (Mi-AgNPs) were found to be polycrystalline in nature, spherical in shapes with average size of 62 ± 13 nm. C. mrigala (n = ±15/group) were divided into six groups i.e., G1: control, G2: A. hydrophila challenged, G3: A. hydrophila challenged + Mi-AgNPs (0.01 mg/L), G4: A. hydrophila challenged + Mi-AgNPs (0.05 mg/L), G5: A. hydrophila challenged + Mi-AgNPs (0.1 mg/L) and G6: A. hydrophila challenged + M. indica extract (0.1 mg/L). Serum biochemical, hematological, histological and oxidative biomarkers were evaluated after 15 days of treatment. The liver enzyme activities, serum proteins, hematological parameters and oxidative stress markers were found to be altered in the challenged fish but showed retrieval effects with Mi-AgNPs treatment. The histological analysis of liver, gills and kidney of the challenged fish also showed regaining effects following Mi-AgNPs treatment. A CFU assay from muscle tissue provided quantitative data that Mi-AgNPs can hinder the bacterial proliferation in challenged fish. The findings of this work suggest that M. indica based silver nanoparticles can be promising candidates for the control and treatment of microbial infections in aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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Review

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14 pages, 275 KiB

Open AccessReview

At the Intersection of Critical Care and Infectious Diseases: The Year in Review

by Sarah R. Sabo, Aarthi Venkatramanan and Andrew F. Shorr

Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030562 - 2 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2436

Abstract

Severe infection represents a leading reason for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) while nosocomial infection can arise as a complication of care in the ICU. The mortality and morbidity of such infections are substantial. These processes also put economic strain on [...] Read more.

Severe infection represents a leading reason for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) while nosocomial infection can arise as a complication of care in the ICU. The mortality and morbidity of such infections are substantial. These processes also put economic strain on the healthcare system. Additionally, the continued spread of antimicrobial resistance has made it more challenging both to prevent and treat severe infection. Until recently, there were few well-done trials addressing infection among the critically ill. However, over the last year, six important randomized studies have dealt with a range of topics at the intersection of infectious diseases and critical care. Our goal is to review these reports in order to clarify their major findings, significance, strengths, weaknesses, and clinical applications. Specifically, we explore and discuss six trials conducted in the areas of (1) prevention, (2) the present use of standard antimicrobials, and (3) novel adjunctive and antibiotic treatments. Through highlighting these trials, we hope to help clinicians apply their important findings in an evidence-based fashion at the bedside. It is through the application of key evidence that both infectious disease practitioners and intensivists can improve patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections and Alternative Therapies)

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