Microbiology Research

The transition toward reusable food packaging driven by European circular economy regulations introduces new food safety challenges related to microbial persistence and cross-contamination. GS-2 is a novel, food-safe antimicrobial formulation developed for use as a coating on reusable packaging materials. In the present study, the intrinsic antimicrobial activity of GS-2 was evaluated in liquid suspension against foodborne bacterial (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica Agona) and fungal pathogens (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger), and the transcriptomic response of L. monocytogenes following sublethal GS-2 exposure was investigated. GS-2 exhibited concentration-dependent microbicidal activity, with strong reductions observed at ≥2.8–3.0% against bacterial strains and A. flavus, while A. niger demonstrated resistance. Among bacteria, L. monocytogenes showed the greatest sensitivity, with populations reduced below detection limits at 3% GS-2. To elucidate mechanistic responses, RNA sequencing was performed on L. monocytogenes exposed to sublethal GS-2 concentrations (0.1–1.0%). Transcriptomic analyses using discrete and continuous models revealed a pronounced adaptive stress response at 0.5% GS-2, characterized by coordinated upregulation of pathways involved in carbon, nitrogen, and nucleotide metabolism. At higher sublethal concentrations (1%), transcriptional profiles shifted toward growth arrest and cellular damage management. These findings support GS-2 as a promising antimicrobial for enhancing the microbial safety of reusable food packaging systems. Full article

Nosocomial bronchopneumonia is a severe lung infection that develops more than 48 h after hospital admission and is frequently caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is often identified postmortem in forensic practice, particularly in patients with severe traumatic injuries requiring prolonged hospitalization and immobilization. Diagnosis is typically based on macroscopic findings and histopathological examination of lung tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of postmortem microbiological testing by comparison with antemortem microbiological data. Ten patients with a clinical diagnosis of nosocomial bronchopneumonia were selected from forensic cases. During autopsy, tracheal swabs and lung tissue samples were collected and subjected to culture-based and molecular analyses. The results were compared with those obtained from antemortem microbiological investigations. Pathogens characteristic of nosocomial infections were identified; however, concordance with in-hospital microbiological data was highest when using next-generation sequencing (NGS) metagenomic analysis. Tracheal swab culture appears to have limited reliability for postmortem identification of bacterial agents in healthcare-associated bronchopneumonia. In contrast, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of lung tissue obtained at autopsy showed the highest concordance with antemortem microbiological findings and may provide valuable complementary diagnostic information, particularly in polymicrobial infections. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable crop protection has intensified interest in biological control agents. This study characterized a Trichoderma asperellum strain (IDE-10) to assess its suitability for integrated pest and disease management. Key ecophysiological traits, including temperature, pH, and ultraviolet (UV) tolerance, were evaluated, along with compatibility with commonly used fungicides and insecticides. The strain exhibited optimal growth at 28.28 °C and sustained high growth rates up to 35 °C, with a maximum threshold of 39.21 °C, indicating strong adaptation to warm climates. Sporulation was enhanced between 25 and 35 °C, with no growth at 5 °C, and soil viability remained stable from 7 to 21 °C. The IDE-10 strain demonstrated broad pH tolerance (3–7) and high resistance to UV-A and UV-B radiation, distinguishing it from commercial strains. Insecticides had no significant adverse effects, while fungicide compatibility varied, with IDE-10 being compatible with metalaxyl- and copper-based formulations. These findings highlight the robustness and adaptability of T. asperellum IDE-10, supporting its potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable crop protection strategies, particularly in Mediterranean agricultural systems. Full article

Tomato leaf mold, caused by Passalora fulva, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting greenhouse tomato production and can cause substantial yield losses under conditions of high relative humidity and moderate temperatures that favor pathogen infection and disease development. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of a commercial fungicide formulation, Priori Top^® (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole), and three essential oils derived from Eucalyptus globulus, Artemisia herba-alba, and Mentha pulegium against two monoconidial isolates of P. fulva. Unlike previous studies, which have mainly focused on mycelial growth, the present work simultaneously evaluated the effects of the tested products on mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidial germination, providing a comprehensive assessment of antifungal efficacy across three key developmental stages of the pathogen. Antifungal activity was quantified by estimating IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values using Probit regression analysis. The azoxystrobin–difenoconazole formulation consistently exhibited the highest antifungal activity across all evaluated parameters and showed the lowest estimated IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values for both fungal isolates. Among the tested essential oils, Artemisia herba-alba exhibited the greatest antifungal activity, reducing mycelial growth by 83% and 78% at 500 ppm for isolates 1 and 2, respectively, and consistently outperforming Mentha pulegium and Eucalyptus globulus. Differences in sensitivity were observed between the two fungal isolates, indicating intraspecific variability in their response to the tested treatments. These findings demonstrate the strong antifungal efficacy of the azoxystrobin–difenoconazole formulation against P. fulva and identify A. herba-alba essential oil as the most promising botanical treatment for integrated management of tomato leaf mold. Further greenhouse and field studies are required to validate these findings, optimize formulation strategies, and evaluate the practical application of A. herba-alba essential oil under commercial production conditions. Full article

Acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of infant hospitalization worldwide, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) historically predominating. Prospective virological data for the 2025–2026 epidemic season in Morocco were lacking. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Clinical Immunology, Casablanca Mother-Child Hospital, from August 2025 through March 2026. Consecutive infants aged 1–24 months hospitalized with acute viral bronchiolitis underwent nasopharyngeal sampling and multiplex rapid antigen testing for RSV, influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2. A total of 131 infants were enrolled (median age 4.8 months; male-to-female ratio 0.84:1). At least one virus was identified in 63 patients (48.1%; 95% CI 39.1–57.3%). RSV predominated: 49 sole infections and 2 co-infections with influenza A, totaling 51 positives (80.9% of virus-positive cases; 38.9% of the cohort). Influenza A totaled 8 cases (12.7%), including the 2 co-infections; influenza B accounted for 2 further cases (3.2%). SARS-CoV-2 was not detected. Epidemic activity peaked in January 2026 (65 admissions), declining through February (34) and March (12). All detected pathogens have licensed preventive options, supporting the introduction of nirsevimab, maternal RSV vaccination, and seasonal influenza vaccination as public health priorities in Morocco. Full article

Mpox remains an important public health threat in several African countries, with recurrent outbreaks highlighting the need for decentralized and scalable diagnostic systems. During the 2024–2025 Mpox outbreak in Burundi, reliance on a single National Reference Laboratory limited timely diagnosis, reduced surveillance efficiency, and delayed outbreak response activities. This study describes and evaluates the implementation of a national strategy for decentralizing and expanding Mpox diagnostic capacity across Burundi. A descriptive implementation study was conducted between August 2024 and July 2025. Burundi implemented a four-phase diagnostic scale-up strategy that expanded Mpox testing services from one centralized laboratory to 56 decentralized GeneXpert-equipped laboratories, including mobile laboratory units. The implementation phases comprised strategic planning and risk mapping, pilot deployment at the national level, regional expansion, and extension to peripheral district laboratories. Key interventions included healthcare workforce training, strengthening laboratory supply chains, deployment of mobile diagnostic units, and integration of laboratory information into the national surveillance system. Program performance was assessed using indicators of laboratory network expansion, testing coverage, diagnostic turnaround time, and confirmed case detection. Following implementation, the number of operational Mpox diagnostic sites increased from 1 to 56, representing a 5500% expansion in testing capacity. National testing coverage approached 100%, substantially improving geographical access to diagnostic services. Weekly confirmed Mpox case detection increased by 496%, reflecting enhanced surveillance sensitivity and improved case identification. Diagnostic turnaround time decreased from 24–72 h under the centralized model to 2–4 h following decentralization. The expanded diagnostic network facilitated earlier case confirmation, more rapid isolation of infected individuals, strengthened surveillance activities, and accelerated implementation of outbreak control measures. The phased decentralization of Mpox diagnostics using existing GeneXpert infrastructure and mobile laboratories substantially improved testing access, reduced diagnostic delays, and strengthened outbreak response capacity in Burundi. This approach demonstrates a practical, scalable, and cost-effective model for enhancing epidemic preparedness and building resilient diagnostic systems in resource-constrained settings. Similar strategies could support improved detection and control of Mpox and other emerging infectious diseases across Africa and comparable low-resource environments. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen increasingly associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) and therapeutic failure. Data on MDR community-associated P. aeruginosa in southern Morocco remain limited. This study evaluated the contribution of urban diagnostic laboratories to the surveillance of MDR P. aeruginosa in this underrepresented region. A retrospective multicenter study was conducted between January and December 2024 using data collected from urban medical diagnostic laboratories in southern Morocco. Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa recovered from community-associated patients were identified using standard microbiological methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to EUCAST guidelines. MDR was defined as non-susceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial classes according to the international criteria. Associations between MDR status and demographic variables were assessed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Among the 49 P. aeruginosa isolates included, 29 (59.2%, 95% CI: 45.4–72.0%) were classified as MDR. High resistance rates were observed for several β-lactams, whereas most isolates remained susceptible to amikacin and selected β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. No statistically significant association was found between MDR status and demographic variables. These findings highlight the circulation of MDR P. aeruginosa in southern Morocco and suggest that urban diagnostic laboratories may provide valuable complementary data for community-level antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Full article

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant global health concern, with women being disproportionately affected. As the clinical importance of Klebsiella spp. as uropathogens continues to rise, this study aimed to determine their prevalence and associated factors among women attending a tertiary hospital in Libreville, Gabon. Bacteriological urine analyses were conducted on 791 women (inpatients and outpatients) at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Instruction Hospital between April and December 2024. Bacterial identification was performed using Analytical Profile Index (API 20E) strips and the VITEK^® 2 Compact system. The overall UTI prevalence was 43.6% (345/791). Klebsiella spp. accounted for 14.4% (114/791) of all cases, representing an isolation rate of 33.0% (114/345) among infected participants. Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) was the predominant species (84.2%), followed by K. aerogenes (9.6%) and K. oxytoca (6.1%). Marital status was significantly associated with Klebsiella spp. UTIs; compared to single/divorced women, widows (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0–4.5) and those in married or cohabiting unions (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) exhibited a significantly higher risk of infection. These findings highlight a substantial proportion of UTIs caused by Klebsiella spp. in Libreville and underscore the influence of sociodemographic factors on infection risk, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive measures in at-risk populations. Full article

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common mucosal infection that predominantly affects reproductive-aged women. Although conventional antifungal agents remain the primary treatment option, there is growing interest in developing alternative therapeutic approaches that can enhance antifungal efficacy while potentially reducing treatment burden. Natural products have emerged as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with antifungal potential, offering opportunities for novel combination-based therapies. Ebselen (EB), an organoselenium compound with potent redox-modulating and antifungal properties, and its structurally related analogs represent promising candidates for such strategies. Likewise, black seed oil (BSO), derived from Nigella sativa, and its major active constituent, thymoquinone (TQ), have demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida species, supporting their investigation as natural product-based partners in synergistic antifungal combinations. Commercially prepared BSO and purified TQ were tested across a range of concentrations in a broth microdilution assay in combination with EB and novel organoselenium analogs, including Ebselen Oxide (EB-Ox) and N-octyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one (APM C6). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for single agents and combinations were determined, and the resulting datasets were analyzed using the web-based Synergy Finder platform. EB, EB-Ox, and APM C6 showed consistent synergy with BSO and TQ against C. albicans (clinical isolate S1), as indicated by positive synergy scores relative to monotherapies. Full article

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential macronutrients that often limit plant growth due to their low bioavailability in soil. Beneficial microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, play important roles in improving nutrient availability and supporting plant productivity. This study investigated the populations of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria associated with different Curcuma species. Samples were collected during the vegetative stage from rhizosphere soil, rhizomes, stems, and leaves. Plant tissues were surface-sterilized to isolate endophytic bacteria, and microbial populations were enumerated using nitrogen-free agar and Pikovskaya agar at 28 °C for 7–14 days. The results revealed clear differences in bacterial populations among plant compartments and Curcuma species. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria were most abundant in the rhizosphere, reaching 3.0–23.3 × 10⁴ CFU/g in field conditions and 3.3–18.3 × 10⁴ CFU/g in the plastic house, followed by rhizomes, stems, and leaves. Similarly, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria showed the highest populations in the rhizosphere (11.3–29.7 × 10⁴ CFU/g in the field and 4.3–25.5 × 10⁴ CFU/g in the plastic house). These findings suggest that Curcuma-associated nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria may contribute to nutrient cycling and potentially enhance plant adaptation to environmental stresses through improved nutrient acquisition, providing a basis for future studies and biofertilizer development in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi positively modulate the production of plant bioactive compounds under greenhouse conditions and in experimental fields; however, their role in naturally occurring trees is poorly understood. This research aimed to verify the relationship between mycorrhizal activity and the concentration of foliar biomolecules in a natural population of Anadenanthera colubrina. Leaves and rhizosphere soil were collected from ten individuals of two fragments during the dry and rainy seasons. Foliar metabolite concentrations were quantified, while the soil was used to evaluate mycorrhizal colonization and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSPs). Mycorrhizal colonization showed a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) with metabolite production only during the dry season. GRSPs has higher deposition during the dry season, but has a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) with metabolite production only in the rainy season. Both seasons influenced metabolite concentration, with the highest accumulation occurring during the rainy season. Therefore, mycorrhizal colonization and GRSPs deposition are related to the production of foliar metabolites of A. colubrina in a natural environment, but this relationship is strongly modulated by local rainfall. Full article

Influent wastewater, characterized by a diverse bacterial composition of human and animal origin, is a suitable source for studying the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, particularly in Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of these two species as reservoirs and indicators of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Wastewater treatment plants near the three largest cities of Bulgaria (Sofia, Varna and Burgas) were selected for sampling. Influent wastewater samples were collected for a period of 3 months (February, March and May) and used in the analyses. Overall, 34 bacterial isolates (E. faecalis, n = 13 and E. faecium, n = 21) were isolated and identified by MALDI-ToF. Phenotypic and genotypic methods were used to evaluate their antibiotic resistance profiles (focusing on clinically relevant antibiotics) and virulence potential. High dissemination of phenotypic ampicillin and quinupristin-dalfoprisin resistance (97% of all tested strains and 81% of all E. faecium strains, respectively) was established. In March, the highest number of antibiotic-resistant profiles was observed, including the emergence of MDR strains, primarily among E. faecium strains. Molecular analyses revealed a dissemination of genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides and β-lactam antibiotics. The most prevalent virulence genes were gelE and ace, found only in E. faecalis strains. All gelE-positive strains also exhibited phenotypic gelatinase activity. In this study, E. faecium shows greater antibiotic resistance potential, whereas E. faecalis exhibits increased virulence capacity. These exploratory findings support the usefulness of influent wastewater as a matrix for monitoring antibiotic-resistant and potentially virulent enterococcal isolates, while larger-scale and seasonally representative studies are needed to confirm temporal and geographic patterns. Full article

The skin microbiome plays a central role in maintaining cutaneous homeostasis, and its disruption has been implicated in a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative skin disorders. This review critically evaluates the current evidence on topical probiotics in dermatology, integrating microbiological mechanisms, formulation strategies, and translational and regulatory challenges within a single framework—an angle that remains insufficiently addressed in previous reviews. A targeted search of PubMed and ScienceDirect (2009–2025) was conducted to identify relevant original studies. The results suggest that topical probiotics may promote skin health through three broad, interconnected axes: (i) modulation of host responses (e.g., inflammation, immune signaling, and oxidative stress); (ii) microbial ecology and pathogen control (e.g., competition, acidification, and antimicrobial metabolite production); and (iii) support of barrier function and tissue repair (e.g., lipid metabolism, re-epithelialization, and extracellular matrix remodeling). Efficacy appears to depend strongly on strain specificity, formulation design, and microbial viability during storage and application. In addition to conventional dosage forms, advanced platforms—hydrogels, microgels, microparticles, and microneedle-based systems—have been investigated to improve stability and local delivery. Promising preclinical and clinical results have been reported for acne, wound healing, skin barrier repair, and anti-aging applications. Nevertheless, major translational challenges remain, including limited standardization, instability of live microorganisms, insufficiently representative experimental models, and regulatory uncertainty. Overall, topical probiotics represent a promising microbiome-based strategy in dermatology, but robust clinical validation and formulation optimization are still needed to support broader clinical implementation. Full article

Coral-associated microbial communities play a critical role in the health and resilience of reef ecosystems; however, the relative importance of host identity and environmental factors in shaping these communities remains unclear, particularly in understudied regions such as the Gulf of California. In this study, we characterized the taxonomic composition, diversity patterns, persistent taxa (core bacteriome), and predicted functional potential of bacterial communities associated with three coral genera (Pocillopora, Porites, and Pavona) and surrounding seawater using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and PICRUSt2-based functional inference. Bacterial community structure differed significantly among coral hosts (PERMANOVA, p < 0.01), whereas geographic location and measured physicochemical parameters had no detectable effect. Coral-associated bacterial communities exhibited lower alpha diversity than seawater and formed distinct host-specific clusters in beta-diversity analyses. Core bacteriome analysis revealed a combination of conserved and host-specific taxa, with Acinetobacter consistently present across hosts, while genera such as Pseudovibrio and Ruegeria showed host-specific associations. Differential abundance analyses further confirmed distinct bacterial signatures among coral genera. Predicted functional profiles were dominated by central metabolic pathways and exhibited significant differences among hosts, although overall functional composition remained relatively conserved. Stratified analyses indicated that similar metabolic pathways were supported by different taxonomic assemblages, suggesting functional redundancy. Overall, our results demonstrate that host identity is the primary driver of both taxonomic composition and predicted functional potential in coral-associated bacterial communities in the Gulf of California, highlighting the coexistence of stability and host-specific differentiation within the coral holobiont. Full article

Sexually transmitted infections remain a major public health concern among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly due to the high frequency of coinfections and the limitations of syndromic management. This study aimed to describe the frequency of bacterial sexually transmitted and urogenital pathogens among symptomatic MSM attending two specialized sexual health clinics in Mexico City. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 adult MSM presenting symptoms suggestive of urethritis. Urethral swab samples were analyzed using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, and Trichomonas vaginalis. At least one pathogen was detected in 91/150 participants (60.7%). N. gonorrhoeae was the most frequent pathogen (33.3%), followed by U. urealyticum (15.3%), M. genitalium (9.3%), and C. trachomatis (9.3%). Coinfections were identified in 15 participants, representing 10.0% of the total population and 16.5% of those with a positive PCR result. Most coinfections involved N. gonorrhoeae, particularly with C. trachomatis. These findings provide descriptive microbiological evidence on the frequency and coinfection patterns of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated pathogens among symptomatic MSM attending specialized sexual health clinics in Mexico City. The high detection rate and occurrence of concurrent infections highlight the limitations of syndromic management and support the value of timely multiplex molecular diagnostics to improve etiological characterization, antimicrobial stewardship, and clinical decision-making in this population. Full article

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) play central roles in sensing fungal pathogens and coordinating Syk-CARD9-dependent inflammatory responses. While Dectin-3 contributes to antifungal immunity against several clinically relevant fungi, its role in host defense against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis remains unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of Dectin-3 deficiency using Clec4d⁻/⁻ mice and primary phagocytes during experimental Paracoccidioidomycosis. Dectin-3-deficient macrophages and dendritic cells displayed unaltered cytokine production, phagocytic capacity, fungicidal activity, and maturation following P. brasiliensis challenge. Consistently, the absence of Dectin-3 did not impact survival or pulmonary fungal burden during long-term systemic infection. These findings are consistent with functional redundancy among CLRs, potentially involving Dectin-1, Dectin-2, or other Syk-coupled receptors rendering Dectin 3 dispensable for immunity to systemic experimental P. brasiliensis infection. Full article

Urban pigeons (Columba livia) are widely distributed synanthropic birds closely associated with environments of intense human activity, raising interest in their role in urban microbial dynamics. Here, we characterized the fecal bacterial microbiota of urban pigeons from northern Mexico using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (V3–V4). A total of 1479 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified across five pooled samples. Alpha diversity varied among pools, with observed richness ranging from 228 to 514 ASVs. The bacterial community was dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, particularly Escherichia–Shigella and Enterococcus. PICRUSt2-based functional predictions suggested a predominance of predicted metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate degradation and energy acquisition. Conservative taxonomic screening identified 58 gut-associated taxa, including 15 bacteria previously reported in association with humans; however, only three (Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Proteus mirabilis) showed reported zoonotic associations, all at very low relative abundances (<0.07%). These findings indicate that the fecal bacterial communities characterized in this study were dominated by taxa commonly associated with the avian gastrointestinal tract, whereas taxa that could be conservatively linked to documented zoonotic reports represented only a minor fraction of the detected microbiota. Overall, the results contribute to a more ecologically informed understanding of urban pigeon-associated microbiota within a One Health framework. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of seven biochemical stimulants, ferulic acid, malic acid, L-carnitine, ergothioneine, magnesium sulfate, trehalose, and betaine, on biomass accumulation, total lipid content, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production in Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 under controlled fermentation conditions. The compounds were selected based on their reported roles in antioxidant defense, carbon flux regulation, osmoprotection, or methyl group donation, with the aim of assessing whether targeted, non-GMO supplementation could modestly enhance microbial productivity. Compared with the control, supplementation with L-carnitine and ferulic acid resulted in the greatest enhancement of DHA production, increasing DHA concentration by 31.7% and 29.2%, respectively. These treatments were also associated with statistically significant, albeit moderate, increases in total lipid accumulation and biomass production. These responses indicate correlated improvements in overall cellular productivity rather than isolated effects on lipid biosynthesis. DHA concentrations were quantified following lipid extraction and transesterification using GC-based analysis; however, comprehensive fatty acid compositional profiling (e.g., saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid distributions or DHA-to-total lipid ratios) was not performed. Although direct mechanistic assays were not performed, the observed trends are consistent with known biochemical functions related to redox balance, cofactor availability, and stress adaptation. A preliminary cost-efficiency analysis identified malic acid as the most economical stimulant for DHA enhancement, whereas ergothioneine was the least cost-effective despite measurable biological effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that biochemical stimulation can provide incremental yet reproducible gains in DHA production and lipid accumulation. This work supports the use of targeted biochemical supplementation as a scalable, non-GMO strategy for microbial omega-3 production and establishes a foundation for future optimization through combinatorial supplementation, multi-omics validation, and process engineering. Full article

Invasive bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis remain a major public health concern. This study aimed to perform the molecular characterization of bacterial strains responsible for meningitis in patients of all ages who met the World Health Organization case definition for meningitis and had cerebrospinal fluid samples collected between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory of the National Public Health Institute of Mali. We conducted a surveillance-based observational study using national surveillance data collected between January 2021 and December 2022. Data were collected continuously and in real time throughout the study. The analysis was cross-sectional and descriptive. Data were obtained from samples received at the laboratory, accompanied by individual clinical notification forms. For each sample, demographic data and additional clinical information, including vaccination status, were collected. Infection was diagnosed by isolating invasive strains through culture, confirmed by real-time triplex PCR, and positive cases were further characterized by real-time triplex PCR for serotyping. Overall, 103 infections were confirmed among the 1000 samples received, corresponding to a positivity rate of 10.3%. S. pneumoniae predominated with 62%, followed by H. influenzae type b with 36% and N. meningitidis serogroup X with 2%. The identified serotypes of pneumococcus were predominantly not covered by existing vaccines, particularly serotype 23A (38.30%), while others, including serotypes 1 (17.02%) and 3 (10.63%), are included in the PCV13 vaccine. The distribution of cases by age and gender shows a predominance of males, accounting for 60.2% of cases (62/103). The 0–5 age group is by far the largest, accounting for 76.7% of cases (79/103), with males representing 58. 22% (46 cases). These findings highlight the importance and the need for continuous monitoring surveillance of circulating strains and strengthening vaccination efforts to improve prevention. Full article