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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Advances in Human Infection
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Advances in Human Infection

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 4141

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lorenzo Drago

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: microbiota and probiotics; prosthetic and joint infections; biofilm implant related infections; osteomyelitis; diagnosis for bone-joint infec-tions; antimicrobials and antimicrobial devices
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled 'Advances in Human Infection', explores the latest developments in understanding, diagnosing, and treating various human diseases.

Contributions from leading researchers provide insights into pressing issues such as antimicrobial resistance and viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. This compilation informs healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers about the latest advances that could shape the future landscape of human infection control and prevention.

Dr. Lorenzo Drago
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human
  • diseases
  • viral
  • bacterial
  • fungal

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4957 KiB  
Article
Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Characterization of Clostridioides difficile Infection Cases at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb
by Marko Siroglavic, Paul G. Higgins, Lucija Kanizaj, Ivana Ferencak, Dragan Juric, Goran Augustin and Ana Budimir
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122434 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 939
Abstract
We investigated the intra-hospital distribution of C. difficile strains by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of isolates collected in 2022 at the University Hospital Centre (UHC) Zagreb. In total, 103 patients with first-episode CDI in 2022 at UHC Zagreb were included, based on the screening [...] Read more.
We investigated the intra-hospital distribution of C. difficile strains by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of isolates collected in 2022 at the University Hospital Centre (UHC) Zagreb. In total, 103 patients with first-episode CDI in 2022 at UHC Zagreb were included, based on the screening stool antigen test for GDH (RidaQuick CD GDH; R-Biopharm AG, Germany), confirmed by Eazyplex C. difficile assays (Eazyplex CD assay; AmplexDiagnostics GmbH, Germany) specific for A, B, and binary toxins. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed from electronic medical records. All samples were subjected to WGS analysis. Genetic clusters were formed from isolates with no more than six allelic differences according to core genome MLST. We identified six clusters containing 2–59 isolates with 15 singletons and 30 instances of possible intra-hospital transmission, mostly in the COVID-19 ward. WGS analysis proved useful in identifying clusters of isolates connecting various patient wards with possible transmission routes in the hospital setting. It could be used to support local and national surveillance of CDI infections and their transmission pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human Infection)
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Review

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14 pages, 1159 KiB  
Review
Inquilinus Species Infections in Humans—A Narrative Review
by Anastasia Vasilopoulou, Takis Panayiotou, Stella Baliou, Andreas G. Tsantes and Petros Ioannou
Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030592 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Background: Inquilinus species are Gram-negative, non-sporulating, non-pigmented rods that are catalase-positive, indole-negative, and able to grow at various temperatures and in 1% NaCl. Infections due to Inquilinus spp. are increasingly identified, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. Objective: This review aims to present [...] Read more.
Background: Inquilinus species are Gram-negative, non-sporulating, non-pigmented rods that are catalase-positive, indole-negative, and able to grow at various temperatures and in 1% NaCl. Infections due to Inquilinus spp. are increasingly identified, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. Objective: This review aims to present all reported cases of Inquilinus spp. infections in humans, with an emphasis on data regarding epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial treatment, and mortality. Methods: A narrative review based on a literature search of the PubMed/MedLine and Scopus databases was performed. Results: In total, 13 articles providing data on 25 patients with Inquilinus infections were included in the analysis. The median age was 19 years, while 60% were male. Cystic fibrosis was the predominant risk factor (92%). Respiratory tract infection was the most common type of infection (96%). Inquilinus limosus was the most commonly identified species. Polymicrobial infection was very common (77.3%). Microbial identification required the use of advanced molecular techniques, such as 16s rRNA sequencing. The pathogen exhibited resistance to beta-lactams, with the exception of carbapenems. The most commonly used antimicrobials included carbapenems (68.4%), followed by quinolones (57.9%) and aminoglycosides (52.6%). Mortality was low (4%). Conclusions: Due to the potential of Inquilinus spp. to cause infection in patients with cystic fibrosis, and given the difficulties in microbial identification, clinicians and laboratory professionals should consider it in the differential diagnosis of patients with cystic fibrosis and respiratory tract infection not responding to beta-lactam treatment or with polymicrobial infections, especially when traditional techniques are used for microbial identification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human Infection)
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14 pages, 448 KiB  
Review
Fungal Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
by Maria Mazzitelli, Federico Nalesso, Alberto Enrico Maraolo, Vincenzo Scaglione, Lucrezia Furian and Annamaria Cattelan
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010207 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1657
Abstract
Background: Despite kidney transplantation being a life-saving procedure, patients experience a high risk of developing fungal infections (FIs), with an increased risk of both morbidity and mortality, especially during the first year after transplant. Methods: We herein conducted a narrative review of the [...] Read more.
Background: Despite kidney transplantation being a life-saving procedure, patients experience a high risk of developing fungal infections (FIs), with an increased risk of both morbidity and mortality, especially during the first year after transplant. Methods: We herein conducted a narrative review of the most common FIs in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), with a focus on prevalence, risk factors, mortality, and prevention strategies. Results: The most common fungal pathogens in KTRs include Candida species (up to 70% of the overall FIs), Aspergillus species, Pneumocystis jiroveci, and Cryptococcus species. Fungal colonization, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, malnutrition, and pre-existing lung conditions should all be acknowledged as possible predisposing risk factors. The mortality rate can vary from 25 to 50% and according to different settings and the types of FIs. Preventive strategies are critical for reducing the incidence of FIs in this population. These include antifungal prophylaxis, environmental precautions, and infection control measures. The use of novel tools (such as PCR-based molecular assays and NGS) for rapid and accurate diagnosis may play an important role. Conclusions: Early recognition, the appropriate use of antifungal therapy, and preventive strategies are essential for improving graft loss and fatal outcomes in this vulnerable population. Future research is needed to optimize diagnostic tools, identify novel antifungal agents, and develop better prophylactic strategies for high-risk transplant recipients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human Infection)
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Other

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9 pages, 265 KiB  
Opinion
Proposing Bromo-Epi-Androsterone (BEA) for Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)
by Coad Thomas Dow
Microorganisms 2025, 13(4), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13040824 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 524
Abstract
SPS is characterized by progressive spasmodic muscular rigidity. SPS is thought to be an autoimmune disease with a prominent feature of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GAD is responsible for the enzymatic conversion of glutamic acid (glutamate) into the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric [...] Read more.
SPS is characterized by progressive spasmodic muscular rigidity. SPS is thought to be an autoimmune disease with a prominent feature of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GAD is responsible for the enzymatic conversion of glutamic acid (glutamate) into the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Reduced GABA activity leads to increased excitability in the central nervous system, resulting in muscle rigidity and spasms characteristic of SPS. While SPS is rare, anti-GAD antibodies seen in SPS are also seen in the much more common autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes (T1D). There is evolving research showing that the anti-GAD antibodies of T1D are produced in response to the presence of mycobacterial heat shock protein 65 (mHSP65), and the mHSP65 is produced in response to an occult infection by a bacterium, Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis (MAP). Humans are broadly exposed to MAP in food, water, and air. There are linear and conformational similarities between the epitopes of GAD and mHSP65. This article proposes that MAP is also an infectious trigger for SPS. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a principal component of the steroid metabolome; it plateaus in young adults and then steadily declines. Bromo-epi-androsterone (BEA) is a potent synthetic analog of DHEA; unlike DHEA, it is non-androgenic, non-anabolic, and an effective modulator of immune dysregulation. BEA is also an anti-infective agent and has been shown to benefit mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis and leprosy. With the immune stabilizing capacity of BEA as well as its anti-mycobacterial properties, there is reason to believe that a randomized clinical trial with BEA may be beneficial for SPS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human Infection)
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