Feature Papers in Medical Microbiology
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Editor
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
As follows from the title, this Topical Collection, “Feature Papers in Medical Microbiology”, aims to collect high-quality research articles and review articles in all fields of medical microbiology. It will focus on research in infectious diseases, pathogenic microorganism–hosts interaction, bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology, including immunology and epidemiology as related to these fields and all microbial pathogens, as well as the microbiota and its effect on health and disease in various hosts.
Since the aim of this Topical Collection is to illustrate, through selected works, pioneeting research in medical microbiology, we encourage Editorial Board Members of the Medical Microbiology Section of Microorganisms to contribute papers reflecting the latest progress in their research field or to invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so.
Prof. Dr. Adriana Calderaro
Collection Editor
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Keywords
- medical microbiology
- infectious diseases
- pathogenic microorganism
Published Papers (19 papers)
Open AccessArticle
Investigating Skin Microbial Community in Malignant Melanoma Lesions
by
Michele Properzi, Valentina Dimartino, Daniele Pietrucci, Carla Fontana, Claudia Rotondo, Luigi Lembo, Francesco Ricci, Francesca Scatozza, Giovanni Di Lella, Francesco Messina, Giovanni Chillemi, Barbara Bartolini and Antonio Facchiano
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13050992 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 102
Abstract
The skin microbiome is identified as one of the crucial factors in several pathological conditions, including its potential capacity in modulating cancer progression and response to treatment. A strong association of
Bacilli and
Betaproteobacteria classes and the
Bacteroidetes phylum with melanoma is described
[...] Read more.
The skin microbiome is identified as one of the crucial factors in several pathological conditions, including its potential capacity in modulating cancer progression and response to treatment. A strong association of
Bacilli and
Betaproteobacteria classes and the
Bacteroidetes phylum with melanoma is described in patients with cutaneous malignancies, while an imbalance of
S. epidermidis and
S. aureus is related to the progression of other skin cancers. In the present study, we characterized the microbial community in suspected lesions of 35 patients, classified, after histological analysis, as malignant melanoma lesions and benign non-melanoma lesions. Mirrored healthy skin were also included as negative control. No significant difference in alpha and beta diversity was observed when samples were categorized in four different groups (melanoma samples vs. contralateral healthy samples; melanoma samples vs. benign lesions; benign lesions vs. contralateral controls; melanoma controls vs. benign controls). The differential abundance analyses show that
Corynebacterium urealyticum is more abundant in melanoma samples compared to their control, while
Roseomonas gilardii is less abundant in melanoma.
Staphylococcus massiliensis,
Bacillus coagulans,
Paracoccus yeei,
Corynebacterium jeikeium, and
Corynebacterium pyruviciproducens are present only in melanoma samples when compared with benign lesions.
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Open AccessReview
Malignant Syphilis Mimicking Lymphoma in HIV: A Challenging Case and a Review of Literature Focusing on the Role of HIV and Syphilis Coinfection
by
Chiara Maci, Diana Canetti, Chiara Tassan Din, Elena Bruzzesi, Maria Francesca Lucente, Flavia Badalucco Ciotta, Caterina Candela, Maurilio Ponzoni, Antonella Castagna and Silvia Nozza
Viewed by 199
Abstract
The rate of reported syphilis cases is increasing worldwide, particularly among men who have sex with men. In this scenario, malignant syphilis is a rare, severe form of secondary syphilis, typically observed in immunocompromised individuals and characterized by rupioid skin lesions, together with
[...] Read more.
The rate of reported syphilis cases is increasing worldwide, particularly among men who have sex with men. In this scenario, malignant syphilis is a rare, severe form of secondary syphilis, typically observed in immunocompromised individuals and characterized by rupioid skin lesions, together with systemic symptoms that could lead to potentially life-threatening complications. We report the complex case of a 42-year-old man, previously diagnosed with HIV infection, presenting with a five-day history of fever and multiple lymphadenopathies. His immunovirological status was well controlled, and he was fully adherent to antiretroviral therapy. His clinical presentation was severe and ambiguous, with neurological involvement being progressively excluded. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological tests, while histopathological examination of an excised lymph node revealed disrupted architecture with multiple granulomas. Differential diagnosis, including lymphoma and other potential etiologies, was performed. After completion of antibiotic therapy, clinical symptoms completely resolved. No Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction occurred. We also provide an updated review of the current literature, with a focus on HIV coinfection, which is frequently associated with the development of malignant syphilis, and discuss the need for enhanced interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections, as well as the importance of judicious use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis.
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Open AccessArticle
Performance Evaluation of Multiplex Molecular Syndromic Panel vs. Singleplex PCR for Diagnosis of Acute Central Nervous System Infections
by
Liliana Gabrielli, Miriam Tomaiuolo, Isabella Banchini, Alice Balboni, Andrea Liberatore, Federica Lanna, Alessia Cantiani, Alessia Bertoldi, Matteo Pavoni, Lamberto Manzoli and Tiziana Lazzarotto
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, represent medical emergencies that require rapid identification of the causative pathogen to guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. The QIAstat-Dx
® Meningitis/Encephalitis (QIA/ME) is a molecular syndromic panel that enables the simultaneous detection of
[...] Read more.
Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, represent medical emergencies that require rapid identification of the causative pathogen to guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. The QIAstat-Dx
® Meningitis/Encephalitis (QIA/ME) is a molecular syndromic panel that enables the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and provides the visualization of cycle threshold (Ct) values, offering rapid results for prompt clinical management. This study retrospectively tested, with the QIA/ME panel, 170 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with CNS infections, confirmed through routine diagnostic workflows. The results were compared with those obtained from bacterial culture and singleplex PCR for viral detection. The QIA/ME demonstrated 100% concordance with reference methods for bacterial and yeast infections. For viral infections, the overall detection rate was 85.9%. Specifically, when singleplex PCR results exceeded 250 copies/mL for DNA viruses and 500 copies/mL for the RNA virus, the concordance rate with the QIA/ME was 96.8%. In contrast, when PCR values were below these thresholds, the concordance rate dropped to 43.8%. A strong overall correlation was observed between the viral load measured by singleplex PCR and Ct values from the QIA/ME (ρ = −0.83,
p < 0.001). Only for enterovirus a weak correlation was found (ρ = −0.40,
p = 0.056). The QIA/ME panel is an effective diagnostic tool for viral CNS infections, allowing for the visualization of Ct values that reflect pathogen load in samples and which could be useful in guiding clinical decision-making and patient management.
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Open AccessArticle
Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis as an Investigation Tool in Cryptosporidium parvum Outbreaks in Finland and Sweden in 2022
by
Kristiina Suominen, Anni Vainio, Pirkko Hokkanen, Riikka Åberg, Sanna Isosomppi, Eeva Särelä, Wioleta Kitowska, Ana Cristina Gonzalez-Perez, Jukka Ollgren, Ioana Bujila, Karin Troell, Anette Hansen, Mats Lindblad and Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of foodborne outbreaks. The 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (
gp60) is most often used for subtyping
Cryptosporidium species but is not always sufficient for defining clusters and infections sources. The Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) scheme has
[...] Read more.
Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of foodborne outbreaks. The 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (
gp60) is most often used for subtyping
Cryptosporidium species but is not always sufficient for defining clusters and infections sources. The Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) scheme has been developed to better differentiate between subtypes. A cryptosporidiosis outbreak, with 35 cases, was detected in Finland in September 2022. At the same time, in Sweden, three cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, with 107 cases, were detected, leading to international collaboration. In both countries, salad mixes were suspected as being the outbreak source. In the Finnish outbreak, the suspected salad mixes were produced in Sweden. In the Swedish outbreaks, salad mixes from two different producers were suspected. Twenty-nine patient samples which were positive for
Cryptosporidium parvum (11 from Finland and 18 from Sweden) were sent for MLVA. The Finnish outbreak samples had different
gp60 subtypes and MLVA profiles compared to the Swedish samples. In our investigation, MLVA differentiated
C. parvum subtypes in more detail than
gp60 typing. MLVA suggested no connection between the Finnish and Swedish outbreaks. A traceback investigation supported this conclusion. To detect outbreaks and identify infection sources, the timely subtyping of patient samples is crucial and should be implemented in routine surveillance and outbreak investigations.
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Open AccessArticle
Microspatial Heterogeneities and the Absence of Postmortem Contamination in Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Microbiota: An Alzheimer’s Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Study
by
Myat N. Thwe, Yves Moné, Bhaswati Sen, Samuel Czerski, Ahmed Azad, Joshua P. Earl, Donald C. Hall, Jr. and Garth D. Ehrlich
Viewed by 408
Abstract
The discovery of profound differences in the brain microbiota of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and age-matched controls (AMCs) raised questions of postmortem contamination and bacterial transport processes which could be informed by microspatial heterogeneities. We performed semiquantitative species-specific bacterial analyses on multiple micro
[...] Read more.
The discovery of profound differences in the brain microbiota of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and age-matched controls (AMCs) raised questions of postmortem contamination and bacterial transport processes which could be informed by microspatial heterogeneities. We performed semiquantitative species-specific bacterial analyses on multiple micro biopsies from each of the 30 brain specimens (AD and controls). We trimmed ~1 mm of each specimen’s edges for surface contaminants and made multiple sterile biopsy punches of the resultant core of each specimen. To identify species-specific abundances, we used our validated, semiquantitative, full-length 16S rRNA gene pan-domain amplification protocol followed by high-fidelity circular consensus sequencing performed on a Pacific Biosciences Sequel IIe instrument. Statistical analyses showed no significant increase in bacterial abundance on trimmed surfaces compared to core specimens, including
C. acnes, the most abundant species previously identified in AD. We did find evidence of substantial bacterial species abundance differences among micro-biopsies obtained from within individual tissue blocks supporting our hypothesis of microspatial heterogeneities. The autopsy brain specimens used in our analyses in this study and our previous publication were not contaminated prior to or postharvesting but we suggest that future microbiological analyses of brain specimens include similar types of edge-core comparison analyses. Further, the species-level bacterial abundance heterogeneities among specimens of the same tissue suggest that multiple symbiotic processes may be occurring.
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Open AccessArticle
Bacteroides fragilis Toxin Induces Sequential Proteolysis of E-Cadherin and Inflammatory Response in Mouse Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line
by
Woo-Seung Kim, Soonjae Hwang, Sun-Yeong Gwon, Minjeong Jo, Sang-Hyeon Yoo, Jiyun Hong, Ha-Neul Jang, Ju-Eun Hong, Da-Hye Kang, Miyong Yun and Ki-Jong Rhee
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic
Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is an intestinal bacterium that secretes the metalloprotease
Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT), which induces E-cadherin cleavage and interleukin-8 secretion in human intestinal epithelial cell lines. ETBF-induced E-cadherin cleavage is proposed to be the underlying reason for the promotion of
[...] Read more.
Enterotoxigenic
Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is an intestinal bacterium that secretes the metalloprotease
Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT), which induces E-cadherin cleavage and interleukin-8 secretion in human intestinal epithelial cell lines. ETBF-induced E-cadherin cleavage is proposed to be the underlying reason for the promotion of colitis in ETBF-infected mice. However, a BFT-responsive murine cell line has not yet been reported. In the current study, we report that the mouse colonic epithelial cell line CMT93 undergoes E-cadherin ectodomain cleavage, cell rounding, and proliferation in response to BFT treatment. The amino acid sequence of the putative cleavage site of E-cadherin is identical in both BFT-responsive (CMT93) and BFT-nonresponsive (MSIE, CT26, YAMC, and B16) cell lines, suggesting that the E-cadherin amino acid sequence is not responsible for this observation. After E-cadherin ectodomain cleavage, the membrane-bound intracellular E-cadherin domain underwent cleavage by γ-secretase and was subsequently degraded by the proteasome. Moreover, BFT induced the secretion of two chemokines (LIX and KC) and the formation of soluble TNFR1 in the CMT93 cell line. The identification of a BFT-responsive murine cell line may be used to elucidate the mechanism of ETBF pathogenesis in ETBF murine infection models.
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Open AccessArticle
Diversification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa After Inhaled Tobramycin Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics of Paired Pre- and Post-Treatment Isolates
by
Dayana Borisova, Tanya Strateva, Svetoslav G. Dimov, Borjana Atanassova, Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, Tanya Topouzova-Hristova, Svetla T. Danova, Rositsa Tropcheva and Stoyanka Stoitsova
Viewed by 272
Abstract
This study examines the impact of inhaled tobramycin therapy on the within-host changes in
P. aeruginosa strains isolated from Bulgarian patients with CF prior to and post treatment. Genotypic comparison by RAPD-PCR indicated that most of the pre-treatment isolates had a high similarity
[...] Read more.
This study examines the impact of inhaled tobramycin therapy on the within-host changes in
P. aeruginosa strains isolated from Bulgarian patients with CF prior to and post treatment. Genotypic comparison by RAPD-PCR indicated that most of the pre-treatment isolates had a high similarity and were genetically comparatively close to strains from other countries with known increased morbidity or treatment requirements. Most of the post-treatment isolates were, however, genetically distant from their pre-treatment counterparts, showing genotypic diversification after the treatment. Phenotypic comparisons showed a lower ODmax reached during groswth and an increased lag-time in the post-treatment isolates. All strains were capable of invasion and intracellular reproduction within A549 cultured cells. The addition of sub-inhibitory amounts (1/4 or 1/2 MIC) of tobramycin during growth showed the higher relative fitness (as a percentage of the untreated control) of the post-treatment strains. The effects of sub-MICs on biofilm growth did not show such a pronounced trend. However, when a resazurin-based viability test was applied, the advantage of the post-treatment strains was confirmed for both broth and biofilm cultures. In spite of that, according to the determined MIC values, all isolates were tobramycin-sensitive, and the data from this study imply the development of tolerance to the antibiotic in the strains that survived the treatment.
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Open AccessReview
Extracellular Vesicles in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes: Mechanisms of Inter-Kingdom Communication and Clinical Implications
by
Maria Di Naro, Giulio Petronio Petronio, Farwa Mukhtar, Marco Alfio Cutuli, Irene Magnifico, Marilina Falcone, Natasha Brancazio, Antonio Guarnieri, Roberto Di Marco and Daria Nicolosi
Viewed by 882
Abstract
Living organisms must adapt and communicate effectively in their environment to survive. Cells communicate through various mechanisms, including releasing growth factors, chemokines, small bioactive molecules, and cell–cell contact. In recent years, a new and sophisticated cell communication mechanism based on extracellular vesicles (EVs)
[...] Read more.
Living organisms must adapt and communicate effectively in their environment to survive. Cells communicate through various mechanisms, including releasing growth factors, chemokines, small bioactive molecules, and cell–cell contact. In recent years, a new and sophisticated cell communication mechanism based on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been described in all three domains of life: archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. EVs are small, bilayer proteolipid vesicles released by cells into the extracellular space. This review aims to analyze and compare the current literature on bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic EVs and their possible clinical applications. This framework will address three key points: (a) The role of EVs in bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea. (b) What is the impact of EVs in archaea on disease? (c) How archaea use EVs to communicate with other domains (bacteria/eukaryotes).
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Open AccessArticle
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Pyomelanin-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii ST2Pas;ST1816/ST195Oxf Causing the First European Nosocomial Outbreak
by
Alessandro Leonildi, Alfredo Rosellini, Giulia Gemignani, Giusy Tiseo, Marco Falcone, Cesira Giordano and Simona Barnini
Viewed by 679
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most successful and feared nosocomial pathogens.
A. baumannii is considered a global threat in the healthcare setting, mainly owing to its ability to acquire multidrug resistance phenotypes. The
A. baumannii pathogenesis is guided by its environmental persistence,
[...] Read more.
Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most successful and feared nosocomial pathogens.
A. baumannii is considered a global threat in the healthcare setting, mainly owing to its ability to acquire multidrug resistance phenotypes. The
A. baumannii pathogenesis is guided by its environmental persistence, as well as the production of numerous virulence factors. In several bacteria, the production of pigments, such as melanin, has indeed been linked with virulence and pathogenicity. Melanin is a brownish pigment, rarely observed in
A. baumannii, that potentially reduces the susceptibility of the bacteria to host defense mechanisms and environmental insults. This study reports the first outbreak in Europe by pyomelanin-producing
A. baumannii strains, in a tertiary-care university hospital in Pisa, Italy. Phenotypic and molecular analyses were performed.
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Open AccessReview
Leveraging Microorganisms to Combat Skin Cancer
by
Hayden J. Oyler, Austen W. Callister, Makenzi N. Kutch, Mark R. Wakefield and Yujiang Fang
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, presents a significant and growing global health challenge due to its increasing incidence and mortality rates. While conventional treatments such as surgical excision, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies are well-established, microorganism-based approaches represent an innovative and promising
[...] Read more.
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, presents a significant and growing global health challenge due to its increasing incidence and mortality rates. While conventional treatments such as surgical excision, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies are well-established, microorganism-based approaches represent an innovative and promising alternative. These therapies employ live, genetically engineered, or commensal bacteria, viral vectors, or bacterial components to achieve various therapeutic mechanisms, including tumor targeting, immune system modulation, vascular disruption, competitive exclusion, drug delivery, and direct oncolysis. Despite their potential, these approaches require further investigation to address safety concerns, optimize treatment protocols, and gain a comprehensive understanding of their long-term outcomes.
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Open AccessArticle
The Role of Quantitative Real-Time PCR in the Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Diagnosis: A Retrospective Study
by
Laura Trovato, Maddalena Calvo, Concetta Ilenia Palermo and Guido Scalia
Viewed by 568
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) reports significant mortality rates among critically ill patients. A prompt microbiological diagnosis is essential to establish a coherent antifungal treatment. Despite its low sensitivity and prolonged turn-around time, culture represents the conventional diagnostic technique. Additionally, galactomannan detection may support
[...] Read more.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) reports significant mortality rates among critically ill patients. A prompt microbiological diagnosis is essential to establish a coherent antifungal treatment. Despite its low sensitivity and prolonged turn-around time, culture represents the conventional diagnostic technique. Additionally, galactomannan detection may support the diagnostic process. Ultimate generation methods, such as the real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR), integrated the diagnostic procedure to improve the overall laboratory effectiveness, especially regarding a quantitative
Aspergillus spp. DNA detection. Herein, we propose a retrospective analysis where a quantitative real-time PCR was performed on respiratory samples belonging to patients with or without probable pulmonary aspergillosis. The study enrolled 62 samples, whose PCR results were compared to culture and galactomannan indexes. Additionally, clinical and general data were collected for all the patients. The qPCR assay reported 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, while specificity reached 59.2% and the positive predictive value was 76.1%. Moreover, IPA patients reported fungal DNA loads higher than 10
3 in a logarithmic scale, while non-aspergillosis episodes reported a maximum level of 10
3. We hypothesized a future possibility to define a specific cut-off in distinguishing colonization from infection cases, requiring further investigations and speculations about IPA patients and respiratory samples.
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Open AccessArticle
Diagnostic In Vivo Sensing of COVID-19 Antibody Detection Using DNA-Linking Graphene Oxide Synthetic Mimic Skin Tattoo Probes
by
Kyung Lee, Dong Ho Kim, Sihyun Jun, Yeseul Oh, Ye Jun Oh, Seo Jun Lee, Keumsook Kim and Suw Young Ly
Viewed by 2868
Abstract
COVID-19 antibody detection is dependent on highly specialized, time-consuming techniques, such as PCR separation, DNA amplification, and other methods such as spectrophotometric absorption. For these reasons, specialized technical training is necessary because individual diagnostic treatment is difficult. We have attempted to perform rapid
[...] Read more.
COVID-19 antibody detection is dependent on highly specialized, time-consuming techniques, such as PCR separation, DNA amplification, and other methods such as spectrophotometric absorption. For these reasons, specialized technical training is necessary because individual diagnostic treatment is difficult. We have attempted to perform rapid sensing with a detection time of only 30 s. Additionally, we used a wearable multi-layer graphene oxide nanocolloid synthetic skin tattoo probe assay for influenza and COVID-19 virus detection with an electrochemical antigen–antibody redox ionic titration circuit. Cyclic voltametric−2 V~2.0 V potential windows were used. The diagnostic detection limit was determined using stripping anodic and cathodic amplifiers, and the working probe was fabricated with a graphene molecule structure with a virus antigen-immobilized amplifier. With redox potential strength obtained within −1.0 V~−1.3 V ionic activity, anodic and cathodic current linearly increased in the phosphate-buffered saline 5 mL electrolyte. The results indicate that instant detection was enabled via individual and wearable tattoo sensors.
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Open AccessArticle
The Detection of Extensively Drug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis Strains Harboring Both VIM-4 and VIM-75 Metallo-β-Lactamases from Patients in Germany
by
Moritz Fritzenwanker, Jane Falgenhauer, Torsten Hain, Can Imirzalioglu, Trinad Chakraborty and Yancheng Yao
Viewed by 888
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a well-known opportunistic pathogen predominantly associated with urinary tract infections. It exhibits natural resistance to multiple antibiotics, including last-resort options like colistin. The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant
P. mirabilis isolates, including those producing ESBLs, AmpC cephalosporinases, and carbapenemases, are
[...] Read more.
Proteus mirabilis is a well-known opportunistic pathogen predominantly associated with urinary tract infections. It exhibits natural resistance to multiple antibiotics, including last-resort options like colistin. The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant
P. mirabilis isolates, including those producing ESBLs, AmpC cephalosporinases, and carbapenemases, are now more frequently reported. The most common carbapenemase types found in
P. mirabilis are KPC-2, IMP, VIM, NDM, and OXA-48. We sequenced the genomes of three carbapenem-resistant
P. mirabilis isolates harboring both
blaVIM-4 and
blaVIM-75 from Germany using both short-read and long-read sequencing techniques. We found that the isolates were only distantly related genetically. Both
blaVIM-4 and
blaVIM-75 genes were located on a class I integron, which in two cases was located on the chromosome and in one case on a plasmid. This is the first report on the complete genomes of
P. mirabilis strains harboring a rare genetic element encoding both
blaVIM-4 and
blaVIM-75. Our results emphasize a key role for class 1 integrons in the transmission of VIM carbapenemases in
P. mirabilis.
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Open AccessReview
The Role of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Erectile Dysfunction: From Pathophysiology to Treatment Strategies
by
Aris Kaltsas, Ilias Giannakodimos, Eleftheria Markou, Konstantinos Adamos, Marios Stavropoulos, Zisis Kratiras, Athanasios Zachariou, Fotios Dimitriadis, Nikolaos Sofikitis and Michael Chrisofos
Viewed by 1618
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent male sexual disorder characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While its etiology is multifactorial, encompassing vascular, neurological, hormonal, and psychological components, emerging evidence suggests a significant role
[...] Read more.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent male sexual disorder characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While its etiology is multifactorial, encompassing vascular, neurological, hormonal, and psychological components, emerging evidence suggests a significant role for gut microbiota dysbiosis in its development. The gut microbiota influences various metabolic, inflammatory, and neuropsychological processes critical to erectile function. Dysbiosis can lead to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and altered neurotransmitter production, all of which are key factors in ED pathogenesis. This narrative review synthesizes current research on the association between gut microbiota alterations and ED, highlighting specific bacterial taxa implicated in ED through mechanisms involving inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and hormonal regulation. This review explores potential mechanisms linking gut microbiota and ED, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, gut barrier integrity disruption, metabolic disorders, psychological factors via the gut–brain axis, and hormonal regulation. Furthermore, the gut microbiota offers promising avenues for developing non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, mechanistic explorations, and clinical trials to validate these findings and translate them into clinical practice. Understanding the interplay between the gut microbiota and erectile function could unveil novel diagnostic biomarkers and pave the way for innovative treatments targeting the microbiota, ultimately improving men’s sexual and overall health.
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Open AccessArticle
First Detection and Genomic Characterization of Linezolid-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Clinical Isolates in Bulgaria
by
Tanya V. Strateva, Preslava Hristova, Temenuga J. Stoeva, Hristina Hitkova and Slavil Peykov
Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic and is considered a last-resort treatment option for serious infections caused by problematic Gram-positive pathogens, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The present study aimed to explore the linezolid resistance mechanisms and genomic characteristics of two vancomycin-susceptible
Enterococcus faecalis isolates from
[...] Read more.
Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic and is considered a last-resort treatment option for serious infections caused by problematic Gram-positive pathogens, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The present study aimed to explore the linezolid resistance mechanisms and genomic characteristics of two vancomycin-susceptible
Enterococcus faecalis isolates from Bulgaria. The strains designated Efs2503-bg (inpatient from Pleven) and Efs966-bg (outpatient from Varna) were recovered from wounds in 2018 and 2023, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, multilocus sequence typing, and phylogenomic analysis based on 332 linezolid-resistant
E. faecalis genomes were performed. Efs2503-bg was high-level resistant to linezolid (MIC > 256 mg/L) and displayed the G2576T mutation affecting three of the four 23S rDNA loci. Efs966-bg (MIC = 8 mg/L) carried a plasmid-located
optrA determinant surrounded by
fexA and
ermA. No mutations in the genes encoding for ribosomal proteins L3, L4, and L22 were detected. The isolates belonged to the sequence types ST6 (Efs2503-bg) and ST1102 (Efs966-bg). Phylogenomic analysis revealed that Efs2503-bg and Efs966-bg are genetically distinct, with a difference of 12,051 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of linezolid-resistant enterococci in Bulgaria. Although the global incidence of linezolid-resistant enterococci is still low, their emergence is alarming and poses a growing clinical threat to public health.
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Lower Semen Quality Among Men in the Modern Era—Is There a Role for Diet and the Microbiome?
by
Kristina Magoutas, Sebastian Leathersich, Roger Hart, Demelza Ireland, Melanie Walls and Matthew Payne
Viewed by 1533
Abstract
The prevalence of infertility is increasing worldwide; poor nutrition, increased sedentary lifestyles, obesity, stress, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and advanced age of childbearing may contribute to the disruption of ovulation and influence oocyte and sperm quality and overall reproductive health. Historically, infertility has been primarily
[...] Read more.
The prevalence of infertility is increasing worldwide; poor nutrition, increased sedentary lifestyles, obesity, stress, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and advanced age of childbearing may contribute to the disruption of ovulation and influence oocyte and sperm quality and overall reproductive health. Historically, infertility has been primarily attributed to female factors, neglecting the importance of male fertility; this has resulted in an incomplete understanding of reproductive health. Male factors account for 40–50% of infertility cases. In half of these cases, the proximal cause for male infertility is unknown. Sperm contributes half of the nuclear DNA to the embryo, and its quality is known to impact fertilisation rates, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, risk of spontaneous miscarriage, de novo autosomal-dominant conditions, psychiatric and neurodevelopment conditions, and childhood diseases. Recent studies have suggested that both the microenvironment of the testes and diet quality may play an important role in fertility; however, there is limited research on the combination of these factors. This review summarises current known causes of male infertility and then focuses on the potential roles for diet and the seminal microbiome. Future research in this area will inform dietary interventions and health advice for men with poor semen quality, potentially alleviating the need for costly and invasive assisted reproduction treatments and allowing men to take an active role in the fertility conversation which has historically focussed on women individually.
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A Comprehensive 10-Year Nationwide Pharmacovigilance Surveillance on Antibacterial Agents in Korea: Data Mining for Signal Detection of Trends and Seriousness of Adverse Events
by
Seon Hu Mo, Soo Hyeon Lee, Chang-Young Choi, Yongjun Sunwoo, Sooyoung Shin and Yeo Jin Choi
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 902
Abstract
A comprehensive pharmacovigilance surveillance on antibacterials is lacking. This study aims to investigate safety signals of antibacterial-related adverse drug events (ADEs) with seriousness and to identify predictors of serious ADEs. This study investigated 52,503 antibacterial-induced ADEs reported to the Korea Adverse Event Reporting
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A comprehensive pharmacovigilance surveillance on antibacterials is lacking. This study aims to investigate safety signals of antibacterial-related adverse drug events (ADEs) with seriousness and to identify predictors of serious ADEs. This study investigated 52,503 antibacterial-induced ADEs reported to the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System Database from January 2013 to December 2022. Disproportionality analysis was conducted, and the effect sizes were estimated by reporting odds ratios (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and information component (IC). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the predictors of serious ADEs by estimating the odds ratio (OR). Serious events were more likely to be cardiovascular disorders (ROR 6.77, PRR 6.6, IC 2.37), urinary system disorders (ROR 5.56, PRR 5.22, IC 2.12), and platelet, bleeding, and clotting disorders (ROR 5.41, PRR 5.17, IC 2.06). The predictors may include age (OR 1.05), the number of concomitant medications (OR 1.44), concomitant proton pump inhibitors (OR 1.46) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR 1.38) use, and specific antibacterial classes, while multiple antibacterial therapy was associated with lower serious ADE risks. The sensitivity analysis also suggests the male sex (OR 1.18) as a potential predictor of serious ADEs. However, further studies are imperative to determine the causality of antibacterial-induced ADEs in critically ill patients.
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Iron Homeostasis Dysregulation, Oro-Gastrointestinal Microbial Inflammatory Factors, and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review
by
Agata Kuziak, Piotr Heczko, Agata Pietrzyk and Magdalena Strus
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Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that profoundly impacts cognitive function and the nervous system. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal roles of iron homeostasis dysregulation and microbial inflammatory factors in the oral and gut microbiome
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Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that profoundly impacts cognitive function and the nervous system. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal roles of iron homeostasis dysregulation and microbial inflammatory factors in the oral and gut microbiome as potential contributors to the pathogenesis of AD. Iron homeostasis disruption can result in excessive intracellular iron accumulation, promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage. Additionally, inflammatory agents produced by pathogenic bacteria may enter the body via two primary pathways: directly through the gut or indirectly via the oral cavity, entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain. This infiltration disrupts cellular homeostasis, induces neuroinflammation, and exacerbates AD-related pathology. Addressing these mechanisms through personalized treatment strategies that target the underlying causes of AD could play a critical role in preventing its onset and progression.
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CMV Infection Risk Factors and Viral Dynamics After Valganciclovir Prophylaxis: 10 Years of Experience in Lung Transplant Recipients
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Sarela García-Masedo Fernández, Rosalía Laporta, Christian García Fadul, Myriam Aguilar Pérez, Jorge Anel Pedroche, Raquel Sanabrias Fernández de Sevilla, Ana Royuela, Isabel Sánchez Romero and María Piedad Ussetti Gil
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Abstract
(1) The prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in lung transplant recipients (LTx) is based on the administration of VGC for a period of 6–12 months, but there is little information on the premature discontinuation of the drug. Our objective was to evaluate the reasons
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(1) The prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in lung transplant recipients (LTx) is based on the administration of VGC for a period of 6–12 months, but there is little information on the premature discontinuation of the drug. Our objective was to evaluate the reasons for early cessation of VGC and the dynamics of CMV replication after discontinuation. (2) We carried out a retrospective study of LTx on VGC prophylaxis according to guidelines, with an outpatient follow-up period of >90 days. The detection of any level of CMV-DNA in the plasma (Cobas, Roche Diagnostics
®) during a period of 18 months after the discontinuation of VGC was considered positive. (3) We included 312 patients (64% male, mean age 53.50 ± 12.27; 71% D+R+, 15% D−R+, and 14% D+R−) in our study. The prescribed prophylaxis was completed by 179 patients (57.05%). The mean duration of prophylaxis was 7.17 ± 1.08 months. The recorded reasons for VGC discontinuation in 133 patients (43%) were myelotoxicity (n = 55), impaired renal function (n = 32), and gastrointestinal disturbances (n = 11). The reason for discontinuation was not recorded for 29 patients. CMV-DNA was detected in 79% (n = 246) of cases, and D+R+ and D+R− recipients showed a high risk of detection (
p < 0.001). The median times to onset of CMV-DNA detection were 35 days in D+R−, 73 days in D+R+, and 96 days in D−R+ (
p < 0.001). (4) Adverse effects of VGC are frequent in LTx. CMV-DNA detection is very common after the discontinuation of VGC and is related to the CMV donor and recipient serostatus.
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