Sepsis: Underlying Mechanisms, Pathogen-Host Interactions, Precision Diagnostic, Therapeutic Approaches, and Supportive Management

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 5604

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Pediatrics, Case Western University School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
2. Department of Medicine, Case Western University School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
Interests: hematology; immunology; sepsis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by an overwhelming immune response to infection, remains the leading cause of death in hospitalized patients and continues to present a significant global health challenge. The understanding of the basic mechanisms has also progressively evolved. Starting from the search for factors related to the causative microorganism and host, it has been recognized that the components related to sepsis include the pathogen, the immune system, the endothelia and microcirculation, blood coagulation, and the nervous system with microglia and neurons.

The current focus remains on gaining insight into underlying disease mechanisms and providing new diagnostics for early detection of patients with sepsis. Therefore, I invite all investigators working on sepsis to contribute with original papers or a literature review related to this topic.

We encourage contributions on a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to:

  • Interactions between host and sepsis;
  • Immune response dysregulation in sepsis: unraveling the mechanisms;
  • Novel pathophysiological pathways: bridging the gap between bench and bedside;
  • Sepsis biomarkers: advancements and clinical applications;
  • Antibiotic stewardship;
  • Distinct subtypes of sepsis: implications for personalized treatment;
  • Clinical trials in sepsis: paving the way for evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Kenneth Remy
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sepsis
  • hematology
  • immunology
  • personalized treatment
  • pathophysiology

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1800 KiB  
Article
The Role of Immune Semaphorins in Sepsis—A Prospective Cohort Study
by Branimir Gjurasin, Lara Samadan Markovic, Leona Radmanic Matotek and Neven Papic
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122563 (registering DOI) - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 897
Abstract
In sepsis, a balanced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response results in the bacterial clearance and resolution of inflammation, promoting clinical recovery and survival. Semaphorins, a large family of secreted and membrane-bound glycoproteins, are newly recognized biomarkers and therapeutic targets in immunological and neoplastic disorders. [...] Read more.
In sepsis, a balanced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response results in the bacterial clearance and resolution of inflammation, promoting clinical recovery and survival. Semaphorins, a large family of secreted and membrane-bound glycoproteins, are newly recognized biomarkers and therapeutic targets in immunological and neoplastic disorders. Although semaphorins might also be a crucial part of host defense responses to infection, their role in sepsis is yet to be determined. This study aimed to analyze the association of serum semaphorin concentrations with sepsis severity and outcomes. Serum semaphorin concentrations (SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA3F, SEMA4D, and SEMA7A) were measured in 115 adult patients with community-acquired sepsis and 50 healthy controls. While SEMA3A was decreased, SEMA3C, SEMA3F, SEMA4D, and SEMA7A were increased in sepsis patients. All analyzed SEMA showed good accuracy in identifying patients with sepsis. SEMA kinetics were related to sepsis complications; SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA3F, and SEMA4D with respiratory failure; SEMA3C and SEMA7A with acute kidney injury; and SEMA3C and SEMA3F were related to septic shock. Importantly, SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA4D, and SEMA7A were associated with 28-day mortality. In conclusion, we provide evidence that semaphorins are associated with sepsis course and outcomes. Full article
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19 pages, 7972 KiB  
Article
Rapid Classification and Differentiation of Sepsis-Related Pathogens Using FT-IR Spectroscopy
by Shwan Ahmed, Jawaher Albahri, Sahand Shams, Silvana Sosa-Portugal, Cassio Lima, Yun Xu, Rachel McGalliard, Trevor Jones, Christopher M. Parry, Dorina Timofte, Enitan D. Carrol, Howbeer Muhamadali and Royston Goodacre
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071415 - 12 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1769
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition arising from a dysregulated host immune response to infection, leading to a substantial global health burden. The accurate identification of bacterial pathogens in sepsis is essential for guiding effective antimicrobial therapy and optimising patient outcomes. Traditional culture-based bacterial [...] Read more.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition arising from a dysregulated host immune response to infection, leading to a substantial global health burden. The accurate identification of bacterial pathogens in sepsis is essential for guiding effective antimicrobial therapy and optimising patient outcomes. Traditional culture-based bacterial typing methods present inherent limitations, necessitating the exploration of alternative diagnostic approaches. This study reports the successful application of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics as a potent tool for the classification and discrimination of microbial species and strains, primarily sourced from individuals with invasive infections. These samples were obtained from various children with suspected sepsis infections with bacteria and fungi originating at different sites. We conducted a comprehensive analysis utilising 212 isolates from 14 distinct genera, comprising 202 bacterial and 10 fungal isolates. With the spectral analysis taking several weeks, we present the incorporation of quality control samples to mitigate potential variations that may arise between different sample plates, especially when dealing with a large sample size. The results demonstrated a remarkable consistency in clustering patterns among 14 genera when subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). Particularly, Candida, a fungal genus, was distinctly recovered away from bacterial samples. Principal component discriminant function analysis (PC-DFA) allowed for distinct discrimination between different bacterial groups, particularly Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Clear differentiation was also observed between coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and Staphylococcus aureus isolates, while methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was also separated from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Furthermore, highly accurate discrimination was achieved between Enterococcus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolates with 98.4% accuracy using partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The study also demonstrates the specificity of FT-IR, as it effectively discriminates between individual isolates of Streptococcus and Candida at their respective species levels. The findings of this study establish a strong groundwork for the broader implementation of FT-IR and chemometrics in clinical and microbiological applications. The potential of these techniques for enhanced microbial classification holds significant promise in the diagnosis and management of invasive bacterial infections, thereby contributing to improved patient outcomes. Full article
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Review

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26 pages, 2401 KiB  
Review
Vibrio vulnificus—A Review with a Special Focus on Sepsis
by Marcello Candelli, Marta Sacco Fernandez, Cristina Triunfo, Andrea Piccioni, Veronica Ojetti, Francesco Franceschi and Giulia Pignataro
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010128 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2272
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacillus known for causing severe infections such as gastroenteritis, necrotizing fasciitis, and septic shock, with mortality rates exceeding 50% in high-risk individuals. Transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood, exposure of [...] Read more.
Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacillus known for causing severe infections such as gastroenteritis, necrotizing fasciitis, and septic shock, with mortality rates exceeding 50% in high-risk individuals. Transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood, exposure of open wounds to infected water, or, in rare cases, insect bites. The bacterium thrives in warm, brackish waters with high salinity levels, and its prevalence is rising due to the effects of climate change, including warming ocean temperatures and expanding coastal habitats. High-risk populations include individuals with underlying conditions such as chronic liver disease, diabetes, or immunosuppression, which heighten susceptibility to severe outcomes. The pathogenicity of V. vulnificus is mediated by an array of virulence factors, including hemolysins, proteases, and capsular polysaccharides, as well as mechanisms facilitating iron acquisition and immune system evasion. Clinical manifestations range from localized gastrointestinal symptoms to life-threatening systemic infections such as septicemia. Rare but severe complications, including pneumonia and meningitis, have also been reported. Treatment typically involves the use of doxycycline in combination with third-generation cephalosporins, although the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains is an escalating concern. Alternative therapeutic approaches under investigation include natural compounds such as resveratrol and the application of antimicrobial blue light. For necrotizing infections, prompt and aggressive surgical intervention remains essential to improving patient outcomes. As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding the epidemiology of V. vulnificus and developing innovative therapeutic strategies are critical to mitigating its growing public health impact. Full article
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