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20 pages, 3752 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of a Newly Isolated Microviridae Phage Against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli

by Yoana Kizheva, Maria Pandova, Zoltan Urshev, Yoana Gladicheva, Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, Sergei Ivanov and Petya Hristova

Pathogens 2026, 15(3), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15030330 - 19 Mar 2026

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Abstract

In response to the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophages have re-emerged as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy. The main objective of this paper was to characterize a newly isolated phage (vB_SEC_3) in the context of its suitability for phage therapy [...] Read more.

In response to the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophages have re-emerged as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy. The main objective of this paper was to characterize a newly isolated phage (vB_SEC_3) in the context of its suitability for phage therapy against MDR E. coli, which is considered a priority pathogen. The phage was characterized at the morphological, genomic, and biological levels relevant to phage therapy. TEM analyses revealed a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid lacking tail structure. Phylogenetic and tANI analyses placed the phage within the α3 phages (genus Alphatrevirus) of the less-studied family Microviridae and revealed <95% similarity to its closest relatives, suggesting vB_SEC_3 is a putative novel species within this genus. The genome (6085 bp, GC content 45.3%) displayed the conserved organization typical for these phages, including overlapping genes. No known genes associated with lysogeny, antibiotic resistance, or virulence were detected. Briefly, vB_SEC_3 was able to effectively lyse two MDR strains of E. coli (S1 and B5, EOP 0.735 and 0.961, respectively). Tolerance to a wide pH range (4–10.5) and to temperatures up to 80 °C was established. Six-month storage of the crude lysate at 4 °C resulted in a slight decrease (<0.16 log₁₀ PFU/mL) in phage titer. This study provides additional insights into the biology and diversity of Microviridae phages and offers a basis for future investigations into their potential relevance in the context of combating MDR bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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18 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidrug Resistance and Adaptive Response to Silver and Gold Nanoparticles in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Human and Animal Sources

by Eman Marzouk, Mai Ibrahem, Nuha Anajirih, Sulaiman Anagreyyah, Khalid Alamri, Saleh Alamri, Bader Al Hassoun, Abdelmaged Draz, Safiyah Alzahrani and Ayman Elbehiry

Pathogens 2026, 15(3), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15030277 - 4 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a serious public health concern, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to limit treatment options. This laboratory-based comparative study evaluated antibiotic resistance patterns and nanoparticle (NP) susceptibility among 110 S. aureus isolates recovered from human skin and soft tissue [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a serious public health concern, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to limit treatment options. This laboratory-based comparative study evaluated antibiotic resistance patterns and nanoparticle (NP) susceptibility among 110 S. aureus isolates recovered from human skin and soft tissue infections (n = 80) and camel milk (n = 30). Proteomic identification utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was carried out for all isolates under study. Phenotypic differentiation between MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) was performed via the cefoxitin disk diffusion method, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disk diffusion method as stated in international guidelines. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined by established criteria. The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was detected by broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentration values (MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀). The ability to develop reduced susceptibility was evaluated through ten serial sub-inhibitory passages followed by stability testing without using nanoparticles. MRSA prevalence was 52.5% among human isolates and 70% among camel milk isolates. Overall, 56.4% of isolates met MDR criteria, with a significantly higher MDR rate among MRSA compared with MSSA. Both human and camel isolates showed similar resistance patterns. AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values of 0.0078 mg/mL and 0.0156 mg/mL, respectively; nevertheless, AuNPs demonstrated higher MIC values. Response to NPs was similar between isolates, independent of methicillin resistance or MDR. Serial sub-inhibitory exposure resulted in increased MIC values in all tested isolates, and stable resistance persisted in 50% of cases. These results indicate ongoing MRSA circulation in human and animal settings and reinforce the need for careful and controlled use of NP-based antimicrobials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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16 pages, 1677 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Silent Reservoirs: Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli in Autochtonous Portuguese Laying Hens

by Rita Jesus, Sandra Quinteira, Virgínia Ribeiro, Rui Dantas, Ana R. Freitas, Nuno V. Brito and Carla Miranda

Pathogens 2026, 15(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15020163 - 2 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1081

Abstract

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical public health challenge requiring a coordinated One Health approach. Escherichia coli is a key indicator of AMR and fecal contamination, as well as a zoonotic pathogen transmissible from animals to humans, often through contaminated products like meat [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical public health challenge requiring a coordinated One Health approach. Escherichia coli is a key indicator of AMR and fecal contamination, as well as a zoonotic pathogen transmissible from animals to humans, often through contaminated products like meat and eggs. This study assessed the presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and associated resistance genes in 248 cloacal/eggshell samples collected from four autochthonous Portuguese laying hen breeds (Preta Lusitânica, Amarela, Branca, and Pedrês Portuguesa) raised under low antibiotic exposure. A total of 81 E. coli isolates were analyzed for phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility (EUCAST/CLSI) and genotypic resistance, using PCR. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was observed in 98.0% of the isolates. Gentamicin resistance was particularly high (97.1% cloacal; 95.7% eggshell isolates), followed by tetracycline (31.0% cloacal; 41.0% eggshell) and ampicillin (14.0% cloacal; 24.0% eggshell). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 14.3% of cloacal and 17.4% of eggshell isolates. Notably, no resistance was found against critically important antibiotics. The most prevalent resistance genes were sul2 (45.0% cloacal; 48.0% eggshell) and bla_TEM (45.0% cloacal; 36.0% eggshell). Detection of resistant and MDR E. coli in low input systems suggests environmental acquisition, with chickens as reservoirs, highlighting the need for One Health surveillance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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23 pages, 5560 KB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Protective Mechanisms of Cucumis callosus Leaves in Escherichia Species-Induced Urinary Tract Infection: An Integrated In Silico and In Vivo Study

by Meenal Sahu, Tripti Paliwal, Radhika Joshi, Arya Kuhu Vishwapriya, Namita Misra, Smita Jain, Gautam Singhvi, Gulshan Kumar, Devesh U. Kapoor, Dipjyoti Chakraborty and Swapnil Sharma

Pathogens 2026, 15(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010111 - 19 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1774

Abstract

Leaves of Cucumis callosus, traditionally employed in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of urinary disorders, were investigated in depth for their therapeutic potential against bacterially induced urinary tract infection (UTI) for the first time. The present work is the first to explore [...] Read more.

Leaves of Cucumis callosus, traditionally employed in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of urinary disorders, were investigated in depth for their therapeutic potential against bacterially induced urinary tract infection (UTI) for the first time. The present work is the first to explore the antibacterial activity of C. callosus leaf fractions with an integrative in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approach. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, the chloroform fraction (F1) was identified as the most active, exhibiting potent activity against Uropathogenic Escherichia spp. species. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of F1 revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including stigmasterol, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, lactose, hydroxy(mesityl)acetic acid, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. Molecular docking studies validated the strong binding affinities of these compounds for bacterial resistance enzymes, including AmpC β-lactamase and carbapenemases, thereby providing plausible mechanisms of antimicrobial action. In vivo studies carried out on female rats infected with Escherichia spp. species revealed a dose-dependent reduction in bacterial load, with a significant decrease in urinary tract inflammation upon F1 administration. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the protective effect, with reduced epithelial damage and inflammation in bladder tissues. These findings indicate significant antibacterial and tissue-protective effects of the C. callosus leaf fraction F1, supporting its ethnomedicinal use and establishing it as a promising phytotherapeutic agent for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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12 pages, 237 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Routine Surveillance Cultures in Optimising Sepsis Management in High-Risk Patient Groups

by Jan Závora, Václava Adámková, Alžběta Studená and Gabriela Kroneislová

Pathogens 2026, 15(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010082 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly when caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Early identification of colonising or infecting pathogens may inform initial antimicrobial selection. Surveillance cultures, providing microbiological data prior to infection onset, could guide timely and targeted [...] Read more.

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly when caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Early identification of colonising or infecting pathogens may inform initial antimicrobial selection. Surveillance cultures, providing microbiological data prior to infection onset, could guide timely and targeted therapy. This retrospective study analysed routine surveillance culture results from patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) episodes, assessing pathogen prevalence, resistance phenotypes, and concordance with specimen type in haemato-oncology (HO) and acute care (AC) settings. Methods: Data were retrieved from the institutional Laboratory Information System of the Department of Clinical Microbiology and ATB Centre, General University Hospital in Prague, covering 1 January to 31 December 2024. All positive blood cultures containing ESCAPE pathogens (excluding Clostridioides difficile) were reviewed. Corresponding surveillance culture records were analysed to evaluate concordance with subsequent BSI episodes. Results: In 2024, 6046 AC and 7267 HO surveillance cultures were performed; MDRO prevalence was 5% and 6.56%, respectively. ESBL-producing Enterobacterales predominated (AC 86.9%, HO 81.6%). In HO, BSI-causing Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens were frequently detected in rectal swabs, whereas in AC, concordance was higher with upper and lower respiratory tract samples. Rectal screening detected 100% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae BSI episodes in HO. Other specimen types showed limited concordance. Conclusions: Surveillance culture utility varies by specimen type and clinical setting. In both HO and AC units, these cultures provided valuable insights into colonisation and resistance patterns, supporting early risk stratification and guiding initial therapy in high-risk patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

47 pages, 10263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Chitosan and Its Nanoparticles Against ampC- and ESBL-Producing Pan-Drug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis in Egyptian Livestock

by Ibtisam Faeq Hasona, Amal Awad, Gamal Younis and Wafaa Farouk Mohamed

Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111176 - 18 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1580

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) serves as a multi-host–pathogen regarded as an alarming foodborne infectious disease, causing illnesses of variable severity in both livestock and human beings. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and associated antimicrobial resistance [...] Read more.

Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) serves as a multi-host–pathogen regarded as an alarming foodborne infectious disease, causing illnesses of variable severity in both livestock and human beings. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and associated antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) of P. mirabilis isolates obtained from diseased broiler chickens and native Egyptian buffaloes in Kafr El-Sheikh and Dakahlia governorates, Egypt. In addition, this study investigated the antibacterial activity of chitosan (CS) and chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), including the estimation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CS at concentrations of 1% and 2%, as well as CSNPs. Furthermore, the sub-MIC values were utilized to assess the inhibitory effects of CS and CSNPs on swarming motility. P. mirabilis was detected in 68% (34/50) of broiler chickens and 40.74% (11/27) of buffaloes. Interestingly, all P. mirabilis isolates were tested against 21 antimicrobial drugs and showed high resistance against either critical, highly important, or important antimicrobial drugs. For chicken-originated P. mirabilis, 50% (17/34) of isolates were revealed to be extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and 50% (17/34) of isolates were revealed to be pan-drug-resistant (PDR). Meanwhile, 9.09% (1/11) of buffalo-originated P. mirabilis isolates were revealed to be XDR and 90.91% (10/11) of the isolates were revealed to be PDR. Among P. mirabilis isolates from broiler chickens, the prevalence of resistance genes was as follows: int1 (97.06%), dfrA1 (100%), sul2 (97.06%), catA1 (44.12%), aadA1 (97.06%), tet(M) (81.82%), ermB (23.53%), msrA (0%), qnrA (47.06%), qnrS (0%), gyrA (0%), mcr-1 (11.76%), bla_TEM (97.06%), bla_CTX-M (26.47%), bla_OXA-10 (2.94%), bla_CMY-2 (41.18%), and bla_SHV (0%). The corresponding detection rates in buffalo-derived isolates were 100%, 100%, 90.91%, 63.64%, 100%, 70.59%, 18.18%, 0%, 9.09%, 0%, 0%, 18.18%, 81.82%, 18.18%, 18.18%, 63.64%, and 0%, respectively. Carbapenemase genes were found in none of the isolates from either species. CSNPs demonstrated superior antibacterial and anti-virulence activity against resistant P. mirabilis. CSNPs exhibited significantly lower MIC (0.067–0.081 mg/mL) and MBC (0.167–0.177 mg/mL) values compared with conventional CS formulations (MIC: 3.25–4.5 mg/mL; MBC: 6.67–9.08 mg/mL) in both broiler and buffalo isolates. In inhibition zone assays, the CSNPs + ciprofloxacin (CIP) combination showed the highest efficacy with a 50–58% increase in the inhibition area. Both CSNPs and CS 2% substantially reduced swarming motility by 45–52%, with CSNPs showing the strongest inhibitory effect. These outcomes highlight how P. mirabilis carries and disseminates antibiotic resistance, presenting serious threats to health policy and livestock. Also, CS or CSNPs, either alone or enhanced with CIP, are effective in vitro against resistant P. mirabilis, which promotes the treatment of Proteus infections to guarantee a bactericidal impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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13 pages, 699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Empirical and Definitive Antibiotics on Pediatric Febrile Urinary Tract Infection Caused by ESBL-Producing Enterobacterales

by Jin Lee, Yejin Kim, Ye Ji Kim, Seung Beom Han, Jin-Soon Suh, Soo Young Lee and Jong-Hyun Kim

Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111103 - 29 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1630

Abstract

Although the clinical impact of empirical antibiotic susceptibility on urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PEs) is limited, the role of definitive antibiotics remains unclear. This study evaluated therapeutic outcomes and recurrence in children with febrile UTI caused by ESBL-PE, [...] Read more.

Although the clinical impact of empirical antibiotic susceptibility on urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PEs) is limited, the role of definitive antibiotics remains unclear. This study evaluated therapeutic outcomes and recurrence in children with febrile UTI caused by ESBL-PE, focusing on pathogen susceptibility to empirical and definitive antibiotics. Medical records of 376 UTI episodes caused by ESBL-PE in children aged <10 years were retrospectively reviewed, and 319 were analyzed. Episodes were classified as empirical-susceptible (n = 144) and empirical-non-susceptible (n = 175) groups, and further categorized into four groups based on definitive antibiotic susceptibility and treatment duration. Clinical outcomes were comparable between empirical-susceptible and empirical-non-susceptible groups. Among the four definitive-therapy groups, early clinical response did not differ significantly; however, UTI recurrence showed an increasing trend from 1.0% in those receiving empirical and definitive antibiotics to which pathogens were susceptible for ≥7 days to 6.3% in those receiving empirical antibiotics to which pathogens were non-susceptible and not receiving antibiotics to which pathogens were susceptible ≥7 days (p = 0.045). Despite favorable early response to empirical non-susceptible antibiotics, switching to susceptible antibiotics and maintaining therapy for ≥7 days is recommended for children with ESBL-PE UTIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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13 pages, 1186 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Phylogroups, Pathotypes and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of E. coli Isolates from Freshwater and Wastewater in the City of Panama

by Gabriela A. Rodríguez Guevara, Emmanuel Michelangelli, Juan R. Medina-Sánchez, Fermín Mejía-Meléndez, Carmen Indira Espino, José E. Moreno P., Alex O. Martínez Torres and Jordi Querol-Audí

Pathogens 2025, 14(7), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070617 - 20 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Untreated water bodies are critical ecological niches where environmental conditions can drive the adaptive evolution of bacterial populations, enabling them to acquire new traits such as antibiotic-resistance genes. Escherichia coli is typically a commensal bacterium but can evolve into a pathogenic form, known [...] Read more.

Untreated water bodies are critical ecological niches where environmental conditions can drive the adaptive evolution of bacterial populations, enabling them to acquire new traits such as antibiotic-resistance genes. Escherichia coli is typically a commensal bacterium but can evolve into a pathogenic form, known as Diarrheagenic E. coli, responsible for both intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. This study focuses on the characterization of E. coli isolates from water samples collected from the Matasnillo River and the influence of the Juan Díaz Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). While isolates from the Matasnillo River were classified as commensal, 18% of the isolates from the WWTP belonged to either phylogroups D or B2. Pathotype analysis revealed the presence of Entero-Toxigenic and Entero-Hemorrhagic E. coli in the WWTP. Moreover, Matasnillo River isolates exhibited resistance mainly to the quinolone ciprofloxacin, whereas those from the WWTP influent showed resistance to multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics. Sequencing analysis revealed the prevalence of the transmissible quinolone resistance qnrB19 among the Matasnillo River isolates and mutations conferring resistance to quinolone in gyrA, parC, and parE. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring antibiotic-resistant bacterial contamination in both freshwater and wastewater to mitigate the risk of the spread of resistant pathogens and potential epidemic outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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16 pages, 493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enterococcus faecium as an Emerging Pathogen: Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance in Clinical Strains

by Adele Lombardi, Giancarlo Ripabelli, Michela Lucia Sammarco and Manuela Tamburro

Pathogens 2025, 14(5), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050483 - 15 May 2025

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4470

Abstract

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium represents an emerging threat in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to investigate biomolecular characteristics of 31 E. faecium isolates from patients in two hospitals of Molise region, central Italy. Particularly, antimicrobial resistance profiles and prevalence of resistance [...] Read more.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium represents an emerging threat in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to investigate biomolecular characteristics of 31 E. faecium isolates from patients in two hospitals of Molise region, central Italy. Particularly, antimicrobial resistance profiles and prevalence of resistance and virulence genes were analyzed, as well as the clonal relationships and sequence types (STs). Antimicrobial susceptibility and genes associated with resistance and virulence were evaluated using automated system and PCR assays, respectively. SmaI-based pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing were performed following standardized protocols. All strains exhibited resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin, and high rates were detected for other antibiotics, except for linezolid. PFGE identified 18 clusters and 26 pulsotypes (Simpson’s index, 0.98). ST80, ST1478, and ST2164 were identified, with ST80 as the most frequent (77.4%). The resistance genes vanA, aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, aph(3′)-IIIa, and ermB were detected in 90.3%, 93.6%, 93.6%, and 90.3% of the strains, respectively, while the esp gene was prevalent (61.3%) amongst virulence genes. The study findings highlight the predominance of multidrug-resistant clones and virulence determinants among E. faecium strains circulating in the regional hospitals, reinforcing the urgency of implementing targeted molecular surveillance and robust antimicrobial stewardship strategies to contain their spread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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12 pages, 228 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Selected Antibiotics Against Trueperella pyogenes Originated from Bovine Clinical Endometritis

by Ottó Szenci, Ákos Jerzsele, Zoltán Somogyi, Ádám Kerek, Attila Répási, Lea Lénárt and László Makrai

Pathogens 2025, 14(5), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050405 - 24 Apr 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1930

Abstract

Bacteriological examination of uterine secretions provides essential information for the prevalence of bovine uterine pathogens and their influence on fertility. The objective of the present study was to determine the uterine pathogens in cases of clinical endometritis in two Holstein-Friesian dairy farms between [...] Read more.

Bacteriological examination of uterine secretions provides essential information for the prevalence of bovine uterine pathogens and their influence on fertility. The objective of the present study was to determine the uterine pathogens in cases of clinical endometritis in two Holstein-Friesian dairy farms between 21 and 27 days after calving and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 14 antimicrobials for Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes). Overall, the prevalence of T. pyogenes (Farms A and B) was 46.3% and 22% (p < 0.01), respectively. In contrast, Farm B had significantly more cases (p < 0.001) of Escherichia coli, but the distribution of uterine pathogens was similar. Regarding the prevalence of any bacteria, Farm B also had significantly more bacteria (p < 0.001) than Farm A. T. pyogenes isolates were highly susceptible to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, tylosin, and cephalosporins, such as ceftiofur, cefquinome, and cephalexin with MIC₉₀ of ≤2 μg/mL. At the same time, MIC₉₀ of tulathromycin, lincomycin, and florfenicol were between 4 and 8 μg/mL and of doxycycline, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and gentamicin, were between 16 and 32 μg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim showed the highest MIC₉₀ (>32 μg/mL). In summary, T. pyogenes with high MIC₉₀ against oxytetracycline, gentamicin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim were found, which calls attention to the prudent use of antibiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

Review

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26 pages, 1235 KB

Open AccessReview

Fosfomycin Resistance: An Update on the Anthropogenic Impact Through Agriculture

by Weronika Goraj, Paweł Kowalczyk, Grzegorz Bełżecki, Adam Furtak, Anna Pytlak and Anna Szafranek-Nakonieczna

Pathogens 2026, 15(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010029 - 24 Dec 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

The extensive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the rapid emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, reducing their effectiveness against pathogenic microorganisms. Fosfomycin has become an increasingly important therapeutic option in both human and veterinary medicine, particularly when other antibiotics [...] Read more.

The extensive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the rapid emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, reducing their effectiveness against pathogenic microorganisms. Fosfomycin has become an increasingly important therapeutic option in both human and veterinary medicine, particularly when other antibiotics fail. This review summarises current knowledge on the occurrence of fosfomycin resistance and evaluates the role of agricultural practices in its dissemination. Multiple microbial resistance mechanisms have been identified, including genes from the fosA, fosB, and fosC families, and new determinants continue to be reported. Agriculture contributes to the environmental spread of resistance through the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals, the exchange of resistant microorganisms between humans and animals, and the application of manure as fertiliser. Fosfomycin resistance genes have been detected in livestock such as pigs, chickens, pigeons, and cows, as well as in vegetables. Their presence in soil is influenced by fertilisation, nitrogen levels, microplastics, heavy metals, and pesticide application. Additionally, climate warming may facilitate the broader dissemination of fosfomycin resistance. Despite increasing evidence, current understanding remains limited. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving the spread of fosfomycin resistance in agricultural environments and to develop effective monitoring strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance)

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