Search Results (755)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease influenced by several factors, including immune system imbalance, impairment of the epidermal barrier, and alterations in the composition of the gut and skin bacterial and fungal microbiota. This study combines metagenomic sequencing and culture-based methods to explore the impact of probiotic supplementation on the cutaneous microbiota and mycobiota of AD patients. Twenty-five adults diagnosed with AD were enrolled, and skin swabs were analyzed to characterize microbial diversity and load. Culturomic analyses identified 42 bacterial and 6 fungal species, confirming Staphylococcus aureus and Candida parapsilosis as predominant taxa. High-throughput sequencing revealed Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp. as dominant genera, with notable interindividual variability. While probiotic use did not significantly influence bacterial diversity, it was associated with higher richness and evenness in fungal communities, as shown by alpha and beta diversity metrics. Malassezia restricta was more prevalent among probiotic users, whereas Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were enriched in non-users. These findings indicate an association between probiotic use and differences in the composition and diversity of the skin mycobiota compared with the bacterial microbiota, suggesting that fungal communities may be more responsive to probiotic-associated factors. Integrating metagenomic and culturomic approaches offers valuable insights into the complex interactions among host factors, microbial communities, and probiotic use in AD, paving the way for targeted microbiome-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

Biofilms rapidly form on medical devices such as urinary catheters and surgical materials. These biofilms compromise patient safety and undermine infection prevention and control (IPC). Biofilms also reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and disinfectants. As a result, they increase healthcare-associated infections and increase costs through device failure and the need for maintenance or replacement. Researchers are increasingly exploring biosurfactants (BSs) as surface coatings and cleaning additives to prevent microbial attachment and disrupt early biofilm formation on medical devices and healthcare-related surfaces. This review examines the translational potential of biosurfactants as preventive, disruptive, and adjunctive antibiofilm agents for medical devices and healthcare-related surfaces. Literature evidence on glycolipids (rhamnolipids, sophorolipids) and lipopeptides (surfactin) from static, flow-based, and microfluidic in vitro models that used clinically relevant materials, such as silicone and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were examined. In our literature search, we focused on pathogens central to IPC, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus spp., and Candida spp., and it was generally noted that BSs reduced microbial adhesion and delayed early biofilm formation on medical devices and healthcare-related surfaces. Significant evidence also suggests that they partially disrupt biofilms and improve antimicrobial penetration when co-applied, mainly through membrane disruption, destabilization of extracellular substances, interfering with quorum sensing, and synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions with other molecules. Their performance varied with class, formulation, hydrodynamic conditions, and microbial composition. BSs function better as preventive and adjunctive IPC tools than stand-alone antimicrobial agents and can help to reduce biofilm formation on devices and improve surface disinfection. However, translating this promise into practice demands more robust data on long-term safety, stability, and product quality. Full article

Breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFIs) are a challenging serious complication in high-risk hematologic patients and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients that may negatively impact their outcome. Despite advances in antifungal prophylaxis, diagnostics, and supportive care, bIFI occurrence reflects a complex interaction between host immunosuppression, emergence of resistant pathogens and pharmacological variables, including subtherapeutic drug exposure. Candida spp. have shifted towards non-albicans yeasts, whereas breakthrough mold infections more frequently involve non-fumigatus Aspergillus, Mucorales, Fusarium spp., and Scedosporium/Lomentospora spp. Early clinical recognition, rapid therapy escalation, aggressive diagnostic investigation, a switch to liposomal amphotericin B-based regimens in patients on azole prophylaxis, and therapeutic drug monitoring are essential to improve outcomes. Reducing the growing global burden of bIFIs will also require improved access to high-quality diagnostics and strengthened educational and stewardship efforts that prioritize antifungal resistance as an urgent health concern. Full article

Polyols are widely used as non-cariogenic sweeteners in foods and oral care products, yet their comparative activity against diverse oral microbes and their potential relevance to the oral–systemic axis remain incompletely defined. Here, we performed an in vitro, optical density (OD)-based screening of four polyols—allulose, D-mannose, erythritol, and xylitol—against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus anginosus, Candida albicans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Cultures were grown with polyols at 1–20% (w/v), and OD600 was recorded at organism-specific endpoints (~24 h). Allulose, erythritol, and xylitol produced strong, concentration-dependent suppression of streptococcal growth at ≥5–10%, whereas C. albicans showed minimal changes across the tested range. F. nucleatum was highly sensitive to allulose, D-mannose, and xylitol at ≥5% (reducing OD to ≤13% of the untreated control), while low concentrations of D-mannose and erythritol increased OD beyond that of the control, suggesting species-specific utilization or stress responses. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD post hoc testing supported significant between-polyol differences for most concentrations in Streptococcus spp. and F. nucleatum. Collectively, these results identify polyol- and taxon-specific growth phenotypes that can inform the formulation of swallow-safe oral hygiene products and motivate follow-up work in polymicrobial biofilm models and clinical studies targeting oral inflammation and downstream systemic risk. Full article

Candida species can shift from commensal organisms to opportunistic pathogens. Both Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida (NAC) species colonize oral biofilms and periodontal pockets, where they may contribute to inflammation and the progression of periodontal disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida species in individuals with different stages of periodontal disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 participants whose periodontal status was clinically evaluated. Saliva samples were cultured on chromogenic agar for yeast isolation, species identification was confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS, and antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, and amphotericin B was assessed. Candida spp. was detected in 35% of participants, where C. albicans was the most prevalent species, followed by Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata), Candida parapsilosis, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida tropicalis. Species distribution varied according to periodontal status, with N. glabratus predominating in early periodontitis and C. albicans appeared more frequently in higher severe stages of periodontitis. Susceptibility testing showed resistance of C. albicans to clotrimazole (63.6%) and nystatin (22.7%), whereas amphotericin B and fluconazole remained effective. NAC species, particularly N. glabratus, exhibited resistance to nystatin and variable resistance to clotrimazole but remained susceptible to amphotericin B. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and personalized antifungal strategies for managing periodontal disease complicated by Candida colonization. Full article

The pathways governing the transformation of crop residues into humic acid (HA) remain incompletely understood because multiple biochemical routes may operate simultaneously during composting-like humification. In this study, a 30-day solid-state humification experiment was conducted by integrating physicochemical pretreatments, including steam explosion (SE) and ammonification coupled with steam explosion (SE-N), with a multi-fungal inoculation strategy involving Aspergillus niger, Candida spp., and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Across three representative substrate–pretreatment systems and 81 experimental groups, the contents of lignocellulosic fractions, reducing sugars (RS), a UV-280-based soluble nitrogen-containing precursor index (operationally denoted as SNP), fulvic acid (FA), and HA were compared. The results showed that neither physicochemical pretreatment alone nor single-strain inoculation was sufficient to achieve substantial HA formation. SE mainly improved substrate accessibility and promoted carbon release, whereas ammonification provided essential nitrogen preloading for subsequent precursor coupling. In the saccharification-dominant treatment, RS reached 27.5%, but HA remained negligible. In the Candida-only treatment, the soluble nitrogen-containing precursor index increased markedly, yet HA formation was still minimal. By contrast, the highest HA yield (13.7%) was obtained under multi-fungal co-inoculation, particularly when nitrogen preloading by ammonification was combined with concurrent accumulation of carbon and aromatic precursors. The data suggest that lignin-targeting activity by P. chrysosporium was associated with the likely generation of phenolic and quinone-like intermediates that bridged the condensation of sugar- and nitrogen-derived compounds. Overall, the findings support a synergistic humification framework in which polysaccharide depolymerization, microbial nitrogen transformation, and lignin-derived aromatic precursor formation jointly contribute to HA accumulation, rather than a single linear pathway dominating the process. Full article

Quercetin, one of the most abundant flavonoids in nature, has attracted the attention of many researchers due to its chemical and biological properties. A series of metal–quercetin complexes (Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Sn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺ and Mg²⁺) were synthesized and systematically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These analyses confirmed that the complexes predominantly form through coordination with the 4-carbonyl group and adjacent phenolic hydroxyls. This induces measurable shifts in the ν(C=O), ν(O–H), and π→π* transition bands relative to free quercetin. The antioxidant capacity of the complexes was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) radical scavenging method, 2,2′-Azinobis(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS^•)⁺ radical activity, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Several complexes exhibited higher radical scavenging efficiency than quercetin, with inhibition percentages exceeding 80% in the DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ assays. Others showed reduced activity due to the masking of redox-active hydroxyl groups during metal coordination. FRAP results corroborated these trends, indicating metal-dependent modulation of reducing power. Antimicrobial evaluation revealed that selected complexes were more active than free quercetin, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp., with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 75–250 μg mL⁻¹. Overall, metal complexation significantly alters the electronic structure and biological behavior of quercetin, highlighting the potential of metal–flavonoid complexes as multifunctional antioxidants and antimicrobials. Full article

Background: Fungemia caused by non-Candida yeasts is rare but represents an emerging clinical problem that remains less well recognized and studied. These organisms often exhibit intrinsic resistance or reduced susceptibility to commonly used empirical antifungal agents, such as fluconazole and echinocandins. This poses significant challenges for empirical antifungal therapy. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, antifungal treatments, and outcomes of pediatric patients with bloodstream infections due to non-Candida yeasts and to summarize the antifungal susceptibility profiles of available isolates. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed all episodes of fungemia caused by non-Candida yeasts at a tertiary pediatric center between 1 January 2020 and 1 September 2025. Results: Of the 139 yeast-related fungemia episodes identified during the study period, five (3.6%) were caused by non-Candida yeasts: three by Trichosporon spp., one by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and one by Magnusiomyces clavatus (formerly Saprochaete clavatus). Two cases occurred as breakthrough infections under ongoing antifungal treatment. Empirical antifungal treatments most often included amphotericin B, fluconazole, or echinocandins. The median time to species-level identification after the first positive culture result was six days (range 4–7), highlighting a considerable delay that may critically affect clinical management. Overall mortality was 40%, while attributable mortality due to non-Candida fungemia was 20%. Conclusions: Non-Candida yeasts, although infrequent, represent clinically important pathogens in pediatric fungemia due to their potential resistance to standard empirical antifungal agents. Early species-level identification and awareness of expected susceptibility patterns are essential to guide appropriate initial therapy and improve outcomes. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA)–based nanocapsules containing plant-derived bioactives are promising formulations for dermatological applications. In this study, nanocapsules containing extracts of Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis and Aesculus hippocastanum were synthesized and their structural and functional properties were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of spherical nanostructures with uniform morphology, while rheological analyses demonstrated stable viscoelastic behavior suitable for topical application. Their antimicrobial potential was assessed on microorganisms isolated from multiple regions of healthy human skin and opportunistic pathogens. A diverse panel of approx. 100 bacterial and fungal isolates was identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The antimicrobial activity of formulations was compared with commonly used disinfectants: H₂O₂, octenidine, isopropanol and topical ophthalmic antiseptic. Arnica-based formulations showed the strongest inhibitory effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas chestnut extract demonstrated selective activity against Candida spp. Calendula-based formulations exhibited limited antimicrobial activity. These findings demonstrate that plant-extract-loaded HA nanocapsules exhibit selective antimicrobial properties dependent on extract type and microbial group, supporting their potential as multifunctional components of future dermatological formulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Teucrium polium L. is widely used in traditional medicine and has been proposed as a source of antimicrobial adjuvants in the context of antimicrobial resistance. Here, we characterized the essential oil (EO) and polar extracts of T. polium and evaluated their antioxidant activity, antimicrobial potency against clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, and the interaction of the EO with conventional antibiotics using a chequerboard assay (FICI); further, we investigated in silico molecular interactions with some targets related to resistance. Methods/Results: The EO, which was hydrodistilled and subsequently analyzed by GC–MS, is characterized by dominant limonene content (24.13%) and contents of oxygenated sesquiterpenes such as β-eudesmol (10.48%) and α-muurolol (8.10%). HPLC/UV–ESI–MS characterization of the extracts (decoction and Soxhlet) demonstrated that they were rich in polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids, which matched the standard phytochemical characteristics of this species. The extracts exhibited significant reducing capabilities, and the hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 15.41 μg/mL; FRAP EC₅₀ = 30.65 μg /mL), while the EO revealed at most moderate capacity in these tests. In antimicrobial assays, the EO inhibited fungi more effectively than the extracts (MIC of 1.17 mg/mL against Aspergillus niger; 4.69 mg/mL against Candida spp.), while antibacterial MICs for both the EO and extracts were generally high (up to 50 mg/mL). Combination testing nevertheless identified synergistic or additive effects of the EO with selected antibiotics, notably with ceftazidime against ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (FICI = 0.141) and Staphylococcus aureus (FICI = 0.039) and with amikacin against Klebsiella pneumoniae (FICI = 0.313); the EO–ceftriaxone pairing against ESBL E. coli was additive (FICI = 0.516). Docking simulations further supported these observations by showing the favorable predicted binding of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, most notably β-eudesmol and α-muurolol (up to −8.6 kcal/mol), to resistance-related targets such as RND efflux pumps, β-lactamases, and porins. Conclusions: Taken together, the in vitro and in silico data suggest that T. polium could be explored as a natural antimicrobial option and as an adjuvant to enhance antibiotic activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Full article

Candida fungi are among the most common human fungal pathogens and invasive candidiasis is one of the predominant invasive mycoses that mainly affects hospitalized patients with suppression of the immunological system and breaches in skin or mucosal barriers. Rapid diagnosis and implementation of appropriate antifungal treatment are key to achieving recovery. In recent years, attention has been drawn to the increasing significance of Candida species other than C. albicans, in particular C. auris and fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis. The aim of this work was to present the species spectrum and drug susceptibility of 570 Candida strains isolated from candidemia cases diagnosed in patients hospitalized in southern Poland in the period 2017–2022. The results of Candida-positive blood cultures obtained from five hospitals were analyzed. C. albicans was the most common species, accounting for 42.6% of all strains, followed by Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly C. glabrata) and C. parapsilosis complex—22.1% and 18.8%, respectively. No C. auris was found. Fluconazole resistance was found in 4.9% of C. albicans strains, 34.7% of N. glabratus strains, and 8.7% of C. parapsilosis complex strains. Full article

Background: Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal dysbiosis represent major causes of morbidity among women in sub-Saharan Africa, yet data from Madagascar remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of vaginal bacterial infections among women in northern Madagascar and to explore how vaginal microflora composition reflects broader aspects of reproductive health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2024 among 159 women (15–80 years) attending a rural second-referral clinic in Manerinerina, Ambatoboeny District. Sociodemographic and hygiene data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Vaginal pH was measured in situ, and Gram-stained smears were evaluated using the Nugent scoring system. The presence of Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Candida spp. was assessed microscopically. Associations were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Abnormal vaginal flora was observed in 68.6% of women, including 43.4% with BV (Nugent 7–10) and 25.2% with intermediate flora. Elevated vaginal pH correlated strongly with higher Nugent scores (p < 0.01). T. vaginalis and N. gonorrhoeae were detected in 10.7% and 9.4% of women, respectively, and both were significantly associated with dysbiosis (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04). Poor hygiene practices, vaginal douching (79.1% vs. 64.5%; p = 0.04), and unsafe water sources (p = 0.04) were major behavioral and environmental determinants. Conclusions: Vaginal dysbiosis is highly prevalent among women in northern Madagascar and closely linked to modifiable hygiene behaviors and environmental conditions. In resource-limited settings, Gram-stained microscopy and Nugent scoring remain cost-effective tools for surveillance and patient care. Culturally adapted education, improved water access, and integration of low-cost diagnostics are essential for reducing the burden of vaginal infections in rural Madagascar. Full article

The bovine uterus, once considered sterile, is now recognized as a dynamic microbial ecosystem that undergoes substantial changes during the postpartum period and plays a critical role in reproductive health. This study investigated the composition and temporal dynamics of the uterine bacterial and fungal microbiota in postpartum Angus cows and showed that dietary grape pomace bolus supplementation was associated with temporal shifts in microbial community composition, including changes in selected bacterial taxa and increased fungal community stability. A total of 19 cows were allocated to control (n = 10) or treatment groups (n = 9), with treated animals receiving slow-release grape pomace boluses administered every three weeks from 21 days prepartum until 60–70 days postpartum. Uterine lavage samples were collected during the first (days 4–12) and ninth (days 63–70) postpartum weeks and analyzed using amplicon-based sequencing targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA (V3–V4) region and the fungal ITS2 region. The uterine microbiota exhibited pronounced temporal changes, with Firmicutes predominating in the early postpartum period and an increased abundance of potentially pathogenic Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes observed by week nine postpartum, particularly in control cows. Grape pomace supplementation was associated with a more favorable bacterial profile, including a reduced relative abundance of key uterine pathogens such as Fusobacterium necrophorum and Trueperella pyogenes. The uterine mycobiome was dominated by Ascomycota across all groups; however, supplemented cows showed greater fungal community stability and a lower prevalence of opportunistic genera, including Candida spp. In conclusion, dietary grape pomace supplementation may beneficially modulate both bacterial and fungal uterine microbiota during the postpartum period, suggesting its potential as a natural strategy to support uterine microbial homeostasis and reproductive health in beef cows. Full article

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant public health concern characterized by increasing incidence and challenges in treatment. However, most studies investigating Candida spp. virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility predominantly rely on in vitro assays. While these assays are highly reproducible, they do not accurately replicate the complex vaginal microenvironment. To address this limitation, we developed an ex vivo model using porcine vaginal mucosa and a physiologically relevant volume of simulated vaginal fluid (SFV) to better mimic human vaginal conditions. Methods: Biofilm formation and fluconazole activity were assessed using the reference strain Candida albicans ATCC 90028 and two clinical isolates associated with VVC. Results were expressed as colony-forming units (CFU) and directly compared with in vitro assays conducted in Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) and SVF. Results: CFU analysis revealed that the ex vivo vaginal mucosa model supported more robust biofilm development, with counts ranging from 6.67 × 10⁷ to 7.20 × 10⁷ CFU/mL, compared to the in vitro SDB assay (3.58 × 10⁷ to 4.5 × 10⁷ CFU/mL). This suggests enhanced fungal growth under tissue-based conditions. Moreover, fluconazole achieved greater biofilm eradication in the ex vivo model (>70%) compared to the in vitro SDB assay (≤34.50%), which may indicate increased antifungal activity within a physiologically relevant environment. Conclusions: The ex vivo vaginal mucosa model offers a physiologically relevant platform for supporting C. albicans biofilm development and serves as a valuable alternative for preclinical screening of antifungal agents. Full article

Stilbenoids are plant-derived chemical compounds that are classified as phytoalexins; recent focus has been drawn, especially on astringin, piceid, piceatannol, pterostilbene, pinosylvin, and resveratrol. These substances have been extensively studied for a variety of beneficial properties, including their effects on pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. In their antifungal capacity, they are effective against Aspergillus spp., Botrytis spp., Candida spp., Trichophyton spp., and other fungi; tested stilbenoids have exhibited fungicidal and fungistatic effects, and inhibition of biofilm formation. Against parasites, they are effective against Echinococcus spp., Leishmania spp., Schistosoma spp., Trypanosoma spp., Toxoplasma spp., among others. Relevant action mechanisms include a reduction in parasitic enzymatic activity and inhibition of proliferation. They are also effective against different DNA and RNA viruses; the relevant mechanisms comprise reduction in viral replication, inhibition of viral genome expression, and viral attachment to cells. The toxicity of stilbenoids has been reviewed in recent papers, and, in most cases, the effective concentrations applied are well below the toxicity limit. Full article