Search Results (150)

Enteric infections remain a major health and economic challenge in swine production, with outcomes determined not only by pathogen virulence but also by the complex interplay between host genetics, immune competence, and the intestinal microbiota. This review synthesises current knowledge on host–pathogen genomic interactions in pigs, with a focus on resilience mechanisms against enteric diseases in swine. For this purpose, 103 articles were used as information sources, retrieved through structured keyword searches in PubMed. The review first addresses host genetic factors, highlighting genomic variants and quantitative trait loci associated with resistance or resilience to viral and bacterial pathogens such as porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) or Escherichia coli. Next, the key factors of the immune system to confer protection are also reviewed, emphasising the role of innate and adaptive responses in controlling each pathogen and disclosing the contribution of regulatory networks that balance pathogen clearance. Finally, the last section of the review is devoted to exploring current knowledge in the involvement of the microbiota in resilience against enteric pathogens, mostly, but not exclusively, enteric bacteria. In this sense, competitive exclusion is a concept which has gained attention in recent years. The review pinpoints and discusses the state of the art about how the microbial community provides colonisation resistance, shapes immune development, and influences pathogen fitness within the intestinal niche. As final perspectives, the review explores future drivers in the genetic immune and microbiota resistance. By bridging host genomic data with functional insights into immunity and microbial ecology, this review underscores the potential of multi-omics approaches to enhance resilience against enteric infections in pigs and advance sustainable swine health management. Full article

Titanium alloys are widely used for biomedical implants, but their performance is limited by wear, corrosion, and susceptibility to bacterial colonisation. To overcome these drawbacks, multilayer Ti–Cu oxide coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates using direct current magnetron sputtering. Two multilayer architectures (6 × 2 and 12 × 2 TiO₂/CuO bilayers) were fabricated and evaluated for their structural, mechanical, electrochemical, and biological properties. SEM/EDS and XRD confirmed well-adhered crystalline coatings consisting of rutile/anatase TiO₂ and monoclinic CuO with uniform elemental distribution. The coatings increased surface roughness, improved adhesion, and enhanced hardness by up to ~180% compared to uncoated Ti6Al4V alloy. Compared to the bare substrate, electrochemical testing in simulated body fluid showed higher corrosion resistance of both coated samples, but particularly for the 12 × 2 multilayers. Both architectures provided sustained Cu²⁺ release over seven days without a burst effect. In vitro biological testing showed that both multilayer coatings achieved over 96% inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, while exhibiting moderate antibacterial effects against Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Despite the presence of copper, MG-63 osteoblast-like cells demonstrated sustained viability and successful extracellular matrix mineralisation, indicating excellent cytocompatibility of the coatings with bone-forming cells. These results demonstrate that multilayer Ti–Cu oxide coatings can effectively balance antibacterial performance, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and support bone cell integration, making them a promising strategy for the surface modification of titanium-based biomedical implants. Full article

The oral microbiome of apex predators such as grey wolves (Canis lupus) is colonised by complex microbial communities and plays a crucial role in the health of wild mammals, but remains poorly understood. In this study, a single pooled sample mixed from oral samples of 17 wolves (Canis lupus) hunted in Lithuania was investigated for the determination of a variety of oral microbiota, providing the first metagenomic insight into wolf oral microbiomes in Baltic countries. The aim of this study was to identify the zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance potential of the oral microbiota. The results revealed diverse microbiomes associated with periodontal health as well as microbiomes related to the environment. Unique microbial taxa potentially reflect the nutritional and ecological interactions of carnivores. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing yielded a total of 18,726,406 raw reads, and following quality trimming and filtering, 86.01% of these (16,106,613) were retained. Among the total reads, 45.15% (8,455,255) were identified as host-derived and were removed. The most common oral bacterial genera were Pseudomonas (50%) and Psychrobacter (22.6%). Metagenomic reads for zoonotic pathogens, including Salmonella, Mycobacterium spp., Yersinia, Coxiella burnetii, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, and others, were also detected, suggesting that grey wolves are potential natural reservoirs of zoonotic infections. Genes encoding antimicrobial resistance to many classes of antibiotics were also detected. This research contributes to understanding wolf dietary habits, oral health, the carriage and possible risk of transmitting AMR, and social interactions. Full article

Background: Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) is widely used for local antibiotic delivery in joint arthroplasty to prevent and treat prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of cemented Kirschner (K)-wires coated with various ALBC formulations using a Galleria mellonella infection model against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: We tested commercially available bone cements, including gentamicin-only formulations (PALACOS R+G) and dual-antibiotic formulations, combining gentamicin with either clindamycin (COPAL G+C) or vancomycin (COPAL G+V), alongside an antibiotic-free control (PALACOS R). In vitro assays—including minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) determination, antibiotic release kinetics, agar diffusion, and antibiofilm evaluations—demonstrated effective antibiotic release and significant antimicrobial activity against both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria. Results: In vivo, ALBC-coated K-wires were well tolerated in G. mellonella and significantly protected the larvae from S. aureus infection compared to controls. Notably, dual-antibiotic formulations provided superior protection, correlating with substantial reductions in bacterial colonisation on implant surfaces and in surrounding tissues. Conclusions: These findings support the utility of the G. mellonella model as a high-throughput, cost-effective platform for the preclinical evaluation of antimicrobial strategies to prevent and treat PJIs and further demonstrate the effectiveness of dual-loaded ALBC against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections representing a growing threat driven by emerging multidrug resistance (MDR) and hypervirulence. In this study, we aim to characterise the genomic and epidemiological landscape of Kp in a Portuguese regional hospital (Braga) lacking prior genomic data. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 115 Kp isolates collected from colonisation and infection cases. Phylogenetic, resistance, and virulence profiles were integrated with clinical and epidemiological data. Genomic analysis revealed high diversity, with 83.5% of isolates forming evolutionary clusters. Several novel sequence types (STs), as ST2623 and ST1562, were detected for the first time in Portugal to our knowledge. ST45, uncommonly associated with carbapenem resistance, emerged as dominant with multiple blaKPC-3-positive isolates. Results suggest active transmission of carbapenem resistance genes. One hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant ST13 warrants careful surveillance. Virulence-associated yersiniabactin was common (66.9%) but other hypervirulence loci were rare. Epidemiologically, MDR-Kp was associated with older hospitalised patients with prior antibiotic use and invasive procedures, while community-acquired infections were genetically diverse and affected younger patients with comorbidities. An unusually low number of respiratory infections was observed, likely reflecting strict COVID-19 mitigation measures. Although widespread dissemination of hypervirulent or MDR clones was not evident, the emergence of high-risk lineages and the detection of ongoing gene transmission episodes underscore the need for ongoing genomic surveillance. Immediate mitigation strategies could include reducing device use and hospital transfers, given the high prevalence of colonisation. Full article

LD-Transpeptidases (LDTs) are a widely conserved class of peptidoglycan (PG) crosslinking enzymes in bacteria. They are sometimes overlooked as they often act secondary to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) under standard conditions. However, LDTs are essential in key pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile and are responsible for β-lactam resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Enterococcus faecium due their low affinity for penicillins and cephalosporins, allowing them to form LD-crosslinks when DD-crosslinking PBPs are inactivated. This role makes LDTs a promising target when developing new treatments for these pathogens. LDTs can perform different enzymatic reactions. Most commonly they reinforce the PG with 3,3-LD-crosslinks or, in a few cases, 1,3-LD-crosslinks, during stationary phase or stress responses. Some LDTs also incorporate endogenous and exogenous non-canonical D-amino acids into the PG. In many Gram-negative bacteria, specialised LDTs tether lipoproteins or outer membrane proteins (OMPs) to the PG to maintain cell envelope integrity; in some cases this regulates virulence factors. Specialised LDTs have also been implied to have roles in polar growth, toxin secretion, and symbiotic colonisation. Recent discoveries include novel subgroups of the major YkuD family and the identification of the VanW family; this has opened new research directions surrounding LDTs. We aim to understand LDTs and their roles to expand our knowledge of PG synthesis and modification and how these enzymes can be targeted for antibiotic treatment. Full article

Rhodotorula spp. are ubiquitous red-pigmented yeasts increasingly reported as opportunistic animal pathogens. Recognition matters because underdiagnosis can misguide therapy, especially in companion-animal otitis externa. This review supports laboratory and clinical decisions by summarising taxonomy and ecology, host risk factors, diagnostics, virulence factors, antifungal susceptibility, and veterinary cases. This review addresses: (1) taxonomy and ecology; (2) clinical epidemiology and predisposing factors (immunomodulation, prior antibacterial therapy, chronic inflammation); (3) diagnostics—cytology, organism burden, repeat or pure culture, MALDI-TOF MS, ITS sequencing—with a brief comparison of feasibility in veterinary practice; (4) virulence factors—adhesion and biofilm on abiotic surfaces, hydrolytic enzymes, capsule in some strains, haemolysins, urease, and carotenoids that protect against oxidative stress; (5) antifungal susceptibility and therapy—intrinsic resistance to echinocandins, often high azole MICs, and the most consistent in vitro activity of amphotericin B ± flucytosine; and (6) a synthesis of veterinary case reports. Rhodotorula spp. should not be dismissed as contaminants when clinical signs match laboratory evidence; distinguishing infection from colonisation requires clinicomicrobiological correlation. This review highlights the need for standardised susceptibility testing and veterinary breakpoints, prospective data on burden and outcomes, better data on biofilm behaviour on clinical materials, environmental surveillance, and practical diagnostic and treatment guidance. Full article

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance constitutes one of the key challenges to public health. It is a particularly serious problem in the context of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). By causing infections that are difficult to treat, multiple-drug-resistant bacteria in the hospital environment often require the use of toxic and costly drugs and prolonged hospital stays, and they result in long-term health consequences for patients, including a high risk of death. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological situation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in patients hospitalised at the University Teaching Hospital in Bialystok, Poland, between 2020 and 2023. Methods: Data from epidemiological reports covering 15 alert pathogens, including MRSA, VRE, KPC (+), and ESBL (+), were analysed. Their prevalence was assessed in three groups of wards: intensive care, surgical, and non-surgical. Infection and microbiological testing rates were referenced to the number of hospitalisations and patient-days. Results: A total of 6066 cases of infections caused by resistant microorganisms were identified. The most frequently isolated pathogen was Enterococcus faecium VRE, peaking in 2022 (11.43 per 1000 patients). A marked increase in Klebsiella spp. KPC (+) and Enterobacter spp. ESBL (+) was observed, particularly in the 2021–2022 period. Intensive care units showed the highest infection rate (30–36 per 1000 patient-days). In the 2022–2023 period, infections detected within <72 h of admission predominated, which may indicate prior patient colonisation or intensified screening. Conclusions: The rise in infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria requires a high level of microbiological surveillance to be maintained, especially in intensive care units, and preventive measures at hospital admission to be strengthened. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among foodborne pathogens has emerged as a critical global health concern, undermining the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial agents and threatening the safety and integrity of the food supply chain. In response, probiotics, prebiotics, and their combinations as synbiotics are increasingly recognised as sustainable, health-oriented strategies to mitigate AMR across the food chain. Probiotics—live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host—contribute to AMR mitigation through multiple mechanisms, including competitive exclusion of resistant pathogens, production of antimicrobial metabolites (e.g., bacteriocins and organic acids), modulation of host immunity, and restoration of gut microbial balance. Prebiotics, defined as non-digestible food ingredients, selectively stimulate the growth and/or metabolic activity of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., thereby reinforcing colonisation resistance. When combined as synbiotics, these agents may exert synergistic effects, enhancing microbial resilience, promoting gut health, and reducing the colonisation and persistence of AMR-related pathogens. The integration of these bio-based approaches into food systems—particularly in the development of fermented and functional foods—supports broader One Health objectives by reducing the need for antibiotics and contributing to global AMR containment efforts. This review summarises current scientific insights, explores practical applications, and outlines future perspectives on the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in combating AMR throughout the food chain. Full article

Candida auris has emerged as a global public health threat due to its high mortality rates, multidrug resistance, and rapid transmission in healthcare settings. This study reports the first documented cases of C. auris candidemia in Portugal, comprising eight isolates from candidemia and colonised patients admitted to a major hospital in northern Portugal in 2023. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine the phylogenetic relationships of the isolates, which were classified as belonging to Clade I. Genome sequencing also enabled the detection of missense mutations in antifungal resistance genes, which were correlated with antifungal susceptibility profiles determined according to EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test) protocols and guidelines. All isolates exhibited resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B according to the recently established EUCAST epidemiological cut-offs (ECOFFs). Most of the isolates showed a resistant phenotype to anidulafungin and micafungin. All isolates were resistant to caspofungin. Missense mutations identified included Y132F in ERG11, E709D in CDR1, A583S in TAC1b, K52N and E1464K in SNQ2, K74E in CIS2, M192I in ERG4, a novel mutation S237T in CRZ1, and variants in GCN5, a gene involved in chromatin remodelling and stress-response regulation. Identifying known and novel mutations highlights the evolution of antifungal resistance mechanisms in C. auris. These findings underscore the need for further research to understand C. auris resistance pathways and to guide effective clinical management strategies. Full article

We reviewed vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonisation of inpatients of a spinal cord injury centre. The centre consists of one single occupancy en suite room and ten multi-occupancy rooms where two to six patients stay in a cubicle. These patients share bathroom and toilet facilities. Active screening for VRE is performed by taking rectal swabs on admission of patients to the spinal unit. The patients, who are colonised with VRE, are not isolated due to constraints in resources. During a twelve-month period (April 2024 to April 2025), 33 patients tested positive for VRE. In April 2025, 17 of 40 in-patients tested positive for VRE. During the last six 12-month periods from 2019, the number of patients testing positive for VRE has shown an upward trend from 18 during 2019–2020 to 33 during 2024–2025. No patient developed systemic infection with VRE (blood stream infection, endocarditis, meningitis, intra-abdominal sepsis, infection of a spinal implant or baclofen pump) during the study period. Twelve patients underwent implantation of a baclofen pump during 2024–2025. No patient developed VRE infection from the implant. We believe that non-isolation of patients colonised with VRE may be a pragmatic approach in a resource-poor healthcare facility. It is possible that non-isolation could have contributed to an increase in the number of patients who became colonised with VRE. Attention should be paid to infection prevention measures including hand washing and environmental cleaning to prevent the spread of VRE colonisation of inpatients and VRE infection of at-risk patients, e.g., immune-compromised individuals. Full article

Zoonotic Campylobacter species (ZCS), particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, cause major foodborne gastroenteritis and poultry is the principal reservoirs. However, there is limited data on Campylobacter transmission risk practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence, AMR, and risk practices aiding Campylobacter transmission in two major slaughterhouses processing poultry carcasses in Enugu State, Nigeria. Four hundred poultry faecal samples were analysed for zoonotic Campylobacter organisms using standard protocols. Antimicrobial resistance was profiled via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique, against eight antimicrobial agents. Risk practices were assessed through slaughterhouse observations and interviews with 56 workers. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter infections was 14.5% (58/400), while the species-specific prevalence were 13% (52/400) and 1.5% (6/400) for C. coli and C. jejuni, respectively. Campylobacter colonisation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers, and during the wet season. The AMR profile of the isolates against the eight antibiotics tested was: Amoxicillin/clauvlanic acid (100%), vancomycin (100%), tetracycline (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (55.2%), chloramphenicol (44.8%), ceftazidime (10.3%), azithromycin (3.4%) and streptomycin (3.4%). All the 58 Campylobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. The multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.4 to 0.9, with a mean of 0.7. Major risk practice associated with ZCS transmission include non-use of personal protective equipment (100%), slaughtering on unsanitary surfaces (100%), using visibly unclean water for meat processing (100%), improper manual evisceration (75%), eating or drinking during processing (64.4%), slaughtering sick animals (37.5%), inadequate cleaning of surfaces and equipment after use (21.4%) and consuming raw meat during carcass processing (19.6%). The findings reflect critical gaps in food safety, occupational health, prudent antimicrobial use in poultry farming and zoonotic disease control, emphasizing the need for antibiotic regulation, training on hygienic meat processing, public education, infrastructural development of slaughterhouse facilities, and inter-sectorial collaboration to curb Campylobacter contamination and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Background: Infections following cardiac surgery are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). The role of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) and other nosocomial infections is crucial; however, the optimal approach to agent selection, dosing, and duration remains controversial. Objective: This narrative review aims to summarise the current evidence and expert recommendations regarding the use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in adults undergoing cardiac surgery, with a particular focus on intensive care settings, transplant recipients, and adult patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) principles, microbial epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and practical strategies for tailored prophylaxis in high-risk populations. Results: Cefazolin remains the first-line agent for most procedures, with vancomycin or clindamycin reserved for patients who are allergic to β-lactams or who are colonised with MRSA. Redosing is recommended in cases of prolonged surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass. Evidence supports limiting prophylaxis to ≤24 h, with a potential extension to 48 h in select high-risk cases; however, continuation beyond this is discouraged due to the risk of resistance. In heart transplantation, multimodal prophylaxis against bacteria, fungi, and viruses is essential but must be tailored to the individual patient. In the ECMO setting, the current evidence does not support the routine administration of prophylaxis (AP), and therapy should be tailored based on pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) changes and the clinical context. A multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to AP in cardiac surgery is essential. Prophylaxis should be patient-specific, microbiologically guided, and limited in duration to reduce the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms. Integrating antimicrobial stewardship, non-pharmacological measures, and rigorous surveillance is crucial for optimising the prevention of infections in this vulnerable population. Full article

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in paediatric settings are routinely exposed to respiratory pathogens, increasing their risk of asymptomatic colonisation by meningitis-associated bacteria. This study is the first to assess oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal carriage of major bacterial meningitis pathogens among paediatric HCPs in Benin, and to identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in nine hospitals between 1 September 2023 and 30 September 2024. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and paired oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs. Culture-based identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed according to CA-SFM guidelines. By culture method, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated pathogen, mainly from oropharyngeal samples (47.5%). Most of these strains exhibited multidrug resistance. In nasopharyngeal samples analysed by real-time PCR, detection rates for S. pneumoniae were markedly higher (24.4%) compared to culture (5.0%), highlighting the limited sensitivity of conventional methods in detecting asymptomatic carriage. Pneumococcal colonisation was significantly associated with recent respiratory tract infections, and residence in high-risk areas (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the need for enhanced molecular surveillance, along with strengthened infection control measures and targeted vaccination strategies, to mitigate the risk of horizontal transmission in paediatric wards. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a member of the Enterobacterales Order, often colonises the gut and causes diverse infections, including bloodstream, urinary, and respiratory infections. The rise in carbapenem-resistant sFtrains, especially those producing enzymes like K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Oxacillinase 48 (OXA48), or combinations (NDM+OXA48-like), poses a significant threat across Europe, notably in Romania. These strains spread rapidly via mobile genetic elements, complicating treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae strains isolated from clinical samples collected at an infectious diseases hospital in Romania. Results: We analysed the evolution of carbapenemases and their combinations from 2010 to 2024, with the rising antibiotic consumption, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) rose from 4.9% in 2010 to 41.6% in 2024. There was an overall antibiotic use increase, especially colistin (186%) between 2019–2024. Additionally, we examined the dynamics of antibiotic susceptibility that decreased in 2023–2024 and found that susceptibility of NDM+OXA48-like isolates to colistin was 16.5% and to cefiderocol 58.5%. Conclusions: The rising prevalence of K. pneumoniae strains with complex resistance mechanisms, coupled with a significant reduction in available treatment options, demands a fundamental paradigm shift in the management of these infections. Full article