Search Results (426)

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has become a major threat to global tomato production due to its exceptional mechanical transmissibility and virion stability. Effective sanitation is essential for containment, yet the performance of commonly used disinfectants on greenhouse-relevant surfaces remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated multiple disinfectant formulations, applied by spraying or dipping, on polyethylene film, pruning shears, and human hands. After controlled inoculation with a standardized inoculum, treated surfaces were swabbed and extracts mechanically inoculated onto Nicotiana rustica L. Lesion number was visually quantified, and lesion area was measured using a computational image-analysis pipeline. Fifth-generation quaternary ammonium compounds (5°QAS) showed the highest virucidal activity on smooth, non-porous surfaces, reducing lesion numbers to fewer than 10 per leaf at 800–1000 ppm and maintaining infection severities below 1%. Glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm also performed strongly, achieving severities as low as 0.20% on plastic. Metallic pruning shears consistently retained infectious particles, with untreated controls exceeding 100 lesions per leaf and treated samples showing incomplete inactivation. Mechanical agents such as powdered milk and soap reduced infection but did not eliminate transmission. No clear dose–response trend was observed. The two most effective treatments, 5°QAS at 800–1000 ppm and glutaraldehyde at 500 ppm, significantly reduced or prevented systemic infection in tomato assays. These findings demonstrate that sanitation efficacy depends on formulation, surface type, and application method, providing operationally relevant guidelines for ToBRFV management. Full article

Microwave radiation is a potential alternative to conventional disinfection of acrylic resin, but exposure time must be minimized, e.g., by combining it with chemical agents, due to its effects on material properties. This study aimed to microbiologically evaluate the antifungal activity of microwave disinfection performed in distilled water, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), or without immersion. Thermally polymerized PMMA samples colonized with Candida albicans ATCC 14053 were exposed to microwaves for 1 or 3 min in an unmodified microwave oven. Disinfection effectiveness was assessed by colony counting after 48 h of culture and absorbance after crystal violet staining. All microwave treatments significantly reduced fungal counts compared with the control (5360.00 ± 1663.09 CFU/mL). Complete inhibition of colony growth occurred only after 3 min exposure in distilled water, NaOCl, or CHX. One-minute exposure in these liquids reduced but did not eliminate fungi. The least effective method was disinfection without immersion, yielding 1040.00 ± 169.71 CFU/mL after 1 min and 560.00 ± 108.32 CFU/mL after 3 min. None of the tested conditions fully removed biofilms, although microwaves combined with NaOCl produced the best results. Overall, it was found that the presence of a liquid itself, rather than the type of chemical used, was the key factor in effective microwave-assisted disinfection. Microwave disinfection without the addition of chemicals does not remove biofilms. Full article

Fomites are common vehicles for viral transmission. Most studies on virus disinfection have focused on non-porous, hard surfaces, with few investigating porous materials. This review addresses two research questions: (1) What affects viral viability on reusable porous materials? (2) Which antimicrobials effectively target viruses on these materials? Among existing studies, viral persistence on reusable porous surfaces was influenced by several factors, including viral envelope status, virus subtype, material type and structure, temperature, relative humidity, deposition method, and transmission medium. Disinfectants evaluated included ultraviolet irradiation, steam, chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols, glutaraldehyde, silver, and peroxide-based agents. Chlorine and steam were most effective; glutaraldehyde and peroxides showed limited action against non-enveloped viruses. Viral persistence and disinfection efficacy on reusable porous materials are influenced by multiple factors, highlighting the need for robust environmental management and infection control practices. Lack of standard tests and long-term disinfection effects on material integrity remain key challenges needing further study. Full article

One of the greatest epizootic threats to waterfowl is infection with goose parvovirus (GPV), which is the etiological agent of Derzsy’s disease (DD). Despite the use of prophylactic vaccinations, the disease still occurs in waterfowl. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the presence of GPV genetic material in transport vehicles based on the results of molecular testing of samples collected from the vehicles between 2017 and 2020. In selected disinfected transport vehicles transporting geese from hatcheries to farms and from farms to slaughterhouses, swabs were collected from transport cages and transport kennel equipment. Samples were collected between 2017 and 2020. Total DNA was then isolated, and PCR amplification was performed to detect the presence of GPV genetic material. The resulting PCR products were sequenced. Based on PCR results, the presence of genetic material from GPV strains originating from disinfected waterfowl transport vehicles was confirmed. From the collected materials, 13 strain sequences were obtained from 2017 to 2020. Based on molecular studies conducted between 2017 and 2020, it should be concluded that despite preventive vaccinations and disinfection of transport vehicles, GPV infection remains a serious epizootic problem in waterfowl flocks in Poland. Full article

Triclosan (TCS) is a widely used antimicrobial agent found in personal care products and household cleaners. While valued since the 1960s for its ability to inhibit bacterial fatty acid synthesis, its environmental persistence, ecotoxicity, and bioaccumulative potential have raised significant global concern. The increased use of disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated its prevalence as an aquatic pollutant. In the environment, TCS is distributed through water bodies and sediments, undergoing processes such as biodegradation and photochemical degradation. Its bioaccumulation poses a substantial threat to aquatic organisms, particularly fish. A growing body of research indicates that TCS acts as an endocrine disruptor and developmental toxicant, with documented adverse effects encompassing impaired embryonic and larval development, skeletal malformations, and induction of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, TCS exposure is linked to reproductive toxicity, including altered sex hormone levels and diminished reproductive capacity. This review consolidates current knowledge on the chemical properties, environmental fate, biodegradation pathways, and ecotoxicological impacts of TCS, with a specific emphasis on its multifaceted health risks to fish. The synthesis aims to provide a foundation for future research, inform environmental risk assessments, and support the development of evidence-based regulatory measures. Full article

The escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance, particularly concerning foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and its biofilm contamination, has emerged as a major global challenge to food safety and public health. Biofilm formation significantly enhances the pathogen’s resistance to environmental stresses and disinfectants, underscoring the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. In this study, we isolated Bacillus strain B673 from the saline–alkali environment of Xinjiang, conducted whole-genome sequencing, and applied antiSMASH analysis to identify ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) gene clusters. By integrating an LSTM-Attention-BERT deep learning framework, we screened and predicted nine novel antimicrobial peptide sequences. Using a SUMO-tag fusion tandem strategy, we achieved efficient soluble expression in an E. coli system, and the purified products exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 3.13 μg/mL), with inhibition zones larger than those of the positive control. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations demonstrated that the peptides can stably bind to MurE, a key enzyme in cell wall synthesis, with negative binding free energy, suggesting an antibacterial mechanism via MurE inhibition. This study provides promising candidate molecules for the development of anti-drug-resistant agents and establishes an integrated research framework for antimicrobial peptides, spanning gene mining, intelligent screening, efficient expression, and mechanistic elucidation. Full article

Green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been increasingly recognized for their antimicrobial properties and environmental compatibility. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Manacá-da-Serra (Pleroma sellowianum) flowers as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent and subsequently incorporated into a chitosan matrix to produce functionalized composites for industrial wastewater disinfection. Optimal synthesis conditions were achieved at pH 12.0, 25 °C, and 0.01 mol/L AgNO₃, yielding uniformly dispersed spherical NPs (20–30 nm) with moderate colloidal stability (zeta potential ≈ −14 mV) and a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 μL/mL against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The effective integration of AgNPs into the biopolymer was verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The interaction between AgNPs and chitosan was confirmed by the data, while successful NP incorporation was further supported by homogeneous Ag distribution and improved thermal stability. Inhibition zones of 11 ± 1 mm (S. aureus) and 9 ± 1 mm (E. coli) were revealed by antimicrobial assays. For industrial wastewater disinfection, a total coliform reduction of >99.9% was achieved within 180 min, with Ag release remaining at 0.01 mg/L, below the regulatory threshold. The synergistic effect between chitosan and green-synthesized AgNPs was highlighted by these findings, demonstrating the potential of this environmentally friendly material for efficient, safe, and sustainable wastewater disinfection and reuse. Full article

Psittacine bornavirus type-4 (PaBV-4) causes proventricular dilatation disease and death among diverse birds, most notably caged parrots and related species, with no known cure or vaccine. Infected birds can shed virus in fecal matter, urine, and feather dander but it is unknown how well PaBV-4 survives outside of the host. This study focused on assessing the persistence of PaBV-4 in common environmental situations. The presence of viral RNA was examined in aqueous solutions at varying temperatures and recovery from typical avian husbandry materials (plastic, wood, metal, and cloth). Viral RNA persistence in aqueous samples was found to be 3 weeks at 37 °C, 2 months at 24 °C (room temperature), and 3 months at 4 °C. Viral RNA was also recovered from plastic and metal surfaces up to 72 h after inoculation. Also examined were disinfection protocols comparing coverage versus contact time for a reduction in viral RNA. Complete coverage by the disinfecting agent was more important for preventing recovery of viral RNA. Additionally, PaBV-4 RNA was transferable by paper towel. These results provide the first evidence of the robust nature of PaBV-4 in an aqueous environment and show that cleaning protocols need to be carefully curated to limit possible viral spread. Full article

This case describes an outbreak of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Agona in a Rottweiler breeding kennel, associated with raw meat-based diet (RMBD) of unlicensed origin. The report presents the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological characteristics of the outbreak, as well as the control and preventive measures undertaken. Methods: Samples of faeces, vomit, raw food, and environmental surfaces were collected and examined. The isolated pathogen was identified using bacteriological culture, biochemical testing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and serotyping according to the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method in accordance with standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and dehydration without fever, with disease exacerbation observed in post-partum animals. Extensive carriage and faecal shedding of S. Agona were detected in affected dogs, along with widespread contamination of food and the kennel environment. The isolate was susceptible to some antimicrobial agents but resistant to cephalexin, aminoglycosides, lincosamides, macrolides, and fusidic acid, and showed intermediate susceptibility to polymyxin B. Following discontinuation of raw meat feeding, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and environmental disinfection, all dogs recovered, and subsequent tests for Salmonella spp., were negative. All human contacts also tested negative. Conclusions: This represents the first documented outbreak of S. Agona infection in dogs in Bulgaria linked to a RMBD. The findings emphasise the importance of feed safety, biosecurity, and traceability of feed sources in kennels, as well as the potential zoonotic risk associated with raw feeding practices. The diagnostic and therapeutic measures implemented in this case provide an effective model for managing similar epidemiological events within the One Health framework. Full article

Photocatalytic pathogen inactivation is gaining increasing importance due to the rising number of microbial species resistant to conventional antibacterial agents. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based photocatalysts have emerged as a promising solution, being not only potent antibacterial agents but also environmentally friendly and capable of simultaneously degrading organic pollutants. This review summarizes recent advances in the antibacterial performance of different TiO₂ modifications, including commercial nanopowders, nanoparticles with various morphologies, thin films, composites, and polymer-supported nanostructures, all primarily activated under UV light. Given the limited ability of pristine TiO₂ to harvest solar radiation, we also highlight the most recent strategies for designing visible-light-responsive TiO₂, such as doping, incorporation of plasmonic metal nanoparticles, formation of heterostructures, and interfacial charge transfer complexes. In addition, we discuss the fundamental structural features of TiO₂, the mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation involved in bacterial inactivation, and kinetic models describing antibacterial efficiency. These insights aim to advance the understanding and development of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable photocatalytic disinfection technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin wounds interrupt the natural anatomy and function of the skin. The body passes through four physiological phases to repair wounds after injury. Since the fibers are more closely related to the extracellular matrix structure, they can be used as scaffolds to accelerate wound closure. Shikonin is a botanical herbal remedy used as an anti-inflammatory agent and for its wound-healing characteristics. Cresols are known for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which promote their utilization as a disinfectant in soap. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate shikonin and cresol-loaded nanofibers for a dual wound-healing and antibacterial wound dressing in vitro. Methods: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the drug-loaded nanofibers against diverse Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition assays. Results: Scanning electron microscopy images showed successful formulation of shikonin/cresol fibers with an average diameter of 772 ± 152 nm. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading for the dual drug-loaded fibers were 44 ± 1% and 25 ± 1 µg/mg, respectively, for shikonin, and 38 ± 1% and 21 ± 0.5 µg/mg, respectively, for cresol, with a full release of both drugs achieved after 180 min. The combination of both compounds exhibited a safe concentration of ≤6 µg/mL, with cell viability of >50% in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) after 24 h. The MIC results indicated that the combination was efficient as an antibacterial agent against Gram-positive bacteria at a safe concentration. The shikonin/cresol-loaded fibrous system showed an inhibition zone close to that of the control drugs, suggesting that the drugs have retained their antibacterial activity after electrospinning. Conclusions: This dual drug-loaded fiber system showed a high potential as an antibacterial wound dressing for skin infection injuries. However, in vivo studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy in an animal model of the dual drug-loaded fiber system. Full article

Effective disinfectant validation is essential for ensuring biosafety in high-containment laboratories when lethal pathogens are being handled. Micro-Chem Plus™ (MCP) is widely used in high-containment facilities for pathogen disinfection and routine decontamination. However, it induces severe cytotoxicity in cell culture, which may lead to an overestimation of its virucidal efficacy during disinfectant validation assays. To resolve this problem, we systematically evaluated the effects of three neutralisation methods (dilution, chemical neutralisation, and chromatographic separation) on MCP. The results showed that a 400-fold dilution with assay medium completely neutralised MCP, but reliable detection required high viral titers (≥6 log₁₀ TCID₅₀/mL). Chemical neutralisation using Dey–Engley broth showed inherent cytotoxicity, while chromatographic separation (MicroSpin S-400 HR/DetergentOUT™ columns) was the most effective but necessitated an additional 8-fold dilution. Validation in a BSL-4 facility with the risk group 4 (RG-4) agent Ebola virus confirmed MCP’s concentration- and time-dependent virucidal activity, achieving a ≥6 log₁₀ TCID₅₀ reduction within 1–5 min. This study establishes an optimised framework for disinfectant validation in high-containment laboratories, addressing critical gaps in current protocols. Full article

The increasing global incidence of infections caused by free-living amoebae (FLA) and the lack of effective, safe, and approved treatments highlight the urgent need for novel amoebicidal compounds with pharmacological potential. Despite a growing body of literature on the anti-FLA properties of various compounds, comprehensive reviews summarizing this progress remain scarce. This study aimed to identify the most promising compounds tested in vitro and/or in vivo for anti-FLA activity. A systematic review was conducted, analyzing 108 studies published between 1986 and 2024, selected from an initial pool of 23,653 database results. A total of 537 compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-FLA activity. Compounds exhibiting ≥50% reduction in amoeba viability relative to untreated controls were classified as promising if they showed low toxicity in mammalian cell models, particularly when active at concentrations ≤ 10 µM, consistent with predicted favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. The most promising compounds for drug and disinfectant development include ten trophocidal agents against B. mandrillaris, thirty-two trophocidal and four cysticidal agents against N. fowleri, and sixty-two trophocidal and nineteen cysticidal agents against Acanthamoeba spp. Compounds active at low concentrations (≤10 µM or <0.014 mg/mL) prioritized for in vivo drug development studies include: against Balamuthia mandrillaris, trophocidal 515, 531, 533; against Naegleria fowleri, trophocidal 421, 416, 518, 46, 254, 522, 111–120 and cysticidal 16; and against Acanthamoeba spp., trophocidal 498, 499, 500, 535, 107, 347, 348, and 340. Future studies should evaluate their efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics toward developing effective drugs, antiseptics, and disinfectants. Full article

Background: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with negligible potential for resistance development, excellent biocompatibility, and therefore, could be promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. However, their industrial-scale production relies on chemical synthesis that involves toxic reagents, imposing potential environmental hazards. In contrast, green synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative, but our previous study found that green-synthesized IONPs (IONPs-G) exhibited a lower antibacterial activity and a higher cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized counterparts, likely due to nanoparticle aggregation. Objectives: To address this challenge, the current study presents a simple, effective, economic, scalable, and eco-friendly strategy to optimize the physicochemical properties of IONPs-G post-production without requiring extensive modifications to synthesis parameters. Methods: IONPs-G were dispersed in a solvent mixture containing Tween 80 (Tw80). Subsequently, in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo cytotoxicity studies on rabbits’ skin and eye were conducted. Results: The formed nanoparticles’ dispersion (IONPs-GTw80) had a particle size of 9.7 ± 2.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.111 ± 0.02, and a zeta potential of −11.4 ± 2.4 mV. MIC of IONPs-GTw80 values against S. aureus and E. coli were reduced by more than ten-fold compared to IONPs-G. MBC was twice MIC, confirming the bactericidal activity of IONPs-GTw80. In vivo studies of IONPs-GTw80 confirmed their biocompatibility with intact/abraded skin and eyes; this was further confirmed by histopathological and biochemical analyses. Conclusions: IONPs-GTw80 might be recommended as a disinfectant in healthcare settings or a topical antimicrobial agent for treatment of infected wounds. Nevertheless, further studies are required for their clinical translation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanotherapies are a strategy to combat Candida resistance. This study analyzed the impacts of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) functionalized with a chitosan (CS) layer acting as carriers of chlorhexidine (CHX) on an oral candidiasis microcosm biofilm. Methods: Saliva samples from three healthy donors were used to form biofilms, to which Candida species were added to reproduce an oral candidiasis microcosm. Biofilms were cultivated for 72 h on glass coverslips using an active adhesion model. Biofilms without Candida served as a control model. The nanocarrier loaded with CHX at 78 (IONPs-CS-CHX78) or 156 µg/mL (IONPs-CS-CHX156) was co-incubated with the biofilms for 24 h. Controls included isolated IONPs, CS, and CHX, in addition to an untreated group (NC). Assays for biomass production, metabolism, microbial load, and lactic acid production were conducted to assess antibiofilm effects. Biofilm structure, viability, and thickness were also examined by confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis, subsequently accompanied by the Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: CHX and IONPs-CS-CHX156 were the most effective agents against all tested biofilm models, significantly reducing metabolism, microbial load (bacterial and fungal), and viability. For the oral candidiasis biofilm, the nanocarrier did not affect biomass or biofilm thickness but led to a significant increase in lactic acid levels compared to NC. Conclusions: It is concluded that the nanocarrier of CHX exhibits a significant reducing effect on oral candidiasis microcosm biofilms at half the concentration required for non-carried CHX. This nanostructure can be explored in the development of antiseptic or disinfectant solutions for managing oral candidiasis. Full article