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Search Results (653)

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Keywords = microbial drug-resistance

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12 pages, 806 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm: A Clinical and Environmental Hazard
by Bindu Sadanandan and Kavyasree Marabanahalli Yogendraiah
Med. Sci. Forum 2025, 35(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2025035005 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This review explores the biofilm architecture and drug resistance of Enterococcus faecalis in clinical and environmental settings. The biofilm in E. faecalis is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional, mushroom-like or multilayered structure, characteristically forming diplococci or short chains interspersed with water channels for nutrient exchange [...] Read more.
This review explores the biofilm architecture and drug resistance of Enterococcus faecalis in clinical and environmental settings. The biofilm in E. faecalis is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional, mushroom-like or multilayered structure, characteristically forming diplococci or short chains interspersed with water channels for nutrient exchange and waste removal. Exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular DNA create a protective matrix. Persister cells within the biofilm contribute to antibiotic resistance and survival. The heterogeneous architecture of the E. faecalis biofilm contains both dense clusters and loosely packed regions that vary in thickness, ranging from 10 to 100 µm, depending on the environmental conditions. The pathogenicity of the E. faecalis biofilm is mediated through complex interactions between genes and virulence factors such as DNA release, cytolysin, pili, secreted antigen A, and microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules, often involving a key protein called enterococcal surface protein (Esp). Clinically, it is implicated in a range of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and surgical wound infections. The biofilm serves as a nidus for bacterial dissemination and as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance. The effectiveness of first-line antibiotics (ampicillin, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides) is diminished due to reduced penetration, altered metabolism, increased tolerance, and intrinsic and acquired resistance. Alternative strategies for biofilm disruption, such as combination therapy (ampicillin with aminoglycosides), as well as newer approaches, including antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and biofilm-disrupting agents (DNase or dispersin B), are also being explored to improve treatment outcomes. Environmentally, E. faecalis biofilms contribute to contamination in water systems, food production facilities, and healthcare environments. They persist in harsh conditions, facilitating the spread of multidrug-resistant strains and increasing the risk of transmission to humans and animals. Therefore, understanding the biofilm architecture and drug resistance is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate their clinical and environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics)
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18 pages, 1289 KiB  
Article
Novel Film-Forming Spray: Advancing Shelf Life Extension and Post-Harvest Loss Reduction in Eggs
by Nagesh Sonale, Rokade J. Jaydip, Akhilesh Kumar, Monika Madheswaran, Rohit Kumar, Prasad Wadajkar and Ashok Kumar Tiwari
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152142 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 28
Abstract
This study explores the development of a topical film-forming spray infused with phytobiotic herbs to extend egg shelf life and maintain its quality. Unlike traditional surface treatments, film-forming sprays provide uniform drug distribution, better bioavailability, effective CO2 retention by sealing pores, and [...] Read more.
This study explores the development of a topical film-forming spray infused with phytobiotic herbs to extend egg shelf life and maintain its quality. Unlike traditional surface treatments, film-forming sprays provide uniform drug distribution, better bioavailability, effective CO2 retention by sealing pores, and antibacterial effects. The spray includes a polymer to encapsulate phytoconstituents and form the film. The resulting film is highly water-resistant, glossy, transparent, and dries within two minutes. SEM analysis showed a fine, uniform morphology, while zeta analysis revealed a negative potential of −0.342 mV and conductivity of 0.390 mS/cm, indicating stable dispersion. The spray’s effectiveness was tested on 640 chicken eggs stored at varying temperatures. Eggs treated and kept at 2–8 °C showed the best results, with smaller air cells, higher specific gravity, and superior quality indicators such as pH, albumen weight, albumen height and index, Haugh unit, yolk weight, and yolk index. Additionally, the spray significantly reduced microbial load, including total plate count and E. coli. Eggs stored at 28 °C remained safe for 24–30 days, while those at 2–8 °C lasted over 42 days. This innovative film-forming spray offers a promising approach for preserving internal and external egg quality during storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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18 pages, 1988 KiB  
Article
Computational Design of Potentially Multifunctional Antimicrobial Peptide Candidates via a Hybrid Generative Model
by Fangli Ying, Wilten Go, Zilong Li, Chaoqian Ouyang, Aniwat Phaphuangwittayakul and Riyad Dhuny
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157387 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a robust alternative to conventional antibiotics, combating escalating microbial resistance through their diverse functions and broad pathogen-targeting abilities. While current deep learning technologies enhance AMP generation, they face challenges in developing multifunctional AMPs due to intricate amino acid interdependencies [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a robust alternative to conventional antibiotics, combating escalating microbial resistance through their diverse functions and broad pathogen-targeting abilities. While current deep learning technologies enhance AMP generation, they face challenges in developing multifunctional AMPs due to intricate amino acid interdependencies and limited consideration of diverse functional activities. To overcome this challenge, we introduce a novel de novo multifunctional AMP design framework that enhances a Feedback Generative Adversarial Network (FBGAN) by integrating a global quantitative AMP activity regression module and a multifunctional-attribute integrated prediction module. This integrated approach not only facilitates the automated generation of potential AMP candidates, but also optimizes the network’s ability to assess their multifunctionality. Initially, by integrating an effective pre-trained regression and classification model with feedback-loop mechanisms, our model can not only identify potential valid AMP candidates, but also optimizes computational predictions of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values. Subsequently, we employ a combinatorial predictor to simultaneously identify and predict five multifunctional AMP bioactivities, enabling the generation of multifunctional AMPs. The experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of generating AMPs with multiple enhanced antimicrobial properties, indicating that our work can provide a valuable reference for combating multi-drug-resistant infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in Molecular Sciences)
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21 pages, 3912 KiB  
Article
Screening and Phenotyping of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Boza
by Xudong Zhao, Longying Pei, Xinqi Wang, Mingming Luo, Sihan Hou, Xingqian Ye, Wei Liu and Yuting Zhou
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081767 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 343
Abstract
The aim of this study was to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from a traditional fermented beverage, Boza, and to conduct an in-depth study on their fermentation and probiotic properties. The fermentation (acid production rate, acid tolerance, salt tolerance, amino acid [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from a traditional fermented beverage, Boza, and to conduct an in-depth study on their fermentation and probiotic properties. The fermentation (acid production rate, acid tolerance, salt tolerance, amino acid decarboxylase activity) and probiotic properties (gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt tolerance, hydrophobicity, self-aggregation, drug resistance, bacteriostatic properties) of the 16 isolated LAB were systematically analyzed by morphological, physiological, and biochemical tests and 16S rDNA molecular biology. This analysis utilized principal component analysis (PCA) to comprehensively evaluate the biological properties of the strains. The identified LAB included Limosilactobacillus fermentum (9 strains), Levilactobacillus brevis (2 strains), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (2 strains), and Lactobacillus helveticus (3 strains). These strains showed strong environmental adaptation at different pH (3.5) and temperature (45 °C), with different gastrointestinal colonization, tolerance, and antioxidant properties. All the strains did not show hemolytic activity and were inhibitory to Staphylococcus aureus, and showed resistance to kanamycin, gentamicin, vancomycin, and streptomycin. Based on the integrated scoring of biological properties by principal component analysis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum S4 and S6 and Levilactobacillus brevis S5 had excellent fermentation properties and tolerance and could be used as potential functional microbial resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Fermentation in Food Processing)
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12 pages, 1671 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Marine Streptomyces sp. NBUD24-Derived Anthraquinones Against MRSA
by Yuxin Yang, Zhiyan Zhou, Guobao Huang, Shuhua Yang, Ruoyu Mao, Lijian Ding and Xiao Wang
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(8), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23080298 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health crisis, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) representing one of the most clinically significant multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this study, three structurally unique anthracycline derivatives—keto-ester (1), 4-deoxy-ε-pyrromycinone (2), and misamycin (3 [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health crisis, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) representing one of the most clinically significant multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this study, three structurally unique anthracycline derivatives—keto-ester (1), 4-deoxy-ε-pyrromycinone (2), and misamycin (3)—were first isolated and characterized from the fermentation broth of the marine-derived Streptomyces tauricus NBUD24. These compounds exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against MRSA, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 16 to 32 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed their safety profile at therapeutic concentrations. The biofilm formation assay demonstrated that 4-deoxy-ε-pyrromycinone inhibited biofilm formation of MRSA ATCC43300, with an inhibition rate of 64.4%. Investigations of antibacterial mechanisms revealed that these compounds exert antibacterial effects primarily through disruption of bacterial cell wall integrity and destruction of DNA structure. These findings underscore the potential of marine-derived microbial metabolites as promising scaffolds for developing next-generation antimicrobial candidates to combat drug-resistant infections. Full article
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17 pages, 985 KiB  
Review
Advances in Forensic Entomotoxicology for Decomposed Corpses: A Review
by Sen Hou, Zengjia Liu, Jiali Su, Zeyu Yang, Zhongjiang Wang, Xinyi Yao, Zhou Lyu, Yang Xia, Shuguang Zhang, Wen Cui, Yequan Wang and Lipin Ren
Insects 2025, 16(7), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070744 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Forensic entomotoxicology is a subdiscipline that utilizes necrophagous insects as bioindicators for detecting drugs and toxicants in decomposed remains, particularly in cases where conventional biological matrices are no longer available. Toxic substances can profoundly alter insect development, physiology, and community succession, potentially impacting [...] Read more.
Forensic entomotoxicology is a subdiscipline that utilizes necrophagous insects as bioindicators for detecting drugs and toxicants in decomposed remains, particularly in cases where conventional biological matrices are no longer available. Toxic substances can profoundly alter insect development, physiology, and community succession, potentially impacting the accuracy of postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. This review systematically summarizes the effects of various xenobiotics, including pesticides, illicit drugs, sedatives, heavy metals, and antibiotics on larval growth, physiological traits, and gut microbial composition in forensically relevant flies. However, most studies to date have relied primarily on phenotypic observations, with limited insight into underlying molecular mechanisms. Significant interspecies and dose-dependent variability also exists in the absorption, metabolism, and physiological responses to xenobiotics. We highlight recent advances in multi-omics technologies that facilitate the identification of molecular biomarkers associated with xenobiotic exposure, particularly within the insect detoxification system. Key components such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play essential roles in xenobiotic metabolism and insecticide resistance. Additionally, the insect fat body serves as a central hub for detoxification, hormonal regulation, and energy metabolism. It integrates signals related to xenobiotic exposure and modulates larval development, making it a promising model for future mechanistic studies in insect toxicology. Altogether, this review offers a comprehensive and reliable framework for understanding the complex interactions between toxic substance exposure, insect ecology, and decomposition in forensic investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical and Livestock Entomology)
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18 pages, 2887 KiB  
Article
Effects of Natural Ingredient Xanthohumol on the Intestinal Microbiota, Metabolic Profiles and Disease Resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae in Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus
by Aiguo Huang, Yanqin Wei, Jialong Huang, Songlin Luo, Tingyu Wei, Jing Guo, Fali Zhang and Yinghui Wang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071699 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (SA) is a severe prevalent pathogen, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in the global tilapia industry. With increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, alternative strategies are urgently needed. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity and the underlying mechanisms of [...] Read more.
Streptococcus agalactiae (SA) is a severe prevalent pathogen, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in the global tilapia industry. With increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, alternative strategies are urgently needed. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity and the underlying mechanisms of the natural product xanthohumol (XN) against SA infection in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results showed that XN could significantly reduce the bacterial loads of SA in different tissues (liver, spleen and brain) after treatment with different tested concentrations of XN (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg). Moreover, XN could improve the survival rate of SA-infected tilapia. 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the alpha-diversity index (Chao1 and Shannon_e) was significantly increased in the XN-treated group (MX group) compared to the SA-infected group (CG group) (p < 0.05), and the Simpson diversity index significantly decreased. The Bray–Curtis similarity analysis of non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and principal coordinate analysis (PCA) showed that there were significant differences in microbial composition among groups. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes decreased in the MX group compared to the CG group, while the relative abundance of the phyla Fusobacteria, Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia increased. Differences were also observed at the genus level; the relative abundance of Mycobacterium decreased in the MX group, but the abundance of Cetobacterium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 increased. Metabolomics analysis revealed that XN changed the metabolic profile of the liver and significantly enriched aspartate metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, glutamate metabolism, urea cycle, purine metabolism, methionine metabolism, betaine metabolism, and carnitine synthesis. Correlation analysis indicated an association between the intestinal microbiota and metabolites. In conclusion, XN may be a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of SA infection in tilapia, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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29 pages, 3654 KiB  
Review
A Mechanistic Approach to Replacing Antibiotics with Natural Products in the Treatment of Bacterial Diarrhea
by Mingbang Wei, Huaizhi Liu, Zhefan Hu, Peixiao Wen, Yourong Ye, Yangzom Chamba, Hongliang Zhang and Peng Shang
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15071045 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 432
Abstract
Natural products have emerged as potential alternatives to antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea, due to their multi-targeting effects, low potential for inducing resistance, and favorable safety profiles. Currently, the search for natural product-based therapies has become an emerging focus in medical [...] Read more.
Natural products have emerged as potential alternatives to antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea, due to their multi-targeting effects, low potential for inducing resistance, and favorable safety profiles. Currently, the search for natural product-based therapies has become an emerging focus in medical research. This growing interest is driven by the increasing awareness that the widespread and irrational use of antibiotics has contributed to the alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which in turn diminishes the efficacy of conventional drugs. Among these concerns, the limitations of antibiotics in managing bacterial diarrhea and the potential mechanisms by which natural products exert therapeutic effects are the main focus of this paper. Natural products, containing a wide array of bioactive compounds, can not only directly inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, disrupt bacterial membrane synthesis, and reduce toxin production, but also modulate inflammatory responses, enhance immune function, repair intestinal barriers, and restore gut microbial ecology—highlighting their systemic and multi-targeted therapeutic potential. Therefore, this paper will elaborate on how natural products combat bacterial diarrhea from three aspects: the pathogen and pathogenesis of bacterial diarrhea, natural product-based therapeutic studies, and the underlying mechanisms of action, thereby proposing natural products as viable alternatives to antibiotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)
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14 pages, 1185 KiB  
Article
Role of Oral Bacteria in Mediating Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer
by Geng Xu, Yaling Jiang, Chen Sun, Bernd W. Brandt, Kamran Nazmi, Luca Morelli, Giulia Lencioni, Elisa Giovannetti and Dongmei Deng
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15071018 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Oral microbiota have been implicated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and may contribute to chemotherapy resistance. While previous studies attributed bacteria-induced resistance to indirect host modulation, recent findings suggest a direct mechanism. Escherichia coli expressing long-form cytidine deaminase (CDDL) can degrade [...] Read more.
Oral microbiota have been implicated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and may contribute to chemotherapy resistance. While previous studies attributed bacteria-induced resistance to indirect host modulation, recent findings suggest a direct mechanism. Escherichia coli expressing long-form cytidine deaminase (CDDL) can degrade gemcitabine, a chemotherapeutic agent, into a non-toxic form, leading to resistance. In contrast, bacteria carrying short form (CDDS) or lacking CDD did not induce resistance. This study investigates whether oral bacteria can cause gemcitabine resistance in PDAC cells through CDD-mediated degradation. Oral microbes associated with PDAC were selected based on CDD isoforms: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans carrying CDDL, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, all carrying CDDS, and Fusobacterium nucleatum lacking CDD. The selected microbes, along with wild-type and CDD-deficient E. coli, were co-incubated with gemcitabine to assess its degradation and PDAC cell proliferation. A. actinomycetemcomitans fully degraded gemcitabine and induced resistance. Surprisingly, CDDS-expressing oral bacteria partially degraded gemcitabine in a strain-dependent manner. Expressing either CDDL or CDDS in CDD-deficient E. coli resulted in equivalent gemcitabine degradation and resistance, indicating that CDD function is independent of isoform length. These findings highlight the role of oral bacteria in gemcitabine resistance and the need for strategies to mitigate microbial-driven resistance in PDAC treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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26 pages, 2597 KiB  
Review
Strategies Used for the Discovery of New Microbial Metabolites with Antibiotic Activity
by Pablo Dasí-Delgado, Cecilia Andreu and Marcel·lí del Olmo
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132868 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 685
Abstract
The discovery of new microbial metabolites is essential to combat the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance and to meet emerging medical needs. This work critically reviews current strategies for identifying antimicrobial compounds, emphasizing the potential of microorganisms as a rich source of bioactive [...] Read more.
The discovery of new microbial metabolites is essential to combat the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance and to meet emerging medical needs. This work critically reviews current strategies for identifying antimicrobial compounds, emphasizing the potential of microorganisms as a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites. This review explores innovative methods, such as investigating extreme environments where adverse conditions favor the emergence of unique metabolites; developing techniques, like the iChip, to cultivate previously uncultivable bacteria; using metagenomics to analyze complex samples that are difficult to isolate; and integrates artificial intelligence to accelerate genomic mining, structural prediction, and drug discovery optimization processes. The importance of overcoming current challenges, such as replicating findings, low research investment, and the lack of adapted collection technologies, is also emphasized. Additionally, this work analyzes the crucial role of bacterial resistance and the necessity of a holistic approach involving new technologies, sustained investment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This work emphasizes not only the current state of metabolite discovery but also the challenges that must be addressed to ensure a continuous flow of new therapeutic molecules in the coming decades. Full article
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19 pages, 1038 KiB  
Article
Microbial Profile and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Bile Aspirates from Patients with Acute Cholangitis: A Multicenter International Study
by Matei-Alexandru Cozma, Mihnea-Alexandru Găman, Camelia Cristina Diaconu, Arthur Berger, Frank Zerbib and Radu Bogdan Mateescu
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070679 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Objectives: Significant differences in antibiotic resistance (AR) rates and multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria incidence exist in patients with acute cholangitis (AC) from different countries or regions. We aim to characterize and compare the microbial spectrum and AR patterns in patients with AC from [...] Read more.
Objectives: Significant differences in antibiotic resistance (AR) rates and multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria incidence exist in patients with acute cholangitis (AC) from different countries or regions. We aim to characterize and compare the microbial spectrum and AR patterns in patients with AC from two tertiary centers in Europe. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational, multicentric study including patients diagnosed with AC and a positive bile culture, admitted to the Colentina Clinical Hospital (CCH), Bucharest, Romania, and the Haut-Lévêque Hospital (HLH), Bordeaux, France, between April 2022 and October 2023. Results: We included a total of 144 patients from the CCH with 190 positive bile cultures (31 patients had up to five episodes of AC during the study period) and 241 identified microbial strains, and 62 patients from the HLH with 67 positive bile cultures (5 patients had two episodes of AC) and 194 identified microbial strains. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (30.70%) and Pseudomonas spp. (27.80%) in the CCH group, and Enterococcus faecalis (15.46%) and Escherichia coli (22/11.34%) in the HLH group. Furthermore, 51 (21.16%) of the strains identified in the CCH group and 15 (7.21%) in the HLH group were MDR, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales. The resistance rates for common antibiotics were 13.69% in the CCH group vs. 8.76% in the HLH group for ceftriaxone, 9.54% vs. 2.06% for meropenem, 16.59% vs. 6.70% for piperacillin/tazobactam, and 25.31% vs. 7.73% for levofloxacin. Conclusions: This comparative study shows significant differences between these countries in terms of the AR rates and MDR bacteria prevalence, highlighting the role of bile cultures as a safe and cost-effective method for guiding antibiotic treatment, thereby reducing the AR rates and complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiological Data on Antibiotic Resistance)
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15 pages, 495 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Analysis of Etiological Agents and Drug Resistance Patterns in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
by Harendra K. Thakur, Bansidhar Tarai, Aradhana Bhargava, Pankaj Soni, Anup Kumar Ojha, Sudhakar Kancharla, Prachetha Kolli, Gowtham Mandadapu and Manoj Kumar Jena
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(7), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16070152 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) develops in patients who stay on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. In the presence of causative pathogens, the patient develops clinical signs such as purulent tracheal discharge, fever, and respiratory distress. A prospective observational study was carried out [...] Read more.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) develops in patients who stay on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. In the presence of causative pathogens, the patient develops clinical signs such as purulent tracheal discharge, fever, and respiratory distress. A prospective observational study was carried out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Max Healthcare Centre, New Delhi, from 2020 to 2023. The study comprised 70 samples from patients diagnosed with VAP. This study thoroughly examined VAP-associated microorganisms and resistance in the hospital ICU. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most commonly reported pathogens. Significant drug resistance was seen in P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus. The heatmap also supported the antibiotic resistance data patterns obtained from conventional and automated systems of determination. Notably, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Ralstonia insidiosa, and Ralstonia mannitolilytica, showed 60 to 100% of resistance to a number of antibiotics. Among all VAP patients, 31.42% early-onset and 68.57% late-onset VAP cases were detected. Out of 70 patients, 43 patients died (mortality rate 61.4%); majority of them suffered from late-onset VAP. The study goal was to describe the antibiotic resistance patterns and microbial ecology of the pathogens that were isolated from VAP patients. According to the heatmap analysis, a varied VAP microbiome with high prevalences of MDR in A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus was identified. To address the increasing prevalence of MDR VAP, the study highlights the critical need for improved VAP monitoring, strong infection control, and appropriate antibiotic usage. Full article
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24 pages, 7709 KiB  
Article
Quaternized Polysulfones as Matrix for the Development of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Devices
by Oana Dumbrava, Irina Rosca, Daniela Ailincai and Luminita Marin
Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131869 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 502
Abstract
The development and application of antimicrobial coatings has become increasingly important in both medical and industrial settings due to the rising threat of microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance. This paper focuses on the formulation, characterization, and investigation of coatings based on quaternized polysulfone, [...] Read more.
The development and application of antimicrobial coatings has become increasingly important in both medical and industrial settings due to the rising threat of microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance. This paper focuses on the formulation, characterization, and investigation of coatings based on quaternized polysulfone, which are designed to encapsulate two broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs with complementary activity, amphotericin B (AmB) and norfloxacin (NFX), with the primary aim of inhibiting pathogen colonization on surgical instruments. Structural characterization using FTIR, 1H-NMR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, along with supramolecular analysis via X-ray diffraction and polarized optical microscopy (POM), revealed strong physical interactions between the drugs and the quaternized polysulfone matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a uniform distribution of the antimicrobial agents within the polymeric matrix. Surface wettability, assessed through water contact angle measurements, indicated moderate hydrophilicity (70–90°). The coatings also exhibited notable antioxidant activity, showing a 12-fold increase in DPPH radical inhibition compared to the control. Furthermore, all formulations demonstrated strong antimicrobial efficacy against three reference strains frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections, S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, with inhibition zones ranging from 32 to 39.67 mm for bacterial strains and 13.86 to 20.86 mm for C. albicans. These data points indicate that these materials may be useful as antimicrobial coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Coatings for High-Performance Applications)
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18 pages, 1602 KiB  
Review
Mechanisms Operating in the Use of Transition Metal Complexes to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
by Shiming Wu, Meishu Wang, Ziyi Liu and Chen Fu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071570 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
The increasing diversity and escalating drug resistance of bacterial pathogens have significantly compromised the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial agents, creating formidable challenges in modern infection control. These developments underscore the critical need for innovative therapeutic strategies to address the persistent global health burden [...] Read more.
The increasing diversity and escalating drug resistance of bacterial pathogens have significantly compromised the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial agents, creating formidable challenges in modern infection control. These developments underscore the critical need for innovative therapeutic strategies to address the persistent global health burden posed by microbial resistance. While metal-based compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer properties in clinical applications, their potential in antimicrobial contexts remains relatively underexplored. This review systematically elaborates on the structure-activity relationship of metal complexes, with a focus on the unique characteristics of metal drugs that differ from organic small molecules. These drugs can overcome drug resistance through various mechanisms (such as generation of reactive oxygen species and penetration of biological membranes). Understanding these mechanisms provides a crucial basis for guiding ligand design and the development of delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for Antimicrobial Treatment)
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34 pages, 1585 KiB  
Review
Biological Potential of Extremophilic Filamentous Fungi for the Production of New Compounds with Antimicrobial Effect
by Vladislava Dishliyska, Jeny Miteva-Staleva, Yana Gocheva, Galina Stoyancheva, Lyudmila Yovchevska, Radoslav Abrashev, Boryana Spasova, Maria Angelova and Ekaterina Krumova
Fermentation 2025, 11(6), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11060347 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1150
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacterial and fungal pathogens to diverse chemical agents severely impedes the effective treatment of diseases such as cancer and systemic infections. [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacterial and fungal pathogens to diverse chemical agents severely impedes the effective treatment of diseases such as cancer and systemic infections. The rapid escalation of microbial resistance underscores the urgent need for the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents and innovative approaches to drug development. In both clinical and industrial contexts, the identification of new antibiotics and antifungals remains pivotal for pathogen control. Current research efforts focus on the development of alternative formulations that offer high efficacy, reduced resistance potential, minimal side effects, and synergistic interactions, particularly those derived from natural sources. Filamentous fungi originating from extreme environments have evolved to thrive under harsh conditions, making them promising reservoirs of bioactive metabolites with unique structural and functional properties. These fungi exhibit potent antimicrobial activity through diverse mechanisms that disrupt essential cellular processes in pathogens. Despite their remarkable potential, the bioprospecting of extremophilic filamentous fungi for drug development remains underexplored. This highlights the necessity for expanded research into the efficacy and safety of their derived compounds. This review aims to emphasize the capacity of extremophilic fungi to produce antimicrobial agents, elucidate resistance mechanisms, characterize fungal bioactive extracts, and analyze their molecular actions in the context of their extreme ecological niches. Full article
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