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Keywords = multidrug resistance isolates

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19 pages, 1234 KB  
Article
Monitoring Hygiene Protocols and Exploring Alternatives to Counteract Resistant Pathogens: A Case Study from Southern Italy on Healthcare-Associated Infection Control
by Enza Mallardo, Claudio Attilio Baliano, Valeria Pedata, Rosita Zinzi, Federica Mayella, Mauro Murano, Antonio Fascione, Giuseppina Forgione, Daniela Sateriale and Caterina Pagliarulo
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061382 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are recognized as key vehicles in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens, primarily via contaminated hands and medical devices. This study assessed the effectiveness [...] Read more.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are recognized as key vehicles in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens, primarily via contaminated hands and medical devices. This study assessed the effectiveness of hand hygiene protocols among HCWs, their correlation with bloodstream infections, and the potential of natural antimicrobial agents as complementary preventive measures. Between January and June 2025, 128 hand samples were collected from HCWs in surgical, intensive care, and internal medicine units of hospitals managed by ASL Caserta (Marcianise, n = 65; Piedimonte Matese, n = 30; Sessa Aurunca, n = 18; Maddaloni, n = 15). Sampling was performed upon entry to clinical areas and after antiseptic handwashing, using Rodac TSA plates to quantify microbial load (CFU/cm2). Isolates were identified via MALDI-TOF, and multidrug resistance was confirmed using the Phoenix BD system. Microbial growth was detected in 54.7% of samples. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. hominis, accounted for 67.1% of positive cultures, followed by Enterobacteriaceae (28.6%). Comparison with concurrently collected blood cultures revealed potential overlapping pathogens, with Staphylococcus spp. prevalence ranging from 35 to 56% and Gram-negatives from 18 to 39. Selected isolates were further tested for susceptibility to natural antimicrobial agents, derived from hop, red vine leaf, green tea, and pomegranate fruit, as well as thyme essential oil. Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris) demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity, in several cases surpassing that of standard hygiene agents. These findings highlight not only that maintaining high standards of hand hygiene, proper care of invasive devices, and continuous microbiological surveillance is critical for preventing HAIs, but also that incorporating natural antimicrobial compounds into hygiene protocols may provide an effective and sustainable adjunct to reduce microbial contamination and combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Full article
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20 pages, 1741 KB  
Article
In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Activity of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Following GNPS Dereplication of an Active Streptomyces sp. Fraction
by Nanang R. Ariefta, Baldorj Pagmadulam, Takako Aboshi and Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(6), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19060958 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 144
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum highlights the need for new antiplasmodial compounds with distinct mechanisms of action. Microbial secondary metabolites, particularly from Streptomyces species, remain important sources of bioactive molecules. This study aimed to evaluate antiplasmodial metabolites associated with a Mongolian [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum highlights the need for new antiplasmodial compounds with distinct mechanisms of action. Microbial secondary metabolites, particularly from Streptomyces species, remain important sources of bioactive molecules. This study aimed to evaluate antiplasmodial metabolites associated with a Mongolian Streptomyces isolate. Methods: Streptomyces sp. strain D10 was isolated from Mongolian soil samples and extracted with ethyl acetate. Bioassay-guided fractionation was performed, followed by LC–HRMS analysis and GNPS-based spectral dereplication. Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against P. falciparum 3D7, K1, and Dd2 strains using a SYBR Green I assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed in HSF cells. Stage-specific susceptibility assays were conducted using synchronized 3D7 parasites. Comparative docking analyses against β-hematin and the chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT), together with target prediction and molecular docking analyses, were performed to explore potential mechanisms. In vivo efficacy was evaluated using a Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL mouse model. Results: Fractionation yielded an active fraction (C2), and LC–HRMS and GNPS-based dereplication suggested a bile acid-like metabolite, with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) returned as a putative spectral library candidate associated with fraction C2. Fraction C2 and UDCA showed comparable antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum 3D7 (IC50 = 6.55 ± 3.00 and 4.68 ± 0. 65 µg/mL, respectively) without detectable cytotoxicity up to 200 µg/mL. Activity was retained against multidrug-resistant K1 and Dd2 strains. Stage-specific assays demonstrated inhibitory activity across ring, trophozoite, and schizont stages without significant stage-dependent differences. Comparative docking analyses suggested interaction profiles distinct from chloroquine in β-hematin and PfCRT models. Additional docking analyses identified PfGluPho, PfMAPK, and PfPFT-β as potential targets. In vivo, UDCA reduced parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner without significant toxicity. Conclusions: UDCA exhibited moderate antiplasmodial activity across in vitro, in silico, and in vivo evaluations with a favorable selectivity profile, supporting further investigation of bile acid-like metabolites as potential antimalarial scaffolds. Full article
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14 pages, 416 KB  
Article
Predictors of Candida auris Infection in Previously Colonized Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Large Tertiary Reference Center
by Nadide Ergün, Sevim Selen Karabulut, Melda Türken, Bengü Tatar and Süheyla Serin Senger
J. Fungi 2026, 12(6), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12060449 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 149
Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen associated with high mortality in healthcare settings. Although colonization is recognized as the harbinger of invasive infection, predicting which patients will develop bloodstream infection (BSI) and when this transition will occur remains a clinical challenge. In [...] Read more.
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen associated with high mortality in healthcare settings. Although colonization is recognized as the harbinger of invasive infection, predicting which patients will develop bloodstream infection (BSI) and when this transition will occur remains a clinical challenge. In this study, patients aged ≥18 years with C. auris colonization identified at İzmir City Hospital between January 2023 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Colonization was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Of 71 colonized patients (median age 65 years; 69.0% male; 93.0% intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted), 31 (43.7%) developed bloodstream infection (BSI). In-hospital mortality was 62.0%, rising to 74.2% in the BSI group, though this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.105). Competing risks analysis using the Aalen–Johansen method showed a cumulative BSI incidence of 38.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28–50%) by day 10 and 43.0% (95% CI: 32–54%) by day 30 following colonization detection. On multivariate logistic regression, diabetes mellitus was the sole variable independently associated with a lower risk of BSI development (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.68; p = 0.010); this finding was directionally consistent but did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable Fine–Gray competing risks model (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 0.334; 95% CI: 0.108–1.040; p = 0.057). All 40 tested isolates had high fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values; micafungin susceptibility was 92.5%, while anidulafungin resistance was observed in 32.5% of isolates. Our findings demonstrate that nearly half of colonized patients developed BSI, with no identifiable safe window for intervention, underscoring the necessity of sustained infection control measures and susceptibility-guided antifungal therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)
31 pages, 18268 KB  
Article
Exosomal circ_0050688 Shapes a Chemoresistant Microenvironment by Driving Spatial Resistance Spreading in Glioblastoma via the MDM2 Pathway
by Qiang Li, Jianglong Xu, Yuhao Zhang, Junbing Qian, Diana Bee-Lan Ong, Kein Seong Mun, Yiping Tang, Xiuchao Geng and Kean Chang Phang
Biomolecules 2026, 16(6), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060906 (registering DOI) - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 234
Abstract
Background: Acquired tolerance to temozolomide (TMZ) remains one of the main obstacles to enduring therapeutic success in glioblastoma (GBM). While tumor-derived extracellular vesicles are known to orchestrate therapy evasion by horizontally transferring molecules across the tumor microenvironment, the precise regulatory roles of specific [...] Read more.
Background: Acquired tolerance to temozolomide (TMZ) remains one of the main obstacles to enduring therapeutic success in glioblastoma (GBM). While tumor-derived extracellular vesicles are known to orchestrate therapy evasion by horizontally transferring molecules across the tumor microenvironment, the precise regulatory roles of specific exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) in establishing this refractory state require further elucidation. Methods: The expression of circ_0050688 in TMZ-resistant GBM clinical tissues and cell lines was evaluated. Exosomes derived from resistant cells were isolated and confirmed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and marker analysis. PKH67 fluorescent tracking was utilized to visually demonstrate exosome internalization by sensitive recipient cells. Biological functions, including the expression of the multidrug resistance protein P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the proliferation marker Ki-67, were evaluated. The competing endogenous RNA mechanism was validated using RNA FISH, dual-luciferase reporters, and functional rescue experiments. In vivo efficacy was determined using subcutaneous xenograft mouse models. Results: Clinical and in vitro analyses revealed that circ_0050688 is upregulated in TMZ-refractory GBM, predicting adverse patient survival. Through PKH67-based tracing, we confirmed that resistant cells actively secrete circ_0050688-enriched exosomes, which are subsequently engulfed by drug-sensitive bystander cells. This vesicular transfer directly instigates a chemoresistant and highly proliferative phenotype, marked by elevated P-gp and Ki-67 levels. At the molecular level, circ_0050688 operates as a molecular decoy for miR-508-5p, thereby preventing the suppression of its downstream target, MDM2. Functionally, circ_0050688 depletion eradicated these aggressive traits and restored TMZ vulnerability across both cellular and murine xenograft models. Furthermore, rescue assays confirmed that this circ_0050688-driven chemoresistance is fundamentally dependent on the miR-508-5p/MDM2 signaling axis. Conclusions: Current data uncover an intercellular signaling network driven by vesicular circ_0050688, which functions as a mobile oncogene to reshape the TMZ-refractory microenvironment. Targeting this exosomal circ_0050688/miR-508-5p/MDM2 network to suppress P-gp and Ki-67 expression represents a highly promising therapeutic strategy for refractory GBM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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19 pages, 668 KB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Meropenem in Pregnant Women with Upper Urinary Tract Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Romania
by Gabriel-Ioan Anton, Rodica Radu, Emil Ceban, Carina Alexandra Bandac, Vasile Lucian Boiculese, Demetra Socolov, Adriana Grigoras, Radu-Stefan Miftode, Amalia Stefana Țimpău, Manuel Florin Rosu, Ionela-Larisa Miftode and Viorel Dragoș Radu
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060610 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 145
Abstract
Introduction: Upper urinary tract infections (UUTIs) are among the most common serious infections during pregnancy and may be associated with maternal and fetal complications. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has led to the use of broader-spectrum antibiotics, including meropenem. However, data [...] Read more.
Introduction: Upper urinary tract infections (UUTIs) are among the most common serious infections during pregnancy and may be associated with maternal and fetal complications. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has led to the use of broader-spectrum antibiotics, including meropenem. However, data regarding the safety and efficacy of meropenem in pregnant women remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications, efficacy, and safety of meropenem treatment in pregnant women with UUTIs and its impact on maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study over a 12-year period including pregnant women hospitalized with UUTIs who received meropenem. The control group consisted of pregnant women with UUTIs who were treated with ceftriaxone during the same period. Results: Pregnant women treated with meropenem were more frequently diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.01) and were more often multiparous (p = 0.006). Sepsis and septic shock occurred significantly more frequently in the study group (p < 0.01), and multivariate analysis identified them as the main indications for meropenem administration (OR 10.54, 95% CI 3.30–33.70 for sepsis; OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.01–10.62 for septic shock). Patients in the study group had a higher rate of transfer to the obstetrics clinic (p = 0.032), a longer duration of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.031), and a longer hospital stay (p < 0.01). No maternal deaths were reported in either group. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes was similar between the two groups, except for the Apgar score, which was lower in the meropenem group (p = 0.007). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently isolated pathogens in both groups. Conclusions: Meropenem therapy in pregnant women with UUTIs was mainly indicated in cases of sepsis and septic shock and was associated with favorable maternal clinical evolution, even in patients with severe infections. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes was similar between the two groups, although a lower Apgar score was observed in the meropenem group; the severity of illness in the meropenem group should be considered when interpreting the lower Apgar scores. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to better evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of meropenem during pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance in Hospital-Acquired Infections, 2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 3604 KB  
Article
From Species Identification to Empirical Therapy: A Machine Learning and Rule-Based Decision Support Framework for Antifungal Resistance Prediction in ICU Candida Infections
by Madalina (Preda) Solomon, Beatrice Mahler, Lia-Mara Ditu, Oana Popescu, Corina-Aurelia Zugravu and Loredana Sabina Cornelia Manolescu
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14020319 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 204
Abstract
Objectives: When a Candida species is identified in an ICU patient, susceptibility results are typically available in 24–72 h. In this study, we built a machine learning model using four variables available at identification to estimate resistance probability in real time. Methods [...] Read more.
Objectives: When a Candida species is identified in an ICU patient, susceptibility results are typically available in 24–72 h. In this study, we built a machine learning model using four variables available at identification to estimate resistance probability in real time. Methods: We analysed 747 fungal isolates from 725 ICU patients (January 2021–March 2026). We trained and compared a Random Forest and a Logistic Regression model, evaluating both with temporal cross-validation, permutation feature importance, three-category (S/I/R) prediction, and calibration analysis. Results: Multidrug resistance doubled from 24.5% (2021) to 51.1% (2025), and Candida auris grew eight-fold in three years. Random Forest reached AUC 0.885 on the held-out test set and 0.848 on prospective 2024–2025 data (Brier score 0.093). Species identity and drug choice together explained 87% of predictive signal. Local C. albicans fluconazole resistance (~16%) far exceeded the ECMM European figure of 0%, and C. krusei was four times more prevalent than the continental average. Conclusions: A four-variable model may provide calibrated resistance estimates during the critical gap before susceptibility results return, though performance reflects predominantly deterministic species–drug patterns rather than complex learned biology. Overall performance was comparable to a rule-based lookup table, confirming that the majority of predictive signal derives from established species–drug susceptibility patterns. Meaningful added value is limited to temporal trend tracking and improved prediction where resistance is acquired rather than intrinsic (C. albicans, C. tropicalis hard-subset AUC 0.929 vs. rule-based 0.899). The model complements a local antifungal testing; it does not replace one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Immunology and Infectious Diseases)
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24 pages, 695 KB  
Review
Recent Outbreaks, Resistance Trends, and Control Measures in Candida auris and Candida glabrata Infections
by Sepinoud Raeisi, Priya Madhavan and Diajeng Sekar Adisuri
J. Fungi 2026, 12(6), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12060436 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 383
Abstract
The global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal pathogens has positioned Candida auris and Candida glabrata as major threats to public health. In recent years, these pathogens have increasingly been reported beyond traditional hospital settings, including neonatal intensive care units, long-term care facilities, oncology [...] Read more.
The global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal pathogens has positioned Candida auris and Candida glabrata as major threats to public health. In recent years, these pathogens have increasingly been reported beyond traditional hospital settings, including neonatal intensive care units, long-term care facilities, oncology wards, and post-pandemic critical care environments. International surveillance bodies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and regional monitoring networks, have documented escalating antifungal resistance, complex outbreak dynamics, and persistent gaps in infection control implementation. C. auris has emerged as a major etiological agent of healthcare-associated outbreaks, particularly in intensive care and neonatal units. Surveillance data indicate that a high proportion of C. auris isolates exhibit resistance to azoles, often exceeding 80% in some regions, while echinocandin resistance remains variable. Resistance patterns have evolved from predominantly azole resistance to broader multidrug-resistant phenotypes, including treatment-emergent echinocandin resistance. Six genetically distinct clades (I–VI) have been identified, with Clades I, III, and IV associated with large-scale outbreaks, whereas available data suggests that Clades II, V, and VI are more geographically restricted, although evidence for the recently described clades remains limited. C. glabrata is increasingly recognized as a major cause of invasive candidiasis, with rising resistance reported across multiple regions. While reduced azole susceptibility was historically predominant, emerging evidence highlights rising dual azole–echinocandin resistance, adaptive microevolution during antifungal therapy, and biofilm-associated tolerance mechanisms. Despite these advances, significant gaps persist in global resistance surveillance and in the mechanistic understanding of virulence and antifungal adaptation. Current mitigation strategies include antifungal stewardship programs, expanded resistance testing, and strengthened surveillance systems. Advances in rapid diagnostic technologies such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, and genomic surveillance have improved pathogen identification and outbreak detection, although accessibility remains limited in resource-constrained settings. This review examines emerging epidemiological, genomic, and antifungal resistance trends in C. auris and C. glabrata and highlights key priorities for improving diagnosis, surveillance, stewardship, and management of multidrug-resistant Candida infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidrug-Resistant Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 706 KB  
Article
Composition and Bioactivity of Alentejo Calamintha nepeta Essential Oil: The Impact of Seasonality and Climatic Stress on Antioxidant Capacity and MDR Antibacterial Potential
by Sílvia Macedo Arantes, Andreia Piçarra, A. Teresa Caldeira and M. Rosario Martins
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122100 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) from wild Calamintha nepeta (Portugal) populations collected in Portugal (Évora) were investigated in order to evaluate the impact of Mediterranean seasonal conditions on their phytochemical composition and biological activity. Essential oil GC-FID and GC-MS analyses revealed distinct seasonal chemotypes, with [...] Read more.
Essential oils (EOs) from wild Calamintha nepeta (Portugal) populations collected in Portugal (Évora) were investigated in order to evaluate the impact of Mediterranean seasonal conditions on their phytochemical composition and biological activity. Essential oil GC-FID and GC-MS analyses revealed distinct seasonal chemotypes, with spring samples dominated by isopulegone/pulegone, whereas autumn samples contained higher proportions of isomenthone and menthol. Antioxidant activity was assessed through lipid peroxidation inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays, while antibacterial activity was evaluated against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. Seasonal differences were reflected in both EO chemical composition and bioactivity. Autumn samples displayed greater antioxidant potential, with Y1A showing the highest inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 0.85 mg/mL) and Y2A exhibiting the highest ferric reducing power. Conversely, spring samples were more active against MDR bacteria. Among them, Y1S showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum, with MIC values ranging from 465 to 1767 μg/mL. The unusually wet spring season coincided with marked isopulegone accumulation (≈50%), while warmer autumn conditions favoured higher levels of isomenthone and menthol in the EOs. These findings highlight the importance of seasonal environmental conditions in determining the phytochemical profile and bioactive potential of C. nepeta EOs, providing valuable insights for their standardisation and valorisation in pharmaceutical, food and conservation-related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition and Biological Evaluation of Essential Oils)
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16 pages, 1659 KB  
Article
Short-Term Within-Host Genomic Diversity and Clone Turnover of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in an Intensive Care Unit Patient
by Yulia Mikhaylova, Anna Slavokhotova, Oksana Ni, Denis Protsenko, Sergey Bruskin, Andrey Shelenkov and Vasiliy Akimkin
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060605 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 229
Abstract
Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a critical public health threat because infections caused by this pathogen are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and limited effective therapeutic options. Whilst the majority of studies have concentrated on inter-patient bacterial transmission, within-host genomic analysis [...] Read more.
Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a critical public health threat because infections caused by this pathogen are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and limited effective therapeutic options. Whilst the majority of studies have concentrated on inter-patient bacterial transmission, within-host genomic analysis offers unprecedented resolution for tracking dynamic clone predominance, plasmid rearrangements, and microevolution under clinical selection pressures. Methods and Results: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of nine isolates recovered from oral and rectal swabs revealed an exceptional case of CRKP clonal turnover in an intensive care unit (ICU) patient. Three distinct high-risk clones were identified during the 18 days of surveillance: an initial ST101 (Clonal Group (CG) 101) strain (days 1–7) followed by concurrent colonization with ST395 (carrying blaNDM-5) and ST512 lineages (both CG258, days 11–18). Conclusions: This study describes a rare instance of within-host heterogeneity of CRKP, involving three distinct STs spanning two CGs. Whole-genome analysis revealed potential structural rearrangements of resistance- and virulence-associated plasmids between coexisting lineages. These genomic shifts likely reflect rapid adaptation under the intense selective pressure of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, culminating in the persistence of a less virulent yet multidrug-resistant ST512 clone and a favorable clinical outcome with patient recovery. Full article
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21 pages, 106454 KB  
Article
Genomic Basis of Zoonotic Transmission and Antifungal Resistance in Microsporum canis
by Zebin Du, Yuling Zhang, Xinting Meng, Zexun Lv, Yang Wang and Congming Wu
J. Fungi 2026, 12(6), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12060429 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 445
Abstract
Microsporum canis is a globally prevalent zoonotic dermatophyte and the major causative agent of dermatophytosis in both pets and humans. The widespread clinical use of antifungal drugs has led to the frequent emergence of decreased susceptibility, while its molecular features and the genomic [...] Read more.
Microsporum canis is a globally prevalent zoonotic dermatophyte and the major causative agent of dermatophytosis in both pets and humans. The widespread clinical use of antifungal drugs has led to the frequent emergence of decreased susceptibility, while its molecular features and the genomic basis of cross-host transmission remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, 38 clinical M. canis isolates were collected from dogs and cats in Beijing (2025). We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of six common antifungal agents via microbroth dilution, and performed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis. All isolates showed high clonal homogeneity, with ANI >99.9% to the reference. A local human-derived strain was nested within the pet-derived clade, supporting zoonotic cross-host transmission. Terbinafine exhibited the highest activity, while itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, griseofulvin, and ciclopirox olamine showed higher MICs; 11 isolates showed a multidrug high-MIC phenotype. Notably, copy number variation in the ABC transporter gene CDR1 was positively correlated with MICs of multiple antifungal agents (p<0.05). This study provides a genomic basis for optimized antifungal therapy, resistance surveillance and transmission control of zoonotic M. canis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)
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29 pages, 6927 KB  
Article
Development and Characterization of a Silver Nanoparticle-Based Hydrogel Containing Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin for Antibacterial Burn Treatment
by Natália Yukari Kashiwaqui, Helena Tiemi Suzukawa, Briani Gisele Bigotto, Maria Luiza Francisconi Lubanco Thomé, Danielle Lazarin Bidoia, Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta, Ricardo Sérgio Couto de Almeida, Audrey Alesandra Stinghen Garcia Lonni, Mirian Sumini, Renata Katsuko Takayama Kobayashi and Gerson Nakazato
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060724 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Burn injuries represent a global public health concern, accounting for approximately 265,000 deaths annually and often leading to severe infections. With the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, innovative therapeutic strategies such as nanoparticle-based topical formulations have gained attention. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Burn injuries represent a global public health concern, accounting for approximately 265,000 deaths annually and often leading to severe infections. With the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, innovative therapeutic strategies such as nanoparticle-based topical formulations have gained attention. This study proposed the development of a hydrogel for burn treatment containing biogenic silver nanoparticles (BioAgNPs), hyaluronic acid (HA), and allantoin (AL). Methods: BioAgNPs were previously characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and incorporated into a hydrogel containing HA and AL, which was physicochemically characterized by pH, spreadability, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution, agar diffusion, and time–kill assays against standard and MDR bacterial strains. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay in L929 cells, and wound-healing potential was investigated through an in vitro scratch assay to evaluate cell migration and proliferation. Results: BioAgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against reference strains and MDR isolates, determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). HA and AL were non-toxic, while BioAgNPs demonstrated low cytotoxic activity. Although HA and AL did not exhibit antibacterial properties, they promoted cell migration and proliferation. The formulation exhibited physicochemical and pharmaceutical stability, showing suitable properties for topical use, and presented significant antimicrobial action, with bacterial elimination occurring within 2 h of contact, except for S. aureus. Conclusions: Thus, the hydrogel presents a promising alternative for the topical treatment of infected burns, with potential application in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria, being able to eliminate MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology)
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19 pages, 1196 KB  
Article
New Bicyclic Sesquiterpene and Labdane Diterpenes from the Culture Extract of the Sea Grass-Derived Fungus Penicillium verruculosum KUFA1509
by Diana I. C. Pinho, Tida Dethoup, Ruchiluk Rattarom, Emília Sousa, Salar Hafez-Ghoran, Artur M. S. Silva, Luís Gales and Anake Kijjoa
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24060205 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 480
Abstract
An unreported bicyclic sesquiterpene acid, verruculosic acid (1), was isolated together with the previously reported labdane diterpenes, (+)-agathic acid (2a) and hypoxyterpenoid A (2b), one 3-nor-2,3-seco-labdane, penioxalicin (3), and 5-carboxyphthalide (4), [...] Read more.
An unreported bicyclic sesquiterpene acid, verruculosic acid (1), was isolated together with the previously reported labdane diterpenes, (+)-agathic acid (2a) and hypoxyterpenoid A (2b), one 3-nor-2,3-seco-labdane, penioxalicin (3), and 5-carboxyphthalide (4), from a sea grass-associated fungus, Penicillium verruculosum KUFA1509. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by detailed analyses of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS data. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic carbons in 1 and 2a were established by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of 2a, which was obtained for the first time, was used to prove its structure and confirm its stereochemistry. The crystal structure of 3 was also obtained; however, the value of its flack parameter does not allow us to determine the absolute configuration. Compound 2b exhibited stronger inhibitory activity than the positive control, diclofenac sodium, against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages, while 1 and 2a were slightly less active than the positive control. In contrast, 3 exhibited much weaker activity than 2a. Compounds 14 were also assayed for antibacterial activity against reference and multidrug-resistant strains, but none exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested strains. Thus, the labdane skeleton could be considered as a potential scaffold for the development of anti-inflammatory agents through NO inhibition. Full article
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16 pages, 9869 KB  
Article
Synergistic Bactericidal Effects of R- and F-Type Pyocin Cocktails Against Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Central Taiwan
by Yi-Luen Shen, Wen-Tong Xu, Zih-Ling Jiang, Nien-Jen Hu, Ying-Tsong Chen, Tze-Kiong Er and Chien-Wen Huang
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060596 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 227
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections, and the global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains has created an urgent need for alternative therapeutics. R- and F-type pyocins are phage tail-like bacteriocins that selectively kill P. aeruginosa by binding to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections, and the global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains has created an urgent need for alternative therapeutics. R- and F-type pyocins are phage tail-like bacteriocins that selectively kill P. aeruginosa by binding to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptors. We characterized O-serotype distribution and pyocin susceptibility among clinical isolates from central Taiwan to evaluate their therapeutic potential. Methods: A total of 109 ICU-derived P. aeruginosa isolates were analyzed. O-serotypes were determined by PCR, and pyocin gene carriage was confirmed by sequencing. Purified R1, R2, R5, F1, F2, F4, F7, and F12 pyocins were tested using spot assays. LPS profiles were examined by SDS-PAGE to explore structural correlates of resistance. Synergistic effects of combined R- and F-type pyocins were assessed in MDR isolates. Results: The most prevalent serotypes were O6 (23.9%), O2/O5/O16/O18/O20 (20.2%), O1 (16.5%), and O11/O17 (15.6%). Susceptibility was strongly serotype-dependent: O1 and O6 were highly sensitive to both pyocin types, whereas the O2/O5/O16/O18/O20 group showed marked resistance. SDS-PAGE demonstrated that resistant isolates possessed densely packed long-chain O-antigens, likely shielding LPS core receptors from pyocin binding. F-type pyocins exhibited bactericidal activity comparable to R-types, and R/F pyocin cocktails produced synergistic killing against MDR isolates. Conclusions: These findings provide an updated serotype profile of P. aeruginosa in Taiwan and highlight the importance of LPS structural variability in pyocin susceptibility. These results underscore the potential of pyocin-based cocktails as a promising precision-medicine strategy to inhibit the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) Against Human Pathogens)
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13 pages, 275 KB  
Article
Elongation Factor-G (fusA) Mutations That Confer Fusidic Acid Resistance in Staphylococcus haemolyticus
by Cheng-Mao Ho, Lee-Chung Lin, Yu-Hsiang Ou, Kai-Hsiang Lin and Jang-Jih Lu
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060589 - 9 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus haemolyticus is a common skin commensal that has emerged as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen, with sequence type 42 frequently implicated in clinical settings. The genetic basis of fusidic acid (FA) resistance mediated by mutations in elongation factor-G (fusA/EF-G) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus haemolyticus is a common skin commensal that has emerged as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen, with sequence type 42 frequently implicated in clinical settings. The genetic basis of fusidic acid (FA) resistance mediated by mutations in elongation factor-G (fusA/EF-G) has not been systematically characterized in S. haemolyticus. Methods: Five representative FA-susceptible S. haemolyticus isolates were selected. In vitro FA resistance was induced by incubating each isolate on Mueller–Hinton agar containing 4 µg/mL FA at 37 °C for 48 h. Resistant colonies were recovered and fusA was sequenced by Sanger sequencing to identify mutations. Growth doubling times of EF-G mutant isolates were measured and compared with those of the parental susceptible strains. Potential fitness-compensatory changes in fusA were assessed by serial passage of selected mutants for ten successive passages and re-sequencing of fusA. Results: A total of 28 FA-resistant colonies were recovered. Sequencing identified mutations at seven nucleotide loci corresponding to ten distinct amino acid substitutions in EF-G: Q115L, L430S, E433G, G452C, H457Y, H457N, H457L, H457Q, R464L, and A655G. The mean doubling time of EF-G mutant isolates was significantly longer than that of the wild-type parental strains (mutants: 55.75 ± 7.78 min, n = 28; wild type: 40.78 ± 4.13 min, n = 5; Welch’s two-sample t test: t = −6.34, df ≈ 10.0, two-tailed p < 0.0001). Following ten serial passages, we did not detect compensatory mutations in fusA that restored the ancestral growth rate. Conclusions: FA resistance in S. haemolyticus can be rapidly induced in vitro through mutations in EF-G/fusA. Compared with previously reported EF-G mutations in other staphylococci, we identified two novel substitution sites (L430S, E433G) and previously unreported substitutions at established resistance positions (H457N, H457L, A655G). Mutations in EF-G (encoded by fusA) were associated with a measurable in vitro fitness cost; following ten serial passages, compensatory mutation was not detected in fusA. These findings support systematic surveillance of EF-G/fusA mutations in clinical S. haemolyticus isolates. Further studies should address their prevalence, stability, transmissibility, and clinical impact, particularly where FA use is increasing and patient populations are vulnerable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mechanism and Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance)
34 pages, 43807 KB  
Article
Wound Healing Activity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles; Comparative In Vivo Study on Staphylococcus aureus-Infected and Non-Infected Wounds
by Marwa Reda Bakkar, Alaa M. Ali, Gehad E. Elkhouly, Nermeen R. Raya, Kareem A. Abdelmeguid, Shimaa K. Mohamed and Yasmin Abo-zeid
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060584 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 524
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wound infections represent a major category of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that interrupt the wound healing process, resulting in delayed wound healing and increasing the incidence of mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. With the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wound infections represent a major category of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that interrupt the wound healing process, resulting in delayed wound healing and increasing the incidence of mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. With the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to find alternative therapeutic strategies capable of overcoming antibiotic resistance while simultaneously promoting wound healing. Previously, we synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (IONPs-CTAB), reported their antimicrobial activity against selected multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-bacteria) and SARS-CoV2 virus, and addressed their biocompatibility with the skin and eyes of rabbits. Therefore, it is hypothesized that IONPs-CTAB might be a promising alternative therapeutic agent for management of infected wounds. Methods: IONPs-CTAB were synthesized, and their successful synthesis was confirmed by FTIR, DSC-TGA, and XPS. Their antibacterial activity against three MDR-bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), isolated from infected wounds was investigated via the microdilution test to determine MIC/MBC, and a time–kill curve study was also performed. Subsequently, an in vivo study was conducted to assess their wound healing activity on both non-infected and infected wounds. Results: IONPs-CTAB had MIC and MBC values ranging from 125 to 250, and 500 to 1000 µg/mL, respectively. The time–kill curve study showed an effective control of bacterial growth for all tested bacteria. The vivo study demonstrated the superior wound healing activity of IONPs-CTAB compared to standard treatment on both non-infected and infected wounds. This was further confirmed by histopathological examination and biochemical analysis. Conclusions: IONPs-CTAB might be a good therapeutic alternative for the management of infected and non-infected wounds. However, future studies are still required to assess their long-term safety and the possibility of their extravasation to systemic circulation, with their potential accumulation in various organs after a long-term application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances and Innovations in Anti-Infective Agents Discovery)
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