Search Results (833)

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen, yet real-time data on duck-derived strains in China remain scarce. This study investigated the epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), gene profiles, and PFGE patterns of 114 Salmonella isolates recovered from 397 deceased ducks (2021–2024) across nine provinces (isolation rate: 28.72%). Fourteen serotypes were identified, with S. Typhimurium (23.68%), S. Indiana (21.93%), S. Kentucky (18.42%), and S. Enteritidis (12.28%) being predominant. Most isolates showed high resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, and sulfonamides, with extensive multidrug resistance (MDR) observed—especially in S. Indiana, S. Typhimurium, and S. Kentucky. Among the 23 detected resistance genes, tet(B) had the highest prevalence (75.44%), particularly in S. Indiana. Biofilm formation was observed in 99.12% of isolates, with 84.21% demonstrating moderate to strong capacity. Eighteen virulence genes were detected; S. Enteritidis carried more spvB/C, sipB, and sodC1, while S. Indiana had higher cdtB carriage. PFGE revealed substantial genetic diversity among strains. This comprehensive analysis highlights the high AMR and biofilm potential of duck-derived Salmonella in China, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate public health risks. Full article

This study describes the first complete genomic sequence of an NDM-19 and QnrS11-producing multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolate collected from a fecal swab from a poultry farm in 2019 in Egypt. The bla_NDM-19 was identified by PCR screening and DNA sequencing. The isolate was then subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation and transformation experiments, and complete genome sequencing. The chromosome of strain M2-13-1 measures 4,738,278 bp and encodes 4557 predicted genes, with an average G + C content of 50.8%. M2-13-1 is classified under ST167, serotype O101:H5, phylogroup A, and shows an MDR phenotype, having minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 64 mg/L for both meropenem and doripenem. The genes bla_NDM-19 and qnrS11 are present on 49,816 bp IncX3 and 113,285 bp IncFII: IncFIB plasmids, respectively. M2-13-1 harbors genes that impart resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), trimethoprim (dfrA14), β-lactams (bla_TEM-1B), aminoglycosides (aph(6)-Id, aph(3′)-Ia, aph(3″)-Ib, aac(3)-IV, and aph(4)-Ia), tetracycline (tet(A)), and chloramphenicol (floR). It was susceptible to aztreonam, colistin, fosfomycin, and tigecycline. The genetic context surrounding bla_NDM-19 includes ISAba125-IS5-bla_NDM-19-ble_MBL-trpF-hp1-hp2-IS26. Hierarchical clustering of the core genome MLST (HierCC) indicated M2-13-1 clusters with global ST167 E. coli lineages, showing HC levels of 100 (HC100) core genome allelic differences. Plasmids of the IncX3 group and the insertion sequence (ISAba125) are critical vehicles for the dissemination of bla_NDM and its related variants. To our knowledge, this is the first genomic report of a bla_NDM-19/IncX3-carrying E. coli isolate of animal origin globally. Full article

Background: The spread of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) strains in food poses a potential risk to human health. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of ESBL-PE and to investigate their distribution on foods. Methods: A total of 1000 food samples, including both raw and ready-to-eat products, was analyzed for the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae using chromogenic selective agar. Antibiotic resistance in the isolated strains was assessed using conventional methods, while whole-genome sequencing was employed to predict antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. Results: The overall occurrence of ESBL-PE strains was 2.8%, with the highest contamination in raw meat samples (10%). A total of 31 multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains was isolated, mainly Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, and Enterobacter hormaechei. All strains exhibited high levels of resistance to at least four different β-lactam antibiotics, as well as to other antimicrobial classes including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and quinolones. Whole-genome sequencing identified 63 antimicrobial resistance genes, with bla_CTX-M being the most prevalent ESBL gene. Twenty-eight (90%) isolates carried Inc plasmids, known vectors of multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, including those associated with ESBLs. Furthermore, several virulence genes were identified. Conclusions: The contamination of food with ESBL-PE represents a potential public health risk, underscoring the importance of the implementation of genomic surveillance to monitor and control the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trimethoprim (TMP), a sulfonamide antibacterial synergist, is widely used in antimicrobial therapy owing to its broad-spectrum activity and clinical efficacy in treating respiratory, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal infections. However, its application is limited due to poor aqueous solubility, a short elimination half-life (t_1/2), and low bioavailability. In this study, we proposed TMP loaded by PEG-PLGA polymer nanoparticles (NPs) to increase its efficacy. Methods: We synthesized and thoroughly characterized PEG-PLGA NPs loaded with TMP using an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion solvent evaporation method, denoted as PEG-PLGA/TMP NPs. Drug loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Comprehensive investigations were conducted on the stability of PEG-PLGA/TMP NPs, in vitro drug release profiles, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Results: The optimized PEG-PLGA/TMP NPs displayed a high LC of 34.0 ± 1.6%, a particle size of 245 ± 40 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.103 ± 0.019, a zeta potential of −23.8 ± 1.2 mV, and an EE of 88.2 ± 4.3%. The NPs remained stable at 4 °C for 30 days and under acidic conditions. In vitro release showed sustained biphasic kinetics and enhanced cumulative release, 86% at pH 6.8, aligning with first-order models. Pharmacokinetics in rats revealed a 2.82-fold bioavailability increase, prolonged half-life 2.47 ± 0.19 h versus 0.72 ± 0.08 h for free TMP, and extended MRT 3.10 ± 0.11 h versus 1.27 ± 0.11 h. Conclusions: PEG-PLGA NPs enhanced the solubility and oral bioavailability of TMP via high drug loading, stability, and sustained-release kinetics, validated by robust in vitro-in vivo correlation, offering a promising alternative for clinical antimicrobial therapy. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly acknowledged as a critical global challenge, posing serious risks to human and animal health and potentially disrupting poultry production systems. Commensal bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli may serve as important reservoirs and vectors of resistance genes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the AMR profiles of bacterial strains isolated from industrial chicken farms in the Dél-Alföld region of Hungary, providing region-specific insights into resistance dynamics. Methods: A total of 145 isolates, including Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and E. coli isolates, were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against 15 antimicrobial agents, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Advanced multivariate statistics, machine learning algorithms, and network-based approaches were employed to analyze resistance patterns and co-resistance associations. Results Multidrug resistance (MDR) was identified in 43.9% of Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 28.8% of Enterococcus spp. isolates, and 75.6% of E. coli isolates. High levels of resistance to florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and potentiated sulfonamides were observed, whereas susceptibility to critical antimicrobials such as imipenem and vancomycin remained largely preserved. Discussion: Our findings underscore the necessity of implementing region-specific AMR monitoring programs and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration within the “One Health” framework with proper animal hygiene and biosecurity measures to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and protect both animal and human health. Full article

The series of all three N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-nitrobenzenesulfonamides has been synthesized and their crystal structures analyzed. The bond lengths and angles are all very similar, only the C-S-N-C torsion angles are significantly different in the three molecules, leading to different orientations of the phenyl rings in the molecules. All three molecules exhibit N–H^…O hydrogen bonds with the sulfonamide group; however, in only two of the three is the acceptor an oxygen atom on the sulfonamide group. In the third, the acceptor oxygen is the methoxy oxygen atom. Compound A forms an infinite three-dimensional network, compound B exhibits ladder-shaped sheets, and C shows infinite sheets that are fairly planar. Overall, the differences in overall intermolecular interactions appear to be driven by packing rather than by the overall shapes of the molecules themselves. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acetazolamide is widely used for acute mountain sickness (AMS) prophylaxis. Whilst generally safe, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rare but serious adverse event. We present a case of anuric AKI following minimal exposure to acetazolamide, contributing to the limited literature on its nephrotoxicity at prophylactic doses. Methods: A 54-year-old previously healthy male ingested 250 mg/day of oral acetazolamide for two days. He developed acute anuria and lumbar pain. Diagnostic evaluation included laboratory tests, imaging, microbiological cultures, autoimmune panels, and diuretic response. No signs of infection, urinary tract obstruction, or systemic disease were found. Results: The patient met KDIGO 2012 criteria for stage 3 AKI, with peak serum creatinine of 10.6 mg/dL and metabolic acidosis. Imaging confirmed non-obstructive nephrolithiasis. Conservative treatment failed; intermittent hemodialysis was initiated. Renal function recovered rapidly, with the normalization of serum creatinine and urinary output by day 4. Conclusions: This case represents the lowest cumulative dose of acetazolamide reported to cause stage 3 AKI. The findings support a pathophysiological mechanism involving sulfonamide-induced crystalluria and intratubular obstruction. Physicians should consider acetazolamide in the differential diagnosis of AKI, even with short-term prophylactic use. Full article

A series of novel derivatives of 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonamide was synthesized. As the analyzed compounds possess a sulfonamide group, the affinity of these compounds for human carbonic anhydrases (CAs) was measured by fluorescent thermal shift assay, and compound selectivity for different isoenzymes was identified. The crystal structures of the complexes of compound 25 with CAI and CAII were determined. Additionally, the activity of compounds on the viability of three cancer cell lines—human glioblastoma U-87, triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, and prostate adenocarcinoma PPC-1—was established using the MTT assay and compared to CAIX-selective and non-selective comparative compounds U-104 and acetazolamide. The half-maximal concentration (EC₅₀) was determined for the identified most active compounds, and their selectivity over fibroblasts was established. Compound 9 (inhibitor of multi-CAs) and compound 21 (not binding to CAs), considered the most promising candidates, were tested in cancer cell 3D cultures (cancer spheroids) by assessing their effect on spheroid growth and viability. Both compounds reduced the viability of spheroids from all cancer cell lines. U-87 and PPC-1 spheroids became looser in the presence of compound 9, while the growth of MDA-MB-231 spheroids was slower compared to the control. Compound 21 reduced the growth of U-87 and MDA-MB-231 3D cultures, with no significant effect on PPC-1 spheroids. Full article

The global population is rising at an alarming rate and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, necessitating a substantial increase in food production. However, the overuse of chemical pesticides, including antibacterial agents and synthetic fertilizers, poses a major threat to sustainable agriculture. This review examines the ecological and health impacts of antibacterial agents (e.g., streptomycin, oxytetracycline, etc.) in horticultural crops, focusing on their effects on non-target organisms such as beneficial microbes involved in plant growth promotion and resistance development. Certain agents (e.g., triclosan, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones) leach into water systems, degrading water quality, while others leave toxic residues in crops, leading to human health risks like dysbiosis and antibiotic resistance. To mitigate these hazards, sustainable alternatives such as integrated plant disease management (IPDM) and biotechnological solutions are essential. Advances in genetic engineering including resistance-conferring genes like EFR1/EFR2 (Arabidopsis), Bs2 (pepper), and Pto (tomato) help combat pathogens such as Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas campestris. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise genome editing to enhance inherent disease resistance in crops. Emerging strategies like biological control, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), and nanotechnology further reduce dependency on chemical antibacterial agents. This review highlights the urgent need for sustainable disease management to safeguard ecosystem and human health while ensuring food security. Full article

Wastewater treatment plays a very important role in striving to reach the internationally agreed United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals. One of the critical challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 is the effective removal of micropollutants (MPs), including microplastics, organic contaminants, and pharmaceuticals, from wastewater. Additionally, the presence of biological hazards such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs), parasites, and their eggs poses significant risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems. The forthcoming European Union (EU) wastewater directive mandates the implementation of quaternary treatment processes to effectively remove micropollutants (MPOs) from wastewater. This regulatory shift underscores the need for advanced treatment technologies capable of addressing emerging contaminants to ensure environmental and public health protection. This paper presents a critical review of the present situation concerning the fate of MPOs and possible methods of their removal. Based on their experimental research, the authors propose electron beam (EB) technology as a universal solution for the treatment of wastewater and sludge. The findings demonstrate that this approach effectively meets the emerging regulatory requirements for the removal of micropollutants and biological hazards. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the context of diabetes, a multifactorial metabolic disorder with significant clinical implications, the present study investigates the hypoglycemic effects of a synthetic sulfonamide (S) administered individually and in combination with Salvia officinalis extract, compared to metformin as a standard therapeutic agent. Methods: An in vivo model of experimentally induced diabetes using alloxan was applied to Wistar female rats, divided into six experimental groups, including a healthy control group and a diabetes-induced, untreated group. Plasma concentrations of metformin and sulfonamide were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The plasma steady-state concentrations of the pharmaceutical agents and their correlation with hypoglycemic effect were evaluated. Results: The combination of the synthetic sulfonamide (S) with Salvia officinalis extract resulted in the greatest reduction in blood glucose level (average value of 50.2%) compared to S (40.6%) or metformin (36.4%). All treatments demonstrated statistically significant differences in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetes-induced untreated group (p < 0.05). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a larger volume of distribution for the synthetic sulfonamide S (23.92 ± 8.40 L) compared to metformin (16.07 ± 5.60 L), consistent with its physicochemical properties. No significant correlation was found between plasma drug levels and glycemic response (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings support the potential of combining standard therapeutic agents with natural alternatives such as Salvia officinalis to achieve improved glycemic control through complementary mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study to evaluate the combined effects of a sulfonylurea-type compound and Salvia officinalis extract in a diabetic animal model. Full article

Background/Objectives: The present study was aimed at documenting S. maltophilia occurrence in dogs with skin ailments, investigating its virulence, biofilm-forming ability, antimicrobial susceptibility, and zoonotic potential to inform preventive and therapeutic strategies against multidrug resistant S. maltophilia infections. Methods: Skin swabs (n = 300) were collected from dogs with dermatological ailments. Isolation was performed using selective media and confirmed with molecular methods, validated by MALDI Biotyper. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and efflux activity assessment were conducted. Resistance genes related to sulfonamides, quinolones, and β-lactams were screened. Virulence was assessed by biofilm formation, motility, and virulence gene profiling. Results: In total, 15 S. maltophilia (5%) isolates were identified. All 15 isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, enrofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, minocycline, and tigecycline, but resistant to cefpodoxime and aztreonam. The following resistance genes qnr (93.3%), bla_OXA-48 (46.7%), bla_KPC (33.3%), bla_NDM (33.3%), bla_CTX-M (20%), bla_SHV (20%), and bla_TEM (6.7%) were detected. All 15 isolates displayed high efflux activity. Overall, 9 isolates (60%) were strong biofilm producers, and 6 (40%) were moderate. Virulence genes such as virB, motA, rmlA, and fliC were present in all 15 isolates, with others varying in frequency. All isolates exhibited swimming motility. Heat map clustering showed diverse profiles, with no identical isolate patterns. Correlation analysis indicated positive associations between several antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. Conclusions: This study underscores the zoonotic potential of S. maltophilia from dogs, advocating for a One Health approach to mitigate infection risks and limit the spread of virulent multidrug resistant pathogens. Full article

High-resolution accurate mass non-targeted analysis (NTA) is a useful discovery tool for metabolite characterization of in vivo dosing studies since it enables detection of both predicted and unexpected biotransformation products. We used NTA to investigate biotransformation of perfluorohexanesulfonamide (PFHxSA) in plasma and liver from male and female Sprague Dawley rats after a 5-day repeat exposure study. PFHxSA is an emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) with unknown toxicity and a potentially reactive headgroup. NTA revealed the presence of predicted in vivo biotransformation products (BP) such as perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorohexanesulfinic acid (PFHxSi). PFHxSi also has unknown toxicity and has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported as a PFHxSA BP in mammals. Multiple perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonamides, associated BPs, and novel PFAS were also detected in rat plasma and liver. We observed sex-specific distributions of the dosed compound and BPs, suggesting different toxicokinetics and biological responses. The presence of a complex mixture of predicted and unexpected PFAS in plasma and liver not only mimics the complexity of environmental exposure but also highlights the need for toxicity testing with mixtures and a more complete assessment of dosing solution purity. Full article

Sulfonamide drugs (SAs) are a class of emerging contaminants widely present in water environments, which has gradually attracted attention from scholars worldwide. Based on the Web of Science core collection database, this study employs bibliometric methods and visualization tools, such as CiteSpace, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer, to systematically analyze the literature on the treatment of SAs from 2004 to 2024, exploring the research status, hotspots, and development trends in this field. The results indicate that research on SAs in the past 20 years can be categorized into three stages: initial exploration (2004–2008), slow development (2009–2016), and in-depth research (2017–2024), with an overall increasing trend in number of publications. China and the United States have published the most articles on SAs, with 2266 and 592 articles respectively, and the collaborative ties between the two countries are the strongest. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the most prolific institution, having published 348 articles. Science of the Total Environment is the journal with the highest publication volume. Among the many SAs, sulfamethoxazole has garnered the greatest research interest, and its primary entry route into the water environment is through the discharge of sewage treatment plants. The research focus has gradually shifted from the source analysis of SAs in the environment to seeking efficient methods for removing SAs. Future research should prioritize investigations into antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes associated with SAs. Full article

During intensive aquaculture of Eriocheir sinensis (E. sinensis), wastewater containing feed additives, heavy metals, and antibiotics can cause water eutrophication and lead to the accumulation of complex pollutants in sediments. In this study, heavy metals and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were analyzed for their distribution and accumulation patterns via ICP-OES and qPCR, and their correlations with bacterial communities in sediments from E. sinensis ponds were evaluated using co-occurrence network and redundancy analysis. Our results demonstrated that aquaculture activities significantly elevated the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd) and Manganese (Mn) in the sediments, and Cd was identified as the dominant factor contributing to the increase in the potential ecological risk index (RI). The abundance of ARGs significantly increased, with sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1, sul2), β-lactam resistance genes (blaTEM), and integron-associated genes (intl1) showing the highest levels. Correlation and redundancy analyses showed that most ARGs were positively correlated with and linked to Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Dechloromonas as potential hosts. Positive correlations were generally observed among heavy metals, suggesting a common source, namely aquaculture wastewater, and some showed positive associations with Acidobacteria. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the distribution, accumulation patterns, and coupling relationships of heavy metals and ARGs, as well as their relation and effects on bacterial communities in the sediment of E. sinensis ponds. Full article