Search Results (164)

Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive coccus commonly found in the environment, is indeed a common cause of both superficial and deep infections. The aim of the study was to determine the virulence factors of S. aureus characteristic of chronic infections, including chronic furunculosis and chronic osteomyelitis. Phenotypic characteristics of the bacteria (ability to produce hemolysis, clumping factor, and coagulase; antibiotic susceptibility) and genotypic characteristics (presence of genes responsible for the production of enzymes and toxins; ability to form biofilm) were examined. The real-time PCR method was used to determine the presence of virulence genes. Biofilm production was confirmed using the crystal violet method. Antibiotic and chemotherapeutic susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method. In 90% of cases, S. aureus strains possessed the following virulence genes: clfA, clfB, spa, cna, eap, hlgA, hlgB, hlg, hld, bap, bbp, ebpS, fib, fnbA, fnbB, and pvl. A total of 82% of S. aureus strains showed susceptibility to methicillin (MSSA), whereas 12% of strains were susceptible to methicillin and simultaneously resistant to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B, including 10.5% with inducible resistance and 1.5% with constitutive resistance (MSSA/MLSB). In addition, 1.5% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and susceptible to the remaining antimicrobial agents. The predominance of MSSA in the etiology of chronic furunculosis and chronic osteomyelitis was observed. It has been demonstrated that MSSA possesses a similar set of virulence genes to MRSA and that MSSA is responsible for most cases of chronic osteomyelitis and furunculosis. The findings indicate that S. aureus possesses numerous virulence factors that play a key role in the processes of adhesion to and proliferation within host cells. Full article

The neurotoxin BoNT/B2 is the predominant Clostridium parabotulinum subtype in foodborne and infant botulism cases in Spain. This study characterizes a novel case of foodborne botulism in Spain caused by a dual-toxin A1(B5) strain. A 64-year-old male presented with acute, progressive flaccid paralysis including diplopia, dysphagia, and respiratory failure. Although botulism was not initially suspected, the patient recovered with supportive care and without antitoxin administration. Genomic characterization confirmed the presence of both bont/A1 and silent bont/B5 genes. The bont/A1 gene was associated with an orfX+ neurotoxin gene cluster, while the silent bont/B5 gene was in an ha+ cluster. Phylogenetic analysis of both bont/A1 and bont/B5 sequences showed 100% amino acid identity, respectively, to previously reported A1(B5) strains (e.g., CDC_69094, FE9504ACG). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) assigned the ST10, a genotype previously undetected in Spanish botulism cases, yet found in other European countries. This case highlights the importance of considering botulism in differential diagnosis due to its varied presentation and the significance of timely laboratory confirmation for effective management. The identification of this dual-toxin BoNT/A1(B5) orfX+/ha+ ST10 strain expands our understanding of C. botulinum epidemiology and genetic diversity in Spain. Full article

Aflatoxin contamination, primarily caused by Aspergillus flavus, poses a significant threat to peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, food safety, and global trade. Despite extensive efforts, breeding for durable resistance remains difficult due to the polygenic and environmentally sensitive nature of resistance. Although germplasm such as J11 have shown partial resistance, none of the identified lines demonstrated stable or comprehensive protection across diverse environments. Resistance involves physical barriers, biochemical defenses, and suppression of toxin biosynthesis. However, these traits typically exhibit modest effects and are strongly influenced by genotype–environment interactions. A paradigm shift is underway with increasing focus on host susceptibility (S) genes, native peanut genes exploited by A. flavus to facilitate colonization or toxin production. Recent studies have identified promising S gene candidates such as AhS5H1/2, which suppress salicylic acid-mediated defense, and ABR1, a negative regulator of ABA signaling. Disrupting such genes through gene editing holds potential for broad-spectrum resistance. To advance resistance breeding, an integrated pipeline is essential. This includes phenotyping diverse germplasm under stress conditions, mapping resistance loci using QTL and GWAS, and applying multi-omics platforms to identify candidate genes. Functional validation using CRISPR/Cas9, Cas12a, base editors, and prime editing allows precise gene targeting. Validated genes can be introgressed into elite lines through breeding by marker-assisted and genomic selection, accelerating the breeding of aflatoxin-resistant peanut varieties. This review highlights recent advances in peanut aflatoxin resistance research, emphasizing susceptibility gene targeting and genome editing. Integrating conventional breeding with multi-omics and precision biotechnology offers a promising path toward developing aflatoxin-free peanut cultivars. Full article

Background/Objectives: European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are present in areas where there is human activity; therefore, they can be a source of pathogens for other animals and humans. Methods: Eighteen hedgehog carcasses were collected and analyzed for Staphylococcus spp. Isolated strains were typed and analyzed for exfoliative toxins genes and the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of antimicrobial resistance. Results: A total of 54 strains were isolated and typed as S. aureus, S. xylosus, S. sciuri, S. pseudintermedius, S. simulans, S. chromogenes, S. epidermidis, S. hyicus, and S. lentus. No strains had the eta and etb genes coding for exfoliative toxins. Overall, 39/54 (72.20%) isolates showed phenotypic resistance to at least one antimicrobial and 21/54 (38.80%) showed more than one resistance. The lowest efficacy was observed for erythromycin, with 40/54 (74.08%) strains classified as intermediate and 6/54 (11.11%) classified as resistant. Among the 29 isolates shown to be penicillin-resistant, 11 (37.93%) were oxacillin-resistant, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Among the 54 staphylococcal strains, 2 (3.70%) were resistant to vancomycin, both with an MIC value equal to the maximum concentration of the antibiotic tested (256 μg/mL) and 2 (3.70%) had an intermediate resistance profile with an 8 μg/mL MIC value. No strains had the genes vanA and vanB. Two of the 29 (6.90%) penicillin-resistant strains had the blaZ gene; 8 (27.13%) strains had the mecA gene. Overall, 2/54 (3.70%) isolates were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and 9/54 (16.66%) were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Conclusions: Hedgehogs can harbor antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci and can be sources of these bacteria for other animals and humans. They can also serve as bioindicators of the pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria circulating in a given habitat. Full article

Several species of Fusarium are reported to infect inflorescences of high-THC-containing cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) plants grown in greenhouses in Canada. These include F. graminearum, F. sporotrichiodes, F. proliferatum, and, to a lesser extent, F. oxysporum and F. solani. The greatest concern surrounding the infection of cannabis by these Fusarium species, which cause symptoms of bud rot, is the potential for the accumulation of mycotoxins that may go undetected. In the present study, both naturally infected and artificially infected inflorescence tissues were tested for the presence of fungal-derived toxins using HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Naturally infected cannabis tissues were confirmed to be infected by both F. avenaceum and F. graminearum using PCR. Pure cultures of these two species and F. sporotrichiodes were inoculated onto detached inflorescences of two cannabis genotypes, and after 7 days, they were dried and assayed for mycotoxin presence. In these assays, all Fusarium species grew prolifically over the tissue surface. Tissues infected by F. graminearum contained 3-acetyl DON, DON, and zearalenone in the ranges of 0.13–0.40, 1.18–1.91, and 31.8 to 56.2 μg/g, respectively, depending on the cannabis genotype. In F. sporotrichiodes-infected samples, HT2 and T2 mycotoxins were present at 13.9 and 10.9 μg/g in one genotype and were lower in the other. In F. avenaceum-inoculated tissues, the mycotoxins enniatin A, enniatin A1, enniatin B, and enniatin B1 were produced at varying concentrations, depending on the isolate and cannabis genotype. Unexpectedly, these tissues also contained detectable levels of 3-acetyl DON, DON, and zearalenone, which was attributed to apre-existing natural infection by F. graminearum that was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Beauvericin was detected in tissues infected by F. avenaceum and F. sporotrichiodes, but not by F. graminearum. Naturally infected, dried inflorescences from which F. avenaceum was recovered contained beauvericin, enniatin A1, enniatin B, and enniatin B1 as expected. Uninoculated cannabis inflorescences were free of mycotoxins except for culmorin at 0.348 μg/g, reflecting pre-existing infection by F. graminearum. The mycotoxin levels were markedly different between the two cannabis genotypes, despite comparable mycelial colonization. Tall fescue plants growing in the vicinity of the greenhouse were shown to harbor F. avenaceum and F. graminearum, suggesting a likely external source of inoculum. Isolates of both species from tall fescue produced mycotoxins when inoculated onto cannabis inflorescences. These findings demonstrate that infection by F. graminearum and F. avenaceum, either from artificial inoculation or natural inoculum originating from tall fescue plants, can lead to mycotoxin accumulation in cannabis inflorescences. However, extensive mycelial colonization following prolonged incubation of infected tissues under high humidity conditions is required. Inoculations with Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus ochraceus under these conditions produced no detectable mycotoxins. The mycotoxins alternariol and tentoxin were detected in several inflorescence samples, likely as a result of natural infection by Alternaria spp. Fusarium avenaceum is reported to infect cannabis inflorescences for the first time and produces mycotoxins in diseased tissues. Full article

Microcystis, a potentially toxigenic cyanobacterium known to form extensive blooms in eutrophic lakes globally, was investigated in the cold oligotrophic Lake Baikal. We report the isolation of two Microcystis strains, Microcystis aeruginosa and M. novacekii, and document the presence of the latter species in Lake Baikal for the first time. In M. aeruginosa strain BN23, we detected the microcystin synthetase gene mcyE. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of two microcystin variants in BN23, with microcystin-LR, a highly potent toxin, being the dominant form. The concentration of MC-LR reached 540 µg/g dry weight. In contrast, M. novacekii strain BT23 lacked both microcystin synthesis genes and detectable toxins. The habitat waters were characterized as oligotrophic with minor elements of mesotrophy, exhibiting low phytoplankton biomass dominated by the chrysophyte Dinobryon cylindricum (76–77% of biomass), with cyanobacteria contributing 8–10%. The contribution of Microcystis spp. to the total phytoplankton biomass could not be quantified as they were exclusively found in net samples. The water temperature at both sampling stations was ~19 °C, which is considerably lower than optimal for Microcystis spp. and potentially conducive to enhanced microcystin production in toxigenic genotypes. Full article

Genetic dystonias are a heterogeneous group of movement disorders characterized by involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Often beginning in childhood, they can significantly affect quality of life. Although individually rare, genetic causes are collectively relevant in pediatric dystonias, with over 250 associated genes. Among these, TOR1A, SGCE, and KMT2B are the most frequently reported in pediatric forms. Diagnosis is challenging due to the wide clinical and genetic variability. Recent advances in genetic testing, including whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, have improved the early identification of causative variants. Functional data on selected mutations are helping to refine genotype–phenotype correlations. Management typically requires a multidisciplinary approach. Symptomatic treatments include anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, and botulinum toxin, while deep brain stimulation can be effective in refractory cases, especially in patients with TOR1A variants. Disease-modifying therapies are also emerging, such as gene therapy for AADC deficiency, highlighting the potential of precision medicine. This review provides an updated overview of pediatric genetic dystonias, with a focus on differential diagnosis and treatment strategies. Early and accurate diagnosis, together with personalized care, is key to improving outcomes in affected children. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global health concern, responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. In recent years, as our understanding of the multifaceted nature of CVDs has increased, it has become increasingly evident that traditional risk factors alone do not account for the entirety of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Environmental toxins, a heterogeneous group of substances ubiquitous in our surroundings, have now entered the spotlight as offenders in the development and progression of CVDs. Environmental toxins include heavy metals, air pollutants, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, among others. Upon exposure, they can elicit oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify and repair the resulting damage. Oxidative stress triggers a cascade of events, including inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and vascular remodeling, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular pathologies. This article delves into the molecular mechanisms underpinning oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular damage induced by environmental toxins, emphasizing the role of specific toxins in this process. Further research is necessary to understand how individual susceptibility and genotype influence the impact of environmental toxins on oxidative stress and the risk of CVD. Full article

The proliferation of harmful cyanobacteria, particularly Microcystis, poses significant risks to drinking and recreational water resources, especially under the influence of climate change. Conventional monitoring methods based on microscopy for harmful cyanobacteria management systems are limited in detecting toxigenic genotypes, hindering accurate risk assessment. In this study, we developed a digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)-based method for the simultaneous quantification of total and toxigenic Microcystis in freshwater environments. We targeted the secA gene, specific to the Microcystis genus, and the mcyA gene, associated with microcystin biosynthesis. Custom-designed primers and probes showed high specificity and sensitivity, enabling accurate detection without cross-reactivity. The multiplex ddPCR assay allowed for concurrent quantification of both targets in a single reaction, reducing the analysis time and cost. Application to field samples demonstrated good agreement with microscopic counts and revealed seasonal shifts in toxigenic genotype abundance. Notably, ddPCR detected Microcystis at very low densities—down to 7 cells/mL in the mixed cyanobacterial communities of field samples—even when microscopy failed, highlighting its utility for early bloom detection. This approach provides a reliable and efficient tool for monitoring Microcystis dynamics and assessing toxin production potential, offering significant advantages for the early warning and proactive management of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Full article

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) poses a critical threat to livestock health and food safety, particularly in regard to misuse of antimicrobial agents, which have accelerated the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) ETEC strains, reshaping their virulence landscapes and epidemiological trajectories. In this study, 24 ETEC isolates from porcine diarrheal samples undergo genomic and phenotypic profiling, including virulence genotyping, bacterial adhesion, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) analysis. Results show that multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) outputs (ST88, ST100) and serotypes (O9:H19, O116:H11, O149:H10) exhibited enhanced virulence, with F18ab-fimbriated strains carrying Shiga toxin genes (stx2A) demonstrating higher cytotoxicity than non-stx strains. There exists a significant negative correlation between bacterial growth rates and intestinal epithelial adhesion, with the expression of ETEC adhesion and virulence genes being growth-time-dependent. These relationships suggest evolutionary trade-offs favoring either rapid proliferation or virulence. Among these isolates, 95.8% were MDR, with alarming resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides. Geospatial analysis identified region-specific AMR gene clusters, notably oqxB-aac(3) co-occurrence networks in 79% of ETEC isolates. These results highlight the urgent need for precision interventions, including vaccines targeting epidemic serotypes and AMR monitoring systems to disrupt resistance propagation across swine production networks. By underscoring the importance of current virulence and AMR profiles, this study provides actionable strategies to mitigate ETEC-associated threats to both animal welfare and meat safety ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Motile aeromonads are ubiquitous aquatic Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens with environmental, animal, aquatic, and human health implications. Methods: Motile aeromonads were isolated from village pond water samples (n = 100) of the Hisar district of Haryana state in India. Selective isolation and enumeration were followed by biochemical and genotypic identification using gyrB gene; evaluation of seven putative virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance studies and determination of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC beta lactamase (ACBL) enzyme-producing abilities took place. Results: The viable counts of motile aeromonads varied from 1.6 × 10² CFU/mL to 1.2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL. Six species of Aeromonas were identified with high prevalence of A. veronii (74.7%), followed by A. caviae (8.9%), A. hydrophila (7.6), A. jandaei (5%), A. sobria (2.5%), and A. dhakensis (1.3%). PCR amplification of seven genes related to virulence indicated that the majority of the isolates were positive for enolase (eno, 98%), cytotoxic enterotoxin (act, 88%), and hemolysin (asa1, 86%). Many isolates were also positive for type III secretion system inner membrane component (ascV, 53%), ADP-ribosylating toxin (aexT, 47%), and extracellular hemolysin (ahh1, 4%). The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of the isolated Aeromonas isolates indicated the high resistance observed to nalidixic acid (40.2%), cefoxitin (33%), and imipenem (6.2%). In addition, the occurrence of 10.3% ESBL, 32% ACBL, and 29.9% multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates is alarming. Phylogenetic analysis of gyrB sequences of A. veronii isolates (n = 59) together with GenBank sequences of A. veronii from different geographical regions of the world indicated high genotypic diversity. Conclusions: the village aquaculture ponds in Hisar district have a high occurrence of MDR A. veronii, A. hydrophila, and A. caviae, posing significant animal and public health concern. Full article

Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a staphylococcal toxin associated with chronic/recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and necrotizing pneumonia. Its detection in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus warrants aggressive therapy and infection control measures. However, PVL detection relies on molecular methods of limited use, especially in outpatient or resource-poor settings. In order to aid the development of a lateral flow (LF) test for PVL, clinical isolates from SSTIs were collected in 2020/21 at three laboratories in two cities in the Eastern part of Germany. After the exclusion of duplicate and serial isolates, 83 isolates were eligible. These were tested using an experimental LF test for PVL production. They were also characterized using DNA microarrays, facilitating the detection of virulence and resistance markers as well as the assignment to clonal complexes and epidemic/pandemic strains. Thirty-nine isolates (47%) were PVL-positive, and the LF results were in 81 cases (97.6%) concordant with genotyping. One false-positive and one false-negative case were observed. This translated into a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.974 and a diagnostic specificity of 0.977. The most common PVL-positive MSSA lineages were CC152 (n = 6), CC121 (n = 4), and CC5 and CC30 (each n = 2). Thirty isolates (36%) were mecA-positive. The MRSA rate among PVL-negatives was 20% (nine isolates), but among the PVL-positives, it was as high as 54% (n = 21). The most common PVL-MRSA strains were CC398-MRSA-VT (n = 5), CC5-MRSA-IV “Sri Lanka Clone” (n = 4), CC8-MRSA-[mec IV+Hg] “Latin American USA300” (n = 4), and CC22-MRSA-IV (PVL+/tst+) (n = 2). While the PVL rate was similar just like the German isolates from a previous study a decade before, the MRSA rate among PVL-positives was clearly higher. All PVL-MRSA strains detected, as well as the most common methicillin-susceptible lineage (CC152), are known to be common locally in other parts of the world, and might, thus, be regarded as travel-associated. Therefore, patients with suspected PVL-associated disease should be asked for their history of travel or migration, and, in case of hospitalization, they should be treated as MRSA cases until proven otherwise. Full article

Introduction: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), particularly E. coli O157:H7, is a major contributor to foodborne outbreaks globally. Both E. coli O157 and non-O157 strains can lead to severe health issues, including hemolytic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can result in kidney failure. Methods: Two hundred and one frozen beef samples were purchased from various supermarkets located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and subsequently enriched in tryptic soy broth (TSB). From the enriched samples in TSB, 1 mL portion was mixed with immunomagnetic beads (IMB) coated with specific antibodies targeting the E. coli O157 O antigen. The beads, which contained the captured bacteria, were then streaked onto CHROMagar O157 and Sorbitol MacConkey (SMAC) agar. The DNA extracted from these samples was examined using multiplex PCR to identify potential virulence gene markers, specifically stx-1, stx-2, and eae. Results: Of the 201 examined samples, 88 (43.8%) and 106 (52.7%) were positive for E. coli and produced colorless and mauve colonies on SMAC agar and CHROMagar O157, respectively. Out of 298 isolates in total, 174 isolates of E. coli were isolated with IMB enrichment. The highest detection rate of virulence gene markers was found among isolates that had been isolated using IMB enrichment, where 25 (8.4%), 2 (0.7%) and 12 (4%) isolates tested positive for stx1, stx2, and eae genes respectively. Among 42 isolates harboring potential virulence gene markers, 11 isolates were identified as E. coli O157 (stx₁⁺/eae⁺ or stx₂⁺/eae⁺). ERIC-PCR genotyping was able to determine the genetic relatedness among 42 isolates of E. coli O157 and E. coli non-O157 into 10 types with four identical related clusters and a genetic similarity rate above 90% homology from the identified isolates. Conclusions: The present study gives a clear perspective on STEC contamination in imported frozen beef marketed in Saudi Arabia. Because of the many possibilities of STEC contamination in imported frozen beef, further studies on the spread of STEC at various levels of imported frozen meat are needed on a long-term basis. Full article

Clostridioides difficile is a common etiological factor of hospital infections, which, in extreme cases, can lead to the death of patients. Most strains belonging to this bacterium species synthesize very dangerous toxins: toxin A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) and binary toxin (CDT). The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of agarose gel electrophoresis separation of multiplex PCR amplicons to investigate the toxinogenic potential of C. difficile strains. Additionally, the frequency of C. difficile toxin genes and the genotypes of toxin-producing strains were determined. Ninety-nine C. difficile strains were used in the detection of the presence of genes encoding all of these toxins using the multiplex PCR method. In 85 (85.9%) strains, the presence of tcdA genes encoding enterotoxin A was detected. In turn, in 66 (66.7%) isolates, the gene encoding toxin B (tcdB) was present. The lowest number of strains tested was positive for genes encoding a binary toxin. Only 31 (31.3%) strains possessed the cdtB gene and 22 (22.2%) contained both genes for the binary toxin subunits (the cdtB and cdtA genes). A relatively large number of the strains tested had genes encoding toxins, whose presence may result in a severe course of disease. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis of patients, including the detection of all known C. difficile toxin genes, is very important. The multiplex PCR method allows for the quick and accurate determination of whether the tested strains of this bacterium contain toxin genes. Agarose gel electrophoresis is a useful tool for visualizing amplification products, allowing one to confirm the presence of specific C. difficile toxin genes as well as investigate their dissemination for epidemiological purposes. Full article

Wild animals are recognized as significant reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus spp. strains in fallow deer (Dama dama) inhabiting a natural preserve in Central Italy and to examine the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and the presence of some virulence genes among the isolates. During July and December 2022, nasal swabs were collected from 175 fallow deer, which were then analyzed through bacteriological cultures. In total, 176 Staphylococcus spp. strains were isolated and subsequently identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. S. aureus was the most abundant species with 66 (37.5%) strains, followed by S. hyicus, 34 (19.31%) strains, S. sciuri, 32 (18.18%) strains, S. chromogenes, 27 (15.34%) strains, S. xylosus, 11 (6.25%) strains, S. warneri, 5 (2.84%) strains, and S. devriesei, 1 (0.56%) strain. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed for each isolate via the agar disk diffusion method, testing a panel of 13 molecules belonging to 9 antimicrobial classes. The highest resistance rates were detected for penicillin (29.55%), rifampicin (22.73%), and amikacin (20.45%). Notably, intermediate susceptibility was observed for erythromycin (61.93%), enrofloxacin (28.41%), and ceftiofur (21.02%). Conversely, the strains exhibited particularly high susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (99.43%), cefoxitin (97.73%), and vancomycin (96.02%). Based on the results, 32 (18.18%) isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Two strains of S. chromogenes and one strain of S. xylosus, both resistant to penicillin, tested positive for the blaZ gene. No methicillin-resistant strains were found, and none of the isolates harbored genes associated with enterotoxin and toxic shock syndrome toxin production. This study highlights the potential role of wildlife, particularly fallow deer, as reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. strains. Such findings underscore the importance of monitoring wildlife for antimicrobial resistance, which could have implications for public health and veterinary medicine. Full article