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Microbiology Spectrum Jul 2024Similarly to other strict blood feeders, leeches from the genus (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) have established a symbiotic association with bacteria harbored...
UNLABELLED
Similarly to other strict blood feeders, leeches from the genus (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) have established a symbiotic association with bacteria harbored intracellularly in esophageal bacteriomes. Previous genome sequence analyses of these endosymbionts revealed co-divergence with their hosts, a strong genome reduction, and a simplified metabolism largely dedicated to the production of B vitamins, which are nutrients lacking from a blood diet. ' Providencia siddallii' has been identified as the obligate nutritional endosymbiont of a monophyletic clade of Mexican and South American spp. However, the genus includes a sister clade of congeners from Central and South America, where the presence or absence of the aforementioned symbiont taxon remains unknown. In this work, we report on a novel bacterial endosymbiont found in a representative from this clade. We found that this symbiont lineage has evolved from within the genus, known mainly from clinical but also environmental strains. Similarly to . , the -associated symbiont displays clear signs of genome reduction, accompanied by an A+T-biased sequence composition. Genomic analysis of its metabolic potential revealed a retention of pathways related to B vitamin biosynthesis, supporting its role as a nutritional endosymbiont. Finally, comparative genomics of both symbiont lineages suggests that an ancient symbiont was likely replaced by the novel one, thus constituting the first reported case of nutritional symbiont replacement in a leech without morphological changes in the bacteriome.
IMPORTANCE
Obligate symbiotic associations with a nutritional base have likely evolved more than once in strict blood-feeding leeches. Unlike those symbioses found in hematophagous arthropods, the nature, identity, and evolutionary history of these remains poorly studied. In this work, we further explored obligate nutritional associations between leeches and their microbial symbionts, which led to the unexpected discovery of a novel symbiosis with a member of the genus. When compared to , an obligate nutritional symbiont of other leeches, this novel bacterial symbiont shows convergent retention of the metabolic pathways involved in B vitamin biosynthesis. Moreover, the genomic characteristics of this symbiont suggest a more recent association than that of and . We conclude that the once-thought stable associations between blood-feeding Glossiphoniidae and their symbionts (i.e., one bacteriome structure, one symbiont lineage) can break down, mirroring symbiont turnover observed in various arthropod lineages.
Topics: Animals; Symbiosis; Leeches; Phylogeny; Genome, Bacterial; Providencia
PubMed: 38842327
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04286-23 -
Journal of Veterinary Research Sep 2023Universally, in microbiological diagnostics the detection of live bacteria is essential. Rapid identification of pathogens enables appropriate remedial measures to be...
INTRODUCTION
Universally, in microbiological diagnostics the detection of live bacteria is essential. Rapid identification of pathogens enables appropriate remedial measures to be taken. The identification of many bacteria simultaneously facilitates the determination of the characteristics of the accompanying microbiota and/or the microbiological complexity of a given environment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The effectiveness of the VITEK2 Compact automated microbial identification system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), analytical profile index (API) and Remel RapID tests were compared in identification of bacteria isolated from the alpaca gastrointestinal tract.
RESULTS
Most isolates were Gram-positive, such as and and , , and ; ; ; ; ; , , and (the last only isolated manually by API Coryne and the VITEK2 system and (CBC) card). was misidentified by MALDI-TOF MS as (currently ). Gram-positive and Gram-variable were also isolated. Gram-negative , , and ; ; subsp. ; and ; , and ; subsp. ; ; ; ; ; and were also found. The yeasts and were also present.
CONCLUSION
MALDI-TOF MS enabled the identification of pathogens and opportunistic pathogens from the alpaca gut which may represent a high risk to human and animal health.
PubMed: 37786852
DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0051 -
Microorganisms Nov 2023The intestinal bacteria of insects are crucial to the growth and development of the host. It has been found that various physiological processes of insects, such as...
The intestinal bacteria of insects are crucial to the growth and development of the host. It has been found that various physiological processes of insects, such as immune response, metabolism, reproductive ability, and growth and development, involve the gastrointestinal flora. However, many external factors affect the composition of insects' intestinal microorganisms, such as the type of dietary substrate. (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is of great significance in medicine and forensic science. In this study, we investigated the effects of ciprofloxacin on the growth and gut microbiota of . The results demonstrated that the maximum body length of larvae was not affected by ciprofloxacin, while the growth rate of body length quickened as the concentration of the drug increased. The weight of the pupa and adult was reduced significantly due to the effect of ciprofloxacin. After analyzing the gut microbiota composition of in different drug groups, it was indicated that , , , , , and play important roles in the growth of . However, they still need to be further studied. In general, ciprofloxacin can affect the gut microbial community structure, which in turn affects the fitness of the host.
PubMed: 38138011
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122867 -
Biosensors & Bioelectronics Nov 2023It is difficult to show microbial growth kinetics online when they grow in complex matrices. We presented a novel strategy to address this challenge by developing a...
It is difficult to show microbial growth kinetics online when they grow in complex matrices. We presented a novel strategy to address this challenge by developing a high-performance microbial growth analyzer (HPMGA), which employed a unique 32-channel capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector as a sensing element and fixed with a CellStatz software. It was capable of online showing accurate and repeatable growth curves of well-dispersed and bad-dispersed microbes, whether they grew in homogeneous simple culture broth or heterogeneous complex matrices. Moreover, it could automatically report key growth kinetics parameters. In comparison to optical density (OD), plate counting and broth microdilution (BMD) methods, we demonstrated its practicability in five scenarios: 1) the illustration of the growth, growth rate, and acceleration curves of Escherichia coli (E. coli); 2) the antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of Oxacillin against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus); 3) the determination of Ag nanoparticle toxicity on Providencia rettgeri (P. rettgeri); 4) the characterization of milk fermentation; and 5) the enumeration of viable pathogenic Vibrio in shrimp body. Results highlighted that the HPMGA method had the advantages of universality and effectivity. This technology would significantly facilitate the routine analysis of microbial growth in many fields (biology, medicine, clinic, life, food, environment, and ecology), paving an avenue for microbiologists to achieve research goals that have been inhibited for years due to a lack of practical analytical methods.
Topics: Animals; Escherichia coli; Kinetics; Metal Nanoparticles; Silver; Staphylococcus aureus; Biosensing Techniques; Milk
PubMed: 37643493
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115626 -
Pediatric Research Nov 2023Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an alternative method to spoon-feeding to introduce solid foods. This study aimed to describe and understand the experiences and opinions of...
BACKGROUND
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an alternative method to spoon-feeding to introduce solid foods. This study aimed to describe and understand the experiences and opinions of pediatricians and pediatric nurse specialists of the implementation of the BLW approach.
METHODS
An interpretive descriptive qualitative research was carried out. A focus group with 7 participants and 13 face-to-face interviews were conducted between February and May 2022 (17 females and 3 males). All were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the supported by Atlas.Ti qualitative data analysis software.
RESULTS
From the data, two themes developed: (1) BLW as an ideal method of introducing solid food, with the subthemes: "a natural method of introducing complementary feeding" and "BLW is a safe method"; (2) Perceived barriers to the uptake of the BLW method, with the subthemes: "a lack of BLW training prevents the best practice" and "the influence of family and social context on parents."
CONCLUSIONS
Healthcare professionals perceive BLW to be a safe and natural weaning approach. The lack of training of healthcare professionals and the influence of family social context on parents may limit the implementation of BLW.
IMPACT
Baby-led weaning is perceived by healthcare professionals as a safe complementary feeding method that promotes chewing, improves growth, and the development of fine motor skills. However, lack of training of healthcare professionals and the family social context of the parents hinders the uptake of baby-led weaning. The views of the family and parents' social context about baby-led weaning may restrict their willingness to use the method. Family education delivered by healthcare professionals may avoid risks and allay parental anxieties about safety.
Topics: Male; Infant; Female; Child; Humans; Weaning; Feeding Behavior; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Qualitative Research; Delivery of Health Care; Infant Food
PubMed: 37340099
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02694-z -
Current Microbiology Oct 2023Providencia heimbachae was previously identified in piglets with post-weaned diarrhea and associated with hindlimb paralysis. However, the pathogenic mechanisms and...
Providencia heimbachae was previously identified in piglets with post-weaned diarrhea and associated with hindlimb paralysis. However, the pathogenic mechanisms and virulence factors of P. heimbachae are not fully known. Whole-genome sequence analysis will be helpful to extend our understanding of the characterization of P. heimbachae at a genomic level. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of P. heimbachae for the first time using PacBio RS II sequencers and assembled de novo through hierarchical genome assembly process (HGAP). Furthermore, we performed further genome annotation. The genome of P. heimbachae 99101 consists of a circular chromosome (4,262,828 bp) and a circular plasmid (231,957 bp) with G + C contents of 40.43 and 47.16%, respectively. Genome-wide sequence analysis yielded a total of 286 predicted virulence factors, 178 resistance genes, 17 chaperone protein manipulators of fimbriae, 47 genes involved in the encoding of flagellin, 12 cell membrane-associated virulence genes, 18 Enterobacteriaceae common antigens, etc. Based on genome analysis, we preliminarily confirmed through animal experiments that the capsule was the virulence factor of P. heimbachae causing hindlimb paralysis in animals. Our study provides a genetic basis for further elucidation of the characteristics and functional mechanisms of P. heimbachae as a conditionally pathogenic bacterium, as well as a direction for research into the mechanism of action of P. heimbachae infecting humans, extending knowledge of P. heimbachae as an important zoonotic pathogen.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Swine; Virulence; Virulence Factors; Diarrhea; Paralysis
PubMed: 37812274
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03478-8 -
Data in Brief Oct 2023Chemical pollution caused by synthetic organic chemicals at low concentrations in the environment poses a growing threat to the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems....
Chemical pollution caused by synthetic organic chemicals at low concentrations in the environment poses a growing threat to the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems. These chemicals are regularly released into surface waters through both treated and untreated effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), agricultural runoff, and industrial discharges. Consequently, they accumulate in surface waters, distribute amongst environmental compartments according to their physicochemical properties, and cause adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data regarding the occurrence of synthetic organic chemicals, henceforth micropollutants, in South American freshwater ecosystems, especially in Chile. To address this research gap, we present a comprehensive dataset comprising concentrations of 153 emerging chemicals, including pesticides, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), surfactants, and industrial chemicals. These chemicals were found to co-occur in surface waters within Central Chile, specifically in the River Aconcagua Basin. Our sampling strategy involved collecting surface water samples from streams and rivers with diverse land uses, such as agriculture, urban areas, and natural reserves. For sample extraction, we employed an on-site large-volume solid phase extraction (LVSPE) device. The resulting environmental extracts were then subjected to wide-scope chemical target screening using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC- and LC-HRMS). The dataset we present holds significant value in assessing the chemical status of water bodies. It enables comparative analysis of pollution fingerprints associated with emerging chemicals across different freshwater systems. Moreover, the data can be reused for environmental risk assessment studies. Its utilisation will contribute to a better understanding of the impact and extent of chemical pollution in aquatic ecosystems, facilitating the development of effective mitigation strategies.
PubMed: 37780467
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109600 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023In Japan, nationwide epidemiological surveys on carbapenem-resistant (CREs), including comprehensive information, are scarce, with most data available only through...
In Japan, nationwide epidemiological surveys on carbapenem-resistant (CREs), including comprehensive information, are scarce, with most data available only through public reports. This study analyzed data on the family collected from nationwide testing centers between January 2016 and December 2022, focusing on isolates that met the criteria for CRE in Japan based on drug susceptibility. We investigated 5,323,875 isolates of 12 different species; among 4696 (0.09%) CRE strains, the proportion of major CRE isolates was as follows: , 31.3%; , 28.0%; , 18.5%; and , 6.7%. Moreover, over a 7-year period, , , , and demonstrated relatively high CRE percentages of 0.6% (156/26,185), 0.47% (869/184,221), 0.28% (313/110,371), and 0.17% (1314/780,958), respectively. The number of CRE strains isolated from different samples was as follows: urine, 2390; respiratory specimens, 1254; stool, 425; blood, 252; others, 375. In the broader context, including colonization, the predominant isolates of CREs collected at nationwide testing centers are and . Furthermore, recently, attention has been directed toward less common CRE species, such as and , and thus, it might be necessary to continue monitoring these less common species.
PubMed: 37887763
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101246 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023To describe the annual incidence and the leading causes of sudden non-cardiac and cardiac death (SCD) in children and young adult Portuguese population. We...
To describe the annual incidence and the leading causes of sudden non-cardiac and cardiac death (SCD) in children and young adult Portuguese population. We retrospectively reviewed autopsy of sudden unexpected deaths reports from the Portuguese National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences' database, between 2012 and 2016, for the central region of Portugal, Azores and Madeira (ages 1-40: 26% of the total population). During a 5-year period, 159 SD were identified, corresponding to an annual incidence of 2,4 (95%confidence interval, 1,5-3,6) per 100.000 people-years. Victims had a mean age of 32 ± 7 years-old, and 72,3% were male. There were 70,4% cardiac, 16,4% respiratory and 7,5% neurologic causes of SD. The most frequent cardiac anatomopathological diagnosis was atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) (33,0%). There were 15,2% victims with left ventricular hypertrophy, with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy only possible in 2,7%. The prevalence of cardiac pathological findings of uncertain significance was 30,4%. In conclusion, the annual incidence of SD was low. Atherosclerotic CAD was diagnosed in 33,0% victims, suggesting the need to intensify primary prevention measures in the young. The high prevalence of pathological findings of uncertain significance emphasizes the importance of molecular autopsy and screening of first-degree relatives.
Topics: Child; Young Adult; Humans; Male; Adult; Female; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retrospective Studies; Autopsy; Coronary Artery Disease; Cause of Death
PubMed: 38123611
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47502-0 -
Journal of Nursing Measurement Sep 2023Limited culturally relevant condom self-efficacy measures have been adapted for use with Chilean college students. This study aims to culturally adapt and measure the...
Limited culturally relevant condom self-efficacy measures have been adapted for use with Chilean college students. This study aims to culturally adapt and measure the psychometric properties of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale (CUSES) by use in college students in Chile. This cross-sectional study was carried out in six stages: (a) authorization from original authors, (b) translation, (c) back translation, (d) analysis of equivalences, (e) content analysis, and (f) exploratory factor analysis and reliability assessment. Of the 460 college students who completed the Chilean CUSES (Ch-CUSES), 73.9% were women and 99% were single with a mean age of 20.5. Total scale Cronbach's alpha was 0.845, and factor analysis demonstrated six dimensions with 59.1% of the total variance. The factor loading scores of 21 items ranged between 0.515 and 0.921. Ch-CUSES shows good psychometric properties for assessing self-efficacy for condom use in Chilean college students.
PubMed: 37558259
DOI: 10.1891/JNM-2021-0053