-
PloS One 2024Ticks are arachnid ectoparasites that rank second only to mosquitoes in the transmission of human diseases including bacteria responsible for anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis,...
Ticks are arachnid ectoparasites that rank second only to mosquitoes in the transmission of human diseases including bacteria responsible for anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, spotted fevers, and Lyme disease among other febrile illnesses. Due to the paucity of data on bacteria transmitted by ticks in Kenya, this study undertook a bacterial metagenomic-based characterization of ticks collected from Isiolo, a semi-arid pastoralist County in Eastern Kenya, and Kwale, a coastal County with a monsoon climate in the southern Kenyan border with Tanzania. A total of 2,918 ticks belonging to 3 genera and 10 species were pooled and screened in this study. Tick identification was confirmed through the sequencing of the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI) gene. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicons obtained from the above samples were sequenced using the MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) platform. The resulting reads were demultiplexed in Porechop, followed by trimming and filtering in Trimmomatic before clustering using Qiime2-VSearch. A SILVA database pretrained naïve Bayes classifier was used to classify the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) taxonomically. The bacteria of clinical interest detected in pooled tick assays were as follows: Rickettsia spp. 59.43% of pools, Coxiella burnetii 37.88%, Proteus mirabilis 5.08%, Cutibacterium acnes 6.08%, and Corynebacterium ulcerans 2.43%. These bacteria are responsible for spotted fevers, query fever (Q-fever), urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, eye infections, and diphtheria-like infections in humans, respectively. P. mirabilis, C. acnes, and C. ulcerans were detected only in Isiolo. Additionally, COI sequences allowed for the identification of Rickettsia and Coxiella species to strain levels in some of the pools. Diversity analysis revealed that the tick genera had high levels of Alpha diversity but the differences between the microbiomes of the three tick genera studied were not significant. The detection of C. acnes, commonly associated with human skin flora suggests that the ticks may have contact with humans potentially exposing them to bacterial infections. The findings in this study highlight the need for further investigation into the viability of these bacteria and the competency of ticks to transmit them. Clinicians in these high-risk areas also need to be appraised for them to include Rickettsial diseases and Q-fever as part of their differential diagnosis.
Topics: Kenya; Animals; Metagenomics; Ticks; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Humans; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38687700
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296597 -
Veterinary Research Apr 2024
PubMed: 38685104
DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01317-7 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Wall. Ex Besser is a folklore medicinal plant that belongs to Asteraceae family and a treasure trove of drugs. The aim of this research study was to investigate the...
Wall. Ex Besser is a folklore medicinal plant that belongs to Asteraceae family and a treasure trove of drugs. The aim of this research study was to investigate the phytoconstituents, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and wound healing potential of leaf extract (ALE). Phytochemical analysis of the ALE was carried out by Soxhlet extraction and GCMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. Antimicrobial activity was performed by the agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Free radical scavenging potential was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by enzyme inhibition assay-COXII. The cytotoxicity of ALE on HaCaT cells was studied via MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. An in vitro scratch assay was performed for the evaluation of the wound healing property of ALE. It showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity against (14.2 ± 0.28 mm), (17.6 ± 0.52 mm), (13.1 ± 0.37 mm), (17.3 ± 0.64 mm), (9.4 ± 0.56 mm), (12.7 ± 0.53 mm), (15.3 ± 0.25 mm) and (17.6 ± 0.11 mm). In ALE, 36 phytochemicals were detected by GCMS analysis, but 22 were dominant. Moreover, the ALE was effective in scavenging free radicals with different assays and exhibited reasonable anti-inflammatory activity. The MTT assay revealed that ALE had a cytotoxic effect on the HaCaT cells. The scratch assay showed 94.6% wound closure (after 24 h incubation) compared to the positive control Cipladine, which is remarkable wound healing activity. This is the first report on the wound healing property of , which can serve as a potential agent for wound healing and extends knowledge on its therapeutic potential.
Topics: Artemisia; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Humans; Antioxidants; Phytochemicals; Anti-Infective Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Wound Healing; Candida albicans; HaCaT Cells; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cell Survival; Biphenyl Compounds; Picrates
PubMed: 38675649
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081829 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024: Anorectal abscesses are a relatively rare pathology in childhood. Most often, male children under 1 year of age are affected. The importance of microbiological...
: Anorectal abscesses are a relatively rare pathology in childhood. Most often, male children under 1 year of age are affected. The importance of microbiological examination for the diagnosis and treatment of such patients remains debatable among surgeons, resulting in scarce data being available in the literature. We aimed to identify the aerobic microbiological spectrum and antibiotic resistance of isolates in children undergoing operation to treat anorectal abscesses. : We performed a case series of 102 children diagnosed and operated for anorectal abscesses over a period of 10 years (2010-2019). Purulent wound exudate was used for microbiological evaluation, which was subsequently cultured on 5% sheep-blood agar and eosin-methylene blue agar. For microbiological identification, conventional biochemical tests and semi-automated (API 20, bioMerieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France) tests were used, as well as automated systems (Vitek-2 Compact, bioMerieux, France). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disk diffusion method of Bauer-Kirby and by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations for glycopeptides. The results were interpreted according to the EUCAST standard for the corresponding year. : Microbiological testing in children operated for anorectal abscesses mainly identified the gut commensals that normally reside in the rectal mucosa. Monocultures were found in just over half of the cases. , , and were the most frequently isolated. In addition, was found in 7% of patients. In Gram-negative bacteria, antibiotic resistance was most often observed in penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones. : The increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance impose the need for the local monitoring of circulating commensal bacteria associated with anorectal abscesses in children to guide antibiotic therapy when indicated.
PubMed: 38673687
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082414 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024is a Gram-negative bacterium with exclusive molecular and biological features. It is a versatile pathogen acclaimed for its distinct urease production, swarming... (Review)
Review
is a Gram-negative bacterium with exclusive molecular and biological features. It is a versatile pathogen acclaimed for its distinct urease production, swarming behavior, and rapid multicellular activity. Clinically, is a frequent pathogen of the human urinary system where it causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). This review explores the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment of infections, emphasizing its association with UTIs. The bacterium's genome analysis revealed the presence of resistance genes against commonly used antibiotics, an antibiotic-resistant phenotype that poses a serious clinical challenge. Particularly, the emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases resistant strains. On a molecular level, possesses a wide array of virulence factors including the production of fimbriae, urease, hemolysins, metallophores, and biofilm formation. This review thoroughly tackles a substantial gap in understanding the role of metallophores in shaping the virulence factors of virulence. Siderophores, iron metal chelating and transporting metallophores, particularly contribute to the complex pathogenic strategies, displaying a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
PubMed: 38646633
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1383618 -
Journal of Infection in Developing... Mar 2024The spread of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs) has become a significant concern in Algeria, with limited data available on their presence in community...
INTRODUCTION
The spread of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs) has become a significant concern in Algeria, with limited data available on their presence in community settings. This research investigated the resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CREs) collected from hospitals and the community in Skikda city, Algeria, between December 2020 and June 2022.
METHODOLOGY
The study collected Enterobacterales strains resistant to ertapenem from inpatient and outpatient populations. An automated system was used for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. β-lactamase production was evaluated through phenotypic tests and confirmed by standard PCR. Lastly, the carbapenemase genes were sequenced using the Sanger method.
RESULTS
17 CRE were isolated, with 9 from inpatients and 8 from outpatients. These isolates belonged to four species: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 8), Escherichia coli (n = 6), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 1), and Proteus mirabilis (n = 1). Of 15 CPEs, 11 were extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) positive, 5 were plasmid-mediated cephalosporinase (AmpC) positive, and 1 harbored all three β-lactamases. All metallo-β-lactamase-producing strains carried the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase gene (blaNDM), including 5 NDM-1 and 7 NDM-5 variants. The presence of blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-244 was observed in one outpatient strain each. NDM was associated with Cefotaximase Munich (CTX-M) ESBL in 8 isolates, while Cephamycinase (CMY) was detected in 3 NDM-5-producing E. coli.
CONCLUSIONS
This research highlights the rising prevalence of carbapenemases NDM-1 and NDM-5 among inpatients and outpatients and supports the notion that OXA-48 is becoming increasingly widespread beyond Algerian hospitals.
Topics: Humans; Escherichia coli; Outpatients; Inpatients; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Algeria; Prevalence; beta-Lactamases; Bacterial Proteins; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Carbapenems; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 38635605
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18263 -
International Wound Journal Apr 2024Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We carried... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We carried out a meta-analysis aimed at investigating the prevalence of MDR bacteria isolated from DFUs and analysing the risk factors for MDR bacterial infection in patients with DFUs. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched for studies published up to November 2023 on the clinical outcomes of MDR bacteria in DFUs. The main outcome was the prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs. A total of 21 studies were included, representing 4885 patients from which 2633 MDR bacterial isolates were obtained. The prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs was 50.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 41.92%-59.78%). The prevalence of MDR gram-positive bacteria (GPB) in DFUs was 19.81% (95% CI: 14.35%-25.91%), and the prevalence of MDR gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in DFUs was 32.84% (95% CI: 26.40%-39.62%). MDR Staphylococcus aureus (12.13% (95% CI: 8.79%-15.91%)) and MDR Enterococcus spp. (3.33% (95% CI: 1.92%-5.07%)) were the main MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR Escherichia coli, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR Enterobacter spp., MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Proteus mirabilis were the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. The prevalence rates were 6.93% (95% CI: 5.15%-8.95%), 6.01% (95% CI: 4.03%-8.33%), 3.59% (95% CI: 0.42%-9.30%), 3.50% (95% CI: 2.31%-4.91%), and 3.27% (95% CI: 1.74%-5.21%), respectively. The clinical variables of diabetic foot ulcer patients infected with MDR bacteria and non-MDR bacteria in the included studies were analysed. The results showed that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization and previous use of antibacterial drugs were significantly different between the MDR bacterial group and the non-MDR bacterial group. We concluded that there is a high prevalence of MDR bacterial infections in DFUs. The prevalence of MDR-GNB was greater than that of MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR S. aureus was the main MDR-GPB in DFUs, and MDR E. coli was the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. Our study also indicated that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization, and previous use of antibacterial drugs were associated with MDR bacterial infections in patients with DFUs.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Foot; Escherichia coli; Prevalence; Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Osteomyelitis; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Bacterial Infections; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38619084
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14864 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Heavy metal accumulation increases rapidly in the environment due to anthropogenic activities and industrialization. The leather and surgical industry produces many...
Heavy metal accumulation increases rapidly in the environment due to anthropogenic activities and industrialization. The leather and surgical industry produces many contaminants containing heavy metals. Cadmium, a prominent contaminant, is linked to severe health risks, notably kidney and liver damage, especially among individuals exposed to contaminated wastewater. This study aims to leverage the natural cadmium resistance mechanisms in bacteria for bioaccumulation purposes. The industrial wastewater samples, characterized by an alarming cadmium concentration of 29.6 ppm, 52 ppm, and 76.4 ppm-far exceeding the recommended limit of 0.003 ppm-were subjected to screening for cadmium-resistant bacteria using cadmium-supplemented media with CdCl. 16S rRNA characterization identified Vibrio cholerae and Proteus mirabilis as cadmium-resistant bacteria in the collected samples. Subsequently, the cadmium resistance-associated cadA gene was successfully amplified in Vibrio species and Proteus mirabilis, revealing a product size of 623 bp. Further analysis of the identified bacteria included the examination of virulent genes, specifically the tcpA gene (472 bp) associated with cholera and the UreC gene (317 bp) linked to urinary tract infections. To enhance the bioaccumulation of cadmium, the study proposes the potential suppression of virulent gene expression through in-silico gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9. A total of 27 gRNAs were generated for UreC, with five selected for expression. Similarly, 42 gRNA sequences were generated for tcpA, with eight chosen for expression analysis. The selected gRNAs were integrated into the lentiCRISPR v2 expression vector. This strategic approach aims to facilitate precise gene editing of disease-causing genes (tcpA and UreC) within the bacterial genome. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential utility of Vibrio species and Proteus mirabilis as effective candidates for the removal of cadmium from industrial wastewater, offering insights for future environmental remediation strategies.
Topics: Humans; Cholera; Proteus mirabilis; Cadmium; CRISPR-Cas Systems; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Wastewater; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems; Vibrio; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 38609487
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59340-9 -
Metallomics : Integrated Biometal... May 2024Taking into account that in recent decades there has been an increase in the incidence of urinary stones, especially in highly developed countries, from a wide range of...
Taking into account that in recent decades there has been an increase in the incidence of urinary stones, especially in highly developed countries, from a wide range of potentially harmful substances commonly available in such countries, we chose zinc for the research presented in this article, which is classified by some sources as a heavy metal. In this article, we present the results of research on the influence of Zn2+ ion on the nucleation and growth of struvite crystals-the main component of infection urinary stones. The tests were carried out in an artificial urine environment with and without the presence of Proteus mirabilis bacteria. In the latter case, the activity of bacterial urease was simulated chemically, by systematic addition of an aqueous ammonia solution. The obtained results indicate that Zn2+ ions compete with Mg2+ ions, which leads to the gradual replacement of Mg2+ ions in the struvite crystal lattice with Zn2+ ions to some extent. This means co-precipitation of Mg-struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) and Znx-struvite (Mg1-xZnxNH4PO4·6H2O). Speciation analysis of chemical complexes showed that Znx-struvite precipitates at slightly lower pH values than Mg-struvite. This means that Zn2+ ions shift the nucleation point of crystalline solids towards a lower pH. Additionally, the conducted research shows that Zn2+ ions, in the range of tested concentrations, do not have a toxic effect on bacteria; on the contrary, it has a positive effect on cellular metabolism, enabling bacteria to develop better. It means that Zn2+ ions in artificial urine, in vitro, slightly increase the risk of developing infection urinary stones.
Topics: Struvite; Zinc; Urinary Calculi; Proteus mirabilis; Humans; Phosphates; Ions; Magnesium Compounds; Crystallization
PubMed: 38599629
DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae017 -
Molecular Therapy. Oncology Mar 2024Cancer immunotherapy based on bioengineering of bacteria can effectively increase anticancer immune responses. However, few studies have investigated the antitumor...
Cancer immunotherapy based on bioengineering of bacteria can effectively increase anticancer immune responses. However, few studies have investigated the antitumor potential of engineering . Here, we genetically engineered to overexpress flagellin B (FlaB) protein in a murine CT26 tumor model. We found that a large number of FlaB-expressing colonized tumor tissues, enhanced T cell infiltration and secretion of cytokines and cytotoxic proteins in tumors, and significantly restrained tumor growth. Our results also showed that programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor-infiltrating immune cells was elevated after treatment with FlaB-expressing . In addition, combination therapy with FlaB-expressing and PD-L1 blockade synergistically improved antitumor efficacy by enhancing infiltration of CD8 cells. Furthermore, serum liver biochemical indices of mice increased in the short term in both the and the FlaB-expressing treatment groups but gradually recovered in the later stage of treatment so that FlaB protein expression did not increase the toxicity of . Taken together, our results suggest that could serve as an engineered bacterium for bacterium-based cancer immunotherapy.
PubMed: 38596299
DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200770