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BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and it is associated with several common symptoms and signs such as rectal bleeding, altered... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and it is associated with several common symptoms and signs such as rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, abdominal pain, anemia, and unintentional weight loss. Sciatica, a debilitating condition in which the patient experiences paresthesia and pain in the dermatome of associated lumbosacral nerve roots or sciatic nerve distribution, is not considered one of these. Here we present a case of colorectal cancer manifesting symptoms of sciatica alone.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 68-year-old male presented with progressive lower back pain radiating to his left thigh and calf over L5/S1 dermatome. Sciatica was suspected and initially underwent conservative treatment with analgesics. However, the symptoms progressed and MRI revealed an epidural abscess surprisingly. Surgical debridement was performed and pus culture isolated Streptococcus gallolyticus. Based on the strong association of S. gallolyticus with colorectal cancer, the presence of this pathogen prompted further tumor evaluation, even in the absence of the typical symptoms and signs. This investigation ultimately leads to the diagnosis of sigmoid adenocarcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Although rare, sciatica caused by S. gallolyticus infection of the spinal epidural space may serve as the initial presentation of colorectal cancer. Physicians should be aware of the strong association between S. gallolyticus and colorectal cancer. Based on what we currently know about the condition; a thorough systematic assessment of occult neoplasia for patients with S. gallolyticus infection is recommended.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Sciatica; Epidural Abscess; Colonic Neoplasms; Abdominal Pain; Awareness
PubMed: 38448866
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09159-6 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024Streptococcus gallolyticus is a non-motile, gram-positive bacterium that causes infective endocarditis. S. gallolyticus has developed resistance to existing antibiotics,...
Streptococcus gallolyticus is a non-motile, gram-positive bacterium that causes infective endocarditis. S. gallolyticus has developed resistance to existing antibiotics, and no vaccine is currently available. Therefore, it is essential to develop an effective S. gallolyticus vaccine. Core proteomics was used in this study together with subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology approach to find antigenic proteins that could be utilized for the design of the S. gallolyticus multi-epitope vaccine. The pipeline identified two antigenic proteins as potential vaccine targets: penicillin-binding protein and the ATP synthase subunit. T and B cell epitopes from the specific proteins were forecasted employing several immunoinformatics and bioinformatics resources. A vaccine (360 amino acids) was created using a combination of seven cytotoxic T cell lymphocyte (CTL), three helper T cell lymphocyte (HTL), and five linear B cell lymphocyte (LBL) epitopes. To increase immune responses, the vaccine was paired with a cholera enterotoxin subunit B (CTB) adjuvant. The developed vaccine was highly antigenic, non-allergenic, and stable for human use. The vaccine's binding affinity and molecular interactions with the human immunological receptor TLR4 were studied using molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA), molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analyses. Escherichia coli (strain K12) plasmid vector pET-28a ( +) was used to examine the ability of the vaccine to be expressed. According to the outcomes of these computer experiments, the vaccine is quite promising in terms of developing a protective immunity against diseases. However, in vitro and animal research are required to validate our findings.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Proteomics; Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Computational Biology; Escherichia coli K12; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; Vaccines, Subunit
PubMed: 38418560
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55372-3 -
Current Research in Microbial Sciences 2024Raw milk from native small ruminant breeds in Epirus, Greece, is a valuable natural source of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains with superior...
Antilisterial activity of raw sheep milk from two native Epirus breeds: Culture-dependent identification, bacteriocin gene detection and primary safety evaluation of the antagonistic LAB biota.
Raw milk from native small ruminant breeds in Epirus, Greece, is a valuable natural source of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains with superior biotechnological properties. In this study, two bulk milks (RM1, RM2) from two local sheep yards, intended for traditional Kefalotyri cheese production, were preselected for bacteriocin-like antilisterial activity by in vitro tests. Their antagonistic LAB biota was quantified followed by polyphasic (16S rRNA gene sequencing; IGS for ; a multiplex-PCR for ) identification of 42 LAB (RM1/18; RM2/24) isolates further evaluated for bacteriocin encoding genes and primary safety traits. Representative isolates of the numerically dominant mesophilic LAB were (10) in both RMs, (7) in RM2, and (1) in RM1; the subdominant thermophilic LAB isolates were (8), (6), (3), (1), (1), (2), (1) and (1). Based on their and profiles, six strains (8 isolates) were atypical lying between the subspecies and whereas two strains profiled with subsp. that is first-time reported in Greek dairy food. Two RM1 strain biotypes (3 isolates) showed strong, enterocin-mediated antilisterial activity due to possession. One from RM1 possessed and , while additional nine RM2 isolates of the group processed or singly. All showed direct (cell-associated) antilisterial activity only, as also both strains from RM2 did strongly. Desirably, no LAB isolate was β-hemolyrtic, or cytolysin-positive, or possessed for vancomycin resistance, or and virulence genes. However, all three from RM2 possessed and/or virulence genes. In conclusion, all strains, the two safe, enterocin A-B-P-producing strains, and the two antilisterial strains should be validated further as potential costarter or adjunct cultures in Kefalotyri cheese. The prevalence of α-hemolytic pyogenic streptococci in raw milk, mainly in RM2, requires consideration in respect to subclinical mastitis in sheep and the farm hygiene overall.
PubMed: 38116185
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100209 -
Case Reports in Cardiology 2023(previously known as type-1) bacteremia has a well-established, almost pathognomonic association with colorectal carcinoma, with the most common hypothesized mechanism...
(previously known as type-1) bacteremia has a well-established, almost pathognomonic association with colorectal carcinoma, with the most common hypothesized mechanism being ulceration of polyps leading to hematologic dissemination. There are few reported cases of streptococcus bacteremia from other, seemingly benign sources like cellulitis or colonic adenomas. Hence, there is limited focus on skin and soft tissue infections leading to potentially fatal infective endocarditis. We present a novel case of streptococcus bacteremia from uncommon sources like abdominal wall cellulitis or colonic adenoma leading to infective endocarditis as well as other manifestations, including osteomyelitis and discitis. This report highlights a unique case of streptococcus bacteremia with an uncommon origin, arising from abdominal wall cellulitis or colonic adenoma, ultimately resulting in the development of infective endocarditis. Furthermore, the patient presented with additional clinical manifestations, including osteomyelitis and discitis. Through our case report, we emphasize the importance of investigating uncommon sources like cellulitis when initial malignant workup is negative in streptococcus bacteremia and further elucidate the pathophysiology of streptococcus bacterial dissemination from nonmalignancy-related sources.
PubMed: 38074520
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9948719 -
Cureus Nov 2023Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition often associated with various complications. A unique subset of IE cases involves the group, which has a...
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition often associated with various complications. A unique subset of IE cases involves the group, which has a well-documented but sometimes poorly understood association with colonic neoplasms. Specifically, colon cancer has a well-established association with IE caused by subspecies (spp.) . However, finding colon cancer in cases of IE due to spp. is rather unexpected. Herein, we present a rare instance of IE caused by spp. in a 62-year-old male, which led to the discovery of an underlying colorectal carcinoma. Considering the overall elevated risk of colon cancer in patients with endocarditis and in patients with / complex (SBSEC) bacteremia, we decided to proceed to colonoscopy, which revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient was administered a targeted antibiotic regimen and underwent a successful surgical resection, followed by valve replacement surgery. The outcome of this case supports the recommendation of routine colonoscopic evaluation in patients diagnosed with bacteremia, including those with subspecies pasteurianus, particularly when there are other associated findings. It strengthens the argument for conducting a colonoscopy in individuals diagnosed with SBSEC endocarditis, while carefully considering the specifics of each clinical situation. Our report highlights the need for heightened clinical vigilance and an integrated approach to treatment in similar cases.
PubMed: 38060729
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48328 -
International Medical Case Reports... 2023This report describes the progression of meningitis in a 24-day-old preterm male infant infected with subsp. pasteurianus (SGSP) and its medical care, pathogen...
This report describes the progression of meningitis in a 24-day-old preterm male infant infected with subsp. pasteurianus (SGSP) and its medical care, pathogen detection, antibiotic treatment, and monitoring, ultimately leading to a positive outcome of successful recovery. Neonatal meningitis (NM) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, particularly in immunocompromised preterm infants. This report from Saudi Arabia presents a rare case of late-onset neonatal meningitis caused by SGSP in a preterm male infant. The 24-day-old preterm neonate presented with fever, lethargy, poor feeding, and respiratory distress. SGSP was confirmed by cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing the presence of pleocytosis and a low glucose ratio. Prompt antibiotic therapy with intravenous Ampicillin and Cefotaxime led to decreased pleocytosis, and the infant was discharged after 21 days. This report highlights the importance of vigilance, diagnosis, and management of neonatal infections caused by uncommon pathogens such as SGSP. The rarity of SGSP-caused meningitis emphasizes the need to monitor pregnant women for potential transmission and to implement early diagnostic and management strategies. This case report also encompasses a review of recent globally reported cases of neonatal S. gallolyticus infection, highlighting the distinctiveness of this report as the first of its type in Saudi Arabia.
PubMed: 38058681
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S438457 -
PloS One 2023Streptococcus gallolyticus sp. gallolyticus (SGG) is a gut pathobiont involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). To decipher SGG contribution in tumor...
Streptococcus gallolyticus sp. gallolyticus (SGG) is a gut pathobiont involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). To decipher SGG contribution in tumor initiation and/or acceleration respectively, a global transcriptome was performed in human normal colonic cells (FHC) and in human tumoral colonic cells (HT29). To identify SGG-specific alterations, we chose the phylogenetically closest relative, Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. macedonicus (SGM) as control bacterium. We show that SGM, a bacterium generally considered as safe, did not induce any transcriptional changes on the two human colonic cells. The transcriptional reprogramming induced by SGG in normal FHC and tumoral HT29 cells was significantly different, although most of the genes up- and down-regulated were associated with cancer disease. Top up-regulated genes related to cancer were: (i) IL-20, CLK1, SORBS2, ERG1, PIM1, SNORD3A for normal FHC cells and (ii) TSLP, BHLHA15, LAMP3, ZNF27B, KRT17, ATF3 for cancerous HT29 cells. The total number of altered genes were much higher in cancerous than in normal colonic cells (2,090 vs 128 genes being affected, respectively). Gene set enrichment analysis reveals that SGG-induced strong ER- (endoplasmic reticulum) stress and UPR- (unfolded protein response) activation in colonic epithelial cells. Our results suggest that SGG induces a pro-tumoral shift in human colonic cells particularly in transformed cells potentially accelerating tumor development in the colon.
Topics: Humans; Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus; Colorectal Neoplasms; Streptococcus; Gene Expression Profiling; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus gallolyticus
PubMed: 38033043
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294868 -
PeerJ 2023Shotgun metagenomic and 16S rDNA sequencing are commonly used methods to identify the taxonomic composition of microbial communities. Previously, we analysed the gut...
BACKGROUND
Shotgun metagenomic and 16S rDNA sequencing are commonly used methods to identify the taxonomic composition of microbial communities. Previously, we analysed the gut microbiota and intestinal pathogenic bacteria configuration of migratory seagulls by using 16S rDNA sequencing and culture methods.
METHODS
To continue in-depth research on the gut microbiome and reveal the applicability of the two methods, we compared the metagenome and 16S rDNA amplicon results to further demonstrate the features of this animal.
RESULTS
The number of bacterial species detected by metagenomics gradually increased from the phylum to species level, consistent with 16S rDNA sequencing. Several taxa were commonly shared by both sequencing methods. However, , , , , , , , , and were unique taxa for the metagenome compared with , , , , and for 16S rDNA sequencing. The largest differences in relative abundance between the two methods were identified at the species level, which identified many pathogenic bacteria to humans using metagenomic sequencing. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the correlation coefficient for the two methods gradually decreased with the refinement of the taxonomic levels. The high consistency of the correlation coefficient was identified at the genus level for the beta diversity of the two methods.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, relatively consistent patterns and reliability could be identified by both sequencing methods, but the results varied following the refinement of taxonomic levels. Metagenomic sequencing was more suitable for the discovery and detection of pathogenic bacteria of gut microbiota in seagulls. Although there were large differences in the numbers and abundance of bacterial species of the two methods in terms of taxonomic levels, the patterns and reliability results of the samples were consistent.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; DNA, Ribosomal; Reproducibility of Results; Sequence Analysis, DNA; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Salmonella enterica
PubMed: 37941936
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16394 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2023subspecies , formerly classified as biotype II/2 until 2003, is a rare cause of infant meningitis. Over the past 2 decades, only a few individual case reports and...
subspecies , formerly classified as biotype II/2 until 2003, is a rare cause of infant meningitis. Over the past 2 decades, only a few individual case reports and limited case series exist in the English-language literature. Moreover, the pathogenesis of subsp. meningitis in infants is unclear. Here we report a case of meningitis in a 6-week-old infant with hypothyroidism and preceding diarrhea. In this case, was cultured from cerebrospinal fluid, and then subspecies was identified by metagenomic next-generation Sequencing. The infant recovered uneventfully after a 4-week antibiotic course with ceftriaxone and vancomycin. Then combined with the literature of subsp. meningitis in infants, we discuss the possible etiology.
PubMed: 37727275
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S425637 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023In this work, we investigated the oncogenic role of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG), a gut bacterium associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). We...
In this work, we investigated the oncogenic role of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG), a gut bacterium associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). We showed that SGG UCN34 accelerates colon tumor development in a chemically induced CRC murine model. Full proteome and phosphoproteome analysis of murine colons chronically colonized by SGG UCN34 revealed that 164 proteins and 725 phosphorylation sites were differentially regulated. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) indicates a pro-tumoral shift specifically induced by SGG UCN34, as ~ 90% of proteins and phosphoproteins identified were associated with digestive cancer. Comprehensive analysis of the altered phosphoproteins using ROMA software revealed up-regulation of several cancer hallmark pathways such as MAPK, mTOR and integrin/ILK/actin, affecting epithelial and stromal colonic cells. Importantly, an independent analysis of protein arrays of human colon tumors colonized with SGG showed up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways, providing clinical relevance to our findings. To test SGG's capacity to induce pre-cancerous transformation of the murine colonic epithelium, we grew ex vivo organoids which revealed unusual structures with compact morphology. Taken together, our results demonstrate the oncogenic role of SGG UCN34 in a murine model of CRC associated with activation of multiple cancer-related signaling pathways.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Disease Models, Animal; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proteomics; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Colonic Neoplasms; Phosphoproteins; Proteome; Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 37696912
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41951-3