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Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Persistent infections caused by (), which are resistant to antibiotic treatment, pose a growing global public health concern. Biofilm formation is known to be...
BACKGROUND
Persistent infections caused by (), which are resistant to antibiotic treatment, pose a growing global public health concern. Biofilm formation is known to be associated with persistent infections due to its role in enhancing antimicrobial resistance and the tolerance of many pathogenic bacteria.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the biofilm formation of clinical isolates of and its impact on antibiotic eradication.
METHODS
The thickness, morphology, and structure of biofilms derived from nine strains were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the susceptibility of both planktonic and biofilm bacteria was assessed through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and tetracycline.
RESULTS
The results revealed varying biofilm thicknesses and densities among the strains, characterised by the presence of numerous filaments intertwining and connecting bacterial cells. Additionally, several cases exhibited susceptibility based on MIC measurements but resistance according to MBEC measurements, with MBEC indicating a higher resistance rate. Pearson Correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between biofilm thickness and MBEC results (0 < < 1), notably significant for amoxicillin ( = 0.801, = 0.009) and tetracycline ( = 0.696, = 0.037).
CONCLUSION
Different strains of exhibit variations in their capacity to release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and form biofilms. Biofilm formation can influence the effectiveness of amoxicillin and tetracycline in eradicating susceptible bacterial strains.
PubMed: 38933776
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S468126 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024To analyze the antibiotic resistance profile, virulence genes, and molecular typing of () strains isolated in skin and soft tissue infections at the First Affiliated...
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the antibiotic resistance profile, virulence genes, and molecular typing of () strains isolated in skin and soft tissue infections at the First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, to better understand the molecular epidemiological characteristics of .
METHODS
In 2023, 65 strains were isolated from patients with skin and soft tissue infections. Strain identification and susceptibility tests were performed using VITEK 2 and gram-positive bacteria identification cards. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit, and all genes were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used for molecular typing.
RESULTS
In this study, of the 65 strains were tested for their susceptibility to 16 antibiotics, the highest resistance rate to penicillin G was 95.4%. None of the staphylococcal isolates showed resistance to ceftaroline, daptomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, teicoplanin, or vancomycin. was the most prevalent virulence gene (100%) in strains isolated in skin and soft tissue infections, followed by (98.5%). Statistical analyses showed that the resistance rates of methicillin-resistant isolates to various antibiotics were significantly higher than those of methicillin-susceptible isolates. Fifty sequence types (STs), including 44 new ones, were identified by MLST.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the high resistance rate to penicillin G and the high carrying rate of virulence gene and of S.aureus were determine, and 44 new STs were identified, which may be associated with the geographical location of southern Jiangxi and local trends in antibiotic use. The study of the clonal lineage and evolutionary relationships of in these regions may help in understanding the molecular epidemiology and provide the experimental basis for pathogenic bacteria prevention and treatment.
PubMed: 38933775
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S465951 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024An increase in chronic, non-responsive bovine respiratory disease (BRD) infections in North American feedlot cattle is observed each fall, a time when cattle are... (Review)
Review
An increase in chronic, non-responsive bovine respiratory disease (BRD) infections in North American feedlot cattle is observed each fall, a time when cattle are administered multiple antimicrobial treatments for BRD. A number of factors are responsible for BRD antimicrobial treatment failure, with formation of biofilms possibly being one. It is widely accepted that biofilms play a role in chronic infections in humans and it has been hypothesized that they are the default lifestyle of most bacteria. However, research on bacterial biofilms associated with livestock is scarce and significant knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of their role in AMR of the bacterial BRD complex. The four main bacterial species of the BRD complex, , , , and are able to form biofilms and there is evidence that at least retains this ability . However, there is a need to elucidate whether their biofilm-forming ability contributes to pathogenicity and antimicrobial treatment failure of BRD. Overall, a better understanding of the possible role of BRD bacterial biofilms in clinical disease and AMR could assist in the prevention and management of respiratory infections in feedlot cattle. We review and discuss the current knowledge of BRD bacteria biofilm biology, study methodologies, and their possible relationship to AMR.
PubMed: 38933702
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1353551 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly infectious pathogen that targets pig intestines to cause disease. It is globally widespread and causes huge economic...
Nucleotide metabolism-related host proteins RNA polymerase II subunit and uridine phosphorylase 1 interacting with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus N proteins affect viral replication.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly infectious pathogen that targets pig intestines to cause disease. It is globally widespread and causes huge economic losses to the pig industry. PEDV N protein is the protein that constitutes the core of PEDV virus particles, and most of it is expressed in the cytoplasm, and a small part can also be expressed in the nucleus. However, the role of related proteins in host nucleotide metabolic pathways in regulating PEDV replication have not been fully elucidated. In this study, PEDV-N-labeled antibodies were co-immunoprecipitated and combined with LC-MS to screen for host proteins that interact with N proteins. Bioinformatics analyses showed that the selected host proteins were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy confirmed that the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and uridine phosphorylase 1 (UPP1) interacted with the N protein. RPB2 is the main subunit of RNA polymerase II and plays an important role in eukaryotic transcription. UPP1 is an enzyme that catalyzes reversible phosphorylation of uridine to uracil and ribo-1-phosphate to promote catabolism and bio anabolism. RPB2 overexpression significantly promoted viral replication, whereas UPP1 overexpression significantly inhibited viral replication. Studies on interactions between the PEDV N and host proteins are helpful in elucidating the pathogenesis and immune escape mechanism of PEDV.
PubMed: 38933700
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1417348 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Raw diets have become popular in companion animal nutrition, but these diets may be contaminated with harmful bacteria because heat processing is not utilized to...
INTRODUCTION
Raw diets have become popular in companion animal nutrition, but these diets may be contaminated with harmful bacteria because heat processing is not utilized to mitigate pathogens during the production process. We analyzed 24 commercially available frozen raw canine and feline diets for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E).
METHODS
Samples were incubated in tryptic soy broth augmented with 50 μg/mL ampicillin to enrich for ESBL-E. ESBL-E were isolated using CHROMagar ESBL plates and isolate identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were confirmed using the VITEK2 instrument.
RESULTS
ESBL-E were isolated from 42% (10/24) of raw diets, with complex and predominating. Most ESBL-E isolates (71%, 32/45) were multidrug-resistant. Direct plating of samples onto tryptic soy agar yielded bacterial counts >6 log for 2 samples from two different manufacturers.
CONCLUSION
This preliminary study justifies further investigation into the potential contribution of raw diets to the dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria in companion animals and domestic living spaces.
PubMed: 38933698
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1294575 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024This study unveils the intricate functional association between cyclic di-3',5'-adenylic acid (c-di-AMP) signaling, cellular bioenergetics, and the regulation of...
BACKGROUND
This study unveils the intricate functional association between cyclic di-3',5'-adenylic acid (c-di-AMP) signaling, cellular bioenergetics, and the regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profile in , a Gram-negative obligate anaerobe considered as a keystone pathogen involved in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis. Previous research has identified variations in LPS profile as a major virulence factor, yet the underlying mechanism of its modulation has remained elusive.
METHODS
We employed a comprehensive methodological approach, combining two mutants exhibiting varying levels of c-di-AMP compared to the wild type, alongside an optimized analytical methodology that combines conventional mass spectrometry techniques with a novel approach known as FLAT.
RESULTS
We demonstrate that c-di-AMP acts as a metabolic nexus, connecting bioenergetic status to nuanced shifts in fatty acid and glycosyl profiles within LPS. Notably, the predicted regulator gene , serving as a potent regulator of c-di-AMP synthesis, was found essential for producing N-acetylgalactosamine and an unidentified glycolipid class associated with the LPS profile.
CONCLUSION
The multifaceted roles of c-di-AMP in bacterial physiology are underscored, emphasizing its significance in orchestrating adaptive responses to stimuli. Furthermore, our findings illuminate the significance of LPS variations and c-di-AMP signaling in determining the biological activities and immunostimulatory potential of LPS, promoting a pathoadaptive strategy. The study expands the understanding of c-di-AMP pathways in Gram-negative species, laying a foundation for future investigations into the mechanisms governing variations in LPS structure at the molecular level and their implications for host-pathogen interactions.
Topics: Porphyromonas gingivalis; Lipopolysaccharides; Signal Transduction; Virulence Factors; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Energy Metabolism; Dinucleoside Phosphates; Fatty Acids; Humans; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38933693
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1418651 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024
Topics: Inflammasomes; Humans; Virus Diseases; Animals; Host-Pathogen Interactions
PubMed: 38933692
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1438310 -
Frontiers in Genome Editing 2024Rice, a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, faces persistent threats from various pathogens and pests, necessitating the development of... (Review)
Review
Rice, a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, faces persistent threats from various pathogens and pests, necessitating the development of resilient crop varieties. Deployment of resistance genes in rice is the best practice to manage diseases and reduce environmental damage by reducing the application of agro-chemicals. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas, have revolutionized the field of molecular biology, offering precise and efficient tools for targeted modifications within the rice genome. This study delves into the application of these tools to engineer novel alleles of resistance genes in rice, aiming to enhance the plant's innate ability to combat evolving threats. By harnessing the power of genome editing, researchers can introduce tailored genetic modifications that bolster the plant's defense mechanisms without compromising its essential characteristics. In this study, we synthesize recent advancements in genome editing methodologies applicable to rice and discuss the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks surrounding the creation of genetically modified crops. Additionally, it explores potential challenges and future prospects for deploying edited rice varieties in agricultural landscapes. In summary, this study highlights the promise of genome editing in reshaping the genetic landscape of rice to confront emerging challenges, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture practices.
PubMed: 38933684
DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1415244 -
Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences 2024Cough is a powerful, protective expulsive behavior that assists in maintaining respiratory health by clearing foreign material, pathogens, and mucus from the airways.... (Review)
Review
Cough is a powerful, protective expulsive behavior that assists in maintaining respiratory health by clearing foreign material, pathogens, and mucus from the airways. Therefore, cough is critical to survival in both health and disease. Importantly, cough protects the airways and lungs from both antegrade (e.g., food, liquid, saliva) and retrograde (e.g., bile, gastric acid) aspirate contents. Aspiration is often the result of impaired swallowing (dysphagia), which allows oral and/or gastric contents to enter the lung, especially in individuals who also have cough dysfunction (dystussia). Cough hyposensitivity, downregulation, or desensitization- collectively referred to as - is common in individuals with dysphagia, and increases the likelihood that aspirated material will reach the lung. The consequence of hypotussia with reduced airway clearance can include respiratory tract infection, chronic inflammation, and long-term damage to the lung parenchyma. Despite the clear implications for health, the problem of managing hypotussia in individuals with dysphagia is frequently overlooked. Here, we provide an overview of the current interventions and treatment approaches for hypotussic cough. We synthesize the available literature to summarize research findings that advance our understanding of these interventions, as well as current gaps in knowledge. Further, we highlight pragmatic resources to increase awareness of hypotussic cough interventions and provide support for the clinical implementation of evidence-based treatments. In culmination, we discuss potential innovations and future directions for hypotussic cough research.
PubMed: 38933659
DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1394110 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024The use of bacteriocins is a promising approach for addressing the immense threat of food-borne and drug-resistant pathogens. In recent years screening platforms for...
The use of bacteriocins is a promising approach for addressing the immense threat of food-borne and drug-resistant pathogens. In recent years screening platforms for novel bacteriocins using whole-cell biosensors have been established. During screening cell-to-cell heterogeneity is currently neglected but might play a crucial role in signal development of the whole-cell biosensor after bacteriocin exposure. In this study, we explored the temporal dynamics of the signal heterogeneity of the biosensor LMG2785/pNZpHin2 after nisin exposure using microfluidic single-cell analysis. The results provided novel and detailed insights into the dynamics of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in LMG2785/pNZpHin2 at different nisin concentrations with a high spatio-temporal resolution. Furthermore, the formation of subpopulations during bacteriocin exposure was observed. In-depth single-cell tracking even revealed the regeneration of disrupted cells and recovery of pH homeostasis in rare instances. These findings are highly important for the future design and execution of bacteriocin assays and for the interpretation of fluorescence signal development at the population level after exposure to different concentrations of bacteriocins (here, nisin), as well as for obtaining deeper insights into single-cell persistence strategies to quantify the efficacy and efficiency of novel bacteriocins.
PubMed: 38933537
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1408652