The Microbe最新文献

{"title":"A fractional-order model for Mpox transmission dynamics incorporating traditional remedies using the Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo derivative","authors":"Fadhili Mustafa Mrope,&nbsp;Nkuba Nyerere","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100774","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100774","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mpox remains a re-emerging zoonotic disease with increasing global concern, particularly in regions where traditional health practices influence treatment-seeking behavior and disease management. This study formulates a fractional-order mathematical model for Mpox transmission dynamics incorporating the Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo (ABC) derivative to account for memory and hereditary effects in disease progression. The model explicitly integrates the impact of traditional remedies on the rate of infection and recovery, offering a more realistic description of disease spread in culturally diverse settings. Analytical results include the derivation of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points, as well as the basic reproduction number, which determines the conditions for disease elimination or persistence. Numerical simulations reveal that the fractional-order parameter <span><math><mi>θ</mi></math></span> significantly influences disease behavior since smaller values of <span><math><mi>θ</mi></math></span> (stronger memory effects) reduce infection peaks and accelerate convergence to equilibrium. The findings indicate that traditional remedies can reduce Mpox transmission when applied in ways that support timely and effective care. The study demonstrates that fractional-order models with ABC derivatives provide a powerful framework for understanding Mpox dynamics and can guide the development of culturally sensitive and effective intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100774"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Extracellular polymeric substances of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: Roles in antimicrobial resistance and emerging EPS targeted disruption strategies","authors":"Marisa Aalyah,&nbsp;Susan Babu Merrin,&nbsp;Karthik Priyalakshmi,&nbsp;Varunya Shree S,&nbsp;Elumalai Rajalakshmi,&nbsp;Mohandass Ramya","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> is a Gram-negative, aerobic, WHO-designated Critical Priority pathogen due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. It causes healthcare-associated infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, cancer, burns and chronic wounds. Biofilm formation further enhances multidrug resistance and is primarily mediated by Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). This study evaluates the architecture, functions, composition, and disruption strategies of EPS (alginate, Pel, Psl) to provide insight into antibiotic efficacy against them. The EPS acts as a dynamic scaffold that creates diffusion gradients and facilitates immune evasion through inhibition of phagocytosis. It also influences the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, isolates drugs through steric hindrance and promotes physiological heterogeneity for persister cell formation. Targeting EPS to inhibit biofilms includes strategies such as enzymatic degradation via glycoside hydrolases and alginate lyases, phage-derived depolymerases, and nanomaterials like AgNPs or phage-liposome nanoconjugates. A combination of therapies, incorporating both traditional antibiotics and EPS targeting agents, enhances treatment outcomes. Despite challenges, targeted disruption of EPS using innovative strategies shows a shift from relying solely on antibiotics towards precision-focused biofilm management to tackle <em>P. aeruginosa.</em> This review highlights the central role of EPS in mediating resistance and underscores its potential as a key therapeutic target in <em>P. aeruginosa</em> infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100785"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genus Fusarium as prospective cellular factories for production of natural pigments: A comprehensive review","authors":"Ashish Raina,&nbsp;Itika Sharma,&nbsp;Malvi Choudhary,&nbsp;Apra Goutam,&nbsp;Anjum Imtiaz,&nbsp;Yash Paul Khajuria,&nbsp;Manoj K. Dhar,&nbsp;Sanjana Kaul","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The demand for natural pigments has increased in recent decades due to growing preference for natural over synthetic colourants owing to their eco-friendly and safe properties. Filamentous fungi have emerged as promising sources of diverse secondary metabolites including colour-rich pigments with a wide range of applications. Among filamentous fungi, the genus <em>Fusarium</em> is recognised not only for its phytopathogenicity and mycotoxin production but also as a source of diverse pigments belonging to carotenoids, melanins and polyketides classes such as bikaverin, aurofusarin, rubrofusarin, fusarubin, neurosporaxanthin, javanicin, and bostrycoidin. Beyond their colouring properties, these pigments exhibit bioactive properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. The present review describes fusarial pigments, their chemical structures, biosynthesis and regulation, pharmacological properties and applications. Novel biotechnological approaches and strategies for improving the use of pigment are also summarised. Since <em>Fusarium</em> species are also capable of producing mycotoxins such as trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins, and other emerging toxins, the safety challenges associated with the utilisation of fusarial pigments and the approaches to mitigate mycotoxin contamination are discussed. This review highlights both the opportunities and challenges in developing <em>Fusarium</em> species as sustainable source of natural pigments with industrial relevance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100790"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lytic reactivation of EBV by HIV proteins and antiretroviral therapy with the heightened expression of MEF-2 oncogenes implicated in AIDS-related cancer","authors":"Alesha Philip,&nbsp;Thomas A. Premeaux,&nbsp;Adhikarimayum Lakhikumar Sharma,&nbsp;Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo,&nbsp;Aykan Karabudak,&nbsp;Liudi Tang,&nbsp;Salwa Ahmed,&nbsp;Alekhya Rani Chunduri,&nbsp;Sai Chaitanya R. Gaekwar,&nbsp;Elias Haddad,&nbsp;Ryan Hoffmann,&nbsp;Mudit Tyagi,&nbsp;Pooja Jain","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100789","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100789","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) remain at a higher risk of developing AIDS-related cancers. The factors attributed to this increased risk are multifactorial, including long-term ART use, prolonged exposure to soluble HIV proteins, and drugs of abuse. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common driver of many malignancies, such as Burkitt’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While ART effectively suppresses HIV replication, it is not curative and prolonged use imposes health risks, including an accelerated course of cancers. Herein, we investigated the effects of various factors that can impact EBV latency in PLWH in cooperation with cellular oncoproteins. EBV negative and positive lymphoblastoid cell lines were stimulated with Biktarvy (a combination of Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, and Bictegravir), recombinant HIV proteins Nef and Rev, and/or drugs of abuse, including cocaine, METH, and morphine. We observed that simulation with Nef, Rev, or ART promoted the expression of EBV genes linked to lytic reactivation, such as BZLF1 and BMRF, as well as myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 family oncogenes. MEF-2 observations were confirmed at the protein level and EBV gene changes were validated in samples from people with HIV/EBV. Enhancement of EBV lytic gene expression was confirmed by the DNA level changes and by assessing the protein products of BZLF1 and BMRF1. Drugs of abuse alone did not show any significant effects; however, METH combined with ART modestly promoted viral gene expression and suppressed anti-inflammatory cytokine production in a NF-KB dependent manner, a key signaling pathway for EBV reactivation. Indeed, NF-kB inhibition reversed the impact of HIV proteins and ART on EBV latent B cells. These findings establish a link between oncogenesis and persistent HIV and prolonged use of ART, highlighting the potential oncogenic risks for these HIV-associated factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100789"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating molecular virology, biotechnological innovations, and living biological control agents for sustainable crop protection","authors":"Saba Haider,&nbsp;Aditya Pratap Singh,&nbsp;Binita Mahaseth,&nbsp;Hazib Ali,&nbsp;Prateek Ranjan Behera,&nbsp;Abhishek Gupta,&nbsp;Mehdi Rahimi","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100784","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100784","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant viruses pose a serious threat to global agricultural output and food security, resulting in substantial reductions in yield and quality of major agronomic crops. Climate change, growing trade, and evolving pathogen populations are aggravating these difficulties by facilitating the creation of new viruses and the expansion of existing ones into new ecological zones. Meanwhile, transformative innovations in molecular biology and biotechnology are paving the way to investigate, identify, and mitigate these infections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in plant virology and crop protection, pinpointing the ecological factors influencing viral emergence and the impacts of climate change on virus-vector-host interactions. It discusses advanced molecular techniques for improving plant resistance, including CRISPR/Cas genome editing, RNA interference (RNAi), synthetic biology, and epigenetic modifications. Crucially, the review discusses the integration of these molecular tools with living biological control agents, demonstrating how engineered crops can enhance habitat management strategies to recruit natural enemies, predators, and parasitoids for direct suppression of virus vectors. Furthermore, it explores the integration of high-throughput omics technology, genomic selection, and rapid breeding into modern plant breeding programs to accelerate the development of resilient cultivars. The effective implementation of these strategies necessitates overcoming extensive regulatory variability, biosafety assessment protocols, and intricate socioeconomic obstacles concerning public acceptance and proportional access. The review highlights the urgent need for global cooperation, harmonized science-based regulatory framework, and the adoption of climate-smart integrated management approaches. Additionally, leveraging artificial intelligence, monitoring systems, and advanced breeding tools will be crucial for developing sustainable and virus-resistant agricultural systems to ensure food security.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100784"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biofilm control: Challenges, advances, and emerging strategies","authors":"Alwar Ramanujam Padmavathi,&nbsp;Y.V. Nancharaiah","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100766","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100766"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148995107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolation, identification, characterization, regulation, and application of lactic acid bacteria","authors":"Fabiana França,&nbsp;Natan de Jesus Pimentel-Filho","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are found in diverse ecosystems, including plants, fermented foods, and the human body. Their complex nutritional needs challenge the development of universal media, prompting research into enhancing selectivity and using sustainable alternatives. LAB are identified through classical and molecular methods, like 16S rRNA sequencing. Regulatory frameworks, including GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) in the U.S. and QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) in Europe, provide structured approaches for LAB safety assessment, although safety must ultimately be established at the strain level; countries such as Brazil adapt these principles within their national regulatory systems. LAB metabolites have applications in food preservation and health-promoting probiotics. This review explores LAB sources, identification methods, regulation, and applications in various industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100794"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive in silico and in vitro analysis of Lactobacillus sp. based secretory proteins and quorum-sensing peptides as potential antibiofilm bioactive agents against Streptococcus mutans","authors":"Zarin Taj,&nbsp;Muthu Pandi Indu,&nbsp;Aiswarya Sudheer,&nbsp;Chandrika Takri,&nbsp;Indranil Chattopadhyay","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100795","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100795","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human oral cavity is a habitat for diverse microbiomes that are influenced by an individual’s hygiene, diet, genetics, and environmental conditions. Dental caries is a prevalent disease caused by dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, which is commonly influenced by the cariogenic pathogen <em>Streptococcus mutans,</em> a strongly biofilm-forming and acid-producing bacterium. Probiotic <em>Lactobacillus</em> species have beneficial effects against several oral pathogens by secreting extracellular products that inhibit their growth. The current study applies a sequence of <em>in silico</em> and <em>in vitro</em> methods to target <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> biofilms or virulence factors via the secretory proteins and quorum-sensing peptides of <em>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</em>. The antibacterial assay and antibiofilm activity revealed a substantial impact of <em>L. rhamnosus</em> cell-free supernatant (CFS) and purified proteins on bacterial growth and biofilm biomass. Computational biology prediction with genomic data and liquid chromatography<img>tandem mass spectrometry (LC<img>MS/MS) for identification of candidate peptides revealed 14 secretory proteins with an individual count of 62 unique peptides. The anticipated optimal bioactive potential of extracellular secretory proteins and bioactive peptides for antibiofilm and quorum-sensing disruption was assessed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses revealed that the potential bioactive peptide LRHA_PEP33 interacted sufficiently with major virulence factors, such as DexA, GtfC, GtfD, GtfB, VicK, and GbpB, indicating that LRHA_PEP33 may interfere with biofilm-associated proteins. Our studies have successfully determined the structural- and molecular-level interactions of probiotic secretory proteins and quorum-sensing peptides, which target pathogenic virulence factors of <em>Streptococcus mutans</em>. In conclusion, our research offers promise for a new, precisely targeted therapeutic approach against cariogenic biofilms and the restoration of oral microbial harmony.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100795"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between biofilm production, antibiotic susceptibility and motility in A. baumannii isolates","authors":"Marah Morah,&nbsp;Maya Azrad,&nbsp;Avi Peretz","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100779","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100779","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> (<em>A. baumannii</em>) is a common bacterium causing nosocomial infections, especially in intensive care units. The pathogen presents remarkable resistance to multiple antimicrobials, biofilm production and twitching motility. This study investigated the relationship between biofilm-production capacity, antibiotic resistance and twitching motility among 60 clinical <em>A. baumannii</em> isolates. Isolate biofilm-production capacity and twitching motility were assessed using standard assays. The minimum inhibitory concentration of various common antibiotics was determined for each isolate. PCR was performed to detect genes related to biofilm production, antibiotic resistance and twitching motility. All isolates were able to form biofilm, with 65.0% being strong producers. The highest rates of antibiotics resistance were measured for ceftazidime and imipenem (both 88.3%, whereas resistance to ampicillin-sulbactam was the lowest (6.6%). In addition, thirty-two (53.33%) of the isolates were motile. Most isolates carried genes associated with biofilm formation (96.6–98.3%), antibiotic resistance (85–98.3%) and twitching motility (83.3–98.3%). Strong biofilm producers showed significantly lower motility and were more susceptible to several antibiotics. These findings suggest a complex relationship between biofilm production, antibiotic resistance and twitching motility. Further characterization of their interrelationships may help to develop new infection control and therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100779"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fumagillin, an antimicrobial compound isolated from jute endophytic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus MBL_F107","authors":"Omar Faruk,&nbsp;Sharaf Aroni,&nbsp;Mostafizur Rahman,&nbsp;Md. Rezaul Karim Rana,&nbsp;Md. Hossain Sohrab,&nbsp;Md. Humayun Kabir,&nbsp;Haseena Khan,&nbsp;Md. Aftab Uddin,&nbsp;Mohammad A. Rashid,&nbsp;Marcel Jaspars,&nbsp;Mohammad Riazul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100791","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100791","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA), presents a significant public health threat. This work investigates the identification and characterization of an antibacterial compound derived from <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em> MBL_F107, an endophyte of jute. The aim was to extract, purify, and characterize the compound and evaluate its bioactivity against MRSA and other bacterial strains. The compound was extracted with ethyl acetate as the solvent and purified using RP-HPLC. Structural analysis was conducted utilizing FTIR, LC-ESI-MS, and NMR. FTIR revealed the existence of hydroxyl, ether, keto groups and ESI-MS showed the monoisotopic mass to be 458.2 Dalton. NMR analyses provided full structural assignment of the compound and revealed it to be the previously reported compound, fumagillin. Its bioactivity was checked at elevated temperature and diverse pH values. The mechanism of action was determined utilizing two component system of <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> 168 reporter strains in β-galactosidase assay. FE-SEM was employed to examine the deformation of target bacterial cells. Stability studies showed that it is active up to 100 °C and at different pH ranges. Bactericidal experiments validated its efficacy in killing MRSA and other bacterial strains. It also inhibited fungal growth. The β-galactosidase experiment demonstrated that it inhibits protein synthesis, along with FE-SEM revealed considerable deformation of the bacterial cell. Here, we report fumagillin retains bioactivity at elevated temperature and diverse pH isolated from the jute endophyte <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em> MBL_F107, which might show a promising opportunity for the development of new drug targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100791"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}