Natalia Indira Di Marco, Hebe Jorgelina Iriarte, Florencia Amancay Colocho, Martin Maier, Carlos Rodolfo Pungitore, Cecilia Stella Marys Lucero-Estrada
{"title":"Biofilm formation of Yersinia enterocolitica and its response against GRAS compounds in meat juice.","authors":"Natalia Indira Di Marco, Hebe Jorgelina Iriarte, Florencia Amancay Colocho, Martin Maier, Carlos Rodolfo Pungitore, Cecilia Stella Marys Lucero-Estrada","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf112","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yersinia enterocolitica is a food-borne pathogen that causes yersiniosis, and its primary sources are animal-originated foods. This work aimed to analyze the effect of fresh pork meat juice (MJ) on planktonic and biofilm growth of Y. enterocolitica strains and to investigate the activity of some generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food preservatives. Twenty-eight Y. enterocolitica strains were used to test growth and biofilm formation in MJ, trypticase soy broth supplemented with 0.25% of glucose (TSBG) alone and in combination with 50% MJ (TSBG:MJ). All strains grew in MJ but most of them to lesser extent than in TSBG. Although TSBG:MJ was the most favorable medium for biofilm formation, many strains were able to form biofilm in MJ. To determine GRAS compounds activity, one B1A and one B1B Y. enterocolitica strain were selected. In nutrient broth with MJ, acetic acid was the most effective compound with MIC of 0.78 mg ml-1, MBC of 3.14 mg ml-1, and BIC of 1.57 mg ml-1 for both strains; for B1A strain, BBC was 12.56 mg ml-1 and for B1B strain, it was 25.12 mg ml-1. Although not all strains exhibited the same ability to form biofilms in MJ, it reduces the susceptibility of Y. enterocolitica to GRAS compounds.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144873816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bruna Vilarinho Gonçalves, Celso Tadeu Barbosa Dos Santos, Rafaela Moreira da Silva, Bruna da Silva Souza, Leonardo Euripedes Andrade-Silva, Bruno da Silva Prudente, Gabriel Antonio Nogueira Nascentes, Anderson Assunção Andrade
{"title":"Multidrug-resistant yeasts in fresh fruits from organic and conventional farming: quantification, species identification, and antifungal susceptibility profiles.","authors":"Bruna Vilarinho Gonçalves, Celso Tadeu Barbosa Dos Santos, Rafaela Moreira da Silva, Bruna da Silva Souza, Leonardo Euripedes Andrade-Silva, Bruno da Silva Prudente, Gabriel Antonio Nogueira Nascentes, Anderson Assunção Andrade","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf116","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global increase in fungal infections and antifungal resistance has drawn attention to environmental sources of potentially pathogenic yeasts. This study investigated the fungal load and antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated from fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, guavas, and apples) grown under organic and conventional farming systems. Samples were analyzed for total yeast counts (CFU g-1) and for quantification of yeasts capable of growing on medium supplemented with fluconazole (FLU) (8 and 64 µg ml-1), followed by phenotypic identification and antifungal susceptibility testing via broth microdilution. The highest fungal loads were observed in strawberries across both cultivation systems. While no differences were found between organic and conventional fruits, variation in total and FLU-tolerant yeast counts was observed between fruit types. Among 29 presumptively FLU-resistant isolates, 23 were confirmed as resistant by minimum inhibitory concentration testing. All isolates were resistant to itraconazole, and most showed cross-resistance to voriconazole. Identified species included Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Pichia kudriavzevii, Trichomonascus ciferrii, Papiliotrema laurentii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, many of which are associated with invasive fungal infections. These findings highlight the potential of fresh fruits to act as reservoirs for opportunistic and multidrug-resistant yeasts. Enhanced microbiological surveillance of plant-derived foods is recommended as part of integrated public health strategies, particularly within the One Health framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145086162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancement of microbial growth in Pseudomonas species through mutagenesis.","authors":"Tosin Akin Akinmolayan, Olutoyin Omolara Bamigboye, Jude Oluwapelumi Alao, Eunice Damilola Wilkie, Favour Oluwadara Bamigboye, Oluwatosin Akinola Ajibade","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf106","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The production of cellulase enzymes is crucial for converting lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, a process essential for various industrial applications. This study investigates the impact of mutagenesis on microbial growth in Pseudomonas species, specifically P. azotoformans, P. fluorescens, and P. lactis, isolated from maize cobs. Mutagenic agents, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ethidium bromide (EtBr), and nitrous acid (NA) were used to induce mutations, and bacterial growth was assessed over 8 days using Congo Red carboxymethyl cellulose medium. While EtBr mutagenesis significantly enhanced bacterial growth, particularly in P. azotoformans and P. fluorescens, with growth increases of up to 73% at 192 h compared to wild-type strains, cellulase activity was not directly measured in this study. UV and NA treatments showed only moderate or negative effects on growth. Although EtBr, a known carcinogen, raises safety concerns, its potential for improving microbial growth suggests it could be useful in optimizing strains for industrial applications. Further studies are needed to directly measure cellulase activity and confirm the impact of these mutagenic treatments on enzyme production.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144742432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Phosphate solubilization and mobilization: bacteria-mycorrhiza interactions.","authors":"Tobi Moriaque Akplo, Felix Kouelo Alladassi, Mahougnon Charlotte Carmelle Zoundji, Aliou Faye, Marcela Hernández, Pierrot Lionel Yemadje, Adélaïde Hinhami Fagnibo, Pascal Houngnandan","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf105","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. However, most of the P in the Earth's crust is insoluble, making it inaccessible to plants. This review examines the ability of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) to convert these insoluble forms of P into plant-accessible forms, highlighting their potential use as biofertilizers. PSMs mainly consist of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fungi, which play crucial roles in the soil P cycle. The mechanisms of P solubilization encompass not only the key components of the soil P cycle but also relate to PSM species and the presence of phosphatase/phosphohydrolysis-related genes. Organic P are mineralized by enzymatic activity, while inorganic P, such as iron-phosphate, aluminium-phosphate, and calcium-phosphate are solubilized through organic acid production, proton extrusion, siderophore secretion, and exopolysaccharide production. Additionally, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are among the PSMs that effectively enhance P uptake in plants. Using PSM inoculants as biofertilizers has shown promise in improving soil P availability. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal application conditions, including timing, inoculum forms, and dosages, to maximize their effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144742434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aliyu Dabai Ibrahim, Juluri R Rao, Anna Kulakov, Shamsudeen U Dandare, Rory Doherty, Mathew Boyd, Christopher C R Allen
{"title":"Developing a molecular tool for evaluating the status of petrochemical-contaminated soils using functional gene ratio strategy.","authors":"Aliyu Dabai Ibrahim, Juluri R Rao, Anna Kulakov, Shamsudeen U Dandare, Rory Doherty, Mathew Boyd, Christopher C R Allen","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf097","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Petrochemical spills present a global environmental challenge, necessitating effective monitoring and remediation. This study was designed to develop a molecular tool using binary functional gene ratios to assess contamination levels and timelines in petrochemical-contaminated soils. Soils from petrochemical-contaminated sites were collected and hydrocarbon quantification was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, against specific standards. Metagenomic DNA was extracted, and functional genes associated with hydrocarbon degradation [PAH Ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase (PAH-RHDα) and 6-oxocyclohex-1-ene-1-carbonyl-CoA hydrolase (bamA)] were analysed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). A diagnostic ratio of PAH degradation genes was applied to characterize pollution. In-silico gene mining was used to verify the functional gene ratios. MS revealed distinct contamination profiles correlating with pollution duration and pollutant levels. One set of samples had kerosene concentrations between 154 and 478.64 µg/g of soil, while the other contained <11 µg/g. Functional genes analysis linked higher kerosene concentrations to increased Gram-negative dioxygenase levels and lower kerosene concentrations to Gram-positive dioxygenases. PAH-RHDα-GN: bamA and PAH-RHDα-GP: bamA reflected contamination levels and apparent pollution age. In-silico gene mining validated qPCR findings, confirming the reliability of gene ratios for environmental monitoring. Our findings show that the functional gene ratios serve as a molecular biomarker for spill characterization, offering a novel approach for assessing and monitoring contamination in soils.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144649853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luan Amaral Alexandre, Alice Cristina da Silva, Francisco Lucas de Amorim Nascimento, Ana Paula Zapelini de Melo, Silvani Verruck
{"title":"Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from fish and aquaculture water: an emerging concern for consumers.","authors":"Luan Amaral Alexandre, Alice Cristina da Silva, Francisco Lucas de Amorim Nascimento, Ana Paula Zapelini de Melo, Silvani Verruck","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf099","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a significant global health threat, exacerbated using antimicrobials in aquaculture, which accelerates the spread of resistant bacteria. In fish and aquaculture water, Escherichia coli acts as a key reservoir and vector for AMR, facilitating the dissemination of strains resistant to critically important antibiotics such as carbapenems and colistin, often through the production of enzymes such as extended-spectrum ß-lactamases. This review aimed to synthesize recent findings on AMR patterns and associated genes in E. coli from fish and aquaculture waters globally. Studies indicate a high prevalence of resistant E. coli, with multidrug resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, and sulfonamides. Common resistance genes identified include blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tet(A), sul1, and qnrS. The presence of bacterial strains harboring these resistance genes poses a significant public health risk through transmission in the food chain and the environment. The study concludes that tackling this challenge effectively demands robust surveillance, optimized aquaculture management, responsible antimicrobial stewardship, and a cohesive One Health framework aimed at reducing AMR in aquaculture and preserving public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A study on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from northwest Iran.","authors":"Samira Saedi, Safoura Derakhshan, Javid Sadeghi, Alka Hasani, Manouchehr Khoshbaten, Vahdat Poortahmasebi, Somayeh Ahmadi","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf111","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gut microbiota, which plays a vital role in synthesizing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to evaluate four phyla of gut microbiota and main SCFAs in IBD patients compared to the control group. Stool samples from 40 IBD patients [including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD)] and 20 healthy controls were analyzed. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the abundance of four major gut microbiota phyla, and SCFA concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that Firmicutes levels were significantly lower in both UC and CD patients compared to controls. Bacteroidetes were significantly reduced in CD patients, while proteobacteria were significantly elevated in UC patients. No significant differences were observed in Actinobacteria levels. Regarding SCFAs, butyric acid was significantly lower in both UC and CD patients. Additionally, acetic acid and propionic acid were significantly decreased only in UC patients. These findings highlight the presence of gut dysbiosis and altered SCFA profiles in IBD patients. Given the protective roles of gut microbiota and their metabolites, strategies to restore microbial balance and SCFA production may support the management and treatment of IBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144847268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protective effects of novel probiotic strains against LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages.","authors":"Akanksha Singh, Pradeep Singh Negi","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf104","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant-based fermented foods offer an underexplored reservoir of probiotic strains with therapeutic potential. In this study, we isolated and screened lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from spontaneously fermented vegetables through a comprehensive in-vitro approach involving stress tolerance assays, antioxidant capacity, adhesion evaluations, and immune modulation studies using RAW 264.7 macrophages. Two standout strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRT01 (PP724070) and Levilactobacillus brevis CAB20 (PP499280), demonstrated strong resilience to gastrointestinal conditions, robust adhesion to Caco-2 cells, and significant free radical scavenging activity. Notably, both strains reduced reactive oxygen species and modulated LPS-induced inflammatory responses by downregulating TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, while enhancing IL-10 expression. This dual antioxidant-immunomodulatory action, along with their ability to exclude pathogens, produce short-chain fatty acids, and exhibit low antibiotic resistance indices, highlights their suitability as non-dairy probiotics for gut-targeted interventions against oxidative stress and inflammation-associated disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Beatriz Zacaroni, Gabriel Moura Mascarin, Marcos Faria, Rogerio Biaggioni Lopes
{"title":"Nematicidal activity of Pochonia chlamydosporia blastospores and attempts to improve dehydration tolerance and storage stability with additives.","authors":"Ana Beatriz Zacaroni, Gabriel Moura Mascarin, Marcos Faria, Rogerio Biaggioni Lopes","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf109","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For the large-scale use of Pochonia chlamydosporia as a bionematicide, cost-effective production coupled with robust stabilization processes is essential. Submerged liquid fermentation yields large amounts of infective blastospores in a short period. This study aimed to evaluate the nematicidal activity of P. chlamydosporia blastospores from two fungal strains against the eggs of two plant-pathogenic nematodes, as well as to assess the use of various additives to enhance their dehydration tolerance and storage stability. For the more promising strain, submerged culture yielded 1 × 109 blastospores mL-1 after 96 h. Juvenile hatch inhibition was more pronounced with blastospores (64.8%-86.7%) than conidia (48.2%-65.3%) on Meloidogyne javanica and M. enterolobii eggs, respectively. Skim milk added to the liquid medium prior to inoculation or 72 h after fermentation protected fungal cells from dehydration. Following dehydration, storage stability after 10 days was significantly greater at 4°C compared to 25°C. Stabilization processes to prevent cell mortality during dehydration are crucial for the development of blastospores as active ingredients in bionematicides.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144835526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Targeting Plasmodium glutathione S-transferases to overcome antimalaria drug resistance in Southern Africa.","authors":"Oluwatobi Sarah Otun, Ikechukwu Achilonu","doi":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf100","DOIUrl":"10.1093/lambio/ovaf100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Southern Africa remains burdened by malaria, with growing concern about the emergence of antimalarial drug resistance. While artemisinin resistance has not yet been observed in the region, molecular surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa has identified Plasmodium falciparum k13 mutations known to confer resistance, making it vitally important to take proactive and creative measures to protect current treatment regimens. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), the multifunctional enzymes involved in detoxification and redox control, have emerged as key contributors to drug resistance in Plasmodium species. The role of GSTs in the development of resistance is discussed in the review, and GSTs are presented as prospective molecular targets for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. We examine the complexity of antimalarial resistance in Southern Africa and highlight the potential of GST inhibition as an adjunct therapy to current malaria control measures. The review promotes a paradigm shift towards GST-targeting approaches as a pre-emptive strategy to avert resistance and consolidate malaria control initiatives throughout the region, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and wellbeing) among Southern African populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17962,"journal":{"name":"Letters in Applied Microbiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}