Microbiology spectrum最新文献

{"title":"Emergence of the coexistence of <i>optrA</i> and <i>fexA</i> in <i>Campylobacter coli</i> strains isolated from the market.","authors":"Xiaoli Wang, Xue Zheng, Jiangang Ma, Xiujuan Wang, Guoping Zhao, Biao Tang","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.02941-24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02941-24","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0294124"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of two kinds of marine algae polysaccharides and their oligosaccharides on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in high-fat diet mice.","authors":"Zi-Ang Yao, Ling Xu, Yu Liu, Hai-Ge Wu","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.02832-24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02832-24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Abnormal lipid metabolism is manifested in a variety of metabolic diseases. In recent years, studies have shown that the pathogenesis of these disorders is closely associated with the gut microbiota. Marine algae polysaccharides, such as sodium alginate and its oligosaccharides, can reduce blood lipids and improve lipid metabolism to reduce body weight. Polysaccharides are difficult to be absorbed by the human body due to their large molecular weight, which limits their application in the field of medicine and food. In this study, two kinds of marine algae polysaccharides and their oligosaccharides were used to investigate their effects on body weight, lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors, and intestinal health and microbiota in high-fat diet mice. The results showed that after feeding a high-fat diet, the mice's body weight and serum lipids were increased. The formation of fat droplets was observed in the liver cells. Small intestinal microvilli were destroyed and showed obvious accumulation of epithelial cells. After feeding mice with sodium alginate, agar, and its oligosaccharides, the level of body weight and the pathological damage of the liver and intestine were relieved. Gut microbiota analysis showed that two kinds of polysaccharides and their oligosaccharides could improve the composition of gut microbiota at the phylum and genus level, increase the abundance of <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Akkermansia</i>, and reduce the abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. This study provides a direction for the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolic diseases and ideas for the development of marine functional food.IMPORTANCEAbnormal lipid metabolism is manifested in a variety of metabolic diseases. Marine algae polysaccharides, such as sodium alginate and its oligosaccharides, can reduce blood lipids and improve lipid metabolism to reduce body weight. Polysaccharides are difficult to absorb by the human body due to their large molecular weight, which limits their application in the field of medicine and food. After feeding mice with sodium alginate, agar, and its oligosaccharides, the level of body weight, serum lipids, inflammatory factors, and the pathological damage of liver and intestine were relieved. Gut microbiota analysis showed that two kinds of polysaccharides and their oligosaccharides could improve the composition of gut microbiota at the phylum and genus level, increase the abundance of <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Ackermania</i>, and reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria. This study provides a direction for the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolic diseases and ideas for the development of marine functional food.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0283224"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing antifungal therapy: exploring targeted CFW-PEc-enhanced ethosomal formulations of amphotericin B against cryptococcal pneumonia.","authors":"Guoting Shi, Mengshun Li, Lili Chu, Baocheng Tian, Mengxin Li, Haiyan Wang, Huihui Zhou, Yanchun Han, Chunxiao Meng, Chen Ding, Sixiang Sai","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01729-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01729-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> is a significant and pathogenic encapsulated basidiomycete fungus responsible for cryptococcosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. With increasing incidence rates globally, there is an urgent need for improved therapeutic strategies. This study presents the development of a fungal-targeted nanodrug delivery system utilizing a calcofluor white-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (CFW-PEc) to enhance the delivery and efficacy of amphotericin B against <i>C. neoformans</i>. We successfully formulated AmB-loaded CFW-PEc-ethosomes, which demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including suitable particle size, zeta potential, and high drug entrapment efficiency. <i>In vitro</i> antifungal assessments revealed that CFW-PEc-AmB-ethosomes exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to conventional AmB formulations, maintaining high inhibition rates at lower concentrations, while also demonstrating a favorable safety profile with reduced cytotoxicity. Additionally, <i>in vivo</i> studies in a mouse model of cryptococcal pneumonia illustrated remarkable reductions in fungal burdens and improved histopathological outcomes, attributing these effects to effective targeting of <i>C. neoformans</i> via CFW-PEc. Our findings underscore the potential of CFW-PEc in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of antifungal treatments, paving the way for advanced treatment strategies against cryptococcal pneumonia.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>Cryptococcal pneumonia presents a significant global health burden with limited therapeutic options due to inherent toxicity and suboptimal bioavailability of conventional antifungal agents. This investigation demonstrates the innovative application of calcofluor white-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (CFW-PEc) to enhance amphotericin B (AmB) delivery via ethosomes for cryptococcal infection treatment. Our findings elucidate that CFW-PEc significantly potentiates the antifungal efficacy of AmB-loaded ethosomes against <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> while concomitantly mitigating associated cytotoxicity at optimal concentrations. In murine models of pulmonary cryptococcosis, this novel formulation achieved a remarkable 10-fold reduction in fungal burden compared to controls, while preserving pulmonary histoarchitecture and attenuating inflammatory responses. This delivery system's integrated strategy of increasing antifungal effectiveness while reducing adverse effects marks a significant leap forward in developing safer and more targeted nanomaterial-mediated antifungal treatments. These results have profound implications for developing more efficacious and less toxic treatment modalities for cryptococcal pneumonia and potentially other invasive fungal infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0172925"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evolutionary adaptations of a pediatric pathogen: low-inflammatory and high-resistance phenotypes in the emerging <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> monophasic variant 1,4,[5],12:i:.","authors":"Tengfei Shi, Huahong Qiu, Shaohan Xu, Hui Zhong, Huifang Huang, Huiyu Chen","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.02235-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02235-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Salmonella enterica</i> serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:- (<i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:-), a monophasic variant of <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> (<i>S. typhimurium</i>), is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen posing a significant threat to pediatric health. Research on this variant remains limited, and due to challenges associated with traditional identification methods, <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- has often been misclassified as <i>S. typhimurium</i>. This study collected clinical data from 122 children infected with <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- and 42 with traditional <i>S. typhimurium</i> in Fujian Province, China, between 2014 and 2023. Whole-genome sequencing was used for strain analysis. Our findings revealed that 77.87% of children with <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- infection were aged between 1 month and 2 years. Compared with traditional <i>S. typhimurium</i>, children with <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- exhibited milder clinical symptoms, as evidenced by lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (16.53 mg/L <i>vs</i>. 33.94 mg/L, <i>P</i> < 0.05) and a lower hospitalization rate (26.23% <i>vs</i>. 42.86%, <i>P</i> < 0.05). These differences may be attributed to the high carriage rate of the anti-inflammatory gene <i>gogB</i> in <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- (95.08% <i>vs</i>. 16.67%, <i>P</i> < 0.0001). Additionally, <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- exhibited a higher resistance rate to multiple antibiotics, particularly ceftriaxone, than traditional <i>S. typhimurium</i> (32.79% <i>vs</i>. 7.14%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). This increased resistance may be associated with the carriage of the IncHI2/IncHI2A plasmid. The <i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- ST34 clone prevalent in this region aligns with the global epidemic trend but exhibits greater genetic diversity. Overall, the stealthy evolutionary adaptation of low-inflammation and high-resistance provides novel insights into this variant's global dominance. These findings underscore the importance of heightened clinical awareness and targeted interventions, particularly for vulnerable pediatric populations.IMPORTANCE<i>S</i>.1,4,[5],12:i:- poses a growing global health threat, particularly endangering infants and young children. Characterized by increasing prevalence, multidrug resistance, and diagnostic challenges, this variant demonstrates milder inflammatory responses yet stronger antibiotic resistance than traditional <i>S. typhimurium</i> in pediatric infections. Crucially, we identified its unique \"low-inflammation, high-resistance\" evolutionary strategy associated with anti-inflammatory gene <i>gogB</i> and resistance plasmid IncHI2/IncHI2A. The stealthy evolutionary adaptation provides novel insights into this variant's global dominance, while offering critical guidance for improving clinical management and formulating targeted public health measures to protect vulnerable pediatric populations against this cunning pathogen.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0223525"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of rhizosphere microbiomes of cultivated and wild rice under contrasting field water regimes.","authors":"Yuhong Luo, Xiaolong Xu, Renfei Qiao, Ru-Peng Zhao, Zu-Wen Zhou, Dong-Ao Li, Yuhao Wen, Jia-Ming Song, Ling-Ling Chen","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00263-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00263-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Asian cultivated rice (<i>Oryza sativa L</i>.) is domesticated from the common wild rice (<i>Oryza rufipogon Griff</i>.). However, the increasing water stress caused by climate change in recent years has become a major threat to rice growth and yield. To explore the adaptive changes of rhizosphere microbiomes in annual cultivated and perennial wild rice under different water limitation conditions, we conducted metagenomic sequencing analysis on rice rhizosphere soil samples from natural environments with varying water conditions. In particular, the genus <i>Pseudomonas</i> plays a dominant role in the rhizosphere microbiome of wild rice under non-irrigated condition. For archaea, we found that, compared to non-irrigated condition, submergence condition enriched methanogenic <i>Methanosarcina</i>. In comparison to cultivated rice, wild rice showed significant enrichment of <i>Nitrosarchaeum</i>, as ammonia-oxidizing archaea play a key role in the nitrogen cycle, whereas cultivated rice tends to enrich methanogenic archaea (<i>Methanosarcina</i>), which may increase methane emissions and have adverse environmental impacts. The rhizosphere metabolites of wild rice also enriched DL-Norleucine, L-Phenylalanine, and Palmitic acid, which may enhance root water absorption and provide essential nutrients to help rice resist water-limiting stress. In terms of rhizosphere microbiome function, <i>asnB</i> and <i>nirK</i> were particularly enriched in wild rice under non-irrigated condition, suggesting that wild rice may exhibit higher ecological adaptability to water stress by enhancing nitrogen assimilation and denitrification processes. Excavating these microbiome communities and functional changes in rice rhizospheres is crucial for optimizing water-limiting resistance, protecting the environment, and improving rice yield.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>This study highlights the differences in rhizosphere microbiomes and metabolites between wild and cultivated rice, providing new insights into how water limitation impacts their interaction with the rhizosphere microbiome. These findings are crucial for advancing rice cultivation under submergence and non-irrigated conditions, offering strategies to optimize farming practices, manage water scarcity, and reduce methane emissions. In contrast to cultivated rice, wild rice may regulate its rhizosphere microbial community to enhance resistance to water stress. This discovery offers valuable theoretical support for improving rice growth and adaptation across diverse ecological environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0026325"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with severe community-acquired pneumonia infected by <i>Chlamydia psittaci</i>.","authors":"Tingting Xu, Qi Yuan, Jiayue Wang, Zhenzhen Wu, Zhongqi Chen, Zhengxia Wang, Wenkui Sun, Mingshun Zhang, Ningfei Ji, Mao Huang","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00477-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00477-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to describe the clinical features of psittacosis pneumonia and identify risk factors associated with severe psittacosis pneumonia. We retrospectively collected data from patients with psittacosis pneumonia, confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) from January 2022 to June 2024 and analyzed differences between severe and non-severe groups. A total of 24 patients (eight severe/16 non-severe) were diagnosed with psittacosis, and 33.3% had severe psittacosis pneumonia. The levels of white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) and the detection rate of fungi by mNGS were significantly higher in the severe group than in the non-severe group. The length of stay and omadacycline use were longer in patients of the severe group when compared to the non-severe group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that NLR had a better predictive value of severe conditions than PCT and hs-CRP. Patients with psittacosis pneumonia have a high rate of severe disease, and NLR may be a useful tool to promptly ascertain the severity of the disease and optimal therapies for better outcomes.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>This study explores the clinical features of psittacosis pneumonia and identifies key factors that may predict the severity of the disease. By analyzing data from 24 patients diagnosed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), the research uncovers important differences between severe and non-severe cases. The study finds that patients with severe psittacosis pneumonia have elevated levels of white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT), as well as a higher detection rate of fungi. Notably, the NLR emerges as a strong predictor of severe disease, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic tool. These findings provide valuable insights that can help healthcare providers identify high-risk patients more quickly, allowing for timely interventions and improved management of the disease. Ultimately, this research could lead to better outcomes by guiding treatment decisions and enhancing our understanding of psittacosis pneumonia.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0047725"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Degradation of 2,4-D by plant growth-promoting <i>Cupriavidus</i> sp. DSPFs: role in mitigating herbicide toxicity in soil and enhancing crop production.","authors":"Sandesh E Papade, Minhaaz Suhail, Om K Bagwe, Prashant S Phale","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00560-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00560-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Repeated application of herbicides like 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in agriculture poses a significant environmental threat and health risk to non-target biota. <i>Cupriavidus</i> sp. strain DSPFs, isolated from Indian agricultural soil, utilizes 2,4-D and various other aromatics as the sole source of carbon and energy. It efficiently degrades high concentrations of 2,4-D (up to 0.3% wt/vol, i.e., 3,000 ppm) within 24 h with a maximum degradation rate of 105 mg L^-1 h^-1. Based on enzyme activity, whole-cell oxygen uptake, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) analyses, the strain was proposed to metabolize 2,4-D via 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 3,5-dichlorocatechol <i>ortho</i> ring-cleavage pathway. The key enzyme, 2,4-DCP monooxygenase (24DCPM), was purified to homogeneity and found to be homotetrameric with a native molecular mass of ~255 kDa with ~3.9 mol of FAD per mol of native protein. The enzyme exhibited high catalytic efficiency (<i>K</i>_cat/<i>K</i>_m) of 4.5 and 6.6 µM^-1 s^-1 with NADH and NADPH, respectively. Strain also displayed various plant growth-promoting traits like production of indoleacetic acid, ammonia, siderophores and mineral solubilization. Priming of <i>Vigna radiata</i> (mung bean) seeds with strain enhanced (30-47%) growth of seedlings in non-contaminated soil microcosms, indicating plant growth-promoting potential of the strain. Seed priming with strain significantly reduced 2,4-D toxicity to mung bean seedlings, suggesting the phytoprotective abilities of the strain. Bio-augmentation of 2,4-D-contaminated soil with strain DSPFs could remove >95% of 2,4-D (100 ppm) in 4 days with a degradation rate of 91 mg kg^-1 day^-1. <i>Cupriavidus</i> sp. DSPFs is a promising candidate for the eco-friendly clean-up of agricultural fields and enhancing crop productivity.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>An agricultural soil isolate, <i>Cupriavidus</i> sp. strain DSPFs, is capable of degrading 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a widely used herbicide having deleterious effects on non-target crop plants and other biota. Strain DSPFs efficiently degrade relatively high concentrations of 2,4-D in minimal growth medium as well as in contaminated soil. This efficient degradation by strain can be attributed to the enhanced catalytic efficiency (low <i>K</i>_m and high <i>V</i>_max) of key enzyme 2,4-dichlorophenol-6-monooxygenase (2,4-DCPM). Strain DSPFs mitigate the toxicity caused by 2,4-D to crops and also promote plant growth. This tri-functional (bioremediator-phytoprotecting-plant growth promoting) bacterium has significant potential in the eco-friendly remediation of 2,4-D in agricultural fields to prevent groundwater contamination, reduce phytotoxicity of herbicides, and enhance crop productivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0056025"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing in patients with bacteremia.","authors":"Daisuke Kitagawa, Taito Kitano, Takehito Kasamatsu, Naoyuki Shiraishi, Mai Yasuda, Mai Okada, Soma Suzuki, Madoka Sekine, Ryo Yamanishi, Ayu Mukai, Ritsuki Uejima, Yuki Suzuki, Akiyo Nakano, Ryuichi Nakano, Hisakazu Yano, Fumihiko Nakamura, Koichi Maeda","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01980-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01980-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rapid identification of pathogens in bacteremia is critical for optimizing antimicrobial therapy. The FilmArray blood culture identification 2 (BCID2) panel enables multiplex PCR-based detection of pathogens and resistance genes. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of BCID2 implementation in hospitalized patients with bacteremia. To this end, we conducted a retrospective study at a single Japanese center (May 2018-December 2024). The outcomes included length of stay, in-hospital mortality, antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT), and days of antimicrobial spectrum coverage (DASC) score. The pre-BCID2 and BCID2 implementation periods were compared. Among the 2,872 patients with positive blood cultures, BCID2 implementation was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.92, <i>P</i> = 0.021), specifically among those with bacteremia during weekday daytime hours when testing was available (aOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.89, <i>P</i> = 0.018). Age, sex, and intensive care unit (ICU)/high-care unit (HCU) admission were significant predictors of outcomes across all analyses. Implementing the BCID2 panel during weekday daytime hours within an active antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) could significantly reduce mortality among patients with bacteremia when testing was available; however, it showed no benefits in the overall population. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of continuous availability and effective integration with ASP support to optimize clinical benefits.<b>IMPORTANCE</b>Rapid identification of the bacteria causing bloodstream infections is essential for timely and effective treatment. Traditional laboratory methods are often time-consuming, thus delaying therapy. Therefore, this study examined the application of the FilmArray blood culture identification panel, a rapid molecular test that can detect multiple pathogens and resistance genes within 1 h. We found that introducing this test during limited hours did not improve patient outcomes; rather, achieving optimal clinical impact may depend on continuous availability and effective collaboration with clinical decision-makers. This study emphasizes the need for unlimited access to rapid testing and support from stewardship programs to optimize clinical outcomes from this diagnostic technology in managing bloodstream infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0198025"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changing patterns of respiratory pathogens in hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia in northern China following the lifting of non-pharmaceutical interventions.","authors":"Ting-Ting Jiang, Ze-Ming Wang, He Tang, Lin Sun, Qian Han, Hui Qi, Tian-Yi Wang, Jing Xiao, Chenxi Li, Xue-Mei Yang, Sai Zhao, Xue Tian, Hui Wang, Xu Li, Jing Bi, Wei-Wei Jiao, A-Dong Shen","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01279-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01279-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An observational, single-center study was conducted among hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia in the Baoding area. The objective was to compare the respiratory pathogen profiles and epidemiological patterns during and after the lifting of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs, including mask-wearing, social distancing, lockdowns, etc.). A total of 9,362 hospitalized children diagnosed with CAP in Baoding from January 2022 to December 2023 were included. Both viral and bacterial pathogens were detected by multiplex PCR. The NPIs were lifted in Baoding from 2 December 2022. A comparative analysis was conducted on demographic data, epidemiological data, pathogen detection rates, and co-infection patterns that were compared between the full year 2022 and 2023. The detection rate of at least one pathogen significantly increased from 74.2% (2,925/3,940) in 2022 to 86.5% (4,690/5,422) in 2023 (<i>P</i> < 0.001). <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i>, <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>, human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> were the predominant pathogens. Notably, co-infection rates rose from 25.1% (988/3,940) in 2022 to 45.1% (2,445/5,422) in 2023 (<i>P</i> < 0.001), particularly viral-bacterial co-infections. The positive detection rates for many pathogens among severe pneumonia cases increased. Additionally, an age shift in infection patterns was observed, with older children showing a higher prevalence of RSV. Following the lifting of NPIs, an increase in the detection rates of pathogens was observed, as were fluctuations in the dynamics of viral and bacterial pathogens, underscoring the urgent need to adapt clinical management and public health policies to address emerging infection trends.IMPORTANCECommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains the leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide. Understanding the pathogens responsible for CAP is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. This study examines the changes in respiratory pathogens and epidemiological patterns in children with CAP in Baoding, China, before and after the lifting of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Data from 9,362 children diagnosed with CAP from January 2022 to December 2023 were analyzed. The detection rate of at least one pathogen increased significantly from 74.2% in 2022 to 86.5% in 2023. Notably, co-infection rates rose from 25.1% to 45.1%, with viral-bacterial co-infections being more common. This research underscores the urgent need to adapt clinical management and public health policies to address the changing infection trends, highlighting their importance and innovation in understanding the impact of NPIs on pediatric respiratory infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0127925"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Importance of <i>aggR</i> sequence variants detection for accurate molecular diagnosis of enteroaggregative <i>Escherichia coli</i>.","authors":"Alejandra M G Del Carpio, Claudia A Freire, Tânia A T Gomes, Cecilia M Abe, Waldir P Elias","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01441-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01441-25","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Enteroaggregative &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; (EAEC) is one of the main diarrhea causative agents. This &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; pathotype is defined by an aggregative adherence pattern observed in HEp-2 cells. Molecular diagnosis is still a challenge due to EAEC genetic heterogeneity. Different publications described primers for &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt; detection to characterize EAEC. Recently, &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt; has been suggested as EAEC molecular marker of some strains, demonstrating the existence of two subpopulations within this pathotype: typical and atypical EAEC, respectively, comprising &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt;+/&lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt;+ and &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt;+/&lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt;+. Studies performed by our group, however, detected conflicting results using different primer pairs for &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt;. Therefore, this study mainly aimed to analyze the variation of &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; sequences and its implication in EAEC characterization, defining consensus primers. As a consequence, a triplex-PCR targeting &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;aatA,&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt; is proposed as a one-step molecular diagnosis for both typical and atypical EAEC. Previously reported primer sequences used for &lt;i&gt;aggR, aatA&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt; detection, and their annealing sites were analyzed using sequence databases. The best primers for each target were selected, and a triplex-PCR was standardized and validated. Database alignment of &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; revealed numerous variant regions along its sequence, impairing the annealing of most reported primers, while significant variations in the annealing sites of &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt; primers were not observed. Broad-range primers for &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; were determined and combined with &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt;, resulting in a triplex-PCR. Our triplex-PCR targeting &lt;i&gt;aggR, aatA&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt; successfully detected only EAEC, covering all &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; variants, promoting a broad and specific detection of this pathotype.IMPORTANCEPhenotypical and genotypical characterization of enteroaggregative &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; (EAEC) is either time-consuming or of variable sensitivity. Therefore, developing an accurate molecular diagnostic method for this &lt;i&gt;E. coli&lt;/i&gt; pathotype is relevant for public health. This study analyzed the primers currently used to detect typical EAEC-related genes (&lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt;), and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt; as a marker for atypical EAEC. After an extensive literature review, it was observed that the &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt; primers are suitable for its broad detection. On the other hand, none of the &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; primer pairs described were able to detect all variants of the &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; gene. To address this issue, universal primers for &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; were proposed to improve the detection of all &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; variants. Considering the demand for a fast and accurate molecular approach for EAEC diagnosis, a triplex-PCR assay was developed, validated, and optimized using the universal &lt;i&gt;aggR&lt;/i&gt; primers in combination with primers for &lt;i&gt;aatA&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;afpR&lt;/i&gt;, detecting both typical a","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0144125"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}