Microbiology spectrum最新文献

{"title":"<i>In vitro</i> anti-<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> activity of ilaprazole used alone and in combination with other components of quadruple therapy.","authors":"Zhimeng Zhang, Lu Yang, Wei Sun, Xinxin Hu, Tongying Nie, Lang Sun, Congran Li, Xinyi Yang, Xi Lu, Jing Pang, XueFu You","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00593-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00593-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ilaprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, has been approved and marketed in Korea and China for the treatment of gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and erosive esophagitis. This study evaluated the <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial activity of ilaprazole against <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>), both as a single agent and in combination with other components used in the standard quadruple therapy. The antibacterial activity of ilaprazole was tested on 25 <i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i> strains, including the clinical isolates resistant to clarithromycin (CLA), amoxicillin (AMX), levofloxacin, and/or metronidazole. Antibacterial activities and killing kinetics were evaluated by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and time-kill curve determination, respectively. Synergistic effects were assessed in checkerboard and time-kill assays. Resistance development was assessed through serial passage over 12 cycles. Ilaprazole exhibited potent <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial activity against <i>H. pylori</i>, with MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values of 8 µg/mL, demonstrating activity against drug-resistant strains. When combined with CLA, ilaprazole showed synergistic effects against 36% of the tested strains. Notably, the quadruple combination of ilaprazole + AMX + CLA + bismuth potassium citrate exhibited an obvious synergistic effect. Importantly, repeated exposure to ilaprazole over 12 passages did not induce resistance. These findings highlight the promising <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial activity of ilaprazole against <i>H. pylori</i>, including drug-resistant strains, and its potential to enhance the efficacy of quadruple therapy. The study supports the inclusion of ilaprazole in treatment regimens for <i>H. pylori</i> infections, offering a compelling rationale for its clinical use.IMPORTANCE<i>H. pylori</i> infection remains a major global health issue, contributing to a wide range of gastric diseases. Despite current treatment regimens, rising antibiotic resistance limits their effectiveness, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study highlights the promising <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial activity of ilaprazole against <i>H. pylori</i>, including drug-resistant strains. Ilaprazole not only exhibits direct antimicrobial effects but also enhances the efficacy of combination therapy, particularly in quadruple therapy regimens, which are recommended as first-line treatment. The findings demonstrate that ilaprazole, in combination with clarithromycin, shows synergistic effects, offering a potential solution to overcome antibiotic resistance challenges. Importantly, repeated exposure to ilaprazole did not induce resistance, a critical factor for its long-term use. These results provide compelling evidence for ilaprazole's inclusion in clinical treatment strategies, contributing to improved eradication rates and better patient outcomes in <i>H. pylori</i> management.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0059325"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131421","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":"Ocean currents and environmental gradients shape prokaryotic community structure and function in the South China Sea.","authors":"Yu Wang, Jinxin Xu, Yanting Liu, Lu Liu, Shicong Xiao, Xiaomeng Wang, Jiandong Zhang, Sijun Huang, Qiang Zheng","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01020-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01020-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The South China Sea (SCS) is characterized by complex hydrodynamic conditions that influence the structure and function of prokaryotic microbial communities. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of prokaryotic diversity, community assembly, and functional potential across various water masses within the SCS. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and co-occurrence network analyses, we found that geographic distance and environmental gradients, particularly temperature and nutrient levels, significantly impacted community composition. Our findings indicate that ecological drift is the primary mechanism governing community assembly, with spatial turnover primarily driven by the dispersal of microorganisms facilitated by ocean currents. Distinct modules in co-occurrence networks were associated with specific environmental factors, reflecting potential environmental selection processes along the SCS current. Keystone species and biomarkers identified through network analysis and random forest modeling exhibited varying associations with environmental variables, highlighting their adaptability to changing conditions. This work underscores the importance of ocean currents and environmental factors in shaping prokaryotic community dynamics and provides insights into microbial biogeography and ecosystem function in the SCS.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>Microorganisms, especially prokaryotes, are fundamental in sustaining marine ecosystems through nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. However, understanding what shapes their diversity and distribution remains challenging. Our study highlights the significant role ocean currents and environmental conditions play in influencing prokaryotic communities in the South China Sea-a critical marine environment due to its dynamic currents and ecological complexity. We found that currents facilitate microbial dispersal, shaping community composition over vast areas, while temperature gradients act as key selective pressures, determining which species thrive. Additionally, we reveal that both predictable environmental selection and random ecological drift significantly contribute to community structuring. By identifying keystone microbes and biomarkers sensitive to environmental change, our work offers essential insights into marine microbial ecology. These findings are crucial for predicting how microbial communities, and thus ocean health and productivity, respond to ongoing environmental changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0102025"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131456","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":"Gut microbiota dynamics in SAMP8 mice: insights from machine learning and longitudinal analysis.","authors":"Yilang Ke, Aiping Zeng, Dang Li","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00635-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00635-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host health, and its composition is significantly influenced by aging. The SAMP8 mouse model, known for its accelerated aging process, is widely used to study age-related changes. However, comprehensive longitudinal studies on gut microbiota dynamics in SAMP8 mice remain limited. We analyzed microbiota profiles of SAMP8 mice at 1, 3, 7, and 10 months (<i>n</i> = 6) using 16S rRNA sequencing. Alpha diversity (Shannon index) decreased significantly with age, while beta diversity revealed distinct clustering between young (1 and 3 months) and aged (7 and 10 months) SAMP8 mice. <i>Firmicutes</i>, <i>Actinobacteria</i>, and <i>Deferribacteres</i> declined significantly with age, whereas <i>Proteobacteria</i> and <i>Bacteroidetes</i> increased. At the genus level, <i>Allobaculum</i> and <i>unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae</i> decreased significantly, whereas <i>Ruminiclostridium_5</i> and <i>Akkermansia</i> increased significantly in older mice. Microbiota trajectory analysis identified four aging-related patterns. For biomarker discovery, the young (1 and 3 months, <i>n</i> = 12) and aged (7 and 10 months, <i>n</i> = 12) groups were compared using Random Forest analysis, which identified 11 key taxa, with <i>Peptococcus</i> exhibiting the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve = 0.78). These findings highlight the dynamic microbiota shifts during aging and identify <i>Peptococcus</i> as a potential biomarker for aging, offering insights into microbiota-aging interactions and potential translational targets.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>Aging is associated with profound changes in microbial composition, yet the precise trajectories and key microbial signatures of aging remain incompletely understood. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota dynamics in aging SAMP8 mice. By identifying significant shifts in microbial diversity, composition, and aging-related trajectories, our findings highlight the progressive restructuring of gut microbiota with age. Understanding these changes is critical for uncovering potential microbial biomarkers of aging, which could serve as diagnostic tools or therapeutic targets to promote healthy aging. Notably, we demonstrate that some key taxa, such as <i>Peptococcus</i>, can differentiate young and aged microbiomes with high accuracy, offering insights into the potential role of gut microbiota in aging-related health decline. These findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at microbiota-targeted interventions, such as probiotics or dietary modifications, to mitigate age-associated diseases and improve lifespan and health span.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0063525"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145124188","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":"<i>Stenotrophomonas muris</i>-first discovered as a potential human pathogen with strong virulence and antibiotic resistance, associated with bloodstream infections.","authors":"Jiaying Liu, Xu Dong, Yanghui Xiang, Yi Li, Yuyun Yu, Tiantian Wu, Xin Yuan, Dan Cao, Hanyin Zhang, Lixia Zhu, Ying Zhang","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.02770-24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02770-24","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the first time, &lt;i&gt;Stenotrophomonas muris&lt;/i&gt;, whose pathogenic potential for humans has never been reported previously, has been identified to be associated with human infections. In this work, the phenotype of &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; virulence, the potential genes that encode higher virulence of &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt;, and host responses to &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; infection were investigated for the first time. It was found that S9 (&lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; no. 9, isolated from the patient's bloodstream infection) was more virulent than both S8 (&lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; no. 8, isolated from the patient's sputum) and S1 (&lt;i&gt;Stenotrophomonas maltophilia&lt;/i&gt; type strain ATCC13637). Candidate genes that may encode higher virulence of S9 were identified, including &lt;i&gt;virB6&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;dcm&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;hlyD&lt;/i&gt;, and 14 other genes involved in porphyrin metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, DNA methylation, two-component system, and biofilm formation. Transcriptome analysis of infected host cells (THP-1 cells) showed that 13 candidate genes involved in host response to hypoxia (&lt;i&gt;HILPDA&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;FOXH1&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;ANGPTL4&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;SLC2A1&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;HK2&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;ADM&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;CXCR4&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;BNIP3&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;PLAT&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;PLOD2&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;STC2&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;STC1&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;AK4&lt;/i&gt;) were preferentially upregulated by the more virulent strain S9 over the less virulent S8. Two downregulated genes (&lt;i&gt;SLC26A11&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;SLC8A1&lt;/i&gt;) involved in monoatomic ion transport and the calcium signaling pathway may also need special attention, as they may be involved in pathogenesis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that strains S8 and S9 demonstrated high resistance to colistin and polymyxin B, with MIC values surpassing clinical breakpoints. For ceftazidime (a cephalosporin) and levofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone), MIC values were elevated in S8/S9 compared to S1 but remained within the susceptible range (ceftazidime: S8 and S9; levofloxacin: S8) or intermediate category (levofloxacin: S9). Because of the above differences in virulence properties and antibiotic susceptibility, it is critical that &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; be distinguished from &lt;i&gt;S. maltophilia&lt;/i&gt; in a clinical setting for improved care. This work provides the basis for future studies on pathogenic mechanisms of &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; and for developing improved treatment in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;Stenotrophomonas muris&lt;/i&gt; was first discovered as a potential human pathogen. Since it shares 99.72% similarity of the 16S rRNA to &lt;i&gt;Stenotrophomonas maltophilia&lt;/i&gt;, conventional diagnostic methods usually classify it as &lt;i&gt;S. maltophilia&lt;/i&gt; clinically. However, the two human pathogens should be distinguished. The reason is that they have different virulence and different drug susceptibilities, which result in different administrations of drugs to treat their infections. To better distinguish these two pathogens and treat infections of &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt;, we investigated the virulence genes, the host response of &lt;i&gt;S. muris&lt;/i&gt; infections, and suscept","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0277024"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145125330","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":"Zinc-metallochaperones of <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i> are involved in ROS production and folate biosynthesis during zinc deficiency.","authors":"Clara Inés Sánchez, Verónica Díaz, Laura Alcázar, Jorge Amich, Laura Marín, José Antonio Calera","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.02279-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02279-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The filamentous fungus <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i> is equipped with an efficient zinc uptake system that allows this fungus to survive and grow within the very zinc-limiting environment provided by the lungs of immunosuppressed patients. To deal with zinc scarcity, <i>A. fumigatus</i> deploys a homeostatic and adaptive response that enables it to scavenge for and uptake zinc from host tissues. Finally, zinc ions are distributed intracellularly and lodged in fungal proteins that require them for normal functioning. It is believed that most zinc-requiring proteins acquire zinc ions to become properly metalated by competition with cellular zinc proteins. However, certain zinc proteins may exhibit inherent thermodynamic and/or physicochemical properties that hamper them from competing for zinc with other proteins during zinc deficiency, such that they can only be properly metalated if aided by specific metallochaperones. In this study, we report a comprehensive approach to the role of the zinc metallochaperones of <i>A. fumigatus</i> (MchA, MchB, and MchC) on both fungal physiology during zinc deficiency and fungal pathogenesis. Our data suggest that MchA might play a role in supplying zinc to one or more proteins operating in a biosynthetic pathway that use tetrahydrofolate (THF) as a cofactor; MchB is required for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as an adaptive response to zinc deficiency, whereas MchC plays a role in THF biosynthesis, most likely by supplying zinc to GTP cyclohydrolase I. This is the first study that provides insights into the role of zinc-metallochaperones in a fungal pathogen and how they could be exploited as antifungal targets.IMPORTANCE<i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i> is able to suppress nutritional immunity and obtain zinc from the lungs of immunosuppressed patients, allowing it to grow and cause invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. To combat this lethal infection, there is an urgent need for new antifungals. In this regard, tetrahydrofolate (THF) biosynthesis is a promising target. However, antifungal drugs against this process have not been developed yet, likely because only a few antifolates used as antibacterials are also active against a limited number of fungal pathogens. Our research may provide the explanation of the sensitivity to antifolates of those pathogens (<i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>, <i>Paracoccidioides brasiliensis,</i> and <i>Histoplasma capsulatum</i>), being that all lack MchC-like proteins. Moreover, we foresee that inhibition of THF biosynthesis in MchC-bearing fungal pathogens could be enhanced by inhibiting MchC activity. Also, our findings suggest the notion that ROS overproduction typically occurring in all cells during zinc deficiency may rely on proper metalation of certain zinc-dependent proteins.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0227925"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145124763","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":"Characterization and antimicrobial potential of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from the gut of <i>Blattella germanica</i>.","authors":"Yuqi Wei, Fangmin Chen, Wanting Xia, Jinyue Song, Jinyan Liang, Xinyao Yang","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01203-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01203-25","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The gut microbiota of insects plays a crucial role in host nutrition, immune regulation, and disease resistance. As a globally distributed pest, &lt;i&gt;Blattella germanica&lt;/i&gt; has adapted to diverse environments and maintains a highly varied diet, making its gut microbiota a largely untapped reservoir of antimicrobial compounds. This study systematically investigated the culturable gut microbiota of &lt;i&gt;Blattella germanica&lt;/i&gt;, leading to the isolation of 30 bacterial strains. Morphological characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis classified these strains into two phyla and eight genera. Among them, six lactic acid bacteria strains were found to produce bacteriocins. Notably, strain X24 exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, particularly against &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt;. The ethyl acetate-based extraction increased its activity by 39.50%, yielding a concentration of approximately 612.74 µg/mL. Bacteriocin X24 demonstrated a broad antimicrobial spectrum, encompassing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. It showed the strongest activity against &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; (MIC = 37.5 µg/mL), moderate activity against &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Bacillus subtilis&lt;/i&gt; (MIC = 75 µg/mL), and relatively weak activity against &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt;, both standard and antibiotic-resistant &lt;i&gt;Salmonella typhimurium&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Serratia marcescens&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Enterococcus faecalis&lt;/i&gt; (MIC = 150 µg/mL) and &lt;i&gt;Saccharomyces cerevisiae&lt;/i&gt; (MIC = 300 µg/mL). The bacteriocin demonstrated good thermostability, maintained stable antibacterial activity under neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5-7) conditions, and exhibited sensitivity to proteases. This study shows that bacteriocin-producing bacteria from German cockroach guts are a new source of bacteriocins. These could be used in food preservation, biocontrol, and reduction of antibiotic use. The work expands known bacteriocin producers and reveals insect-derived antimicrobial peptides as promising alternatives against drug-resistant pathogens.IMPORTANCEThe rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has intensified the search for novel antimicrobial agents. This study explores the gut microbiota of &lt;i&gt;Blattella germanica&lt;/i&gt;, a highly adaptable pest, as an untapped source of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB). We identified six LAB strains with potent antimicrobial activity by producing bacteriocin, particularly X24, which exhibits broad-spectrum inhibition against Gram-positive (G&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;) and Gram-negative (G&lt;sup&gt;-&lt;/sup&gt;) pathogens, including fungi. The bacteriocin demonstrated remarkable stability under high temperatures and varying pH levels, making it a promising candidate for food preservation and biomedical applications. By uncovering the antimicrobial potential of insect-derived LAB, this research expands the diversity of bacteriocin sources and offers a sustainable strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. Our findings highlight the e","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0120325"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145125298","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":"Identifying the irrationality of the diagnosis of \"pertussis-like syndrome\" to enhance diagnostic accuracy.","authors":"Wei Shi, Yahong Hu, Qinghong Meng, Guoshuang Feng, Xinyu Wang, Kaihu Yao","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00737-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00737-25","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The purpose of this study is to assess the rationale and epidemiological patterns of \"pertussis-like syndrome\" diagnoses. A comprehensive analysis of demographic, epidemiological, and etiological characteristics was conducted on 10,561 diagnosed \"pertussis-like syndrome\" cases across 33 Chinese hospitals. Post-coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the incidence of \"pertussis-like syndrome\" increased significantly. Infants under 1 year old accounted for 69.73% of these cases, and severe outcomes were particularly prevalent among younger infants. Among those admitted to the intensive care unit, 83.03% were under 6 months of age, and 75.00% of the four reported deaths occurring in infants were younger than 3 months. While infants under 1 year consistently represented over half of annual cases, their proportion declined from 82.93% in 2016 to 51.21% in 2022. In contrast, there has been a notable rise in cases among children older than 3 years. It is important to highlight that only 4.37% of cases were exclusively diagnosed as \"pertussis-like syndrome,\" with the majority of patients presenting with comorbidities, particularly lower respiratory tract infections (93.61%). The common pathogens identified in the records included respiratory syncytial virus, &lt;i&gt;Mycoplasma pneumoniae&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Haemophilus influenzae&lt;/i&gt;, and parainfluenza virus. \"Pertussis-like syndrome\" exhibits a high degree of overlap with pertussis in terms of the age distribution of susceptible populations and epidemiological patterns. To improve diagnostic accuracy, we recommend strengthening laboratory testing in suspected \"pertussis-like syndrome\" cases to confirm or rule out pertussis. For cases with identified pathogens that are not &lt;i&gt;Bordetella pertussis&lt;/i&gt;, a precise pathogen-specific diagnosis should be established rather than relying on the ambiguous label of \"pertussis-like syndrome.\"IMPORTANCEThis study highlights the critical importance of reevaluating the diagnosis of \"pertussis-like syndrome\" to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. The global resurgence of pertussis has underscored the need for precise identification of respiratory infections, particularly in pediatric populations. Our analysis of 10,561 cases across 33 hospitals in China revealed significant overlaps between \"pertussis-like syndrome\" and pertussis in terms of age distribution and epidemiological patterns. Cases diagnosed as \"pertussis-like syndrome\" may include undetected cases of pertussis. Moreover, the broad, ambiguous label of \"pertussis-like syndrome\" often masks the true causative pathogens. This imprecise diagnosis hinders targeted treatment and public health surveillance. Given advancements in pathogen detection technologies, we advocate for abandoning the \"pertussis-like syndrome\" label in favor of precise, pathogen-specific diagnoses. This shift may enhance diagnostic clarity, optimize clinical management, and strengthen efforts to monitor and control respiratory infections glob","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0073725"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145124462","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":"Blood transcriptomic profiling reveals gene expression alterations in patients with SFTS-associated encephalitis.","authors":"DaiQing Wu, AoFan Wang, Junjie Shi, Ying Zhang, Yu Geng, Huifang Liu, Yuanyuan Wu, Wenwen Kong, Yijia Zhu, Yuxin Chen","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.01161-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01161-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a life-threatening tick-borne zoonosis caused by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), frequently leads to fatal encephalitis characterized by consciousness disorders and seizures. The molecular mechanisms governing SFTSV neuroinvasion and host-driven neural injury remain largely elusive. To explore the mechanisms of SFTS-induced brain damage, we analyzed clinical laboratory parameters and conducted transcriptomic analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from five SFTS patients with encephalitis and five non-encephalitis patients admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during the same period. Our findings indicate that central nervous system manifestations in SFTSV infection are associated with altered expression of immune-related genes. Specifically, we identified six differentially expressed immune genes-MET, KIT, IL1R2, MAFF, CD69, and CEBPD-between the encephalitis and non-encephalitis groups. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of SFTS-associated encephalitis, and further investigation into the host immune response post-SFTSV infection may aid in mitigating disease progression and improving clinical outcomes.IMPORTANCESevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a life-threatening disease that can lead to encephalitis-a serious brain inflammation with high mortality. However, the causes of this brain damage remain largely unknown. In this study, we used advanced gene sequencing techniques to analyze blood samples from SFTS patients with and without encephalitis. Our results revealed key changes in immune-related genes, uncovering possible biological pathways involved in brain injury caused by the virus. These findings shed new light on how the immune system may contribute to neurological complications in SFTS and highlight specific genes that could serve as future targets for diagnosis or treatment. This research enhances our understanding of SFTS-related encephalitis and provides a valuable foundation for developing therapies to improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0116125"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145125266","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":"Comparison of respiratory pathogen infections in hospitalized patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, China.","authors":"Xiaoxiao Li, Jie Wang, Junhua Dai, Fenfen Xiang, Zixi Chen, Mengzhe Zhang, Jiawen Qian, Rong Wu","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00435-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00435-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the prevalence of respiratory pathogens among hospitalized patients with respiratory tract infections in Shanghai, China. Patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) hospitalized at Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to December 2022 were collected. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to detect the IgM antibody of nine common pathogens, including <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae</i> (CP), <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> (MP), parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus A (FluA), influenza virus B (FluB), adenovirus (ADV), <i>Legionella pneumophila</i> (Lp), and <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> (Cb). A total of 24,933 eligible patients were enrolled. The overall detection rate of respiratory pathogens in the pre-outbreak group (2017-2019, 32.05%) was significantly higher than that in the outbreak group (2020-2022, 11.48%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). MP (16.03%), Lp (2.43%), FluB (1.73%), and PIV (1.64%) were the main pathogens. Positivity for MP, FluB, and PIV declined significantly, whereas the detection rate of Lp was increased (<i>P</i> < 0.05) during the 2020-2022 period compared with the 2017-2019 period. Children (73.21%) experienced a significantly higher infection rate than adolescents (65.35%), adults (25.20%), and older adults (15.40%). MP+PIV was the most common co-detection pattern. The detection of CP, MP, PIV, RSV, FluB, ADV, and Lp differed significantly between the two periods. From 2020 to 2022, the detection rates of CP, MP, PIV, RSV, FluB, and ADV decreased, whereas the detection of Lp increased. Knowledge of common pathogens' dynamics could serve as a reference for further prevention and control of ARIs.</p><p><p>This study leverages the changes in the common respiratory spectrum pre-pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic in hospitalized patients in Shanghai. These data may serve as a scientific foundation for the prevention and management of ARIs. Doctors and policymakers should pay attention to the changes in the epidemic trends and types of respiratory pathogens and maintain monitoring of respiratory pathogens to better control the prevalence of respiratory pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0043525"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145125321","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":"<i>Bacillus subtilis</i> strain UD1022 as a biocontrol agent against <i>Magnaporthe oryzae</i>, the rice blast pathogen.","authors":"Timothy Johnson, Lainey Kemmerer, Nalleli Garcia, Jessie Fernandez","doi":"10.1128/spectrum.00797-25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00797-25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rice blast disease, caused by <i>Magnaporthe oryzae</i>, is a major threat to global rice production, necessitating sustainable disease management strategies. Compared to chemical pesticides, biocontrol agents, such as beneficial microbe antagonists, offer a sustainable approach to naturally inhibit plant pathogens. This study evaluates the biocontrol potential of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> UD1022 against <i>M. oryzae</i> through both direct antagonism and volatile-mediated inhibition. In dual culture assays, UD1022 significantly inhibited fungal growth. Furthermore, a stacking plate assay demonstrated that UD1022 produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that suppress fungal growth. Beyond vegetative growth inhibition, UD1022 also disrupted key infection processes of <i>M. oryzae</i>, notably reducing spore germination and appressorium formation. <i>In planta</i> assays revealed that UD1022-treated rice plants exhibited a substantial reduction in disease severity compared to untreated controls. This reduction correlated with the upregulation of key defense genes in the salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene signaling pathways, suggesting that UD1022 primes systemic resistance in rice plants. These findings establish UD1022 as a potent biocontrol agent capable of suppressing <i>M. oryzae</i> through direct antagonism, VOC-mediated inhibition, and induction of systemic resistance. This study underscores the potential of UD1022 as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing rice blast disease.IMPORTANCE<i>Magnaporthe oryzae</i> is a destructive fungal pathogen that causes rice blast disease, leading to significant yield losses and threatening global food security. Here, we investigated the biocontrol potential of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> UD1022, a beneficial rhizobacterium known for its plant growth-promoting and antifungal properties. Our <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in planta</i> studies revealed that UD1022 suppresses <i>M. oryzae</i> through direct antagonism, VOC-mediated inhibition, and the induction of systemic resistance in rice. These findings demonstrate UD1022 as a promising candidate for microbial-based disease management and the role of beneficial bacteria in enhancing crop protection. This research contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural practices by leveraging naturally occurring microbes to improve plant resilience and disease resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":18670,"journal":{"name":"Microbiology spectrum","volume":" ","pages":"e0079725"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113764","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}