Pathogens最新文献

{"title":"Uncovering Hidden Transmission: Active Surveillance Reveals Cryptic Circulation of Yellow Fever Virus in Urban Marmosets in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2024.","authors":"Matheus Soares Arruda, Thaís Alkifeles Costa, Gabriel Dias Moreira, Daniel Jacob, Marcelle Alves de Oliveira, Mikaelly Frasson Biccas, Ana Maria de Oliveira Paschoal, Anna Catarina Dias Soares Guimarães, Samantha Stephany Fiuza Meneses Viegas, Gabriela Fernanda Garcia-Oliveira, Ana Luiza Campos Cruz, Letícia Trindade Almeida, Maria Fernanda Alves Souza E Silva, Daniel Ambrózio da Rocha Vilela, Thais Melo Mendes, Pedro Augusto Alves, Kathryn A Hanley, Nikos Vasilakis, Marina do Vale Beirão, Betânia Paiva Drumond","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090866","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Between 2016 and 2018, the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, experienced its most significant yellow fever (YF) outbreak in 80 years. Yellow fever virus (YFV) circulation persisted afterward, with continued non-human primate (NHP) epizootics and, recently, human cases. In June 2024, YFV RNA was detected in a dead marmoset (<i>Callithrix penicillata</i>) in an urban square in Belo Horizonte (BH), prompting a field investigation in an adjacent park to assess infection in potential mosquito vectors and NHPs. A total of 250 mosquitoes representing nine species were collected at ground and canopy level, of which <i>Aedes fluviatilis</i> and <i>Aedes scapularis</i> comprised 78.8% of the specimens. <i>Haemagogus</i> spp. and <i>Sabethes</i> spp. mosquitoes were not collected, possibly due to the short sampling window during the dry season. No active YFV infection was detected in any of the mosquito pools tested. Eight marmosets (<i>Callithrix penicillata</i>) were captured and tested for arboviral infections. Five out of eight sera, representing both adult and juvenile (less than 17 months old) animals, tested positive for anti-YFV IgM. Interestingly, two adults recaptured in later expeditions revealed seroconversion. One was IgM-positive in July 2024 but negative by September 2024, consistent with the expected decline in IgM levels. The other, initially IgM-negative (as of July 2024), tested positive in April 2025, indicating recent exposure to YFV. These findings provide evidence for the ongoing, low-level circulation of YFV among urban NHPs, posing a continued risk of viral spillover to humans. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of active surveillance in detecting recent infections that would likely be missed by passive monitoring. This integrated approach enhances our understanding of local YF epidemiology and supports early, evidence-based public health interventions to prevent future human outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472655/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reverse Transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification Assay for Newcastle Disease Virus in Poultry.","authors":"Nahed Yehia, Ahmed Abd El Wahed, Ahmed Abd Elhalem Mohamed, Abdelsattar Arafa, Dalia Said, Mohamed A Shalaby, Arianna Ceruti, Uwe Truyen, Rea Maja Kobialka","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090867","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090867","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious and economically significant viral infection that affects poultry globally, with recurrent outbreaks occurring even among vaccinated flocks in Egypt. Caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), the disease results in substantial losses due to high mortality rates, decreased productivity, and the imposition of trade restrictions. This study aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable diagnostic assay based on real-time reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) for the detection of all NDV genotypes in clinical avian specimens. Primers and an exo-probe were designed based on the most conserved region of the NDV matrix gene. After testing ten primer combinations, the pair NDV RAA-F1 and RAA-R5 demonstrated the highest sensitivity, detecting as low as 6.89 EID₅₀/mL (95% CI). The RT-RAA assay showed excellent clinical sensitivity and specificity, with no cross-reactivity to other common respiratory pathogens such as avian influenza virus, infectious bronchitis virus, <i>Mycoplasma gallisepticum</i> or infectious laryngotracheitis virus. All 25 field samples that were tested positive by real-time RT-PCR, including those with high CT values (~35), were detected by RT-RAA in 2-11 min, indicating superior sensitivity and speed. The assay requires only basic equipment and can be performed under isothermal conditions, making it highly suitable for on-site detection in resource-limited or rural settings. The successful implementation of RT-RAA can improve NDV outbreak response, support timely vaccination strategies, and enhance disease control efforts. Overall, the assay presents a promising alternative to conventional diagnostic methods, contributing to the sustainability and productivity of the poultry sector in endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12473048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive Evolutionary and Structural Analysis of the H5N1 Clade 2.4.3.4b Influenza a Virus Based on the Sequences and Data Mining of the Hemagglutinin, Nucleoprotein and Neuraminidase Genes Across Multiple Hosts.","authors":"Kalpana Singh, Yashpal S Malik, Maged Gomaa Hemida","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090864","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090864","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>H5N1 Influenza A virus continues to pose a significant zoonotic threat, with increasing evidence of interspecies transmission and genetic adaptation. Previous studies primarily focused on avian or human isolates, with limited comprehensive analysis of H5N1 evolution across multiple mammalian hosts. Existing molecular surveillance often lags behind viral evolution; this study underscores the necessity for real-time monitoring of ongoing mutations affecting pathogenicity and transmissibility. Our goals are (1) to retrieve and analyze HA, NP and NA gene sequences of H5N1 Influenza A virus from diverse hosts, including humans, poultry and multiple mammalian species, to assess genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns and (2) to evaluate positive selection sites across the three major genes (HA, NP and NA) to determine adaptive mutations linked to host adaptation and viral survival. To achieve these goals, in this study, we considered (78 HA), (62 NP) and (61 NA) gene sequences from diverse hosts, including humans, poultry and multiple mammalian species, retrieved from the NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clade formations, indicating regional spread and cross-species transmission events, particularly from avian sources to mammals and humans. Selection pressure analysis identified positive selection across all three genes, suggesting adaptive mutations contributing to host adaptation and viral survival. Homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to generate high-quality structural models of HA, NP and NA proteins, which were subsequently validated using multiple stereochemical parameters. Domain analysis confirmed conserved functional motifs, while protein-ligand docking demonstrated stable interactions at conserved binding sites, despite observed residue substitutions in recent isolates. Earlier research concentrated on HA alone; this study integrates HA, NP and NA genes for a broader understanding of viral evolution and adaptation. These findings highlight ongoing evolutionary changes in H5N1 genes that may enhance viral adaptability and pathogenicity, underscoring the need for continuous molecular surveillance and updated antiviral strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472945/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"γδ T Cells Mediate Protective Immunity Following Vaccination with an Insect-Based Chikungunya Fever Vaccine in Mice.","authors":"Leslie Rodriguez, Awadalkareem Adam, Huanle Luo, Samantha R Osman, Kenneth Plante, Shannan L Rossi, Scott C Weaver, Tian Wang","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090863","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090863","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Eilat (EILV)/chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a chimeric virus that contains the nonstructural proteins and cis-acting sequences of EILV and the structural proteins of CHIKV. EILV/CHIKV vaccination is known to protect with a single dose against wild-type (WT) CHIKV challenge in mice and non-human primates. The underlying immune mechanism of the vaccine-induced host protection remains unknown. γδ T cells react to WT CHIKV infection by controlling the virus-induced tissue inflammation and damage. Here, we found that γδ T cells contribute to EILV/CHIKV-induced host protection against WT CHIKV infection. TCRδ^-/- mice, which are deficient of γδ T cells, had impaired CHIKV-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses, antibody production and memory B cell responses following vaccination. Both antibody and CD8⁺ T cells of EILV/CHIKV-vaccinated mice were required for protection type I interferon receptor deficient mice from lethal WT CHIKV infection. Moreover, γδ T cells expanded quickly in response to EILV/CHIKV vaccination. TCRδ^-/- mice, had lower levels of innate immune cytokines and impaired activation of antigen presenting cell (APCs). Overall, γδ T cells contribute to EILV/CHIKV-induced host protection by promoting APC maturation, T cell priming and the induction of humoral immune responses upon EILV/CHIKV vaccination.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic Markers Distinguishing Shiga Toxin-Producing <i>Escherichia coli</i>: Insights from Pangenome and Phylogenomic Analyses.","authors":"Asmaa Elrefaey, Kingsley E Bentum, Emmanuel Kuufire, Tyric James, Rejoice Nyarku, Viona Osei, Yilkal Woube, Temesgen Samuel, Woubit Abebe","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090862","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090862","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> (STEC) are genetically diverse foodborne pathogens of major global public health concerns. Serogroup-level identification is critical for effective surveillance and outbreak control; however, it is often challenged by STEC's genome plasticity and frequent recombination. In this study, we employed a standardized pangenomic pipeline integrating Roary ILP Bacterial Core Annotation Pipeline (RIBAP) and Panaroo to analyze 160 complete, high-quality STEC genomes representing eight major serogroups at a 95% sequence identity threshold. Candidate serogroup-specific markers were identified using gene presence/absence profiles from RIBAP and Panaroo. Our analysis revealed several high-confidence markers, including metabolic genes (<i>dgcE</i>, <i>fcl_</i>2, <i>dmsA</i>, <i>hisC</i>) and surface polysaccharide-related genes (<i>capD</i>, <i>rfbX</i>, <i>wzzB</i>). Comparative pangenomic evaluation showed that RIBAP predicted a larger pangenome size than Panaroo. Additionally, some genomes from the O104:H1, O145:H28, and O45:H2 serotypes clustered outside their expected clades, indicating sporadic serotype misplacements in phylogenetic reconstructions. Functional annotation suggested that most candidate markers are involved in critical processes such as glucose metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and cell surface assembly. Notably, approximately 22.9% of the identified proteins were annotated as hypothetical. Overall, this study highlights the utility of pangenomic analysis for potential identification of clinically relevant STEC serogroups markers and phylogenetic interpretation. We also note that pangenome analysis could guide the development of more accurate diagnostic and surveillance tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First Report on the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with <i>Toxocara</i> Infection in Blood Donors from Romania.","authors":"Ana Alexandra Ardelean, Rodica Lighezan, Sorin Ursoniu, Sergiu Adrian Sprintar, Daniela Adriana Oatis, Alin Gabriel Mihu, Maria Alina Lupu, Tudor Rareș Olariu","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090857","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease with a potentially major impact on public health. Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with <i>Toxocara</i> seroprevalence in blood donors from Romania. Serum samples were obtained from 1347 Romanian blood donors and serologically tested for anti-<i>Toxocara</i> antibodies. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to determine the risk factors associated with <i>Toxocara</i> infection. The overall prevalence of <i>Toxocara</i> antibodies was 29.6%, with a significant age-associated increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A higher rate was observed in individuals from rural areas compared to urban areas (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and in males compared to females (<i>p</i> = 0.001). In univariate statistical analysis, seropositivity was significantly associated with household ownership (<i>p</i> < 0.001), contact with soil (<i>p</i> < 0.001), owning dogs (<i>p</i> < 0.001), cats (<i>p</i> = 0.003), and consumption of undercooked poultry (<i>p</i> = 0.002). In a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, only a lower level of education, age, male gender, consumption of undercooked or raw poultry, and contact with soil were associated with higher <i>Toxocara</i> seroprevalence. Our findings suggest a significant prevalence of <i>Toxocara</i> infection in this region. The identified risk factors highlight the necessity of health education programs that focus on public awareness and promote preventive behaviors, especially among at-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological Significance of the Fox (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>) in the Spread of Vector-Transmitted Zoonoses in the Area of Northern Croatia.","authors":"Marina Pavlak, Jelena Prpić, Ioana A Matei, Krešimir Trninić, Snježana Ćurković, Željko Mihaljević, Zrinka Štritof, Ksenija Vlahović, Žarko Udiljak, Lorena Jemeršić","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090858","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090858","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wild animals often serve as reservoirs for vector-borne zoonoses, which are on the rise worldwide but have not yet been sufficiently researched. Vector-borne zoonoses, such as those caused by <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>, <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato, and <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i>, are a growing public health concern due to their increasing incidence and broad host range. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for vector-borne bacterial (borreliosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis) and parasitic (dirofilariasis) pathogens and to detect some of these pathogens in the red fox (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>) population in Croatia. A total of 179 blood samples from foxes from nine districts were analysed. The SNAP ^® 4Dx ^® Plus rapid test was used to detect circulating <i>D. immitis</i> antigen and antibodies against <i>B. burgdorferi</i>, <i>A. phagocytophilum</i>/<i>Anaplasma platys</i>, and <i>Ehrlichia canis</i>/<i>Ehrlichia ewingii</i>. Circulating <i>D. immitis</i> antigen was detected in 6.70% of the samples (95% CI: 3.20-10.19%), while antibodies against <i>A. phagocytophilum</i>/<i>A. platys</i> were found in 10.06% (95% CI: 5.8-14.25%). Only one sample was positive for <i>B. burgdorferi</i>, while no antibodies were detected for <i>E. canis</i>/<i>E. ewingii</i>. Spatial analysis revealed statistically significant differences in prevalence by geographical region (district) and age, while no significant correlations were found. In the standard PCR analysis, DNA of <i>D. immitis</i> was not detected in any of the eight positive and eight negative SNAP ^® 4Dx ^® Plus samples. <i>D. repens</i>, <i>A. reconditum</i>, or co-infections were also not detected by PCR. Of the nine samples that tested positive for <i>A. phagocytophilum</i>/<i>A. platys</i> antibodies, four were confirmed to be positive for <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> by nested and semi-nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and GroEL genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarities with various European strains, including zoonotic strains. This study is the first molecular detection of <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> from blood samples of red foxes in Croatia. The results show that red foxes are not free from infections such as anaplasmosis and dirofilariasis, emphasising their possible role in the maintenance and transmission of these pathogens in certain regions of Croatia. These results underline the need for further research to better understand the epidemiological importance of red foxes in the spread of vector-borne diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Whole Genome Characterization of <i>Leptospira kirschneri</i> Serogroup Pomona in Croatia: Insights into Its Diversity and Evolutionary Emergence.","authors":"Iva Benvin, Taylor K Paisie, Ines Caetano Varanda, Zachary P Weiner, Robyn A Stoddard, Jay E Gee, Christopher A Gulvik, Chung K Marston, Vesna Mojčec Perko, Zrinka Štritof, Josipa Habuš, Josip Margaletić, Marko Vucelja, Linda Bjedov, Nenad Turk","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090860","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090860","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic <i>Leptospira</i> spp. with small rodents serving as the main reservoir. In Croatia, the serogroup Pomona has been detected most frequently, but its genomic diversity remains insufficiently characterized. This study presents the first whole genome sequencing analysis of 48 Croatian <i>Leptospira</i> spp. isolates collected from small rodents over a 14-year period. Serological typing confirmed that all the isolates belonged to the serogroup Pomona. Genomic analysis assigned them to <i>L. kirschneri</i> based on high genomic similarity using average nucleotide identity (ANI). The isolates were assigned to ST-98 using traditional multilocus sequence typing (MLST), while cgMLST identified seven genotype clusters, many of which showed geographic structuring. Phylogenetic analyses based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) supported this structure and revealed a monophyletic clade of Croatian isolates distinct from other global <i>L. kirschneri</i> strains. Serological typing, MLST, and phylogenetic clustering support classification of the isolates as <i>L. kirschneri</i>, serogroup Pomona, most likely serovar Mozdok, although serovar Tsaratsovo cannot be excluded. These results indicate the existence of a geographically restricted and potentially host-adapted lineage of <i>L. kirschneri</i> in Croatia. The integration of ecological, serological, and genomic data in this study emphasizes the value of whole genome sequencing for understanding the population biology of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. serogroup Pomona. Moreover, it supports targeted, country-specific surveillance and control strategies for leptospirosis through the identification of circulating serovars and species in reservoir hosts, in line with a One Health approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472981/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbiological and Clinical Short-Term Evaluation of the Efficacy of an Herbal Tincture as an Adjunctive Treatment in the Management of Stage II, Grade A Periodontitis.","authors":"Milica Petrović, Ljiljana Kesić, Bojana Miladinović, Radmila Obradović, Ana Pejčić, Marija Bojović, Katarina Šavikin, Jelena Živković, Ivana Stanković, Dušanka Kitić","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090861","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090861","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increased incidence of periodontitis, the resistance of periodontal pathogens to antibiotics, and the adverse effects of certain drugs used in general dentistry present a strong rationale for seeking safe and effective plant-based treatments for periodontitis. HPLC-DAD analysis of a commercial herbal tincture confirmed the presence of rosmarinic acid (1102.79 ± 21.56 µg/mL), luteolin-7-<i>O</i>-glucoside (358.06 ± 5.64 µg/mL), and isorhamnetin (24.17 ± 0.49 µg/mL), bioactive phytochemicals known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatoryproperties. The randomized prospective study analyzed Tinctura paradentoica^® as an adjunct to anti-infectious non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with moderate periodontitis (Stage II, Grade A). All 60 recruited participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (NSPT + Tinctura paradentoica^®) or the control group (NSPT alone). The rate of prevalence of the following periodontopathogenic microorganisms (<i>Treponema denticola</i>, <i>Tannerella forsythensis</i>), assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, was significantly lower in the intervention group (<i>p</i> < 0.001), but no statistically significant difference was found for <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>. The herbal tincture, combined with NSPT, produces a short-term reduction in periodontal clinical parameters (Green-Vermilion plaque index, bleeding on probing index (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL), without clinical relevance, and the prevalence of the following bacteria species (<i>Tannerella forsythensis</i>, <i>Treponema denticola</i>).</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emergence of Carbapenem-Resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> in a Romanian Infectious Diseases Hospital.","authors":"Dragos Stefan Lazar, Maria Nica, Corina Oprisan, Maricela Vlasie, Ilie-Andrei Condurache, Simin Aysel Florescu, George Sebastian Gherlan","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090859","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, a member of the Enterobacterales Order, often colonises the gut and causes diverse infections, including bloodstream, urinary, and respiratory infections. The rise in carbapenem-resistant sFtrains, especially those producing enzymes like <i>K. pneumoniae</i> carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Oxacillinase 48 (OXA48), or combinations (NDM+OXA48-<i>like</i>), poses a significant threat across Europe, notably in Romania. These strains spread rapidly via mobile genetic elements, complicating treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study of multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strains isolated from clinical samples collected at an infectious diseases hospital in Romania.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analysed the evolution of carbapenemases and their combinations from 2010 to 2024, with the rising antibiotic consumption, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (CRKP) rose from 4.9% in 2010 to 41.6% in 2024. There was an overall antibiotic use increase, especially colistin (186%) between 2019-2024. Additionally, we examined the dynamics of antibiotic susceptibility that decreased in 2023-2024 and found that susceptibility of NDM+OXA48-<i>like</i> isolates to colistin was 16.5% and to cefiderocol 58.5%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The rising prevalence of <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strains with complex resistance mechanisms, coupled with a significant reduction in available treatment options, demands a fundamental paradigm shift in the management of these infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}