{"title":"Exploring the anti-quorum sensing potential of synthetic lipstick dyes against Pseudomonas aeruginosa","authors":"Anshula Narayanasamy , Abinaya Kanagaraja , Anantha Krishnan Dhanabalan , Pradeep Sudhakaran , Munusamy Thirumavalavan , Palaniyandi Velusamy , Periasamy Anbu , Pachaiappan Raman","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101708","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lip care products such as balms, glosses, and lipsticks are widely used to enhance lip health, appearance, and protection. Lipsticks provide aesthetic appeal, social and psychological benefits, that act as a protective barrier against environmental stressors. However, growing concerns have emerged regarding chronic lip infections associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>. This is especially concerning in individuals with conditions such as juvenile bullous pemphigoid, hypochromic microcytic anemia, and sickle cell trait. The persistence of <em>P. aeruginosa</em> is largely attributed to its quorum sensing systems, which regulate its virulence. This study explores the anti-QS potential of synthetic dyes found in lipsticks, such as acid red 92, brilliant blue FCF, eosin yellow, titanium dioxide, and carmine, against <em>P. aeruginosa</em>. By the broth dilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and sub-MIC levels were determined, and the effects on virulence factors, such as biofilm, pyocyanin, elastase, and rhamnolipid, were assessed by biochemical assays. Further, biofilms formation was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and gene expression analysis revealed a significant QS inhibition by acid red 92. <em>In-silico</em> analysis by molecular docking studies inferred the potential binding of the dyes with the QS-regulating proteins. Thus, our findings highlight acid red 92 as a promising candidate for therapeutic lip products, offering both cosmetic and anti-QS properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101708"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence and characterization of bacterial rectal colonization patterns in pediatric patients: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Aynaa Al-Khatib , Amal Naous , Elie Salem Sokhn","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern requiring ongoing surveillance to determine its extent and associated factors. This study evaluates bacterial isolates from pediatric patients in terms of distribution, resistance mechanisms, and demographic/clinical correlations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this cross-sectional study, after obtaining parental assent, rectal swabs were aseptically collected from children by pediatric doctors at Healthcare Centers in Beirut. Necessary data were collected through validated questionnaires provided to parents. Bacterial identification was performed using standard culture, isolation, and biochemical techniques. Susceptibility of bacterial strains was studied using antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Finally, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to characterize resistance genes. Associations between resistance phenotypes and sample characteristics were assessed using chi-square or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 118 rectal isolates, <em>Escherichia coli</em> predominated (75.4 %), followed by other Enterobacterales and <em>Staphylococci</em>. Overall, 31.36 % of isolates harbored a major resistance mechanism (ESBL, AmpC, CRE, or MRSA), with ESBL-producing <em>E. coli</em> being the most frequent (22 %) and <em>bla</em>CTX-M detected in the majority of ESBL isolates. Previous antacid intake was the only characteristic significantly associated with resistance phenotypes (p = 0.03). AmpC, CRE, and MRSA remained relatively infrequent but represented clinically important resistance mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rectal colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms was frequent, driven mainly by ESBL-producing, <em>bla</em>CTX-M–positive <em>E</em>. <em>coli</em>, while AmpC, CRE, and MRSA were less common but remained important resistance mechanisms. The association between resistance phenotypes and prior antacid use highlights the need for larger pediatric surveillance studies and careful evaluation of antacid and antibiotic use in this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101707"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Salih , Badria Said , Zakaria Shubayli , Osama Mobarki , Albaraa Hakami , Moataz Zugail , Abdulaziz Zaylaee , Ahmed Majrashi , Jaber Mohammed Hakami , Moayad Haddad , Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi
{"title":"Epidemiological profile of patients undergoing microbiological testing for tuberculosis at a tertiary hospital in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study","authors":"Sarah Salih , Badria Said , Zakaria Shubayli , Osama Mobarki , Albaraa Hakami , Moataz Zugail , Abdulaziz Zaylaee , Ahmed Majrashi , Jaber Mohammed Hakami , Moayad Haddad , Abdulaziz H. Alhazmi","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs and other parts of the body. This study investigates the epidemiological profile of patients tested for TB at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia<strong>.</strong></div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The descriptive retrospective study examined the epidemiological profile of 1093 patients, who underwent TB testing at a tertiary hospital in Jazan from January 2020 to December 2022. Data on demographics, diagnoses, and test results were collected from hospital records.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 1093 subjects, 59.4% were males, and 68% were Saudi. The mean age was 40.12 years. The test results showed positive TB results among 13.4 patients per 100 individuals. Non-Saudi nationalities were significantly associated with positive test results. Younger age groups had higher positivity rates, with a mean age of 34.83 ± 15.47 years for positive cases. TB positivity rate varied over the three years, peaking in 2021, with the highest positive results in June, October, and November.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The higher TB positivity rate among non-Saudi individuals highlights the need for targeted screening and intervention efforts for migrant populations. Furthermore, the increased positivity in younger age groups suggests that additional focus on early detection in this demographic is essential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101722"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Issa Ndiaye , Ousmane Sow , Abdoulaye Cissé , Bissoume Sambe Ba , Farma Thiam , Mouhamadou Moustapha Boye , Baidy Dièye , Cheikh Fall , Yakhya Dieye , Assane Dieng , Amadou Diop , Guillaume Constantin de Magny , Abdoulaye Seck
{"title":"Whole genome analysis of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from healthcare-associated infections in Dakar, Senegal","authors":"Issa Ndiaye , Ousmane Sow , Abdoulaye Cissé , Bissoume Sambe Ba , Farma Thiam , Mouhamadou Moustapha Boye , Baidy Dièye , Cheikh Fall , Yakhya Dieye , Assane Dieng , Amadou Diop , Guillaume Constantin de Magny , Abdoulaye Seck","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Carbapenem resistant <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> (CRAB) is considered a top priority pathogen by the World Health Organization and is also considered a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns and perform comprehensive whole-genome analysis on CRAB strains isolated from HAIs in Dakar, Senegal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CRAB isolates were collected from 2018 to 2021 in two major hospitals in Dakar and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests followed by whole genome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis to identify resistance genes, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and perform phylogeny analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The isolates demonstrated an alarming level of resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, categorizing them as extremely drug resistant. Genetically, they present 5 distinct sequence types (ST1, ST52, ST85, ST107, and ST164), and an average of 71.9% accessory genes. They also present 30 to 51 genes associated with resistance to numerous classes of antibiotics. These genes included those responsible for resistance to β-lactams (such as <em>bla</em><sub><em>OXA-23</em></sub>, <em>bla</em><sub><em>NDM-1</em></sub>, <em>bla</em><sub><em>OXA-51</em></sub> and <em>bla</em><sub><em>CTX-M15</em></sub>), to aminoglycosides (<em>ant(3″)-IIa</em>, <em>aph(3″)-Ib</em>, <em>aph(3′)-Ia</em>), to fluoroquinolones (such as <em>qnrS1</em>, <em>qnrB17</em>, <em>AdeFGH</em> efflux pump), to fosfomycin (<em>fos2A</em>, <em>fosA6</em>, <em>AbaF</em>), and to tetracyclines (<em>tet(A)</em>, <em>tet(B)</em>, <em>tet(39)</em>).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This pioneering study offers insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying carbapenem-resistant bacteria associated with HAIs in Senegal. These findings emphasize the critical need to implement surveillance programs particularly for carbapenem-resistant bacteria to gain a comprehensive understanding of their prevalence, propagation, impact on patient health outcomes, and prolonged hospital stays.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101713"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juan C. Vázquez-Ucha , Ana C. Almeida-Santos , David Velasco , Salud Rodríguez-Pallares , Michelle Outeda-García , Arianna Rodríguez-Coello , Ana Fernández , Pablo Aja-Macaya , Carla Novais , Alejandro Beceiro , Luisa Peixe , Ana R. Freitas , Germán Bou
{"title":"Enterococcus thailandicus: Genomic evidence of a potential new player in enterococcal virulence and antimicrobial resistance","authors":"Juan C. Vázquez-Ucha , Ana C. Almeida-Santos , David Velasco , Salud Rodríguez-Pallares , Michelle Outeda-García , Arianna Rodríguez-Coello , Ana Fernández , Pablo Aja-Macaya , Carla Novais , Alejandro Beceiro , Luisa Peixe , Ana R. Freitas , Germán Bou","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101711","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101711","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Enterococcus thailandicus</em> has been isolated from animals, fermented foods, wastewater, and humans, but its clinical relevance remains unclear. We investigated the pathogenic potential of <em>E. thailandicus</em> by phenotypic and genomic characterization of two human isolates from acute abdominal infections, complemented by a species-wide comparative genomic analysis of all publicly available <em>E. thailandicus</em> genomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two <em>E. thailandicus</em> isolates were recovered from patients with acute cholecystitis and small bowel perforation. Species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and ANI analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed, followed by <em>in silico</em> analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, bacteriocins, and plasmid replicons. All available <em>E. thailandicus</em> genomes were included for phylogenetic comparison.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both clinical isolates were broadly susceptible to antimicrobials. WGS revealed the presence of the <em>ptsD</em> gene (linked to hospital-adapted <em>E. faecium</em>) and the bacteriocin gene <em>enkB</em> in both isolates. One isolate carried the <em>tet(M)</em> gene and a plasmid replicase associated with <em>E. faecium</em> plasmids. Among 46 genomes analyzed, 61 % carried <em>ptsD</em>, all carried <em>enkB</em>, and 48 % harbored acquired AMR genes, including functional <em>optrA</em> (n = 12) and <em>poxtA</em> (n = 5), both conferring linezolid resistance. Phylogenetic analysis showed wide genetic diversity with clustering by host or geography, consistent with ecological versatility.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study reports the first genomic characterization of clinical <em>E. thailandicus</em> isolates, demonstrating its ecological adaptability, opportunistic pathogenic potential, and role as a reservoir of clinically relevant adaptive traits. Expanded genomic surveillance is warranted to clarify its evolutionary trajectory and potential impact on human health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101711"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giancarlo Ceccarelli , Francesco Branda , Fabio Scarpa , Marta Giovanetti , Gabriella d’Ettorre , Massimo Ciccozzi
{"title":"Are mini multiple gatherings akin to mass gathering events and do they constitute a blind spot in influenza preparedness in post-COVID Europe?","authors":"Giancarlo Ceccarelli , Francesco Branda , Fabio Scarpa , Marta Giovanetti , Gabriella d’Ettorre , Massimo Ciccozzi","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101710","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101710"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Somalia's Ebola preparedness and cross-border risk following the recent 2025 DRC outbreak","authors":"Abdirasak Sharif Ali , Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101709","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101709"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Delftia spp as Opportunistic Pathogens: a narrative review","authors":"Michael P. Ryan , J. Tony Pembroke","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101705","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101705","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria pose a considerable challenge in medical settings and are increasingly implicated in infections in these settings. Many are opportunistic pathogens that primarily affect patients with other acute or chronic health conditions. Among them, Delftia species—particularly <em>Delftia acidovorans</em> - have traditionally been regarded as of limited clinical relevance. However, a comprehensive literature review has identified 175 reported cases of Delftia infections, with <em>D. acidovorans</em> accounting the majority cases (87.4 %). Bacteraemia was the most commonly associated condition, reported in 23 cases (13.1 %) with other infections such as pneumonia (9.8 %), sepsis (3.4 %) and peritonitis (2.9 %) also being prominent. The findings suggested that the antibiotics ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and imipenem are usually effective in treating Delftia infections, but that gentamicin should be avoided. These findings suggest that while <em>Delftia</em> spp. may not be a widespread pathogen awareness and appropriate diagnostic recognition are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101705"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juan P. Aguilar Ticona , Luciane Amorim Santos , Xiao Meng , Nivison Nery Jr. , Mariam O. Fofana , Laise de Moraes , Icaro Morais Strobel , Renato Vitoriano , Marina Silveira Cucco , Emilia M.M. Andrade Belitardo , Gowtham Thakku , Jaqueline S. Cruz , Angela M. Detweiler , Norma Neff , Cristina M. Tato , Mitermayer G. Reis , Federico Costa , Derek A.T. Cummings , Albert I. Ko , Ricardo Khouri
{"title":"Metagenomic surveillance reveals off-season circulation of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Salvador, Brazil","authors":"Juan P. Aguilar Ticona , Luciane Amorim Santos , Xiao Meng , Nivison Nery Jr. , Mariam O. Fofana , Laise de Moraes , Icaro Morais Strobel , Renato Vitoriano , Marina Silveira Cucco , Emilia M.M. Andrade Belitardo , Gowtham Thakku , Jaqueline S. Cruz , Angela M. Detweiler , Norma Neff , Cristina M. Tato , Mitermayer G. Reis , Federico Costa , Derek A.T. Cummings , Albert I. Ko , Ricardo Khouri","doi":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Evidence from multiple countries suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the transmission of other respiratory viruses. We characterized respiratory virus transmission during the pandemic in Salvador, Brazil, a tropical region in the Southern Hemisphere.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From November 2021 to October 2022, we conducted biweekly household visits in an urban informal settlement to screen individuals with respiratory symptoms. Symptomatic individuals and their contacts were interviewed, and nasal swabs collected. Virus identification was performed using multiplex RT-qPCR, followed by metagenomic analysis in a subset of symptomatic participants with negative RT-qPCR results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We screened 3174 residents from 1174 households, identifying 669 symptomatic episodes and detecting 219 respiratory viruses. including coinfections, SARS-CoV-2 was the most common with 118 cases (54%), followed by Influenza A with 39 (18%), Rhinovirus with 22 (10%), Human Parainfluenza Virus with 15 (7%), Respiratory Syncytial Virus with 13 (6%), and seasonal Human Coronaviruses with 12 (5%). Co-infections were observed, with combinations involving SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus being the most common. Peaks of Influenza, HPIV, and RSV occurred in late 2021 during low Delta circulation, while Omicron BA.1 emerged in January 2022. Influenza and RSV showed low transmission during Brazil's winter months, and seasonal coronaviruses reappeared two years after the pandemic onset.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Multiplex RT-qPCR and metagenomic analysis allowed rapid detection and sequencing. An off-season influenza peak was identified, possibly due to relaxed hygiene measures or accumulated susceptibility after SARS-CoV-2 interventions. The household secondary attack rate for influenza was lower than for Omicron BA.1, possibly reflecting lower transmissibility or pre-existing immunity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38074,"journal":{"name":"New Microbes and New Infections","volume":"70 ","pages":"Article 101717"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}