Antibiotics-Basel最新文献

{"title":"Genomic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> (OXA-23) and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (KPC-2) Causing Hospital-Acquired Infections in Dogs.","authors":"Isabela Pádua Zanon, João Victor Ferreira Campos, Yasmin Gonçalves de Castro, Isadora Maria Soares de Melo, Flávia Figueira Aburjaile, Bertram Brenig, Vasco Azevedo, Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060584","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat. Among the most problematic pathogens are carbapenem-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, which are significant causes of mortality in humans, particularly in the context of nosocomial infections. In companion animals, these bacteria have been reported mainly as colonizers of healthy animals or, less frequently, in community-acquired infections. However, no confirmed cases of healthcare-associated infections caused by these species have been documented in this population. This study reports the first confirmed fatal cases of infection with carbapenem-resistant <i>A. baumannii</i> and KPC-producing <i>K. pneumoniae</i> in dogs. <b>Methods</b>: Three hospitalized dogs developed infections associated with distinct anatomical devices, including a venous catheter, an endotracheal tube, and a Penrose drain. Bacterial isolation followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing identified carbapenem-resistant <i>A. baumannii</i> and <i>K. pneumoniae</i>. The isolates were subsequently subjected to additional antimicrobial resistance tests and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). <b>Results</b>: WGS confirmed the presence of the OXA-23 carbapenemase gene in both <i>A. baumannii</i> isolates and the KPC-2 carbapenemase gene was detected in the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strain. All three strains exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, including β-lactams (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cephalotin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, ertapenem, imipenem and meropenem), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin), tetracyclines (doxycycline, tetracycline and oxytetracycline), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin), and folate pathway antagonists (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Multilocus sequence typing identified two high-risk clones: <i>K. pneumoniae</i> ST340 (CC258) and <i>A. baumannii</i> ST15 (CC15). Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis confirmed a high degree of genetic similarity between these isolates and strains previously associated with human infections in Brazil. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings provide the first evidence of fatal, healthcare-associated infections caused by these multidrug-resistant pathogens in dogs and underscore the need to strengthen surveillance and infection control practices in veterinary hospitals. Furthermore, the results raise concerns about the potential of companion animals to act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms of public health relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current Applications and the Future of Phage Therapy for Periprosthetic Joint Infections.","authors":"Arian Ocean Abedi, Armita Armina Abedi, Tristan Ferry, Mustafa Citak","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060581","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) present significant challenges in orthopedic surgery, largely due to the complexity of treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Phage therapy, which utilizes bacteriophages to target bacterial pathogens, offers a promising supplement to traditional antimicrobial methods. This review discusses the current applications of phage therapy in the management of PJI, exploring its underlying mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and practical considerations. We also explore advances in phage therapy technology, including the development of phage cocktails, bioengineered phages, and combination therapies with antibiotics, which enhance the specificity and effectiveness of treatments. Furthermore, we address the future potential of phage therapy to be integrated into standard treatment protocols, focusing on ongoing innovations and research areas.The regulatory and ethical aspects of phage therapy in clinical settings are also discussed. By offering a comprehensive evaluation of both the current state and prospects of phage therapy, this review aims to inform clinical practice and stimulate further research into this innovative treatment modality for PJI management.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Landscape of Post-Marketing Requirements Under the Pediatric Research Equity Act for Antibiotics from 2009-2024.","authors":"Daniel Selig, Funmi Aminu, Sue Cammarata, Ting Chen, Lauren Dolak, Stephen Duprez, Stephanie Ecker, Lisa Gault, Sandra George, Margaret Harkins, Clayton Litchmore, Michael Serenko, William Waverczak, Doug Girgenti","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060583","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060583","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> We reviewed Post-Marketing Requirements (PMRs) under the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) for antibiotics approved in adults from 2009 to 2024 to better understand factors associated with PMR study completion. <b>Methods</b>: Initial PMRs, including study design and completion timelines were extracted from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval letters. Studies were cross-referenced at clinicaltrials.gov, with follow-up from adult approval to study completion or through 31 December 2024. <b>Results</b>: Eighteen antibiotics were approved in adults from 2009 to 2024, with 53 associated PREA PMRs. A total of nine PMRs were excluded from analysis (six exclusions for projected study completion dates on or after 12/31/2024, one exclusion due to lack of information, and two exclusions because the study type was not categorizable as Phase 1 or Phase 2). Of the 44 remaining PMRs in the analysis set, the median pediatric study follow-up time from adult approval was 5.3 years (range 0.94 to 11.5 years), with a study completion rate of 54.5% (N = 24). Small- and medium-sized companies had a study completion rate of 10% (N = 2/20) over a median of 6.44 years of follow-up, with no pediatric approvals. Large pharmaceutical corporations had a significantly higher study completion rate of 91.6% (N = 22/24; adjusted hazard ratio 20.3 95%CI, 5.02 to 82.4) over a median follow-up time of 4.7 years and achieved pediatric approval with labelling updates for 75% of antibiotics (N = 6/8). <b>Conclusions</b>: Compared to larger organizations, smaller pharmaceutical companies have experienced difficulty in PREA PMR antibiotic study completion, which may be related to financial difficulties in the challenging market for antibiotics. To improve PMR study completion, smaller companies require continued financial support and innovation in study design. For pediatric antibiotic development, the FDA accepts the extrapolation of efficacy from well-conducted randomized adult trials (i.e., pharmacokinetics (PK) and the safety approach). Therefore, sponsors should consider the use of single-arm, non-comparative PK and safety study designs to reduce the size and scope of trials. Sponsors should also assess whether the evaluation of an antibiotic is necessary in adolescents, or if data in a surrogate population of adults (e.g., low-weight adults) may serve as adequate evidence for adolescent approval.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189388/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution and Clinical Impact of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Virulence Factors in Epstein-Barr-Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer.","authors":"Jin Hee Noh, Ji Yong Ahn, Hee Kyong Na, Jeong Hoon Lee, Kee Wook Jung, Do Hoon Kim, Kee Don Choi, Ho June Song, Gin Hyug Lee, Hwoon-Yong Jung","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060580","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060580","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (HP) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) coinfection lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to the development of gastric cancer. However, studies examining the association between HP virulence factors and EBV infection in gastric cancer are limited. This study investigated the polymorphisms of HP virulence factors associated with EBV infection and their effects on clinical outcomes in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). <b>Methods</b>: A total of 96 HP isolates from 54 patients with gastric cancer were divided and analyzed based on EBV coinfection status. Polymerase chain reaction amplifications of virulence factors were conducted using DNA extracts from HP isolates cultured from gastric mucosal specimens. <b>Results</b>: EBV infection was significantly associated with gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma morphology and a proximal location in the stomach. Most HP strains from patients with gastric cancer were positive for <i>cagA</i> (100.0%), <i>vacA</i> (100.0%), and <i>iceA</i>1 (87.5%). Among HP isolates with EBV coinfection, the prevalence of <i>iceA</i>2 (21.7% vs. 0.0%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and <i>ureA</i> (21.7% vs. 4.0%, <i>p</i> = 0.009) was significantly more frequent, and that of <i>iceA</i>1 (78.3% vs. 96.0%, <i>p</i> = 0.009) and <i>vacA</i> s1a (4.3% vs. 22.0%, <i>p</i> = 0.012) was less frequent than those of EBV- colonies. Multivariate analysis indicated that <i>ureA</i> (odds ratio, 6.148; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.221 to 30.958; <i>p</i> = 0.028) was associated with EBVaGC. No significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed based on the presence of <i>ureA</i> expression in EBVaGC. <b>Conclusions</b>: In gastric cancer, regardless of EBV infection, most HP strains were highly virulent, testing positive for <i>cagA</i>, <i>vacA</i>, and <i>iceA</i>1. Although <i>ureA</i> was significantly associated with EBV infection, it did not influence the clinical outcomes of EBVaGC.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Candidozyma auris</i> Outbreak and Its Effective Control in a General Hospital.","authors":"Flora V Kontopidou, Maria Antonopoulou, Anastasia Votsi, Vassiliki Papoutsaki, Vassiliki Bereri, Evangelia Kourkoulou, Amalia Rompola, Georgia Tsokou, Anna Pavli, Olga Maria Koutantelia, Maria Siopi, Sevasti Leventaki, Joseph Meletiadis, George L Daikos","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060579","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b><i>Candidozyma auris</i> (<i>C. auris</i>) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen recognized as a serious global public health threat. Herein, we report a <i>C. auris</i> outbreak that was successfully contained in a general hospital located in Athens, Greece. <b>Methods:</b> This study was conducted between December 2021 and December 2023. Upon identification of the first imported case of <i>C. auris</i>, the following infection control measures were applied in a stepwise approach: the promotion of hand hygiene, contact precautions and isolation, chlorhexidine gluconate bathing of patients, enhanced environmental cleaning, and active surveillance cultures of all high-risk patients upon admission. Active surveillance cultures were performed weekly in non-colonized ICU patients. <b>Results:</b> A total of 1564 screening samples from 890 patients were analyzed. Sixty-three patients were identified to be colonized and three to be infected with <i>C. auris.</i> After implementing screening and enhanced environmental cleaning, the quarterly incidence of hospital-acquired cases decreased from 0.37 to 0.04 cases per 1000 patient-days (slope of linear trend: -0.08; 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.0004; <i>p</i> = 0.05), despite the continuous inflow of already colonized patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> A bundle of infection control measures, including active surveillance cultures upon admission and enhanced environmental cleaning, can contain <i>C. auris</i> dissemination in acute healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189113/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of ESBL and <i>Amp</i>C β-Lactamase-Producing <i>E. coli</i> Isolates from Poultry in Northwestern Romania.","authors":"Anca Rus, Iulia-Maria Bucur, Kalman Imre, Andreea Talida Tirziu, Andrei Alexandru Ivan, Radu Valentin Gros, Alex Cristian Moza, Sebastian Alexandru Popa, Alexandra Ban-Cucerzan, Emil Tirziu","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060578","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060578","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The widespread use of antibiotics in animal husbandry has led to an increase in antimicrobial-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i>, particularly strains producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and <i>Amp</i>C β-lactamases. This study aimed to isolate and characterize such strains from fecal samples of broiler chickens (n = 71) and slaughtered turkeys (n = 31) in northwestern Romania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR were used to evaluate phenotypic resistance patterns and detect the presence of resistance genes (<i>Amp</i>C, <i>bla</i>Z, and <i>bla</i>TEM).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that 55% of turkey and 61% of broiler isolates were presumptive ESBL/<i>Amp</i>C producers. Among all isolates, 50% were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), 44% as multidrug-resistant (MDR), and only 6% were fully susceptible. Gene detection revealed an overall prevalence of 44.2% for <i>Amp</i>C, 72.7% for <i>bla</i>Z, and 58.1% for <i>bla</i>TEM, yielding a total penetrance of 51.09%. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) values, ranging from 0.67 to 81, suggest the efficacy of the antibiotic susceptibility testing method used in detecting the presence of these resistance genes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, these findings highlight a significant burden of antimicrobial-resistant, poultry-associated <i>E. coli</i> strains, warranting stricter antimicrobial stewardship.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of Probiotics During Antibiotic Therapy in Pediatrics: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Italian Primary Care Pediatricians.","authors":"Giacomo Biasucci, Maria Elena Capra, Antonella Giudice, Delia Monopoli, Brigida Stanyevic, Roberta Rotondo, Alessandro Mucci, Cosimo Neglia, Beatrice Campana, Susanna Esposito","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060577","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060577","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common adverse effect of pediatric antibiotic therapy, often linked to gut microbiota disruption. Probiotics may help prevent AAD when appropriately selected and dosed. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the attitudes and prescribing habits of Italian Primary Care Pediatricians (PCPs) regarding the use of probiotics during antibiotic treatment. A digital questionnaire comprising 23 mandatory multiple-choice items was distributed to 980 PCPs across Italy between July and October 2024. The survey explored probiotic prescribing frequency, indications, strains used, dosage, duration, and sources of information. Descriptive statistics and subgroup analyses by years of clinical experience were performed. <b>Results</b>: A total of 279 PCPs (response rate: 28%) completed the survey; 66.7% were female, and 77.1% had over 20 years of clinical experience. Probiotics were prescribed primarily to restore microbiota balance (81.1%) and prevent AAD (47.3%). The most common barriers included additional cost (35.1%) and perceived lack of evidence (26.5%). <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG (91.8%) and <i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i> (41.9%) were the most frequently recommended strains. Daily doses of 5-10 billion CFU were preferred by 44.4% of respondents, with typical durations of 1-2 weeks (40.1%) or one week (31.2%). <b>Conclusions</b>: Probiotics are widely used by Italian PCPs during antibiotic therapy, especially for microbiota support and AAD prevention. However, variability in practice underscores the need for clearer, evidence-based guidelines regarding probiotic strain selection, dosing, and treatment duration.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in the Environments of Small Ruminant Farms from Central Portugal.","authors":"Jaqueline T Bento, Sara Gomes-Gonçalves, Rita Cruz, Fernando Esteves, Alexandra Lameira Baptista, Maria Aires Pereira, Pedro Caseiro, Pedro Carreira, Luís Figueira, João R Mesquita, Adriano A Bordalo, Ana Machado","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060576","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060576","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global concern affecting both human and animal health, with environment playing a key role in the dissemination of resistance determinants. This study aimed to investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) associated with tetracyclines, β-lactams, macrolides, and sulfonamides in environmental matrices collected from 65 sheep and goat farms in central Portugal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Environmental samples, including water, soil, pasture, and bedding, were analyzed through qPCR for the detection of clinically relevant ARGs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ARGs were detected in 83% of the samples, with over half exhibiting genes from three or more antibiotic classes, suggesting potential multidrug resistance. β-lactamase genes were the most prevalent, followed by those conferring resistance to tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance, while macrolide resistance genes were least frequent. The distribution of ARGs varied by farm type, host species, and municipality.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that small ruminant farms serve as important reservoirs for ARGs. The results underscore the need for systematic surveillance and further research into the ecological and genetic factors driving ARG persistence and dissemination in extensive livestock systems, including proper waste management strategies to limit the spread and persistence of antibiotic resistance and mitigate broader public health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189902/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cellulose Nanocrystal/Zinc Oxide Bio-Nanocomposite Activity on Planktonic and Biofilm Producing Pan Drug-Resistant <i>Clostridium perfringens</i> Isolated from Chickens and Turkeys.","authors":"Ismail Amin, Adel Abdelkhalek, Azza S El-Demerdash, Ioan Pet, Mirela Ahmadi, Norhan K Abd El-Aziz","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060575","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060575","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b><i>Clostridium perfringens</i> is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of poultry, and it has the potential to induce cholangiohepatitis and necrotic enteritis (NE). The poultry industry suffers significant financial losses because of NE, and treatment becomes more challenging due to resistant <i>C. perfringens</i> strains. <b>Methods:</b> The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of cellulose nanocrystals/zinc oxide nanocomposite (CNCs/ZnO) were assesses against pan drug-resistant (PDR) <i>C. perfringens</i> isolated from chickens and turkeys using phenotypic and molecular assays. <b>Results:</b> The overall prevalence rate of <i>C. perfringens</i> was 44.8% (43.75% in chickens and 58.33% in turkeys). Interestingly, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of <i>C. perfringens</i> isolates revealed the alarming PDR (29.9%), extensively drug-resistant (XDR, 54.5%), and multidrug-resistant (MDR, 15.6%) isolates, with multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) indices ranging from 0.84 to 1. All PDR <i>C. perfringens</i> isolates could synthesize biofilms; among them, 21.7% were strong biofilm producers. The antimicrobial potentials of CNCs/ZnO against PDR <i>C. perfringens</i> isolates were evaluated by the agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, and the results showed strong antimicrobial activity of the green nanocomposite with inhibition zones' diameters of 20-40 mm and MIC value of 0.125 µg/mL. Moreover, the nanocomposite exhibited a great antibiofilm effect against the pre-existent biofilms of PDR <i>C. perfringens</i> isolates in a dose-dependent manner [MBIC50 up to 83.43 ± 1.98 for the CNCs/ZnO MBC concentration (0.25 μg/mL)]. The transcript levels of <i>agrB</i> quorum sensing gene and <i>pilA2</i> type IV pili gene responsible for biofilm formation were determined by the quantitative real time-PCR technique, pre- and post-treatment with the CNCs/ZnO nanocomposite. The expression of both genes downregulated (0.099 ± 0.012-0.454 ± 0.031 and 0.104 ± 0.006-0.403 ± 0.035, respectively) when compared to the non-treated isolates. <b>Conclusions:</b> To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CNCs/ZnO nanocomposite's antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against PDR <i>C. perfringens</i> isolated from chickens and turkeys.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Their Bacteriocins for Applications in Food Safety Against <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>.","authors":"Cristian Piras, Alessio Soggiu, Viviana Greco, Pierluigi Aldo Di Ciccio, Luigi Bonizzi, Anna Caterina Procopio, Andrea Urbani, Paola Roncada","doi":"10.3390/antibiotics14060572","DOIUrl":"10.3390/antibiotics14060572","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong><i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> is a major foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis, a serious illness with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations. Its persistence in food processing environments and resistance to conventional preservation methods pose significant food safety challenges. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) offer a promising natural alternative due to their antimicrobial properties, especially through the production of bacteriocins. This study investigates the competitive interactions between <i>Lactococcus lactis</i> and <i>L. monocytogenes</i> under co-culture conditions, with a focus on changes in their secretomes to better understand how LAB-derived bacteriocins can help mitigate the Listeria burden.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Proteomic approaches, including Tricine-SDS-PAGE, two-dimensional electrophoresis, and shotgun proteomics, were employed to analyze the molecular adaptations of both species in response to bacterial competition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results reveal a significant increase in the secretion of enolase by <i>L. monocytogenes</i> when in competition with <i>L. lactis</i>, suggesting its role as a stress-responsive moonlighting protein involved in adhesion, immune evasion, and biofilm formation. Concurrently, <i>L. lactis</i> exhibited a shift in the production of its bacteriocin, nisin, favoring the expression of Nisin Z-a variant with improved solubility and diffusion properties. This differential regulation indicates that bacteriocin production is modulated by bacterial competition, likely as a defensive response to the presence of pathogens.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between LAB and <i>L. monocytogenes</i>, underscoring the potential of LAB-derived bacteriocins as natural biopreservatives. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial competition could enhance food safety strategies, particularly in dairy products, by reducing reliance on chemical preservatives and mitigating the risk of <i>L. monocytogenes</i> contamination.</p>","PeriodicalId":54246,"journal":{"name":"Antibiotics-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12190153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}