{"title":"Antiviral properties of phages: potential mechanisms of actions.","authors":"Rizka O A Jariah, Mohamad S Hakim","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bacteriophages (phages) have long been known to treat bacterial infections, although some early studies showed that phages also have potential antiviral mechanisms. This review provides a descriptive summary of ideas on how phages might have a significant role in inhibiting viral infections. Phages are known to directly modulate the host immunity that subsequently influences the immune responses against viral infections. It is also reasonable to explore the phage potential to directly inhibit viral infection in humans, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Lastly, phages have been utilized as a molecular tool in phage display. Phages have already been engineered to produce monoclonal antibodies against the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Despite all these possibilities, further extensive and deeper explorations are highly required.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microbiological Screening of Bacterial contamination of Platelet Concentrates units: a single center observational study.","authors":"Wafaa Alhazmi, Afnan Khouj, Abdulrahman Al-Ahdal, Amr J Halawani, Nora Hakami, Hashim Felemban","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bacterial contamination of donated platelets is a major issue in transfusion medicine. Platelet concentrates (PCs) are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination due to their storage conditions at room temperature, which offers a suitable environment for bacterial proliferation. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in the donated platelets units and to identify the isolated microorganisms in samples collected in blood bank services at King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A total of 4,318 PCs units including random and pooled platelets were screened for bacterial contamination in the microbiology laboratory. All PCs units were inoculated into blood bottles and loaded into the BacT/ALERT microbial detection system to screen for any suspected bacterial growth over five days. Positive platelet units were subcultured on nutrient agar and incubated overnight at 37°C. The microbiological identification of contaminated PCs units was then performed using the Microscan WalkAway system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six positive bacterial isolates were recovered and isolated from the screened PCs units. Most of the microorganisms isolated from contaminated platelets were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), including Staphylococcus capitis (50%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (17%), and Corynebacterium species (33%) among the isolates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Microorganisms isolated from PCs units were mainly skin contaminants related to procedures used during donor phlebotomy or lab processing techniques. However, the rate of bacterial contamination of the donated PCs units subjected to screening was low in this study. The continuous improvement of safety precautions, protocols, and quality assurance of blood collection and storage procedures is essential to reduce the risk of contaminating donated units and any potential post blood transfusion reactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"56-60"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giulia Gatti, Maria Sofia Montanari, Michela Fantini, Anna Marzucco, Laura Dionisi, Claudia Colosimo, Ludovica Ingletto, Francesca Taddei, Giorgio Dirani, Silvia Zannoli, Laura Grumiro, Massimiliano Guerra, Martina Brandolini, Alessandra Mistral De Pascali, Alessandra Scagliarini, Carlo Biagetti, Tommaso Fasano, Vittorio Sambri, Monica Cricca
{"title":"Epidemiology of meningoencephalitis from 2017 to 2024 in Romagna, Italy, through a molecular integrated surveillance.","authors":"Giulia Gatti, Maria Sofia Montanari, Michela Fantini, Anna Marzucco, Laura Dionisi, Claudia Colosimo, Ludovica Ingletto, Francesca Taddei, Giorgio Dirani, Silvia Zannoli, Laura Grumiro, Massimiliano Guerra, Martina Brandolini, Alessandra Mistral De Pascali, Alessandra Scagliarini, Carlo Biagetti, Tommaso Fasano, Vittorio Sambri, Monica Cricca","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Meningoencephalitis (ME) is a severe inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system and poses a complex diagnostic challenge. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to reduce both mortality and long-term neurological complications. This study analysed data from 1,879 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected in seven different hospitals and processed at the Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Italy, over eight years. Each CSF sample was analysed for total cell count, polymorphonuclear cells, mononuclear cells, physical appearance, glucose and protein levels, bacterial culture, molecular findings, and blood culture. The majority of CSF appeared turbid when the total cell count was > 5×106 cells/L. Notably, polymorphonuclear cells > 5×106 cells/L can be considered a potential surrogate marker of bacterial ME, and bacterial pathogens showed significantly different glucose level among different species. The integrated diagnostic approach, including culture and molecular testing, identified Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most common bacterial cause of adult meningitis, followed by Listeria monocytogenes and Neisseria meningitidis. Interestingly, blood culture anticipated the detection of the same pathogen that was revealed in CSF only by molecular assay. In conclusion, the findings underscore the essential role of an integrated diagnostic approach to optimize patient management and to better define the local epidemiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"26-35"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paolo Gigante, Alessandro Avella, Elisa Nava, Gabriele Arcari, Domenico Caleca, Riccardo Capuano, Mattia Carbotti, Carlo Jovane, Andrea Ambrosini, Nicasio Mancini
{"title":"A case of Kocuria rhizophila infection and persistence in ascitic fluid of a peritoneal dialysis patient with polycystic kidney disease.","authors":"Paolo Gigante, Alessandro Avella, Elisa Nava, Gabriele Arcari, Domenico Caleca, Riccardo Capuano, Mattia Carbotti, Carlo Jovane, Andrea Ambrosini, Nicasio Mancini","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-established renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease, but peritonitis continues to represent a significant clinical challenge. While most cases are attributed to gram-positive bacteria from the skin microbiota, emerging reports have documented infections with atypical organisms, including Kocuria species. Here we present the case of a 68-year-old woman with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis who developed recurrent peritonitis episodes due to Kocuria rhizophila, a microorganism traditionally considered a non-pathogenic commensal. Despite initial resolution following intraperitoneal vancomycin therapy, the patient experienced multiple relapses within short intervals, raising concerns regarding biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. This report highlights the diagnostic complexities, therapeutic uncertainties, and the need for accurate microbiological identification in managing uncommon pathogens. It also underscores the importance of tailored strategies and vigilant monitoring in recurrent PD-related peritonitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"75-78"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Serotyping and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Characterisation of Salmonella.","authors":"Ling Li, Dan Li, Jie Ma, Cong Zhang, Shirong Li","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes, and resistance gene characteristics of Salmonella isolates from a hospital in Weifang, China, 80 Salmonella strains isolated from clinical specimens from January 2021 to April 2023 were collected for this study. Bacterial identification was first performed, with subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Species confirmation was validated via average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to determine sequence types (STs). Among the 80 isolates, the most common specimen type was faeces (n=59, 73.75%), followed by blood (n=12, 15.00%). A total of 13 serotypes were identified, with Salmonella Enteritidis (n=43, 53.75%) and Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- (n=11, 13.75%) as the predominant serotypes. MLST analysis identified 15 sequence types (STs), and ST11 had the highest proportion, followed by ST34. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed the highest resistance rate to ampicillin (80.00%), while ceftazidime exhibited the lowest resistance rate (8.75%). WGS analysis predicted 57 resistance genes, among which aminoglycoside resistance genes were the most frequent (n=16). Ten β-lactamase genes were detected, with blaTEM-1D being the most common (n=47, 58.75%). In conclusion, S. Enteritidis (primarily ST11) is the dominant serotype of Salmonella in this hospital. The isolates carry multiple resistance genes and exhibit a high resistance rate to ampicillin, emphasizing the need for cautious clinical use of this antibiotic. Ceftazidime may be a more reliable option for empirical treatment of Salmonella infections in this region.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"18-25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fangqian Liu, Huawen Yin, Mingxia Liu, Zengjun Ji, Hongxing Shen
{"title":"A new subtype of hepatitis E virus gene 3 has emerged in Italy and several other European countries.","authors":"Fangqian Liu, Huawen Yin, Mingxia Liu, Zengjun Ji, Hongxing Shen","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In European countries, the number of locally-acquired hepatitis E virus (HEV) cases has increased in recent years, primarily linked to infections caused by HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3). The novel HEV-3 subtype 3n was initially reported in Italy; however, its distribution across other European regions remained uncertain. Here, we analyzed all HEV-3 ORF2 sequences from European countries deposited in NCBI (2016-2024). Phylogenetic analysis identified 47 HEV-3n sequences: 43 from wild boars (37 from Italy, 6 from Poland) and 4 human-derived sequences (two blood donor samples each from France and Denmark). Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated a 4.0-7.2% genetic distance between human and wild boar HEV-3n isolates, confirming their close evolutionary relationship. This genetic evidence, combined with the geographic distribution across Italy, Poland, France, and Denmark, provides robust molecular support for zoonotic transmission of HEV-3n from wild boars to humans. The findings indicate that HEV-3n is not restricted to Italy but has disseminated across multiple European countries, establishing wild boars as a key reservoir for human infections. This study underscores the need for integrated surveillance of HEV-3n in wildlife and human populations across Europe to mitigate zoonotic risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"61-64"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mitochondrial DNA as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern in Stored Blood: Mechanisms of Transfusion-Induced Sterile Inflammation.","authors":"Liangli Chen, Chunhong Gong","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Transfusion of stored red blood cells (RBCs) is a life-saving intervention in trauma, surgery, and critical care. However, storage-induced alterations, collectively termed \"storage lesions,\" lead to the accumulation of bioactive mediators, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which functions as a potent damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). mtDNA released from residual leukocytes, platelets, and extracellular vesicles during storage activates innate immune pathways via TLR9, cGAS-STING, and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. This triggers neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, monocyte/macrophage activation, platelet aggregation, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to transfusion-related complications such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM), microvascular thrombosis, and organ injury. Mechanistic understanding of mtDNA-mediated sterile inflammation highlights multiple intervention points, including improved storage conditions, leukoreduction, mtDNA removal, modulation of extracellular vesicles, and pharmacologic inhibition of downstream immune pathways. Integrating these strategies offers the potential to mitigate transfusion-induced inflammatory complications and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"11-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaojiao Zhang, Meichun Liang, Qiaoli Wu, Qiuli He, Guofeng Mao
{"title":"Species Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia Complex from Multicenter Clinical Settings in Shaoxing, China.","authors":"Xiaojiao Zhang, Meichun Liang, Qiaoli Wu, Qiuli He, Guofeng Mao","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study characterized the clinical distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) isolates in the Shaoxing region. A total of 303 clinical BCC isolates collected from 15 healthcare facilities during 2023 were analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS for identification and VITEK 2 COMPACT for susceptibility testing, following CLSI 2023 guidelines (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2023). B. cenocepacia (75.2%), B. multivorans (13.5%), and B. cepacia (6.9%) were the predominant species, while six isolates remained unidentified at the species level. Isolates were recovered primarily from male patients (58.1%), individuals over 65 years (70.0%), and ICU (intensive care unit) patients (59.7%). Respiratory specimens - including sputum, throat swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid - accounted for the majority of isolates (79.5%), followed by pleural/ascitic fluids and blood (11.9%), and urine (2.3%). B. cenocepacia was more prevalent in male patients (63.6%), whereas B. multivorans and B. cepacia predominantly affected females, accounting for 63.4% and 61.9% of cases, respectively (p = 0.001). Regarding age distribution, the majority of patients across all three species were over 65 years of age, with no statistically significant difference observed among the groups (p = 0.713). Significant associations were also found between species and both hospital setting (p = 0.020) and specimen type (p<0.001). All three major species exhibited high susceptibility (>90%) to ceftazidime, with no significant differences among them. In contrast, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the susceptibility rates of B. cenocepacia compared to the other two species toward minocycline, meropenem, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. These results highlight the necessity of AST (Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing)-guided therapy to optimize treatment and limit resistance development.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"44-49"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rais Shakirov, Yuliia Pankratova, Aydar Shakurov, Anastasiya Senina, Eugenia Boulygina, Tatiana Grigoryeva, Dina Yarullina, Oleg Karpukhin
{"title":"Comparative characteristics of the microbiota of diverticula in complicated diverticulitis.","authors":"Rais Shakirov, Yuliia Pankratova, Aydar Shakurov, Anastasiya Senina, Eugenia Boulygina, Tatiana Grigoryeva, Dina Yarullina, Oleg Karpukhin","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a comparison of the mucosal microbiota within different diverticula in a patient with diverticular disease (DD) complicated by diverticulitis and pelvic abscess. The conventional culture method and the 16S rRNA-based sequencing approach were employed to characterize the microbiota of perforated diverticulum (PD) and adjacent visually intact diverticulum (ID) from the same surgically resected colonic segment. Compared to PD, the microbiota of ID demonstrated depletion in butyrate-producing genera and increased abundances of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacteroides. The predominantly pro-inflammatory character of the microbiota in ID suggests its probable pathological role in the progression of DD towards more complicated forms, up to inflammatory destruction (perforation) of the diverticulum wall. The insights of this study pave the way for the development of forthcoming clinical trials focusing on microbiota-related therapies, including the use of antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), to potentially treat or manage DD and its complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"65-70"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Results from a person-centered national survey in Italy: perspectives on ART switching, treatment satisfaction, mental health and psychological disturbances.","authors":"Alessandro Lazzaro, Gabriella d'Ettorre, Patrizia Amantini, Laura Albini, Roberto Caldera, Gabriele Forcina","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>People with HIV (PWH) continue to face major medical and psychological challenges. This national cross-sectional survey conducted in Italy by Infectious Diseases specialists and Community-based Advocacy Groups explored disease awareness and its determinants, ART switching, treatment satisfaction, and mental health. Participants completed the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (HIVTSQs-12), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A total of 500 PWH (67% males) were enrolled. Over half knew their viral load (54%) or CD4+ count (57%), while 31% of respondents were unaware of both. Three in four had switched ART, mostly on clinician advice (90%). About 50% of respondents reported depressive symptoms, and 31% said these affected their daily activities. Anxiety, moodiness, and sleep disorders were the most prevalent conditions (45%, 37% and 36%, respectively). Lower educational level associated with unawareness of immunovirological status, whereas MSM status and once-daily oral treatment were linked to awareness. These findings reveal the psychological burden and the central role of clinicians in ART decision-making, and highlight the significant impact of anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders in quality of life of PWH, underlining the need for integrated mental health support within HIV care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54723,"journal":{"name":"New Microbiologica","volume":"49 1","pages":"36-43"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}