Anaerobe最新文献

{"title":"Anaerobic bacteraemia caused by \"Prevotella massiliensis\" following medical abortion: a case report.","authors":"Louis Ide, Aliona S Rosca, Natalja Van Biesen, Hannelore Hamerlinck, Mariana L Teixeira, Bart Vergauwe, Piet Cools","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anaerobic bacteremia due to Prevotella spp. is uncommon, and \"Prevotella massiliensis\" has rarely been reported from clinical specimens. We describe a case of bacteremia caused by \"P. massiliensis\" in an 18-year-old woman presenting with fever and abdominal pain following medical abortion and subsequent suction curettage. An anaerobic blood-culture bottle yielded small Gram-negative rods that could not be identified by MALDI-TOF MS using a routine reference database. Near-complete 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated 100% sequence identity to the reference sequence associated with \"P. massiliensis,\" supporting species-level identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance to clindamycin and susceptibility to metronidazole and penicillin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of \"P. massiliensis\" bacteremia in the context of medical abortion. This case demonstrates both the pathogenic potential of this rarely reported species and the limitations of routine MALDI-TOF MS identification for recently described or database-limited Prevotella spp., underscoring the value of 16S rRNA gene sequencing when routine methods are inconclusive.</p>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":" ","pages":"103051"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147863315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of genes involved in extracellular DNA release during biofilm formation in Clostridium perfringens.","authors":"Takeshi Ando, Nobuhiko Nomura, Nozomu Obana","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Clostridium perfringens forms temperature-responsive pellicle biofilms at 25°C, characterized by a fibrous matrix composed of BsaA proteins. In addition to BsaA, extracellular DNA (eDNA) contributes to biofilm structural integrity. However, the mechanism underlying its release remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the genetic determinants of eDNA release during pellicle biofilm maturation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We visualized the release of nucleic acids during C. perfringens proliferation using anaerobic live-cell imaging and quantified dead-cell frequency and eDNA levels. We analyzed biofilm matrix-associated RNA by RNA-seq. We deleted candidate genes to assess their roles in biofilm formation and eDNA release. Promoter activity was evaluated using fluorescence reporter assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Live-cell imaging demonstrated that, during growth, a subpopulation released nucleic acids via cell lysis. Dead-cell frequency and eDNA levels increased as a function of pellicle biofilm maturation, suggesting that eDNA released from dead cells contributed to biofilm integrity. We found that biofilm matrix-associated extracellular nucleic acids contained RNA, which likely reflects the transcriptome of lysed cells. RNA-seq revealed transcripts enriched in the matrix fraction, thereby identifying several genes required for pellicle biofilm maturation. Among them, deletion of cpe2430 markedly reduced eDNA levels and impaired biofilm structural stability. Promoter-reporter analysis showed bimodal expression of cpe2430, with high expression limited to ∼3 of the population.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We identified genetic factors governing eDNA release and biofilm maturation in C. perfringens. Our findings suggest a model in which regulated lysis of a subpopulation drives eDNA release, thereby reinforcing biofilm architecture.</p>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":" ","pages":"103052"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147855761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A diabetic mouse model of gas gangrene.","authors":"Francisco A Uzal, Jihong Li, Juliann Beingesser, Jessica Banuelos, Mauricio A Navarro, Bruce A McClane","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Since Clostridium perfringens gas gangrene is strongly associated with human diabetes, this study compared gas gangrene severity in db/db (a model for type 2 diabetes) vs wild-type (WT) mice after a 4 h C. perfringens challenge.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Before C. perfringens challenge, glucose and branched chain amino acids (BCAA) concentrations were significantly higher in db/db vs. WT mice. All mice were then inoculated intramuscularly in, i) the left thigh with DPBS containing 10⁶, 10⁷ or 10⁸ washed cells of C. perfringens type A strain ATCC3624 and ii) the right hind thigh with DPBS. After 4 h, mice were euthanized and samples of muscle and subcutaneous tissue from those thighs were collected for anaerobic culture or histology examination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Gross and microscopic lesions in the left thigh were influenced by bacterial dose. With 10⁷ or 10⁸ bacterial challenges, the db/db mice showed more severe gross and microscopic lesions than did WT mice. No gross or microscopic lesions were observed in the right thigh of any mice. No significant differences were noted in C. perfringens numbers recovered from the left thigh of db/db vs WT mice at any challenge inoculum. After a 2 h challenge, RT-qPCR detected more expression of genes encoding alpha toxin and perfringolysin O in the db/db than in WT mice.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study supports the usefulness of db/db mice to study C. perfringens gas gangrene pathogenesis in diabetics. It also suggests that higher BCAA and glucose levels and/or stronger upregulation of toxin production in db/db mice may be factors that help cause the development of more severe lesions during the early stages of gas gangrene in the db/db mice.</p>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":" ","pages":"103050"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Clinical Significance of Real-Time PCR Cycle Threshold (Ct) Values in Clostridioides difficile Infection.","authors":"Mediha Ugur, Sinan Cetin","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common gastrointestinal infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly following antibiotic use. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic methods are widely used, and the evaluation of cycle threshold (Ct) values as an additional marker for predicting clinical severity has gained increasing interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of PCR Ct values in distinguishing severe from non-severe CDI when evaluated together with clinical and demographic characteristics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this retrospective study, adult patients (≥18 years) with C. difficile (tcdA/tcdB) detected by the QIAstat-Dx® GI2 Panel (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany) between January 2024 and December 2025 were evaluated. Ct values were analyzed together with clinical and demographic data, and risk factors for severe CDI were assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 80 patients with CDI, 38.7% were classified as having severe CDI. Ct values were significantly lower in the severe CDI group compared with the non-severe group (28.1 ± 3.6 vs. 30.8 ± 3.1; p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, Ct value and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were identified as independent risk factors for severe CDI. Each one-unit increase in Ct value was associated with a 20.5% reduction in the risk of severe CDI, while each one-point increase in CCI approximately doubled this risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, PCR Ct values, when interpreted together with comorbidity burden, may be a useful tool for predicting severe CDI and may contribute to clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":" ","pages":"103049"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clostridial hemolysin β-pore-forming toxins: from genomic insights to receptor specificity and clinical implications.","authors":"Jan Franzen, Faezeh Farhoosh, Filippo Cattalani, Iva Cvitas, Horst Posthaus","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Several clostridial species can cause severe diseases in humans and animals. Among their most frequent virulence factors are hemolysin β-pore-forming toxins (β-PFTs). These protein toxins are secreted as soluble monomers that oligomerize on host cell membranes to form membrane-inserted β-barrel pores. Recent research on bacterial hemolysin β-PFTs showed that many, including those secreted by clostridia, target their host cells via specific membrane protein receptors. To date, 14 hemolysin β-PFTs and related homologs have been identified in different Clostridium species, most of which remain uncharacterized. Here we report 11 additional putative hemolysin β-PFT homologs identified across six Clostridium species through database analyses. We reviewed knowledge from genomic, in vitro and in vivo studies on clostridial hemolysin β-PFTs, with emphasis on toxin- host cell recognition and the roles in the pathogenesis of diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":" ","pages":"103048"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Botulinum neurotoxins: A distinct subclass of SNARE-Cleaving endopeptidases","authors":"Sabine Pellett","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are bacterial protein toxins that cause the severe and potentially fatal neuro-paralytic disease botulism in humans and vertebrate animals. Together with tetanus toxin (TeNT), BoNTs comprise the large family of clostridial neurotoxins (CNTs). Structurally, CNTs share conserved features: a 50 kDa zinc-dependent light chain endopeptidase with an HExxH motif linked via a disulfide bond to a 100 kDa heavy chain with distinct domains for translocation and receptor binding that mediate neuronal specificity. During the last decade, genomic analyses have uncovered <em>bont</em>-like genes in non-clostridial species including as <em>Weissella oryzae</em>, <em>Enterococcus faecium</em>, <em>Paeniclostridium ghonii</em>, <em>Chryseobacterium piperi, Paraclostridium bifermentans,</em> and <em>Bacillus</em> <em>toyonensis</em>. The BoNT-like proteins encoded by these genes retain SNARE-cleaving activity and share structural motifs with BoNTs, yet studies during the last decade have shown they exhibit minimal toxicity in vertebrate systems and form phylogenetically distinct clades, suggesting alternative ecological roles. Growing evidence suggests insects as the target of BoNT-like proteins. The expanding repertoire of BoNT-like proteins with conserved architecture and enzymatic function supports the classification of BoNTs as a distinct sub-family within a broader super-family of SNARE-cleaving endopeptidases. We propose the designation SNACLEs (SNARE-Cleaving-Endopeptidases) for this protein super-family, with CNTs and BoNT-like proteins as a distinct families.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 103035"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147343532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genome-based reclassification of the genus Thermoanaerobacter: taxonomic emendations and new combinations","authors":"Noureddine Bouras ,&nbsp;Guendouz Dif ,&nbsp;Saïd Belghit ,&nbsp;Scott V. Nguyen ,&nbsp;Jonathan L. Jacobs ,&nbsp;Omrane Toumatia ,&nbsp;Sherif S. Ebada ,&nbsp;Imen Nouioui","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The genus <em>Thermoanaerobacter</em> is comprised of strictly anaerobic, thermophilic, rod-shaped bacteria predominantly isolated from geothermal environments. Due to phylogenetic and taxonomic overlaps among certain species, this study aims to clarify the taxonomic status of key <em>Thermoanaerobacter</em> members through genome-based analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a comprehensive taxonomic re-evaluation using multiple genomic metrics, including digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity (ANI via FastANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), and percentage of conserved proteins (POCP). These analyses were supported by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and genome-based phylogenomic reconstruction.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Genome-based metrics and phylogenomic analyses revealed several taxonomic inconsistencies within the genus. As a result, <em>Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus</em> is redefined to include <em>Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus</em> subsp. <em>thermohydrosulfuricus</em>, <em>Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus</em> subsp. <em>siderophilus</em>, <em>Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus</em> subsp. <em>ethanolicus</em> and <em>Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus</em> subsp. <em>indiensis</em> under <em>Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus</em> subsp. <em>thermohydrosulfuricus</em> subsp. nov., while <em>Thermoanaerobacter wiegelii</em> is assigned to <em>Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus</em> subsp. <em>wiegelii</em> subsp. nov., comb. nov. <em>Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus</em>, <em>Thermoanaerobacter brockii</em> subsp. <em>finnii</em>, and <em>Thermoanaerobacter brockii</em> subsp. <em>lactiethylicus</em> DSM 9801^T were reclassified as <em>Thermoanaerobacter brockii</em>. Additionally, <em>Thermoanaerobacter mathranii</em>, <em>Thermoanaerobacter italicus</em>, and <em>Thermoanaerobacter pentosaceus</em> are reclassified as <em>Thermoanaerobacter thermocopriae</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study supports a taxonomic rearrangement within <em>Thermoanaerobacter</em>, refining species boundaries based on robust genomic evidence. The proposed changes enhance the taxonomic resolution and phylogenetic consistency of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria within this genus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 103027"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146045954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beta-lactamases in anaerobic, intestinal bacteria: a narrative review","authors":"Marion Dutkiewicz ,&nbsp;József Sóki ,&nbsp;Etienne Ruppé","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anaerobic bacteria in the human intestinal microbiota play a pivotal role in antibiotic resistance, primarily through the production of β-lactamases. This narrative review explores the diversity of β-lactamases found in intestinal anaerobes, their functional characteristics, and clinical implications. Species of the genus <em>Bacteroides</em> are major producers, harboring enzymes from Ambler classes A (e.g. CepA, CfxA and CblA), B (e.g. CfiA and CcrA) and D (e.g. OXA-347), with activity ranging from cephalosporinases to carbapenemases and oxacillinases. Other gut members, including <em>Clostridioides difficile</em>, <em>Fusobacterium nucleatum</em>, and <em>Acidaminococcus fermentans</em>, also encode specific β-lactamases. These enzymes contribute to microbiota resilience following β-lactam exposure and can protect neighboring bacteria via extracellular degradation. This protective mechanism has inspired therapeutic applications, such as recombinant β-lactamases (ribaxamase, SYN-006) designed to preserve gut integrity during antibiotic therapy. Understanding these intrinsic resistance mechanisms is essential for optimizing antibiotic stewardship and mitigating the spread of resistance genes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 103024"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146099575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia - Analysis of occurrence and genetic distribution from three intensive care units","authors":"Fredrik Hammarskjöld ,&nbsp;Knut Taxbro ,&nbsp;Catarina Alkemark ,&nbsp;Anneli Hammarskjöld ,&nbsp;Cecilia Magnusson ,&nbsp;Sara Mernelius","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2026.103026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged several of the well-known routines to prevent <em>Clostridioides difficile</em> infection (CDI) in intensive care units (ICUs). There are limited data evaluating CDI in ICU patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of CDI and possible transmission of <em>C. difficile</em> within three ICUs in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia treated in the ICU between March 14, 2020 and July 31, 2021. All patients were assessed for the presence of diarrhoea, as well as for positive <em>C. difficile</em> antigen analysis. <em>C. difficile</em> isolates underwent high molecular weight (HMW) typing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for the assessment of transmission.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 343 patients were treated in the ICUs during the study period. Diarrhoea was observed in 219 (63.8 %) patients, and 8 patients (2.3 %) were diagnosed with CDI. No evidence of transmission between patients was seen.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study reveals a low occurrence of CDI in ICU patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. WGS was superior to HMW-typing in evaluating potential transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 103026"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146045848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heat-inactivated Akkermansia muciniphila AKK-PROBIO ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression via the NF-κB/MAPK pathway and gut microbiota modulation","authors":"Linglan Suo ,&nbsp;Rao Li ,&nbsp;Menghe Chen ,&nbsp;Xin Ma ,&nbsp;Dayong Ren ,&nbsp;Ji Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2025.103016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anaerobe.2025.103016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Immune dysfunction underlies numerous diseases. While <em>Akkermansia muciniphila</em> exhibits immunomodulatory potential, the efficacy of its heat-inactivated form remains incompletely characterized.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study investigated whether oral heat-inactivated <em>A. muciniphila</em> AKK PROBIO alleviates cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice and elucidated mechanisms. Mice received CTX injections followed by oral heat-inactivated <em>A. muciniphila</em> for 14 days. Analyses included body/organ indices, hematology (WBC, RBC, HGB, lymphocytes), serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM), liver antioxidants (CAT, GSH-PX, SOD), splenic cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α), immune organ histopathology, immune function (ear swelling, carbon clearance), splenic NF-κB/MAPK gene expression, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Heat-inactivated <em>A. muciniphila</em> significantly reversed CTX-induced weight loss, hematological abnormalities, reduced immunoglobulins, and immune organ damage. It enhanced liver antioxidant activity and restored immune function (increased ear swelling, improved carbon clearance). Cytokine imbalances were corrected: suppressed cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α) increased, while elevated ones (IL-4, IL-8, IFN-γ) decreased. The treatment downregulated overactivated splenic NF-κB/MAPK signaling. Gut dysbiosis was ameliorated via reduced Bacteroidota/Bacillota ratio and enrichment of beneficial taxa (e.g., o_Clostridia_UCG-014). Reduced SCFAs, particularly propanoic and isovaleric acid, were replenished.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In conclusion, heat-inactivated <em>A. muciniphila</em> AKK PROBIO effectively counteracts CTX-induced immunosuppression through multi-faceted mechanisms involving immune restoration, antioxidant enhancement, NF-κB/MAPK pathway regulation, and gut microbiota correction, highlighting its promise as a safe postbiotic therapeutic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8050,"journal":{"name":"Anaerobe","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 103016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145627503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}