Journal of medical microbiology最新文献

{"title":"Import of global high-risk clones is the primary driver of carbapenemase-producing <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> in Norway.","authors":"Bjørg Christina Haldorsen, Ørjan Samuelsen, Jessin Janice, Miriam Sare, Mari Molvik, Arnfinn Sundsfjord, The Norwegian Study Group On Cp-Pa, Torunn Pedersen","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001944","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.001944","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Infections by carbapenemase-producing <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (CP-Pa) are concerning due to limited treatment options. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) high-risk clones is an essential driver in the global rise of CP-Pa.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> Insights into the molecular epidemiology of CP-Pa are crucial to understanding its clinical and public health impact. Despite the low incidence of infections in Norway, global spread requires an understanding of regional dissemination patterns.<b>Aim.</b> This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of CP-Pa isolates in Norway and molecular epidemiology by utilizing available metadata.<b>Methodology.</b> The study collection comprised all verified CP-Pa isolated in Norway from 2006 to 2022 (<i>n</i>=67) obtained from clinical (75%; <i>n</i>=50) or screening samples (22%; <i>n</i>=15) or had no available information (3%; <i>n</i>=2). Phenotypic analyses included antimicrobial susceptibility testing against clinically relevant antipseudomonal antibiotics and comparative testing for carbapenemase production using three different methods (<i>β</i>-CARBA, IMI/IMD gradient test and Coris O.K.N.V.I RESIST-5). Whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify virulence factors, resistance determinants and genomic relatedness.<b>Results.</b> The isolates were categorized as MDR (<i>n</i>=39) encoding Verona integron-encoded metallo-<i>β</i>-lactamase (VIM) (<i>n</i>=28), New Delhi metallo-<i>β</i>-lactamase (NDM) (<i>n</i>=6), imipenemase metallo-<i>β</i>-lactamase (IMP) (<i>n</i>=4) or Guiana extended spectrum metallo-<i>β</i>-lactamase (<i>n</i>=1) carbapenemases or extensively drug-resistant (XDR; <i>n=</i>28) encoding VIM (<i>n</i>=11), NDM (<i>n</i>=9) or IMP (<i>n</i>=8) carbapenemases. CP-Pa numbers ranged from 1 to 7 annually, peaking at 17 in 2022. Most isolates (<i>n</i>=64) were associated with international travel or hospitalization abroad. Phylogenetic analyses identified nine clusters of closely related genomes, with one suspected case of domestic patient-to-patient transmission. Among 21 detected sequence types, several were global high-risk clones, including ST235 (<i>n</i>=12), ST111 (<i>n</i>=9), ST773 (<i>n</i>=9), ST253 (<i>n</i>=3), ST357 (<i>n</i>=3), ST395 (<i>n</i>=3), ST823 (<i>n</i>=3), ST233 (<i>n</i>=2), ST654 (<i>n</i>=2), ST260 (<i>n</i>=1) and ST308 (<i>n</i>=1), covering 72% of the Norwegian isolates. ST1047 (IMP-1) and ST773 (NDM-1) were associated with Ukrainian war victims. Carbapenemase detection rates for phenotypic tests were 88% (<i>β</i>-CARBA), 91% (IMI/IMD) and 94% (Coris) in our collection.<b>Conclusion.</b> The study highlights the low incidence yet high genomic diversity of CP-Pa in Norway and the dominance of high-risk clones linked to imports, contributing to the high proportion of XDR.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142933864","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":"8-Hydroxyquinoline derivative as a promising antifungal agent to combat ocular fungal infections.","authors":"Paula Reginatto, Angélica Rocha Joaquim, Mário Littieri Teixeira, Saulo Fernandes de Andrade, Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001952","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Ocular fungal infections are pathologies of slow progression, occurring mainly in the cornea, but can also affect the entire structure of the eyeball. The main aetiological agents are species of the genera <i>Candida</i> and <i>Fusarium</i>. Both diagnosis and treatment require speed and effectiveness. However, the currently available therapy basically consists of the use of azoles and polyenes, known for their low penetration into the ocular tissue and the associated toxicity.<b>Hypothesis.</b> Thus, new strategies to combat these infections are needed, such as the development of new antifungals or the use of associations.<b>Aim.</b> Thus, the compound PH151, derived from a promising class of 8-hydroxyquinolines, and natamycin, amphotericin B (AMB) and voriconazole (VRC), the main antifungals used in ocular antifungal therapy, were considered against <i>Candida</i> spp. and <i>Fusarium</i> spp.<b>Methodology.</b> The MICs of compound PH151 ranged from 1.0 to 16.0 µg ml^-1, according to CLSI protocols.<b>Results.</b> The association of PH151 with AMB and VRC showed a synergistic effect for more than 50% of the strains tested.<b>Conclusion.</b> Both the compound alone and its association (VRC-AMB-PH151) demonstrated promising potential as an antifungal agent in ocular infections, since the evaluated ocular toxicity profile was positive and the compounds presented low toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142960775","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":"Modified multiplex PCR for serotyping and pathotyping of <i>Streptococcus suis</i>.","authors":"Rujirat Hatrongjit, Kulsatri Sittichottumrong, Parichart Boueroy, Peechanika Chopjitt, Marcelo Gottschalk, Suphachai Nuanualsuwan, Anusak Kerdsin","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001950","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001950","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> <i>Streptococcus suis</i> is a zoonotic pathogen that causes invasive infections in humans who have been in close contact with infected pigs or contaminated pork-derived products. There is currently no consensus on the universal virulence factors or markers that can differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic or commensal <i>S. suis</i> isolates.<b>Gap statement.</b> A diagnostic tool for serotyping and pathotyping of <i>S. suis</i> is required for active public health surveillance and the One-Health approach.<b>Aim.</b> To improve the former multiplex PCR to serotyping all 29 recognized 'true' serotypes and distinguish pathogenic pathotypes using primers targeting the capsule and <i>ROK</i> pathogenic marker genes.<b>Methodology.</b> Four sets of multiplex PCRs were modified and improved to detect all 29 recognized serotypes of <i>S. suis</i> and distinguish their pathogenic pathotypes using the <i>ROK</i> gene.<b>Results.</b> This multiplex PCR allowed for the simultaneous amplification of <i>S. suis</i>-specific, serotype-specific and pathogenic pathotypes from the DNA of each serotype in each reaction. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the pathogenic <i>ROK</i> marker genes were 84.7% (625/738), 96.4% (423/439), 67.6% (202/299), 81.4% (423/520) and 92.7% (202/218), respectively. There was a significant (<i>P</i>-value <0.001), high positive likelihood ratio [2.9 with 2.5-3.5 of 95% confidence interval (CI)] and a significant odds ratio (55.1 with 31.6-95.9 of 95 % CI), which indicated that the <i>ROK</i> gene could be used as the pathogenic pathotype marker. No cross-reactions were observed with other bacterial species.<b>Conclusion.</b> This modified multiplex PCR was able to distinguish 29 well-known serotypes and predicted the pathogenic pathotypes of <i>S. suis</i> isolates from humans and pigs in a single assay. It is useful for One-Health surveillance of human and pig isolates of <i>S. suis</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142960777","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":"Altered gut microbial profiles in drug-treated rats with alcoholic heart disease.","authors":"Siang Wei, Yan Feng, Ai Meng, Zhiwen Ding, Wenji Lin","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001930","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001930","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Alcohol abuse can lead to significant cardiac injury, resulting in Alcoholic heart disease (AHD). The interplay between cardiac health and gut microbiota composition in the context of alcohol consumption is not well understood.<b>Hypothesis.</b> Shen Song Yang Xin (SSYX) capsule and amiodarone are common drugs used to treat alcoholic heart disease, but little is known about their microbial regulatory mechanisms in alcoholic heart disease.<b>Aim.</b> To investigate the effects of SSYX and amiodarone on cardiac injury and gut microbiota composition in a rat model of AHD induced by alcohol consumption.<b>Methodology.</b> We evaluated body weight, cardiac function, changes in gut morphology, and gut microbiota composition to assess the effects of SSYX and amiodarone on AHD.<b>Results.</b> Alcohol consumption significantly reduced body weight and aggravated cardiac fibrosis. However, SSYX attenuated fibrosis and improved cardiac function. SSYX also improved intestinal morphological changes caused by chronic alcoholism and activated the expression of ZO-1 and occludin, which are important in maintaining intestinal barrier function. The gut microbiota composition was altered in rats with AHD, with an increase in Actinobacteria abundance. Both SSYX and amiodarone affected the gut microbiota composition, and their effects were positively correlated. SSYX plays a protective role against heart injury caused by alcohol consumption. It improves cardiac function, intestinal morphological changes and gut microbiota composition.<b>Conclusion.</b> SSYX and amiodarone may have potential therapeutic options for AHD. Actinobacteria/Firmicutes ratio and the abundance of <i>Christensenellaceae R7 group</i>, <i>norank_flachnospiraceae</i> and <i>Roseburia</i> may serve as potential biomarkers for detecting alcoholic heart disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142933862","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":"Effector genes of type III secretion system and biofilm formation in virulent <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> isolates carrying <i>bla</i> _KPC-2 and <i>bla</i> _PDC-5 genes in hospital environment.","authors":"Vitelhe Ferreira de Almeida, Jane Eire Urzêdo, Teresiama Velikkakam, Gabriela Pires Cardoso Alves Moreira, Sara Carolline Ribeiro da Fonseca, Clara Mariano Bastos, Sabrina Royer, Vinicius Lopes Dias, Elias Rodrigues de Almeida Junior, Caio Augusto Martins Aires, Maria Amélia Vieira Maciel, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti, Paulo P Gontijo-Filho, Rosineide Marques Ribas","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001956","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> In critically ill patients, the occurrence of multidrug-resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> infection is a significant concern, given its ability to acquire multidrug-resistant, form biofilms and secrete toxic effectors.<b>Hypothesis or Gap Statement.</b> In Brazil, limited data are available regarding the prevalence of dissemination, and the impact of the type III secretion system (T3SS) on toxin production and biofilm formation in clinical isolates of <i>P. aeruginosa</i>.<b>Aim.</b> This study investigates the dissemination of virulent <i>P. aeruginosa</i> harbouring the <i>bla</i> _KPC-2 and <i>bla</i> _PDC-5 genes, the presence of T3SS genes and their biofilm-forming capability.<b>Methodology.</b> A total of 128 non-duplicate clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant <i>P. aeruginosa</i> (CRPA) from different sources collected from eight hospitals were examined. Detection was performed by PCR of the T3SS genes (<i>exo</i>U, <i>exo</i>T, <i>exo</i>S and <i>exo</i>Y), carbapenemases (<i>bla</i> _KPC, <i>bla</i> _GIM and <i>bla</i> _NDM) and beta-lactamase gene (<i>bla</i> _PDC). PFGE and phenotypic biofilm production (initial adhesion assay and biofilm cell concentration) were performed.<b>Results.</b> We found <i>exo</i>T⁺ (86%) to be the most frequent genotypic variant, followed by <i>exo</i>Y⁺ (61%). Notably, a substantial proportion of isolates exhibited the simultaneous presence of <i>exo</i>U⁺ and <i>exo</i>S⁺ genes, along with a high prevalence of <i>bla</i> _KPC-2 ⁺ (64%) and <i>bla</i> _PDC-5 ⁺ (64%) among the disseminated clones in the evaluated region. Additionally, 78% of the isolates demonstrated biofilm-forming capability, and two distinct clonal profiles were identified and disseminated both intra- and inter-hospital. Also, it was revealed that the <i>exo</i>U genotype was significantly more frequent among multidrug-resistant strains.<b>Conclusion.</b> These findings underscore the ability of multiple virulent and biofilm-producing clones of CRPA to propagate effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143049051","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":"Pathogenesis of <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> prosthetic joint infections: bacterial adhesion and internalization in osteoblasts, synoviocytes and endothelial cells.","authors":"Anne Lise Maucotel, Deborah M Crepin, Allison Faure, Florent Valour, Frédéric Laurent, Jérôme Josse","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001959","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001959","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> is frequently isolated during prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Unlike <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, its internalization and persistence within cells are controversial. We aimed to determine whether internalization is involved in the pathophysiology of <i>S. epidermidis</i> PJIs. Adhesion and internalization of <i>S. epidermidis</i> PJI isolates have been studied using an <i>in vitro</i> model. Despite similar adhesion levels to the <i>S. aureus</i> SH1000 reference strain, <i>S. epidermidis</i> isolates had a low internalization in osteoblasts, synoviocytes and endothelial cells. Internalization of <i>S. epidermidis</i> is strain- and cell-type dependent. Our results do not support <i>S. epidermidis</i> internalization as a key factor in PJIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143026174","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":"Hybrid strains of enterotoxigenic/Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i>, United Kingdom, 2014-2023.","authors":"Ella V Rodwell, David R Greig, Suzanne Gokool, Israel Olonade, Craig Swift, Yung-Wai Chan, Claire Jenkins","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001946","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001946","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Diarrhoeagenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (DEC) pathotypes are defined by genes located on mobile genetic elements, and more than one definitive pathogenicity gene may be present in the same strain. In August 2022, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance systems detected an outbreak of hybrid Shiga toxin-producing <i>E. coli</i>/enterotoxigenic <i>E. coli</i> (STEC-ETEC) serotype O101:H33 harbouring both Shiga toxin (<i>stx</i>) and heat-stable toxin (<i>st</i>).<b>Gap statement.</b> These hybrid strains of DEC are a public health concern, as they are often associated with enhanced pathogenicity. However, little is known about their epidemiology, clinical significance and associated public health burden.<b>Aim.</b> The aim of this study was to describe the microbiology, epidemiology and genomic analysis of this novel hybrid serotype in the context of the STEC-ETEC strains in the UKHSA archive.<b>Methodology.</b> From 2014 to 2023, STEC isolated from faecal specimens testing positive for STEC by PCR were sequenced on the NextSeq 1000 short read platform and a subset were selected for long read nanopore sequencing. Genomes were analysed to determine serotype, <i>stx</i> subtype, DEC pathogenicity genes and antimicrobial resistance determinants.<b>Results.</b> There were 162 STEC-ETEC strains isolated between 2014 and 2023, of which 117/162 were human clinical isolates and 45 were of food or animal origin. An average of 16 STEC-ETEC strains were identified each year, exhibiting a range of different <i>stx</i> subtypes, the most common profiles being <i>stx2g,st</i> (<i>n</i>=65, 40%) and <i>stx2a,st</i> (<i>n</i>=48, 30%). The most common sequence types were ST329 and ST200 (<i>n</i>=24 each), and the most frequently detected serotype was O187:H28 (<i>n</i>=25). Nine cases of genetically linked STEC-ETEC O101:H33, <i>stx1a,st</i> were detected between 8 August and 21 September 2022. Although the temporal and geographical distribution of the cases was characteristic of a foodborne outbreak, the contaminated vehicle was not identified.<b>Conclusions.</b> Phylogenetic analysis and long-read sequencing of the outbreak strain provided insight into the stepwise acquisition of <i>st</i> and <i>stx</i> and the evolutionary history of STEC-ETEC pathotypes. The integration of epidemiological data and whole-genome sequencing for routine surveillance of gastrointestinal pathogens is key to understanding the emergence of zoonotic hybrid DEC pathotypes and monitoring foodborne threats to public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11753528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inactivation of <i>Candida albicans</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and multidrug-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> with dielectric barrier discharged cold atmospheric plasma: a comparative study with antimicrobial drugs.","authors":"Punam Talukdar, Reetesh Borpatra Gohain, Pranami Bharadwaj, Debajit Thakur, Subir Biswas","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001965","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001965","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising technology for neutralizing microbes, including multidrug-resistant strains. This study investigates CAP's potential as an alternative to traditional antimicrobial drugs for microbial inactivation.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> In the era of increasing antimicrobial resistance, there is a persistent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. CAP exerts its effects by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), but its comparative efficacy against antimicrobial drugs requires further exploration.<b>Aim.</b> To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of CAP in inactivating multidrug-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> (ATCC BAA-2469), <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MTCC 96) and <i>Candida albicans</i> (MTCC 227) and to compare its effectiveness with standard antimicrobial drugs.<b>Methodology.</b> CAP, produced by an indigenously developed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) setup comprising a quartz-glass-covered high-voltage electrode and a grounded stainless steel mesh electrode, was used to treat three pathogenic samples with varying treatment times (0-60 s). The zone of inhibition (ZoI; zone where microbes cannot grow) induced by CAP was compared with the ZoI of selected antimicrobial drugs (5-300 mcg). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysed morphological changes, while optical emission spectroscopy (OES) detected RONS generated during treatment. Growth curve analysis assessed CAP's impact on microbial growth, and statistical analysis compared CAP-induced ZoI with drug-induced ZoI.<b>Results.</b> CAP treatment produced substantial ZoI against <i>E. coli</i>, <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>C. albicans,</i> with the largest ZoI (1194±35.35 mm²) in <i>C. albicans</i> after 60 s. DBD-CAP showed equivalent or superior efficacy compared with selected antimicrobial drugs based on ZoI comparisons. SEM revealed extensive cellular damage in all three pathogens, with visible morphological disruption within 60 s. Growth curve analysis showed a significant delay in microbial proliferation with increasing CAP exposure, effectively inhibiting growth over 24 h. OES confirmed the presence of RONS-related molecular bands [N₂(C-B), N₂ ⁺(B-X) and OH(A-X)] and atomic O lines in the CAP.<b>Conclusion.</b> CAP treatment exhibits equivalent or superior antimicrobial activity compared to selected antimicrobial drugs. CAP treatment exerts effects by inactivating pathogens, disintegrating cellular morphology and delaying microbial growth. These findings highlight CAP as a promising alternative to prolonged treatments, addressing antimicrobial resistance and advancing clinical strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143070362","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":"The Apoprotein E4 isotype does not affect the severity of COVID-19 infection and other flu-like syndromes.","authors":"Marina Carvalho-Rassbach, Lucas Haniel Araujo Ventura, Larissa Oliveira Assis, Sabrina Fabrini, Manuelle Maria Pereira Natividade, Janayne Luihan Silva, Karina Braga Gomes, Ana Maria Caetano Faria, Jacqueline I Alvarez-Leite","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001951","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.001951","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), especially the ApoE4 isotype, is suggested to influence the severity of respiratory viral infections; however, this association is still unclear.<b>Hypothesis.</b> The presence of allele ε4 impacts the development of flu-like syndromes.<b>Aim.</b> This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Apo E4 isoform on the severity and duration of flu-like syndromes, including the coronavirus disease COVID-19.<b>Methodology.</b> This study comprised 280 individuals presenting flu-like symptoms, all genotyped for ApoE isoforms. Data were collected on clinical course, comorbidities, nutritional status, biochemical and inflammatory markers, SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription PCR results and disease severity (mild, moderate or severe) according to the World Health Organization criteria. The individuals were analysed as a whole and within subgroups based on the SARS-CoV-2-positive (COVID-19 group) or SARS-CoV-2-negative (flu-like syndrome group) test.<b>Results.</b> The frequency of the ε4 allele was similar across the whole population and in both the COVID-19 and flu-like syndrome subgroups (17 and 18%, respectively). No differences were seen in sex, age range, self-reported skin colour, body mass index (BMI), number of comorbidities, vaccination status, biochemical, cytokine and lipid profiles (except for total cholesterol) in the flu-like group when ε4 allele carriers and non-carriers were compared. In the COVID-19 group, the ε4 allele did not correlate with disease severity or duration, number of comorbidities or inflammatory biomarkers. While gender distribution was equal in the overall COVID-19 population, male gender strongly correlated with COVID-19 severity. Multivariate analysis showed that older individuals, male gender, higher BMI and the presence of comorbidities were linked to increased chances of developing moderate and severe disease. IL-4 was the only factor found to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.<b>Conclusion.</b> The presence of one ɛ4 allele showed no association with the duration and severity of flu-like syndromes, including COVID-19. Nonetheless, SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals tend to be older men with a higher BMI and a tendency to be overweight or with obesity. Regarding COVID-19 severity, BMI, male sex and the number of associated comorbidities were the factors that increased the chance of developing a more severe form of COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143018994","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":"Antifungal potential of silver nanoparticles stabilized with the flavonoid naringenin.","authors":"Jakeline Luiz Correa, Larissa Kikuchi, Deisiany Gomes Ferreira, Fabiana Gomes da Silva, Kelly Mari P de Oliveira, Monique de Souza, Mauro Luciano Baesso, Gustavo Yamanishi, Alexandre Urbano, Melyssa Negri","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001945","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001945","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Fungal infections caused by yeast have increased in recent decades, becoming a major threat to public health.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> Antifungal therapy represents a challenging problem because, in addition to presenting many side effects, fungal resistance has been increasing in recent years. As a result, the search for new therapeutic agents has advanced with the use of new technologies such as nanoparticles (NPs).<b>Aim.</b> Synthesize, characterize and evaluate the antifungal potential of naringenin (NAR)-stabilized silver NPs.<b>Methodology.</b> The biosynthesis of NPs was stabilized using the NAR molecule and an aqueous solution of silver nitrate. The characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed using different methods, which include UV-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Antifungal activity was evaluated against clinical isolates of <i>Candida albicans</i> by determining the MIC and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC).<b>Results.</b> The AgNP NAR showed a colloidal appearance with an average size of 14.71 nm and zeta potential measured at -33.3 mV, indicating a highly stable suspension. XRD analysis confirmed the crystal structure. FTIR spectra showed the presence of several functional groups of plant compounds, which play an important role in the coating and bioreduction processes. The antifungal activity against <i>C. albicans</i> showed an MIC of 3.55 µg ml^-1 and an MFC of 7.1 µg ml^-1. According to the growth kinetic assay in 12 h, there was a reduction of ~50% (<3 log10). Furthermore, AgNP NAR did not show mutagenic potential.<b>Conclusion.</b> The AgNP NAR obtained presented ideal characteristics for biomedical applications, good stability and promising antimicrobial activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143018991","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}