Journal of medical microbiology最新文献

{"title":"Growth rates and metabolic traits differ by diarrhoeal manifestation in <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> strains.","authors":"Jennifer M Bosquez, Craig T Parker, Ben Pascoe, Kerry K Cooper","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002053","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction</b> <i>. Campylobacter jejuni</i> is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Infections with <i>C. jejuni</i> can result in two different diarrhoeal manifestations in humans: watery diarrhoea or bloody/inflammatory diarrhoea.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> Currently, little is known about <i>C. jejuni</i> and/or host factors associated with the elicitation of these two distinct diarrhoeal manifestations. We hypothesize that these factors may include growth and metabolic trait differences between <i>C. jejuni</i> strains associated with watery diarrhoea and bloody/inflammatory diarrhoea.<b>Aim.</b> Using <i>C. jejuni</i> strains with a defined diarrhoeal manifestation in the neonatal piglet model, we aimed to assess differences in temperature-dependent growth rates, motility, biofilm production and carbon utilization between diarrhoeal manifestation groups.<b>Methodology</b>. Strains were initially assessed for 192 different carbon sources using phenotypic microarrays followed by specific carbon utilization, growth, motility and biofilm assays at 37 and/or 42 °C.<b>Results</b>. We found that at 37 °C, watery diarrhoea-associated <i>C. jejuni</i> strains grew significantly faster compared with bloody/inflammatory diarrhoea-associated <i>C. jejuni</i> strains. However, there was no significant growth difference at 42 °C between the groups, due to bloody/inflammatory diarrhoea-associated strains growing faster at 42 °C compared with 37 °C. Additionally, at 37 °C, we found that l-fucose utilization was significantly higher among watery diarrhoea-associated strains, while l-glutamine utilization was significantly higher among bloody/inflammatory diarrhoea-associated strains.<b>Conclusion</b>. The results indicate there are distinct metabolic adaptations between watery and/or bloody/inflammatory diarrhoea-associated <i>C. jejuni</i> strains particularly at 37 °C, which may be one of the factors associated with differing diarrhoeal manifestations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12396926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144984332","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":"The relationship between respiratory tract infections caused by toxin-producing bacteria in burn patients during COVID-19: pathogenesis, diagnostics and novel therapies.","authors":"Pooriya Hamidniya, Hamid Sedighian, Mahdieh Farzanehpour, Arezoo Fallah, Hamideh Molaee, Mahdieh Mahboobi","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001997","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.001997","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the complexity of managing burn patients, who are particularly susceptible to bacterial co-infections due to their compromised skin barriers and immune dysregulation. Toxin-producing bacteria, such as <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, pose severe risks by producing virulence factors that impair immune function, delay wound healing and exacerbate systemic inflammation. These challenges are amplified in the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as the viral-induced immune dysregulation and cytokine storms worsen clinical outcomes, leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. This review explores the interplay between viral and bacterial infections in burn patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the role of bacterial toxins, including superantigens from <i>S. aureus</i> and exotoxins from <i>P. aeruginosa</i> in driving hyperinflammatory responses. These synergistic effects complicate treatment by increasing the likelihood of systemic complications, prolonged hospital stays and MDR infections. To address these challenges, we discuss innovative therapeutic strategies, including endotoxin adsorption therapy to reduce systemic inflammation, immunomodulatory treatments to control cytokine storms and bacteriophage therapy for targeting MDR pathogens. Advanced wound care techniques and rapid diagnostic tools, such as CRISPR-based molecular assays, are highlighted as essential for timely and effective intervention. This review underscores the urgent need for integrated approaches that combine targeted diagnostics, advanced therapeutics and robust infection control measures. These insights aim to improve outcomes for burn patients co-infected with bacterial pathogens and SARS-CoV-2, offering valuable guidance for future pandemic preparedness and burn care protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12451751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144839433","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":"Corrigendum: Management of severe and fulminant <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection in adults.","authors":"Daisy Usbell, Nicola Louise Maddox, Ray Sheridan","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002062","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002062","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12365401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144884682","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":"The antimicrobial activity of propolis extract on <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> strains isolated from Qazvin hospital personnel.","authors":"Fatemeh Rahmani, Niloofar Kiaheyrati, Mohadeseh Khakpour, Farhad Nikkhahi, Fatemeh Fardsanei, Saeed Sayfzadeh, Mahtab Alambeigi","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002030","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Nosocomial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacilli, indeed pose significant challenges in healthcare settings. Hospital staff can act as carriers of these infections, potentially transmitting them to patients and colleagues. Propolis, a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees, has shown promising antibacterial properties against various microorganisms, including Gram-negative bacteria like <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> Despite the documented antibacterial properties of propolis, limited research has evaluated its efficacy against clinical isolates from healthcare workers, particularly in Iran.<b>Aim.</b> To evaluate the <i>in vitro</i> effect of propolis on <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>E. coli</i> isolated from the nose and nails of hospital personnel in Qazvin.<b>Methodology.</b> Fifty Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from the nose and nails of hospital personnel in Qazvin. An antibiotic sensitivity test was conducted using the disk diffusion method based on CLSI 2024 guidelines for various antibiotics. The most common isolated strain was analysed using enterobacterial repetitive consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR). Finally, the microbroth dilution method was used to assess the antibacterial effect of propolis on the isolated strains.<b>Results.</b> The most frequent pathogens were <i>K. pneumoniae</i> (66%) followed by <i>E. coli</i> (34%). Most of the isolates were sensitive to the majority of antibiotics tested, and the highest antibiotic resistance was observed in trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (55%), ceftazidime (32%) and tetracycline (26%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production was found in 10% of isolates of all Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, 24% of the strains were multidrug-resistant. ERIC-PCR analysis revealed high genetic diversity among <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strains, which were the most common strains isolated from personnel. The MIC of propolis for both <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>E. coli</i> was 5%, and the minimum bactericidal concentration was 10% after culturing 100 µl on Mueller-Hinton agar.<b>Conclusion.</b> The present study showed that the isolates from the nose and nails of hospital personnel may pose a serious issue in the field of public health. These findings suggest that Iranian bee propolis has medicinal value as a natural product and was identified as an antimicrobial substance with positive effects on bacterial strains isolated from hospital personnel.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12451756/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144823517","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":"Impact of vaccines on antimicrobial resistance.","authors":"Gordon Dougan, Emily Hugo-Webb","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002050","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a real and current threat to public health, yet the role of vaccines in combating this crisis remains underutilized and under-recognized. This meeting report summarizes key insights from a multidisciplinary workshop convened by the Microbiology Society in February 2025, as part of the Knocking Out AMR initiative, bringing together 21 expert stakeholders across academia, industry, clinical and veterinary sectors and policy. The workshop explored how vaccines can reduce the burden of AMR by preventing infections, limiting antibiotic use and slowing resistance development. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen the evidence base for vaccine-mediated AMR reduction, address policy and regulatory barriers and incentivize public-private collaboration in vaccine development. Participants called for AMR impact to be formally recognized in vaccine labelling and national immunization strategies, and for greater integration of vaccines into AMR action plans. The workshop also underscored the importance of One Health approaches, investment in research for both human and animal vaccines and the role of the microbiology community in driving change.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12451748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144857284","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":"Factors that contribute to the success of primary isolation of <i>Mycoplasma genitalium</i> from clinical samples.","authors":"Jose L Huaman, Catriona S Bradshaw, Teck-Phui Chua, Erica L Plummer, Jennifer A Danielewski, Lenka A Vodstrcil, Jorgen S Jensen, Suzanne M Garland, Natasha Wild, Gerald L Murray","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002040","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> <i>Mycoplasma genitalium</i>, a small and slow-growing bacterium, has gained notoriety due to rapidly increasing rates of antibiotic resistance.<b>Gap Statement.</b> <i>M. genitalium</i> is difficult to culture, limiting efforts to understand its biology and the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.<b>Aim.</b> To understand factors that influence success in primary isolation of <i>M. genitalium</i> from clinical samples.<b>Methodology.</b> Neat urine or swabs (high vaginal and anal, in universal transport medium) were collected from patients with confirmed or suspected <i>M. genitalium</i> infections attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. The specimens were stored at -80 °C prior to laboratory analysis. Initial diagnosis was by transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay, and samples subsequently testing positive by quantitative PCR (qPCR) were washed twice and inoculated into Vero cell monolayers with a selective antibiotic mixture (cycloheximide and Thayer-Martin Medium I). Cultures were incubated at 37 °C with 5% CO₂ for 8 weeks and observed daily, with qPCR used to monitor growth.<b>Results.</b> In total, 127 TMA-positive samples were subjected to qPCR, and <i>M. genitalium</i> genomic DNA (gDNA) was detected in 53.5% (68/127) of these samples. An isolate was obtained from 26.5% (18/68) of the gDNA-positive samples following co-culture with Vero cells. The isolation rate varied between sample types, with growth detected in 12.5% (3/24) of the high vaginal swabs and 37.5% (15/40) of the urine samples. No isolates were obtained from anal swabs. The proportion with a successful culture was influenced by the initial <i>M. genitalium</i> load in the sample, which translated into the inoculum size for the Vero cell monolayer. Isolation was unsuccessful with low inoculum (<2,000 genome equivalents, geq), partially successful (13.3%) with a moderate inoculum (2,500-9,500 geq) and highly successful (100%) in samples with a high inoculum (>10,000 geq).<b>Conclusion.</b> The initial bacterial load emerged as a critical determinant of isolation success. This emphasizes the importance of optimizing sample collection and <i>M. genitalium</i> isolation procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12231096/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562373","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":"Distribution and prevalence of <i>Sarcina troglodytae</i> in chimpanzees and the environment throughout Africa.","authors":"Emily Dunay, Ismail Hirji, Leah A Owens, Konkofa Marah, Naomi Anderson, Maria Ruiz, Rebeca Atencia, Joshua Rukundo, Alexandra G Rosati, Megan F Cole, Melissa Emery Thompson, Jacob D Negrey, Samuel Angedakin, Johanna R Elfenbein, Tony L Goldberg","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002044","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Since 2005, the leading cause of death for western chimpanzees (<i>Pan troglodytes verus</i>) at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) in Sierra Leone has been epizootic neurologic and gastroenteric syndrome (ENGS), associated with the bacterium <i>Sarcina troglodytae</i> (family <i>Clostridiaceae</i>).<b>Gap Statement.</b> The prevalence of <i>S. troglodytae</i> at TCS in clinically normal chimpanzees and the environment remains unknown, as does its distribution in other captive and wild chimpanzee populations and their environments across Africa.<b>Aim.</b> The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and prevalence of <i>Sarcina</i> bacteria in sanctuary and wild chimpanzee populations across Africa and to identify demographic and ecological risk factors for <i>S. troglodytae</i> in chimpanzees and the environment.<b>Methodology.</b> We conducted a prospective, multi-season epidemiological investigation of <i>S. troglodytae</i> in chimpanzees and the environment at TCS and a parallel study at a sanctuary in the Republic of Congo. We also describe the results of surveys of chimpanzees at a sanctuary in Uganda and wild chimpanzee populations in Sierra Leone and Uganda for <i>S. troglodytae</i>. In total, we tested 637 chimpanzee and environmental samples using a species-specific PCR for <i>S. troglodytae</i> and a pan-<i>Sarcina</i> PCR.<b>Results.</b> <i>S. troglodytae</i> was more prevalent in chimpanzees at TCS (<i>n</i>=60) during the dry season (96.7%) than during the rainy season (55.2%). Soil was the most common environmental source of the bacterium (54% dry season vs. 4.8% rainy season). Notably, we did not detect <i>S. troglodytae</i> in faecal samples from sanctuary chimpanzees in the Republic of Congo (<i>n</i>=79) or in wild chimpanzees in Sierra Leone (<i>n</i>=18). We did detect the bacterium in East African chimpanzees (<i>n</i>=84) but at low prevalence (2.6%-10.9%). In contrast, we found the genus <i>Sarcina</i> to be ubiquitous in all chimpanzee populations with a higher prevalence in sanctuary chimpanzees (93.1%-100%) than in wild chimpanzees (66.7%-68.4%).<b>Conclusion.</b> <i>S. troglodytae</i> is markedly more prevalent at TCS, the only location affected by ENGS, than at any other location tested, and soil is a likely reservoir of <i>S. troglodytae</i>. These findings strengthen the association between <i>S. troglodytae</i> and ENGS and have implications for sanctuary management and conservation of western chimpanzees.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12284408/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144664135","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":"Scanning electron microscopy and extended viability testing as a tool to evaluate the safety of MALDI-TOF extracts for risk group 3 spore-forming bacteria.","authors":"Kym S Antonation, Britni L Baron, Timothy F Booth, Daniel R Beniac, Cindi R Corbett","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.001992","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.001992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS for rapid identification of risk group 3 (RG3) bacteria is impeded by the following two main limitations: (a) equipment and maintenance costs for instruments placed within containment and (b) lack of a validated inactivation protocol to move RG3 material to a lower containment level. A validated inactivation method would improve operations of public health laboratories by allowing safe triage of potential RG3 agents. Albeit a validated, zero-risk inactivation protocol is unlikely, scientific interrogation of methods to identify and mitigate procedural biosafety risks is vital for institutional risk assessment.<b>Gap.</b> To investigate the effect of a standard MALDI-TOF chemical extraction, hypothesized to alter cells, allowing passage through a filter and maintaining ability to replicate, this study paired visualization using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with extended viability testing.<b>Aim.</b> This work is intended to support risk assessments for the removal of material from a containment laboratory for MALDI-TOF MS.<b>Methodology.</b> A standard set of <i>Bacillus cereus</i> and <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> vegetative and spore preparations was treated with a formic acid:acetonitrile extraction, with or without filtration, and plated on five types of media to monitor growth over 14 days. SEM images were taken of treated and untreated preparations, prior, during and after filtration across two filters. Reference beads provided accurate pore size measurements.<b>Results.</b> SEM demonstrated no difference in treated and untreated cells but did indicate the ineffectiveness of cellulose filters compared to PVDF filters. Growth was observed in preparations that did not include PVDF filtration, whereas all preparations (<i>n</i>=60) that included PVDF filtration were 100% non-viable. Although non-viability was observed, an important finding was the passage of 0.262 and 0.173 µm microspheres through the 0.1 µm PVDF filter. Growth of unfiltered preparations was detected between 1 and 7 days.<b>Conclusions.</b> This investigation demonstrates the value of interrogating materials used for bacterial inactivation, highlighting significant issues in the application of filters for exclusion purposes. Visual examination via SEM was key to providing evidence towards a low-risk inactivation method. These findings, with an understanding of limitations identified herein, can be used to inform risk assessments for the removal of RG3 bacteria from containment.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12263287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644461","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":"A simple silicone elastomer colonization model highlights complexities of <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> interactions in biofilm formation.","authors":"Gail McConnell, Liam M Rooney, Mairi E Sandison, Paul A Hoskisson, Katherine J Baxter","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002047","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) significantly contribute to the burden of antimicrobial resistance. A major factor in HAIs is the colonization of indwelling medical devices by biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogens such as <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. These organisms frequently co-infect, resulting in synergistic interactions with enhanced virulence and resistance to treatment.<b>Hypothesis/Gap statement.</b> <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> readily form dual-species biofilms on silicone elastomers, a commonly used medical device material, yet the colonization phenotypes of these organisms on such surfaces remain poorly understood.<b>Aim.</b> We aimed to develop a simple, optically tractable model to mimic the colonization of indwelling medical devices to investigate <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> biofilm formation.<b>Methodology.</b> The system utilizes discs of a silicone elastomer embedded in agar, reflecting device-associated conditions and enabling high-resolution imaging of biofilms formed by <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> co-cultures.<b>Results.</b> Initial results using the silicone elastomer colonization model reveal robust biofilm formation. These biofilms exhibited morphological differences between dual-species biofilms formed by <i>S. aureus</i> co-cultures with either yeast- or hyphal-form <i>C. albicans,</i> indicating the impact of differing <i>C. albicans</i> cell morphotypes in biofilm-associated medical device colonization on silicone elastomers. Quantification of biofilm formation by crystal violet staining provided further validation of the system.<b>Conclusion.</b> These findings underscore the importance of developing tools for biofilm study which more closely resemble the infectious microenvironment, with our work detailing such a system which can be employed in further study to improve strategies against device-related HAIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12282317/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144628358","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":"Fosfomycin resistance in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from urinary tract-infected patients in a tertiary care hospital.","authors":"Priksha Thakur, Narinder Kaur, Shubham Chauhan, Reham Abdelmonem, Richard Donkor Amponsah","doi":"10.1099/jmm.0.002039","DOIUrl":"10.1099/jmm.0.002039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction.</b> Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant global health concern, with <i>Escherichia coli</i> being the predominant pathogen responsible for uncomplicated and complicated cases. Fosfomycin has emerged as a promising oral treatment option for multidrug-resistant UTIs, particularly those caused by extended-spectrum <i>β</i>-lactamase (ESBL)-producing <i>E. coli</i>. However, fosfomycin resistance has been paralleled by its irrational use and the emergence of enzymes that modify fosfomycin in ESBL-producing <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>, especially in Asia.<b>Hypothesis/Gap Statement.</b> There is limited data on the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance among UTI patients in Northern Haryana, India. We hypothesize that demographic factors such as age, gender and patient type (inpatient vs. outpatient) may influence the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance and also provide insights into the effectiveness of fosfomycin in combating ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> infections in a tertiary care setting.<b>Aim.</b> This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fosfomycin resistance among ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> among UTI patients in a tertiary care hospital.<b>Methodology.</b> Between March 2023 and February 2024, 7,348 urine samples were received from patients suspected of UTIs. The samples were subjected to screening using wet film examination and standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by VITEK-2 Compact (using an N-235 card), and ESBL production was confirmed using the combination disc diffusion test.<b>Results.</b> Out of 7,348 urine samples, 1,176 (16%) were culture-positive, with <i>E. coli</i> accounting for 57% of the isolates. Among the 385 <i>E. coli</i> isolates, 224 (58%) were ESBL producers. Fosfomycin demonstrated high efficacy, with 95% susceptibility among ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> and 96% among non-ESBL producers. However, 5% of ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> isolates were resistant to fosfomycin. Resistance to other antibiotics, such as nalidixic acid (98%) and ampicillin (93%), was notably high. No significant associations were found between ESBL production and demographic factors such as age, gender or patient type (outpatient vs. inpatient).<b>Conclusion.</b> Fosfomycin remains a highly effective treatment option for ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> UTIs in Northern Haryana, India, with low resistance rates observed. However, the emergence of fosfomycin resistance, albeit minimal, highlights the need for continuous surveillance and rational use of antibiotics to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":94093,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medical microbiology","volume":"74 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12306686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144639122","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}