Access microbiology最新文献

{"title":"Erratum: Culture harder: use more specimen to increase methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus culture yield relative to PCR.","authors":"Arvette E Mitchell, Arpit P Patel, Jennifer DiCandilo, Zachary W Rebollido, Matthew A Pettengill","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.001063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.001063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000918.v4.].</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":"001063"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12282030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692978","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":"Complete genome and comparative analysis of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae isolated from northern Thailand.","authors":"Atirada Boondech, Phatthira Ainmani, Anurak Khieokhajonkhet, Thanita Boonsrangsom, Pongsanat Pongcharoen, Tepsuda Rungrat, Kawee Sujipuli, Kumrop Ratanasut, Niran Aeksiri","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000986.v4","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000986.v4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rice (<i>Oryza sativa L</i>.) is a vital global crop with a predominant presence in Asia, including Thailand. However, it faces a significant threat from bacterial blight disease, primarily caused by <i>Xanthomonas oryzae</i> pv<i>. oryzae</i> (<i>Xoo</i>). This research aims to provide valuable insights into the genetic virulence factors and genomic variations of <i>Xoo</i> strains isolated in Thailand. Furthermore, we present the first complete genomic database of Thai <i>Xoo</i>, offering a comprehensive resource for studying pathogen diversity, tracking virulence evolution and supporting disease management strategies in rice production. Our phylogenetic analysis unveils that the 20 Thai strains align with the Asian strains, setting them apart from African and US strains. Remarkably, the average nt identity values, in comparison with <i>Xanthomonas oryzae</i> type strain 35933 (XO35933), consistently exceed 99%. These strains can be classified into three assigned ribosomal sequence types. Our investigation into the pangenome and the phylogenetic relationships of these 20 <i>Xoo</i> genomes reveals a diverse genetic landscape, with the pangenome comprising 11,872 orthologous gene clusters, of which roughly 30% form the core genome. Notably, all of these genomes exhibit a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas I-C array, indicative of their adaptive immune mechanisms. All strains belonged to BXO1 type LPS cassette with high identity. Furthermore, our analysis identifies two distinct types of plasmids, namely, <i>Xanthomonas oryzae</i> pv. <i>oryzicola</i> strain GX01 plasmid pXOCgx01 (A46, A57, A83, A112, D and E) and the <i>X. oryzae</i> strain AH28 plasmid pAH28 (A97). This genomic resource will be valuable for advancing research on surveillance, prevention, management and comparative studies of this critical pathogen in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12281738/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692976","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":"Preliminary insights into the potential role of Acanthamoeba-Pseudomonas interactions in the development of antibiotic resistance.","authors":"","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000999.v3","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000999.v3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interactions between environmental protists and bacteria play a crucial role in shaping bacterial survival strategies and pathogenic potential. Certain bacteria have evolved mechanisms to resist predation by protists such as <i>Acanthamoeba</i>, allowing them to persist intracellularly and, in some cases, enhance their virulence. We hypothesize that <i>Acanthamoeba</i> species may also play a role in promoting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in amoeba-resistant bacteria. This study investigated whether <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i> enhanced AMR development in <i>Pseudomonas putida</i> under lethal ciprofloxacin concentrations. <i>P. putida</i> was co-incubated with <i>A. castellanii</i> and maintained in ciprofloxacin concentrations starting at 2 µg ml^-1, four times the planktonic MIC, which was incrementally increased as resistance emerged. The survival of the co-incubated <i>P. putida</i> and the development of resistance were monitored, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted using multiple antibiotics. <i>P. putida</i> co-incubated with <i>A. castellanii</i> in the presence of ciprofloxacin became increasingly resistant in a dose-dependent manner, with the MIC increasing from 0.5 to 20 µg ml^-1 after 17 days. Contrastingly, the naïve strain did not survive sustained exposure at 2 µg ml^-1. Co-incubated bacteria maintained under ciprofloxacin pressure developed resistance to ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, azithromycin and enrofloxacin while retaining susceptibility to streptomycin and tetracycline. Co-incubation in the absence of ciprofloxacin did not promote resistance in <i>P. putida</i>, suggesting that the combination of extracellular drug pressure and intracellular survival is important in driving resistance. These findings indicate that intracellular survival within <i>Acanthamoeba</i> can significantly accelerate AMR development in <i>P. putida</i> under fluoroquinolone pressure. Further research into the molecular mechanisms involved is warranted to inform strategies for mitigating AMR emergence in clinical and environmental contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12281815/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692979","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 impact of zinc supplementation on carbapenem MICs among bacteria expressing IMP metallo-beta-lactamase.","authors":"Susan V Grooters, Dixie F Mollenkopf, Gregory A Ballash, Thomas E Wittum","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000972.v4","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000972.v4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antibiotic-resistant infections cause an estimated 2.8 million illnesses and 35,900 deaths annually in the USA. Carbapenems are a class of antibiotics that are generally reserved to treat life-threatening invasive infections including sepsis. Accurate diagnosis of carbapenem-resistant infections is critical for early and appropriate treatment. <i>bla</i> _IMP encodes bacterial production of the IMP metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL), which can confer resistance to all the beta-lactams including carbapenems. Zinc is an essential co-factor in the IMP MBL enzymatic hydrolysis of carbapenems. Tests for the presence of IMP carbapenemase, such as the Carba NP, include zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) although broth dilution methods for determining MIC for carbapenems may vary. We hypothesized that ZnSO₄ availability would improve the accuracy of carbapenem MIC determination for bacteria expressing <i>bla</i> _IMP. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if supplemental ZnSO₄ affects the carbapenem MICs of <i>Enterobacterales</i>, <i>Alteromonadales</i> and <i>Moraxellales</i> expressing <i>bla</i> _IMP. Isolates utilized for this study were originally recovered from environmental samples collected at farms, wastewater treatment plants and surface water. They were selected based on phenotypic non-susceptibility to carbapenems and genetic confirmation of bacterial carriage of <i>bla</i> _IMP. Cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth suspensions of each isolate standardized to a 0.5 MacFarland standard were tested with and without ZnSO₄ added at 0.1 mmol l^-1 concentration to determine MICs using standard extended-spectrum beta-lactamase microbroth dilution MIC panels. Although we observed that <i>Morganellaceae</i> imipenem MICs were higher (<i>P</i><0.001) than those from other bacteria harbouring <i>bla</i> _IMP, the inclusion of supplemental ZnSO₄ did not influence carbapenem MIC. This suggests that supplemental ZnSO₄ will not improve the accuracy of carbapenem MICs in environmental bacteria expressing IMP carbapenemase. Additional research will be required to identify important factors that may influence the expression of carbapenemase including IMP and the accurate determination of clinical MICs, which is critical to appropriate therapeutic decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12281849/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692980","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":"Effect of antibiotic administration on Blastocystis persistence and gut microbiome-metabolome dynamics in an irritable bowel syndrome longitudinal case study.","authors":"Jamie M Newton, William J S Edwards, Gary S Thompson, Eleni Gentekaki, Anastasios D Tsaousis","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000926.v4","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000926.v4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> <i>Blastocystis</i>, the most prevalent microbial eukaryote in humans, has a global distribution. Studies have linked its presence with distinct gut microbiome and metabolome profiles compared to those where the organism is absent. However, the interplay of antibiotic administration, <i>Blastocystis</i> and the surrounding gut microbiome remains understudied. This case study aimed to explore antibiotic consumption and the presence of <i>Blastocystis</i> with subsequent changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome of an individual diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). <b>Methods.</b> Stool samples from an IBS patient, collected at 12 time points, were tested for the presence of <i>Blastocystis</i> using real-time PCR targeting the <i>SSU</i>rRNA gene, followed by sequencing of positive samples. Illumina sequencing determined the gut microbiome composition, while one-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy was used to analyse the metabolome composition. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify relationships between antibiotic consumption, bacterial diversity, metabolome composition and <i>Blastocystis</i> presence. <b>Results.</b> Antibiotics significantly impacted the gut microbiome, with diversity declining early in the antibiotic course, then recovering later and post-course. <i>Blastocystis</i> was detected early, late and post-course but was not detectable mid-course, coinciding with the decline in bacterial diversity. Significant differences were observed between <i>Blastocystis</i>-positive and <i>Blastocystis</i>-negative samples, with bacterial composition significantly changing between samples collected before, early and after the antibiotic course compared to those collected mid-course. Metabolite groups, including short-chain fatty acids, amino acids and succinate, exhibited changes throughout the antibiotic course, indicating that gut metabolite composition is affected by antibiotic consumption. <b>Discussion/Conclusion.</b> While antibiotics did not significantly impact <i>Blastocystis</i> colonization, they did cause a mid-course decline in microbial diversity and <i>Blastocystis</i> presence. The study also revealed significant alterations in important metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids throughout the antibiotic course, with an altered metabolome observed post-course. This case study underscores the complex interactions between antibiotics, gut microbiota and metabolites, highlighting the resilience of <i>Blastocystis</i> in the gut ecosystem.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12202796/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144532484","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":"Optimizing synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum media for growth of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae.","authors":"Phoebe Do Carmo Silva, Darryl Hill, Freya Harrison","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000979.v3","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000979.v3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-typeable <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> (NTHi) is an early pathogen isolated from the lungs of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, its role in the progression of CF lung infection is poorly understood. Additionally, whether it forms biofilms in the lungs of people with CF is an open question. The development of synthetic CF sputum media (SCFM) has given key insights into the microbiology of later CF pathogens, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, through replicating the chemical composition of CF sputum. However, the growth of NTHi in these media has not previously been reported. We show that NTHi grows poorly in three variants of SCFM commonly used to induce <i>in vivo</i>-like growth of <i>P. aeruginosa</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> (SCFM1, SCFM2 and SCFM3). The addition of NAD and haemin to SCFM1 and SCFM2 promoted the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of both laboratory and clinical NTHi isolates, and we were able to develop a modified variant of SCFM2 that allows culture of NTHis. We show that NTHi cannot be identified in an established <i>ex vivo</i> model of CF infection, which uses SCFM and porcine bronchiolar tissue. This may in part be due to the presence of endogenous bacteria on the pig lung tissue, which outcompete NTHi, but the lack of selective agar to isolate NTHi from endogenous bacteria, and the fact that NTHi is an exclusively human pathogen, makes it hard to conclude that this is the case. Through spiking modified SCFM2 with filter-sterilized lung homogenate, biofilm growth of clinical NTHi isolates was enhanced. Our results highlight that there are crucial components present in the lung tissue, which NTHi require for growth, which are not present in any published variant of SCFM from the Palmer <i>et al.</i> Endres and Konstan in JAMA (2022;137:191-1) lineage. Our results may inform future modifications to SCFM recipes to truly mimic the environment of CF lung sputum and thus, to facilitate the study of a wide range of CF pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12181625/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144478392","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":"Purulent pleurisy caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae: a case report.","authors":"Amine Amri, Youssra Boughalem, Elmostafa Benaissa, Yassine Benlahlou, Mariama Chadli","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000985.v5","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000985.v5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background.</b> Salmonellosis most commonly presents clinically as typhoid fever or gastroenteritis. Pleuropulmonary infections due to <i>Salmonella</i> are still rare, even though they have often been described in immunocompromised patients. <b>Case presentation.</b> We report a rare case of purulent pleurisy caused by <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>arizonae</i>, occurring in a 50-year-old female with breast cancer who is currently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy along with chronic renal failure requiring haemodialysis, who presented with acute chest pain, dyspnoea and haemodynamic instability. After bacteriological identification of <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>arizonae</i> in pleural fluid, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. The patient was then started on a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which successfully improved her condition. <b>Conclusion.</b> Our case highlights the implication of <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>arizonae</i> in purulent pleurisy in an immunocompromised patient. An early diagnosis and a proper antibiotic therapy enabled us to reduce the morbidity and mortality risk in our patient.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12181620/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144478393","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":"Draft genome sequence of Flavobacterium aquidurense strain, isolated from untreated wastewater.","authors":"Alexander D H Kingdon, Kara D'Arcy, Anya Breen, Claudia McKeown, Ellie Allman, Priyanka Sharma, Amy McLeman, Adam P Roberts","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000976.v3","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000976.v3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Here, we report the draft 5.8 Mb genome sequence of a <i>Flavobacterium aquidurense</i> isolate from untreated wastewater in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The reported isolate has the potential to produce both flexirubin and β-carotene pigments, and contains an additional biosynthetic gene cluster for a putative novel β-lactone. The genome also contains a gene for a putative β-lactamase <i>bla_JOHN-1</i> analogue, and there are multiple copies of a putative novel insertion sequence of the IS<i>3</i> family. This genome adds to a growing resource of <i>Flavobacterium</i> spp<i>.</i> sequencing data which can be utilized to investigate microbial pigment production, antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetic elements within this genus.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12181623/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144478391","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":"Characterization of microbiome diversity unveils substantial microbial variation in mangrove soil sediments from coastal regions of Malaysia.","authors":"Prashantha Hebbar, Oh Bi Han, Ng Xin Yan, Dominic Kay, Kwa Yee Chu, James Sy-Keen Woon, Pang Kok Lun, Shama Prasada Kabekkodu, Alevoor S Bharath Prasad, Bharathi Prakash, Nadine Nograles, Mahibub Mahamadsa Kanakal, Michaela Goodson, Shubhada Nagaraja, Roshan Mascarenhas","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000902.v3","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000902.v3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The mangrove ecosystems are of great ecological importance found in tropical and subtropical coasts, including Malaysia. The microbial communities in the mangrove sediments play an indispensable role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting biodiversity. However, mangroves are facing various threats due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Thus, it is important to monitor the microbial community to improve our understanding of anthropogenic pressure on reshaping these ecosystems. This study examines the microbial community diversity in mangrove sediments of southern peninsular Malaysia. High-throughput MinION sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to compare the soil microbiome diversity in 35 samples from 8 different mangroves representing Sungai Sedili Kecil and Sungai Sedili Besar that flow into the South China Sea; Sungai Pulai, Sungai Melayu, Sungai Danga, Sungai Skudai and Sungai Johor that join the Straits of Johor; and Pulau Kukup from the Straits of Malacca. The metagenomic classification performed with 16S rRNA showed 2,573 taxa comprising 32 phyla. Total abundance analysis showed <i>Pseudomonadota</i> (67-69%), <i>Bacteroidota</i> (6-8%), <i>Bacillota</i> (5-8%), <i>Campylobacterota</i> (4-5%), <i>Acidobacteriota</i> (3-4%), <i>Planctomycetota</i> (2-4%) and <i>Actinomycetota</i> (1-2%) as the relatively common phyla. Alpha diversity indices revealed significantly higher richness in samples from mangroves of the South China Sea. Further, the 'Shannon' index showed a significant difference in diversity between Sungai Melayu and Sungai Pulai. Higher abundance of <i>Burkholderiaceae</i>, <i>Bacillaceae</i> and <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> suggests a difference in the microbial community structure. This study stands as the first comprehensive analysis of microbial communities for future monitoring and conservation in these mangroves.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12281800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692975","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":"Effect of laboratory manual layout: does experiential learning benefit from authentic context?","authors":"Victoria Alice Kate Easton","doi":"10.1099/acmi.0.000955.v4","DOIUrl":"10.1099/acmi.0.000955.v4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Experiential learning is the pedagogic foundation of practical laboratory education. This process of learning through experience enables students to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical material as well as valuable real-world skills. However, there is often a disconnect between the authentic, real-world context of performing laboratory skills and the method of instruction within higher education. This study developed two student laboratory manuals; one which followed a traditionally linear 'week by week' format, and another which took inspiration from a publication format and listed the protocols in a distinct 'methods' section. The effect the change of layout had on student learning was assessed through analysis of student summative assessment and interaction with the online learning environment. Additionally, the effect on student confidence and perceived technical skills development was assessed through a student survey. The differences in layout resulted in no significant differences in student assessment performance but did result in higher levels of engagement with the online learning environment. The student survey reported an increase in technical confidence (21%) and skill (31%) with the authentic 'methods' section layout changes compared to the traditional format. The increase in student engagement, confidence and perceived skill shows that experiential learning benefits from placing the information in an authentic context.</p>","PeriodicalId":94366,"journal":{"name":"Access microbiology","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12174585/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144328308","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}