Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an emerging outbreak transmitted between animals and humans. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced MPXV cases in six different regions, and over 120 countries reported confirmed cases of MPX. By the end of August 2024, over 100,000 confirmed cases of MPX and more than 220 deaths due to MPX were reported. Notably, the physical contact, especially in the context of sexual intercourse, is the main route of transmission of MPXV that led to the widespread spread in the human population. This route increases the possibility of emerging outbreaks in many different coun-tries outside the virus’s origin. Prevention measures should be implemented urgently to manage the disease worldwide. In order to gain an understanding of this hazardous infection, this review aims to provide a comprehensive review of MPXV infection.
Antarctic fungi represent an important subject of ecosystem research and a promising source of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with potential biomedical applications. Adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, including low temperatures, high ultraviolet radiation, oxidative stress, salinity fluctuations, and limited nutrient availability, stimulates the biosynthesis of unique bioactive compounds that are rarely encountered in microorganisms from temperate environments. This mini-review summarizes current knowledge regarding the major classes of metabolites produced by Antarctic fungi, including polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids, terpenoids, peptides, and alkaloids, with particular emphasis on their antitumor and anti-inflammatory potential. Recent studies have demonstrated that these compounds exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant effects, modulation of oxidative stress responses, induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulation of signaling pathways associated with tumor progression and inflammation, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways. Several metabolites isolated from Antarctic fungi have also demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against various tumor cell lines, as well as promising antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Advances in metabolomics, genomic analysis, and bioinformatics have further expanded the possibilities for the discovery of novel fungal metabolites through activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters. Although most currently available data remain limited to in vitro and early preclinical studies, Antarctic fungi remain an insufficiently explored yet highly promising source of natural compounds with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and modern oncology.
Bryophytes are known to accumulate heavy metals on their surfaces by biosorption; hence, it is probable that microorganisms inhabiting their surfaces may be metal-tolerant. Bacteria and fungi were therefore isolated from the surface and substratum of two mosses, Polytrichum commune and Tortula muralis, used as test bryophytes, using nutrient agar (NA) and malt extract agar (MEA). The isolates were initially identified by standard morphological and biochemical methods and subsequently screened for metal-resistance in NA and MEA containing 100 mg/L Cr and Cd, and Cu 600 mg/L. Metal-tolerance index (MTI) was determined in nutrient broth containing 300 mg/L Cr and Cd, and MEA containing 800mg/L for Cu. Isolates with MTI >0.50 for the three metals were selected, identified by molecular methods, and tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and removal of Cr, Cd, and Cu from aqueous media. The selected isolates were tested for MTI using combined concentrations of Cr, Cd, and Cu. The isolates’ identities were confirmed as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis, and Aspergillus oryzae, and their MICs (mg/L) were: Cr, 350-550; Cd, 300-350; and Cu, 650-750. Metal removal from the aqueous media by the four organisms was 14.06-77.28% with significant differences by metal (F=4.40-631.40; P=0.037- 0.000) and by organism (F=122.90-541.80; P=0.000). The MTI of the combined metals was low (<0.50), and it declined with increasing concentrations. Pseudomonas aeruginosa tolerated the highest combined concentrations, albeit with 0.10 MTI. Thus, the MIC levels and metal-removal capabilities indicate these organisms as potentially useful for bioremediation of metal-polluted sites.
Disoxaril (WIN) inhibits replication of a broad spectrum of entero- and rhinoviruses through bonding to the hydrophobic pocket within VP1 coat protein. Previously we established Coxsackievirus B1 (CVB1) disoxaril mutants, sensitive (CVB1/SOF), resistant (CVB1/RES) and dependent (CVB1/DEP), which phenotypic characteristics being done. Moreover, analysis of the VP1 gene sequences of CVB1 mutants established an amino acid sequence, highly different at 195-255 in CVB1/RES with two point mutations, M213H and F237L, in the ligand-binding pocket. 3D-alignment of CVA9 over CVB3/B1 allows explicit transferring of two WIN-ligand atomic coordinates into CVB1 “canyon”, site-1 and site-2. The second site is forbidden for ligand in CVB1/SOF. It generated more than 100 models and all of them were treated with ‘clashing analyses’ for side chain rotamers. CVB1/RES has mainly steric and less energetic nature. In CVB1/DEP occupation of site-1 is restricted but site-2 can be filled. WIN molecule in site-2 interacts with the neighboring VP2 protein and all capsomers become chained in the pentamer. This explains the finding that CVB1/DEP mutant needs WIN compound to provoke coating. Analysis of oligomer complexes in the tetramer capsoer resulted in presentation of the whole capsid structure.
Green synthesis technology is a novel biological strategy for producing nanomaterials that are widely used in biomedical applications. This study investigated the antifungal potential of green-synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), using activated carbon with mucus from the garden snail Cornu aspersum (AgNPs-AC) or tea tree essential oil (AgNPs-TT) as reducing agents. The agar well diffusion method and resazurin-based micro-dilution viability assays were employed to determine the inhibitory effect on the growth of novel nanocomposites against amphotericin-B-resistant strains belonging to the Aspergillus niger and Penicillium griseofulvum species. Formulations containing tea tree oil (AgNPs-TT) were found to have a considerably higher antifungal effect against the test strains than those containing activated carbon (AgNPs-AC). Replacing activated charcoal with tea tree oil was shown to enhance the effectiveness of the nanoparticles and extend the duration of their action. The findings reveal a synergistic interaction between snail mucus and essential oil, as well as the critical role of a higher Ag⁺ concentration. The growth inhibition rate after treatment with these new nanoformulations is comparable to or exceeds that obtained with Nys. Consequently, AgNPs produced using mucus and plant essential oils are a promising source for novel therapeutic formulations.
New strains of probiotic Bacillus species are required to meet the growing consumer demand for probiotics. This study aimed to assess the probiotic ability of the Bacillus strain Shouchella clausii (formerly Alkalihlobacillus clausii or Bacillus clausii) ELBC004 was isolated from soil in the Ghat region of the Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh, India. The results indicate that Shouchella clausii (S. clausii) ELBC004 exhibited a noteworthy tolerance at pH 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 (9.75, 9.30, and 9.20 CFU/mL), 1% bile salts (9.20 CFU/mL), and 8% sodium chloride (12.18 CFU/mL) after 6 hours of incubation. Compared with the reference strain Bacillus subtilis LifeinU® BSCU1, it also displayed greater tolerance to pepsin (8.93 CFU/ mL at pH 2.0) and pancreatin (8.78 CFU/mL at pH 8.0). The isolate ELBC004 exhibited negative results for haemolysis, DNase, lecithinase, gelatinase, and biofilm formation, confirming the safety of the strain. Additionally, it demonstrated significant proteolytic, amylolytic, autolytic, compatibility, and exopolysaccharide-producing abilities. In addition, the isolate ELBC004 showed antibiotic resistance to chloramphenicol (C), rifampicin (RIF), streptomycin (S), tetracycline (T), penicillin (P), sulfadiazine (SZ), amoxacillin (OX), cefepime (CPM), sulfamethizole (SM), and metronidazole (MTZ), and showed strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The strain ELBC004 reduced pathogenic biofilm production, exhibited 56 to 81% 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, and demonstrated potent in vitro antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-amylase (73.26%) and α-glucosidase (68.34%). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production was also confirmed. In conclusion, this study identified S. clausii ELBC004 as a potential probiotic strain.
Endophytic fungi represent an important source of natural biologically active compounds with significant pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential. In the present study, endophytic fungi Rhizopus stolonifer FK23 and Plectosphaerella cucumerina K14 were isolated from the roots of the medicinal plant Chelidonium majus L. (greater celandine, family Papaveraceae), known for its antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and were molecularly identified. These fungi exhibited high alkaloid-producing activity. The results showed that the extracts, particularly from R. stolonifer FK23, possessed pronounced antioxidant activity. LC–MS analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including gallic acid, Caffeic acid, glutathionyl caftaric acid, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, which likely contribute to the observed biological effects. The findings confirm the high pharmacological potential of endophytic fungi associated with C. majus L. and indicate the feasibility of further studies on these fungi as promising producers of natural antioxidant compounds for the development of biopharmaceuticals.
Green-synthesized metal nanoparticles (GS-MNPs) offer a sustainable option to replace traditional fungicides, which often lead to crop damage, ecological harm, residue risks to human health, and growing resistance among plant-pathogenic fungi. We carried out this systematic review and meta-analysis to compile and assess in vitro data on GS-MNPs’ antifungal effects against crop-damaging fungi, while examining influences from metal type and test methods. Only nine records fitted the strict inclusion criteria, yielding 43 studies where poisoned food and diffusion assays were used. Overall, the result of the analysis showed positive variable antifungal effect compared to controls across different assays for several GS-MNPs, including silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron (Fe), and composites such as Ag-CuO, Ag-TiO2, and Ag-ZnO. Heterogeneity arose primarily from variations in synthesis protocols, green reducing/capping agents, and tested pathogens, which consequently complicates metal-type rankings when identifying the most effective nanoparticle-green agent complex. In view of this, we recommend standardizing synthesis and antifungal testing protocols and consistently reporting all necessary data to enable future meta-analyses and better understand GS-MNP antifungal activity.
The urgent need for novel antibiotics requires discovery and characterization of novel antibacterial compounds. Halophilic bacteria produce various secondary metabolites with superior properties and antibacterial compounds are of particular interest. Here, we described the production of a bacteriocin from the halophilic bacterium Virgibacillus salarius POTR191. The fermentation conditions were varied to achieve maximal yield. Then, the bacteriocin was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and ethyl acetate extraction. The purity was checked by Tricine-SDS-PAGE. The optimized fermentation conditions and extraction method led to 36% yield increase. The bacteriocin with an approximate molecular mass of 2.2 kDa was maximally produced after 36 h of batch cultivation. The proposed three-step partial purification scheme led to a 73.77-fold purification fold and a yield of 6.4% with a specific activity of the bacteriocin extract of 1951.22 AU/mg.
ESKAPE pathogens are six multidrug-resistant bacteria that pose serious public health risks and are difficult to treat. This study evaluated the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens and antimicrobial resistance profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lagos, collecting 500 samples from clinical (n = 350), environmental (n = 100), and animal (n = 50) sources between December 2023 and February 2024. The samples were analyzed, and standard methods were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. RT-PCR was used to detect resistance (blaSHV, blaTEM, blaKPC, blaOXA-48, blaIMP) and virulence gene (ompA, toxA, magA, gelE) markers. A prevalence of 7.6% (38/500) ESKAPE pathogens was recorded, with source rates of 5.4% clinical, 10% animal, and 14% environmental samples. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 100% resistant to cefepime and cefoxitin and 92.3% to vancomycin. Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited 100% resistance to cefepime, and Enterococcus faecium was 100% resistance to vancomycin. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter spp. were resistant to multiple antibiotics. ESKAPE pathogens showed 28 antibiotic resistance patterns, with P. aeruginosa predominantly exhibiting CIP-VA-AUG-CAZ-CPM-MEM-FOX pattern. Four isolates from clinical samples, two each from Acinetobacter baumannii and P. aeruginosa) produced AmpC. ESKAPE pathogens were multidrug-resistant, with over 70% showing a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index greater than 0.5. Acinetobacter baumannii strain harboured extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes, while an environmental K. pneumoniae strain had the blaOXA-48 gene and the virulence genes ompA, magA, and toxA. The study underscores the urgent need for improved surveillance and targeted strategies to combat these resistant ESKAPE pathogens and their gene expression across different sources.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria poses a major threat to public health, emphasizing the importance of discovering new antibiotic compounds. Endophytic microorganisms are known for producing a variety of antibiotics and other bioactive substances. They can generate a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites with potent antibacterial activity. Endophytes are microorganisms that form symbiotic relationships within plant tissues without causing obvious disease to the host plant. Microbes that live in extreme environments develop unique adaptive mechanisms and can produce novel bioactive compounds. Bacteria in such harsh conditions often develop specialized metabolic pathways, resulting in the production of distinctive secondary metabolites. This study aimed to isolate endophytic actinomycetes from the roots of the silver fern (Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link), which grows in soil exposed to the eruption of Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Antimicrobial screening of these isolates was performed using a dual culture assay to assess their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. The endophytic actinomycete isolate AE9 showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Citrobacter freundii. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses confirmed that isolate AE9 is related to Streptomyces sp. VEL 17. These results suggest that endophytic actinomycetes from silver ferns growing in volcanically affected environments contain antibacterial bioactive compounds.
Comparative serological studies were performed to establish the prevalence of the virus of contagious ecthyma (CE) in small ruminants in Bulgaria, using the microvirus neutralization test (MVNT) and passive hemagglutination (PHA) on 260 serum samples obtained from animals inhabiting 12 sheep and goat farms. Fourteen serum samples from sheep and goats with characteristic clinical signs of CE, including animals vaccinated against the infection, were used to develop PHA. To determine non-specific inhibitors and hemagglutinins, the 14 serum samples were processed thermally, and with a sheep erythrocyte depot, and in this study, no non-specific hemagglutinins and PHA inhibitors were detected. А reference strain of CE “Phylaxia” was used as antigen for conducting the PHA, after concentrating with a saturated solution of ammonium sulfate. The sheep erythrocytes were found to be the most suitable for conducting PHA. When performing comparative studies of 14 serum samples by MVNT and PHA, 13 samples were found positive by using MVNT, and 14 were positive by PHA. We found an agreement of results in 13 samples, studied by MVNT and PHA. In a serological study of 260 serum samples for antibodies against the virus of CE, we found 190 positive (73.1 %) by MVNT, and 192 positive (73.8 %) by PHA. No statistically significant difference in the studies of serum samples by both tests was found. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the PHA can be successfully used for retrospective diagnosis of CE. Both tests established a wide prevalence of CE in Bulgaria.
Antibiotic discovery from novel or unconventional natural sources started gaining research interest in recent years. Halophilic bacteria synthesize various antimicrobial compounds and bacteriocins are of particular interest. Bacteriocins are recognized as alternative antimicrobial compounds. Here, we described the antibacterial activity of a bacteriocin from the halophilic bacterium Virgibacillus salarius POTR191. The antibacterial activity of the bacteriocin was evaluated against a panel of 15 strains via agar well diffusion assay and MIC determination. The studied bacteriocin was able to inhibit the growth of eleven Gram-positive or Gram-negative test strains with MICs in the range of 16–512 μg/mL. The bacteriocin retained its activity (80–100%) under a wide pH range (pH 2–10) and showed heat stability up to 100°C with 69–94% residual activity. The bacteriocin showed bacteriostatic effect against two human pathogens and inhibited their biofilm formation over 80%. Its properties suggest possible use as antibiotic or food preservative.
Vaccinia virus (VACV), a member of the family Poxviridae, is widely used as a model organism for studying Оrthopoxvirus biology and for evaluating potential antiviral compounds. The increasing emergence of viral infections and the risk of zoonotic Оrthopoxvirus transmission emphasize the need for new antiviral agents. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antiviral activity of selected plant extracts, ribavirin, and ionophore antibiotics against Vaccinia virus replication in Vero cell cultures. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were determined using a neutral red uptake assay. The cytotoxic concentration (CC50), inhibitory concentration (IC50), and selectivity index (SI) were calculated. Plant extracts from Lavandula angustifolia and Moringa oleifera were tested alongside ribavirin and the ionophore antibiotics monensin and salinomycin. The results demonstrated varying inhibitory effects on viral replication. Ribavirin showed moderate antiviral activity, whereas monensin and salinomycin exhibited stronger inhibition but higher cytotoxicity. Plant extracts demonstrated low toxicity but limited antiviral activity. These findings highlight the potential of natural products and ionophore antibiotics as sources of antiviral compounds and emphasize the need for further studies to identify molecules with improved antiviral selectivity.
Microbial lipases are efficient and eco-friendly biocatalysts widely exploited in industrial applications. In this study, a lipase from Streptomyces caelestis AS12 (GenBank accession no. PP837824), isolated from arid Algerian soil, was investigated for its suitability as a detergent additive. Screening of 94 actinomycete isolates identified strain AS12 as exhibiting high lipase activity (70 ± 2.6 U/mL). Lipase production was optimized using a classical one-variable-at-a-time approach, and maximum activity was achieved under fermentation conditions of 40°C, pH 7.0, 48 h incubation, and agitation at 140 rpm, with Tween 80 and yeast extract as supplements. Partial purification by ammonium sulfate precipitation (80%) increased the specific activity to 118.43 U/mg, corresponding to a 1.36-fold purification. The enzyme displayed optimal activity at pH 7 and 40°C and remained stable over a pH range of 6–8 and temperatures between 30 and 45°C. Kinetic parameters determined using olive oil as substrate were Km = 6.34 mM and Vmax = 0.21 mM/min. Catalytic activity was positively influenced by Ca²+, Mg²+, and ethanol. The lipase remained stable in commercial detergents and efficiently removed chocolate stains, indicating its potential as a detergent additive.
Diarrhea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diarrheal pathogens among 430 patients seeking care at Sheikh Hasina Medi¬cal College and Hospital, Tangail. Stool samples were analyzed using both conventional microbiological/ biochemical methods and molecular techniques. Template DNA was extracted from overnight cultures in Tripticase Soya Broth and screened for specific virulence genes: lt and st (ETEC); aata and aaic (EAEC); bfpA and eae (EPEC); stx2 (STEC); ipaH (EIEC and Shigella); and invA (Salmonella). Molecular typing revealed a high prevalence of pathogens: 48% (n=207) for pathogenic E. coli, 10.5% (n=45) for Salmonella spp., and 4.6% (n=20) for Shigella spp. Among E. coli pathovars, EAEC and ETEC were the most prevalent (19% each), followed by EPEC (9%) and STEC (1%). Conventional culture methods identified pathogens in 106 samples, confirming 34% E. coli, 8% Salmonella, and 5.6% Shigella. Notably, three Shigella-like or¬ganisms (SLOs) were identified, which may represent a novel, yet-to-be-classified serotype. Overall, 63% of patients were infected with a single pathogen, while 9% presented with co-infections. These findings underscore the significant burden of diverse diarrheal pathogens in the region and highlight the superior sensitivity of molecular diagnostics over conventional culture methods for clinical surveillance.
Acne vulgaris is a common, chronic inflammatory disease affecting millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting the self-esteem and quality of life of patients. The disease is characterized by a multifactorial pathophysiological process, and recent years have seen a substantial increase in knowledge regarding the influence of each factor individually, as well as their interconnectedness in the genesis of the disease. The aim of this article is to provide a scientific review of newly discovered pathophysiological mechanisms in sebum production, hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acnes colonization, and inflamma¬tion in patients with acne vulgaris and in vitro. It has been proven that not only is excessive sebum produc¬tion responsible for the genesis of acne, but also changes in the composition of sebum. Understandings of the role of C. acnes have also been revised. The importance of biological diversity in the skin microbiota and the loss of balance between different C. acnes phylogroups are dominant factors in the onset of the disease, in contrast to hyperproliferation of the bacterium as an isolated factor. New findings regarding the role of both innate and acquired immunity in the development and progression of the disease are reported. This article summarizes current pathophysiological aspects related to the onset and development of acne vulgaris. The necessity for further analysis in this direction is emphasized, as it would significantly contrib¬ute to the development of new therapeutic possibilities for treating this frequent dermatological condition.
Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis) is one of the most common bacterial pathogens associated with respiratory infections in children as well as exacerbation of chronic lung diseases in adults. This pathogen expresses proteins on its surface that determine the interactions with the host and thereby the pathogenesis of the infection. In the current study, we isolated 98 M. catarrhalis strains during routine diagnostics from nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs, ear and sinus punctures, and sputum samples. The patients included in the study were divided into two categories based on their diagnoses: upper respiratory tract infections (65.3%, age range 1-15) and lower respiratory tract infections (34.7%, age range 45-81). We detected six important virulence factors through conventional PCR, with the following frequencies: mcaP (100.0%), ompB2 (98.0%), ompCD (87.8%), ompE (93.9%), uspA1 (94.9%), and uspA2 (81.6%). Three of these factors (uspA1, uspA2, and mcaP) were tested for the first time among Bulgarian patients. The results related to OMP proteins were compared with previous research conducted in Bulgaria (1997-2007), which indicated an increased frequency of omp genes across all studied groups, as well as statistical significance in the distribution of ompB2. These findings suggested an increased virulence in strains of M. catarrhalis. Furthermore, the factors that were examined were recognized as potential vaccine candidates, highlighting the importance of monitoring their prevalence.
In recent years, algae have been increasingly used to remove heavy metals from acidic mine drainage. In the present study, the biosorption and bioaccumulation of manganese and copper ions by a mixed Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. culture were investigated. The influence of 4 concentrations of heavy metals (20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/L) on microalgal growth and bioremediation was analyzed. The exponential growth phase was delayed by 7 days at 20 mg/L Mn compared to the control without heavy metals in the medium. In the remaining samples, no growth was observed until the 14th day, as high concentrations led to growth inhibition. The removal rate of Mn was between 74 and 90%, and that of Cu was 72-89% in the different variants. Their high biosorption at high concentrations of heavy metals is due to the large amount of dead biomass, which increases the contact surface. The method would be applicable for heavy metals from waters with a high content of copper and manganese removal and recovery.
