AIMS:Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Recent research suggests that the microbiota may contribute to tumorigenesis via immune, inflammatory, or metabolic mechanisms. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the relative abundance of bacteria among cancerous(C), adjacent normal (NAT) and non-cancerous(N) breast tissues to identify microbial profiles associated with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus according to PRISMA guidelines. We have included twenty-nine studies published between 2014 and 2024, using 16S rRNA sequencing. Data were extracted from graphs using ImageJ and subsequently analyzed in Python using log-transformed ratios and statistical models adapted to the degree of heterogeneity (I2). RESULTS:At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes predominated in tumor tissues without significant differences (p > 0.05). However, significant increases were observed at lower taxonomic levels. Pseudomonadaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, and Staphylococcaceae were enriched in cancerous tissues. The genera Pseudomonas and Lactobacillus were also significantly enriched in the pooled analysis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Although methodological heterogeneity was observed among studies, the findings suggest recurrent microbial patterns potentially associated with breast cancer. These observations should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, multi-omic integration, and geographically diverse cohorts to better elucidate causal relationships and clinical implications.
AIMS:Excluding bacteremia is clinically important in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteriuria (SABU), yet reliable predictors of concomitant S. aureus bacteremia (SAB) remain insufficiently defined. This study aimed to evaluate whether routine urinalysis parameters can predict concomitant SAB in patients with SABU. METHODS:This retrospective cohort study included 82 patients with SABU. Demographic characteristics, urinalysis findings, inflammatory markers, and blood culture results were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of SAB. RESULTS:Concomitant SAB was detected in 29 patients (35.4%). Urinary bacterial count (31 vs 1/high-power field (HPF)) and erythrocyte count (39 vs 8/HPF) were significantly higher in bacteremic patients, together with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (all p < 0.05). ROC analysis identified an optimal cutoff value of 11/HPF for urinary bacterial count, with 82.8% sensitivity, 81.1% specificity, and a negative predictive value of 89.6% (AUC: 0.867). In multivariate analysis, urinary bacterial count, age, and CRP level remained independently associated with concomitant SAB. CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, increased urinary bacterial count was associated with concomitant SAB and demonstrated a high negative predictive value for excluding bacteremia. Routine urinalysis parameters may contribute to early risk stratification in patients with SABU.
AIMS:This study aimed to evaluate in vitro activity of β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combinations, colistin, tigecycline, and eravacycline against carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CPE) uropathogens. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 162 urine samples from UTI patients. Enterobacterales isolates were identified using the Remel RapID ONE system. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using Sensititre panels, and carbapenemase genes (blaNDM, blaKPC, and blaOXA-48) were detected by PCR and confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS:Of 162 urine samples, 120 (74.1%) were culture-positive, yielding 145 isolates, of which 117 (81%) were Enterobacterales. Carbapenem resistance was detected in 104/117 (89%) isolates, encoding blaNDM (45%), blaKPC (24%), and blaOXA-48 (30.7%). blaNDM harboring isolates were resistant to all tested BL/BLI combinations, whereas blaKPC and blaOXA-48 carrying isolates remained susceptible to CZA and IMR. blaKPC carrying pathogens were susceptible to MEV. Colistin, tigecycline, and eravacycline showed good activity against all isolates except Proteus mirabilis. CONCLUSIONS:The efficacy of BL/BLI combinations is limited by the high prevalence of blaNDM producing pathogens. In contrast, blaKPC and blaOXA-48 encoding isolates remained susceptible against CZA and IMR while colistin, tigecycline, and eravacycline retained their activities. It highlighted the importance of molecular surveillance to guide appropriate therapy for CPE-associated UTIs.
Screening with tuberculin remains widely used in humans and livestock for detecting mycobacterial immune sensitization, but tuberculin skin test (TST) interpretation is influenced by Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination, environmental non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), cutoff selection, and epidemiological context. The TST uses purified protein derivative (PPD), a complex mycobacterial antigen preparation, to elicit delayed-type hypersensitivity measured as local skin induration. Aquaculture vaccination is established for farmed fish, whereas vaccines targeting fish mycobacteriosis remain largely experimental, including BCG, attenuated or heat-inactivated mycobacteria, DNA vaccines, mycolic acids, and defined antigen combinations. This Perspective asks whether experimental mycobacterial vaccination of fish could plausibly influence human TST interpretation in occupationally exposed aquaculture workers. Such an interaction would require antigenic overlap with PPD, environmental release or persistence of mycobacterial material linked to vaccination, repeated worker exposure through water, biofilms, fish tissues, surfaces, or skin microtrauma, immune sensitization or amplification, and an induration shift sufficient to alter classification at operational cutoffs. The article defines this as a testable One Health interface and proposes construct-level antigen mapping, environmental monitoring around vaccination events, and prospective worker studies using continuous TST measurement with parallel IGRA testing.
BACKGROUND:Clostridioides difficile toxin A (TcdA) is a key factor in antibiotic-associated intestinal epithelial injury. (+)-Catechin (CC) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its role in protecting intestinal epithelial barrier function during TcdA exposure remains unclear. METHODS:Human colon epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated with TcdA to induce barrier dysfunction, followed by CC at varying concentrations. Barrier integrity was assessed using trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), Lucifer yellow paracellular flux, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. The involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling was evaluated using short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated PPARγ knockdown. RESULTS:TcdA treatment disrupted Caco-2 barrier function, indicated by decreased TEER, increased Lucifer yellow flux, and elevated LDH release. TcdA treatment also reduced PPARγ expression and was associated with increased activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. CC treatment significantly alleviated these effects in a concentration-dependent manner, with 100 μg/mL showing optimal protection. PPARγ knockdown partially attenuated the protective effects of CC and diminished its inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation, suggesting that PPARγ contributes to the barrier-protective role of CC. CONCLUSION:CC attenuates TcdA-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and is associated with modulation of the PPARγ-NF-κB signaling pathway.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a slow-growing, Gram-negative bacterium commonly found as a part of the normal oral flora of dogs and cats, and it is associated with severe systemic infections following dog bites, especially in immunocompromised patients. Although spondylodiscitis due to Capnocytophaga species has been reported in the literature, cases involving previously operated spinal segments are extremely rare. A 52-year-old woman working as a dog trainer presented with fever, headache, photophobia, and lumbar back pain. Her medical history included an L5-S1 hemilaminectomy performed 9-year prior to admission. Following an initial concern for meningitis, imaging studies revealed L4-L5 spondylodiscitis. Microbiological diagnosis was obtained through computed tomography-guided biopsy. Biopsy cultures isolated C. canimorsus after 72 h of anaerobic incubation, subsequently confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The patient was successfully treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, achieving complete resolution of symptoms. Hematogenous seeding, rather than direct surgical site contamination, should be emphasized in patients with a history of prior spinal surgery. Furthermore, C. canimorsus should be included in the differential diagnosis of spinal infections in patients with animal exposure, even in the absence of overt bite wounds.
AIMS:To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in preventing or treating bacterial infections across different infection types in recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PATIENTS AND METHODS:Systematic review of 12 RCTs (2021-2026) addressing probiotics (single or multistrain) for recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI), Helicobacter pylori eradication, respiratory tract infections (RTI), acne vulgaris, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial colonization. RoB assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0; qualitative GRADE certainty assessment performed for all primary outcomes. Narrative synthesis with vote-counting analysis conducted due to heterogeneous study designs and outcomes. RESULTS:Across 12 RCTs (n = 1200 participants), probiotics demonstrated consistent directional benefit for rUTI (2 RCTs: 75% recurrence-free vs. 33% placebo), H. pylori eradication (3 RCTs: 70-86% eradication rates), and RTI symptom reduction (3 RCTs: 64-96% improvement). Acne lesion reduction was observed in two RCTs. MDR colonization results were inconsistent (two RCTs). GRADE certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate across all outcomes, primarily due to imprecision from small sample size and heterogenicity. CONCLUSIONS:Probiotics show promise as adjuvant therapy for select bacterial infections, but evidence certainty is low. Larger structured RCTs with standardized outcome measures are required before routine clinical recommendations can be established. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION:PROSPERO; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO identifier is CRD420261339142.
BACKGROUNDS:Currently used disinfection methods for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs) have limitations. This study evaluated the efficacy of bacteriophage disinfection compared to traditional methods. METHODS:Initially, 30 ICU rooms housing patients with cultured MDROs were included between 2020-2022 (yielding 630 initial swabs). After applying exclusion criteria for unmatched environmental strains, 373 relevant ICU surface samples from 29 rooms were analyzed. Disinfection methods were categorized into three groups: sodium hypochlorite (bleach), bleach with ultraviolet C (UVC) light, and MDRO-targeting bacteriophages. The environmental bacteria in ICU rooms were compared across groups, and the eradication rates of high-risk pathogens and MDROs were analyzed. RESULTS:Among 373 ICU surface samples, 339 yielded positive bacterial cultures. Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. were the most commonly isolated bacteria. High-risk bacteria accounted for 23.3% of isolates, with MDROs comprising 14.7%. After disinfection, the eradication rate of MDROs was 88.2% in the bleach plus UVC group, 85.7% in the bacteriophage group, and 52.9% in the bleach-only group (p = 0.023). The bleach plus UVC and bacteriophage groups significantly reduced high-risk pathogens (p < 0.001) compared to the bleach-only group. CONCLUSIONS:While bleach with UVC is highly effective, bacteriophage disinfection achieves comparable MDRO eradication while potentially preserving non-MDRO culturable bacteria in critical care settings.
AIMS:Multiple efflux pumps are one of the key resistant mechanisms that expel antibiotics from Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Bangladeshi clinical isolates of E. coli, to detect fluoroquinolone resistance-associated efflux pump genes, and to explore their relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Forty clinical isolates of E. coli were collected from a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method, and efflux pump genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. RESULTS:Amoxicillin (97.5%), tetracycline (87.5%), and ciprofloxacin (80%) were found to be the least effective antibiotics. Overall, 39 isolates (97.5%) were identified as multidrug resistant. The prevalence of efflux pump genes was as follows: yhiU (100%), marA (95%), mdfA (87.5%), and yhiV (75%). Among MDR isolates, all four genes were observed in 64.1% of cases, three genes in 28.2%, and two genes in 7.7%. Of the 32 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, the combination of all four efflux genes (mdfA + marA + yhiU + yhiV) was detected in 59.38% of strains. CONCLUSION:Multiple efflux pumps present in E. coli may have played a pivotal role in developing resistance against several antibiotics.
AIMS:This study investigates the molecular characteristics of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) clinical isolates with particular emphasis on colistin resistance, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance determinants, clonal relatedness, and pmrA gene expression. METHODS:Twenty MDRAB isolates were collected from intensive care unit patients at Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution method according to the EUCAST 2022 guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), carbapenemase, biofilm-associated genes, and class 1 integrons. Clonal relatedness was assessed using Repetitive-element PCR (Rep-PCR), and the pmrA gene (GenBank accession no. MN787072.1) expression analyzed through quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS:The isolates demonstrated high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) particularly against carbapenems. Many isolates showed strong biofilm, while carrying biofilm-associated genes bap, csuE, pgaA, and ompA. Class 1 integrons and the blaCTX-M gene detected in 94% and 65% of isolates, respectively. Colistin-resistant (ColR) isolates shared a distinct Rep-PCR profile (singleton) and harbored both the pmrA and blaCTX-M-15 genes. DNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that, the Q218→K mutation had marginal effect on pmrA gene expression. CONCLUSION:These findings underscore the urgent need for effective antibiotic stewardship to address rising incidence of carbapenemase-producing, colistin resistance in A. baumannii.
Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene found in various plant species, has gained prominence due to its antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal properties, along with its low toxicity. In view of the increasing resistance to antifungal agents and the limited therapeutic arsenal available, research on natural bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential, such as lupeol, has intensified. This review compiles and critically discusses evidence identified through a literature search performed in SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and additional relevant sources for studies published from 2003 to 2025, using combined descriptors related to lupeol, antifungal activity, fungal infections, Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, dermatophytes, biofilm, virulence factors, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, nanoformulations, nanotechnology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in silico approaches. The pharmacokinetic properties of lupeol and the nanotechnological strategies aimed at enhancing its biopharmaceutical potential are also discussed. In addition, in silico approaches that have contributed to understanding the molecular interactions of lupeol with fungal targets are presented, as well as the development of new derivatives. In summary, this article identifies lupeol as a promising multifunctional molecule for antifungal therapy in the face of increasing microbial resistance and the demand for more effective and less harmful antifungal agents.
AIMS:This study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan beads loaded with benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) as a novel therapeutic strategy to combat biofilm-associated infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. METHODS:The beads were fabricated via ionic gelation and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the optimal formulation BITC-loaded beads (B-Cs2) were assessed. Supporting computational analyses (molecular docking) were carried out; detailed methods and results are provided in the Supplementary Material. RESULTS:B-Cs2 beads (10 mg) exhibited strong antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of 34.0 ± 1.0 mm for S. aureus and 24.0 ± 2.0 mm for E. coli. The formulation also significantly inhibited biofilm formation, reducing it by 49.3% in S. aureus and 48.2% in E. coli. Molecular docking predicted potential interactions with key virulence proteins, suggesting that BITC may disrupt distinct virulence pathways; however, further biochemical validation is required to confirm these proposed mechanisms. CONCLUSION:BITC-loaded chitosan beads function as a dual-action system with potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, demonstrating significant potential for applications in clinical therapeutics and food safety.
Mycobacterium colombiense is a seldom reported non-tuberculous mycobacteria causing infections mostly in immunosuppressed patients. Thus, we present the findings of three M. colombiense isolation cases from a third-level hospital in Monterrey, Mexico, during 2020-2024. Mycobacterial identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Anyplex™ MTB/NTM Real-time Detection. Patients were people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV), with pneumonia and lymphadenopathy. Patients had high HIV viral loads and low CD4 counts (21-103 cells/mm3). None of the cases had specific Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) treatment, and all of them showed clinical improvement. Current non-tuberculous mycobacteria discrimination tests may not effectively diagnose significant pathogens like M. colombiense, potentially leading to delays in treatment and negatively impacting patient outcomes.
Technology has offered considerable means to create, enhance, and upkeep biosecurity during the last quarter-century. Mostly this refers to routine health promotion means, more or less modified for the much more complex environment of Biosecurity, which includes perpetrated biothreats and thus involves hostile intelligence set to nullify response. This narrative review describes the complexity of the field and presents to bioscience-cognitive audience an update of the current state-of-the-art approaches, their usefulness in Biosecurity applications and their suitability for the diverse current format. The research involved plain internet (Google) search engine and Pubmed searches with matching terms from May 2025 to January 2026. Regarding diagnostics, the Molecular Diagnostics applicable in Resource-Limited Settings, the serodiagnostics, now available in solid formats as Rapid Diagnostic Tests, improved and more powerful Microscopy and cultures updated to Culturomics are the focus. Support functions, from bioinformatics to remote and cybernetic applications, such as lab and diagnostic automations, increase responsiveness and flexibility. Intervention, the second major arm of Biosecurity is also evolving despite the scarcity of new antibiotics. Different classes of Bioamenities combined with advanced and controllable delivery methods emerge for routine medicine and may be adopted, adapted, and modified for Biosecurity use.
AIMS:To define the global genomic landscape of Staphylococcus saprophyticus and evaluate the contribution of human, animal, food, and environmental strains to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits within a One Health framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 975 publicly available genomes were analyzed using comparative genomics to characterize the resistome, virulome, and mobilome. Associations between antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetic elements were assessed. Ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST) was used to investigate population structure and lineage distribution across sources and geographic regions. RESULTS:S. saprophyticus showed a global distribution across diverse hosts. A subset of rMLSTs (48500, 48501, 48492, and 48498) accounted for ~52% genomes and were widely distributed across countries and sources. Multidrug resistance was detected in all regions and frequently associated with plasmids, prophages, and integrative and conjugative elements, which together carried nearly half of resistance genes. In contrast, virulence determinants were largely chromosomal and conserved, supporting a stable pathogenic repertoire across ecological contexts. CONCLUSIONS:These findings highlight the circulation of dominant lineages across multiple reservoirs and identify non-clinical environments as important contributors to the spread of clinically relevant resistance and virulence traits.
BACKGROUND:Allergic reactions have surged to unprecedented levels, impacting about 30% of people globally. Fungi are a significant source of allergens, responsible for approximately 6% of respiratory diseases in the general population. However, identifying the exact cause of respiratory allergies is not always possible. AIMS:To investigate the capacity of Erysiphe palczewskii and Erysiphe convolvuli, two representatives of common powdery mildew (Erysiphaceae), to elicit inflammatory and asthmatic reactions in mouse models of acute and chronic asthma. MATERIALS & METHODS:After sensitizing and subsequently challenging mice intranasally with extracts of E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli, we examined the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and TGF-β measured by ELISA), specific IgE production (measured by ELISA), and histological changes in the lungs of the animals following hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS:In mouse models, we demonstrated that E. palczewskii and E. convolvuli induced robust production of all studied cytokines, elevated levels of specific IgE, and histological lung changes characteristic of acute and chronic asthma. CONCLUSIONS:These data indicate that both species are strong candidates as new fungal aeroallergens, but their clinical significance requires confirmation in larger studies, including human studies.
The gut-liver axis is a two-way communication network where gut microbes and their metabolites affect liver function, while the liver regulates the intestinal environment through bile acids, immune factors, and antimicrobial substances. Disruption of this balance contributes to various liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Probiotics and synbiotics are potential therapies that aim to restore microbial balance, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and regulate inflammation and metabolism. Recent omics technologies, such as metagenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have helped uncover how these interventions influence important pathways involving short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and microbial metabolites. Studies suggest that probiotics and synbiotics may improve liver health through effects on metabolism, immune regulation, and fibrosis, although results vary depending on the specific microbial strains and patient characteristics. Emerging approaches include next-generation probiotics, targeted synbiotic combinations, and personalized microbiome-based treatments. Combining multi-omics data with digital health tools may help identify patients who are most likely to benefit. Overall, microbiota-targeted therapies show promise as personalized strategies for managing liver diseases, but further research is needed to overcome challenges in translating findings into consistent clinical applications.
BACKGROUND:Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the leading cause of urinary tract infections, has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, creating an urgent need for alternative therapeutics. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A bacterial isolate exhibiting antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) UPEC was screened. Its secondary metabolites were extracted and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated for the purified secondary metabolite (SM) extract alone and in combination with bacteriophages. RESULTS:HPLC revealed a major bioactive peak corresponding to polymyxin B sulfate, confirmed by LC-MS with a dominant peak at 1185 Da. GC-MS identified additional minor pyrrolizidine derivatives with potential antibacterial activity. The polymyxin-like SM (PSM) extract showed potent antimicrobial effects against UPEC and other uropathogens. Notably, co-treatment with bacteriophages significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), indicating a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION:Bacterial secondary metabolites, particularly polymyxin-like extracts, exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against MDR UPEC. Their synergistic interaction with bacteriophages highlights a promising combined antimicrobial approach to combat MDR uropathogens.
Lactobacillus species are renowned for their probiotic properties and niche adaptability, driven by unique genomic traits, stress-response mechanisms, and biofilm formation. This versatility makes them exceptional candidates for advanced biotechnological applications. Their biocompatibility and immunomodulatory effects allow them to serve as live biotherapeutic products. Through genetic engineering and encapsulation, Lactobacillus can be programmed to deliver recombinant proteins and vaccines, cytokines and anti-inflammatory molecules, targeted enzymes, and peptides. Beyond therapy, these bacteria can be engineered into biosensors to detect pathogens, toxins, and clinical biomarkers. By integrating CRISPR-Cas systems and reporter genes into whole‑cell or cell‑free platforms, they offer robust solutions for food safety, environmental monitoring, and diagnostics. While challenges in stability and regulation persist, advancements in synthetic biology are transforming Lactobacillusfrom a simple probiotic into a precise, multifunctional tool for improving global health and environmental oversight.
