Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen, well recognized for its remarkable ability to persist and resist. It can survive in different environments including healthcare settings, due to its formidable ability to form biofilms on different surfaces including both biotic and abiotic surfaces. Additionally, it is well known for its resistance to different classes of antimicrobial agents, which is attributed to intrinsic as well as acquired mechanisms. These factors together contribute to the challenging management of infections caused by A. baumannii, causing increased mortality and morbidity worldwide. Different types of infections are caused by A. baumannii including bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Different factors contribute to the fitness of this organism and some of them have been investigated as possible targets for therapeutic agents. Here, we will focus on the challenges posed by this organism as well as some of the approaches to meet these challenges.
This review of 'Cheating Microbes' elaborates on microbial cheating, and how it relates to social interactions within microbial populations. Cooperative microbial communities assemble different individuals of microbial species within a biofilm that work together to generate metabolic products for survival. However, some individuals freeload and avoid contributing to the common pool of metabolic products, which puts them in advantageous positions to survive competition against individuals who actively contribute. The article explores various mechanisms microbial cheaters use to exploit cooperative systems, including quorum sensing, resource partitioning, and allelopathy. Although some cheating microbes outcompete others, the long-term sustainability and success of cooperative microbial communities depend on the preservation of the alliance through mechanisms, such as spatial structure and partner selection. Ultimately, an understanding of strategies and mechanisms of cheating microbes provides insights for developing novel approaches to control or manipulate microbial communities for industrial and medical applications. Adulteration is an authentic and tried strategy for existence or survival. Cheating in microbes is common in the living world, and it does not halt with high organisms but prolongs to prokaryotic-like microorganisms and even viruses. The organisms have cooperative behaviors exploited by cheaters, which perform noncooperative behavior. The competent evidence of dynamics between cheaters and cooperators in nature is limited until now. The broad prevalence of cheating in organisms creates unique evolutionary issues, which also have direct and detrimental effects on the capacity to manage and control illnesses or diseases, even though some cheaters scam others in the same colony and they fight dirty. Nevertheless, it supports prospective elements of utilizing dishonesty as a therapy to manipulate group dynamics. As a ubiquitous phenomenon, microbial cheating refers to the behavior of microbial populations in which some individuals get more benefits than they deserve, without contributing to the collective good. Cheating microbes are evident in diverse microbial systems ranging from bacterial biofilms to yeast infections. Additionally, it is even for the microbial flora living inside bodies. The consequences of microbial cheating are severe such as increased risk of infection, reduced effectiveness of antibiotics, and treatment resistance. Overall, this article provides a valuable contribution to understanding microbial ecology and its relevance to public health.
Background:Currency notes are among the most commonly exchanged items in daily life and can act as potential carriers of pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the microbial contamination present on Indian currency notes of different denominations (10, 20, 50, and 100).Materials and methods:A total of 32 Indian currency notes were selected for microbiological analysis, comprising eight notes each from 10, 20, 50, and 100 denominations. These samples were then carefully sealed in sterile packets and immediately transported to the laboratory for further processing. All currency notes were analysed for the presence of bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli.Results:Escherichia coli exhibited the highest and S. aureus shows lowest microbial growth, respectively. Tukey's Honestly significant difference (HSD) post hoc analysis revealed significant variations in microbial load across denominations, with E. coli exhibiting the highest contamination levels on 100 notes.Conclusion:The findings highlight that currency notes harbour more pathogens, emphasizing the role of physical note quality and handling in microbial transmission. Therefore, it is important to raise public awareness about hygiene practices and recommend the use of digital currency over paper currency.
Parasitic infection has been reported to affect hematopoiesis and to be associated with certain blood group types. The study aimed to reveal the frequency and the role of seropositivity to Toxocara canis and Ascaris lumbricoides in persons with weak blood group antigens, suffering from bone and joint tissue disorder. Ninety-six persons with bone and joint tissue disorder were investigated on seropositivity to T. canis and A. lumbricoides . Common blood analysis, biochemical analysis, determination of blood group type, detection of native agglutinating and complete immune antibodies have been investigated in all patients. Persons with B blood group demonstrated seropositivity to T. canis. Seropositivity to A. lumbricoides was registered in persons with blood group A and weak B antigen. The persons with weak A and B antigens showed increased levels of eosinophils and immune antibodies. Seropositivity to T. canis was accompanied by decreased levels of monocytes and increased levels of eosinophils, thymol probe, and CRP. Whereas seropositivity to A. lumbricoides was associated with decreased leukocytes and platelets and increased serum urea and natural agglutinating antibodies. Seropositivity to A. lumbricoides and T. canis was associated with increased group-specific immune antibodies, negatively correlating with the levels of erythrocytes and hemoglobin. Our findings indicate, that T. canis and A. lumbricoides have similar glycoproteins to human blood group antigens and interfere with hematopoiesis.
Background: Skin microflora plays a vital role for the regulation of the skin homeostasis. Many inter-bacterial communications and interactions between the bacteria and the skin of the host ensure an optimal barrier protection and regulate the local immune reactions. The objective of this review crossing dermatology with microbiology is to understand how the skin microbiota evolves to adapt with the external environment but also how probiotics such as Lactobacillus paracasei ferment (LPF) from the Himalayas can regulate the biodiversity of the microflora and can achieve microbiome balance of a healthy skin. Methods and results: The influence of LPF on the microflora and its antibacterial capabilities in the treatment of acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and the sensitive syndrome of the scalp have been assessed during experimental studies. LPF demonstrated an ability to regulate the abundance of S. aureus , S. epidermidis and C. acnes to levels similar to a healthy skin. Discussion: Evidence from scientific literature revealed that ubiquitous skin commensal bacteria such as C. acnes , S. epidermidis and S. aureus bacteria are capable to communicate mutually with each other's by releasing chemical signalling molecules in presence of external stressors resulting in fine to dysbiosis and contributing to skin pathogenesis. The proved benefits of LPF in adjusting the abundance of those bacteria could be linked to a modulation of the inter-bacterial communication influencing the skin homeostasis. Conclusion: The efficacy of LPF in the regulation of the skin microflora could lead to a new direction of microbiome-based therapeutics for the treatment of skin pathogenesis linked to dysbiosis such acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and sensitive scalp syndrome.
Every 15 s, a person worldwide dies due to tuberculosis (TB), a disease brought on by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). One of the basic mechanisms by which bacteria impose collective behaviors is cell-to-cell communication called Quorum sensing mechanism (QSM). Patients with cystic fibrosis have frequently had sputum samples containing a wide genetic variety of mycobacteria. Due to minute modifications in their morphology, distributive conjugal transfer (DCT), and gene expression level, heterogenic mycobacterial populations are seen to arise. India became a focal point of the global tuberculosis (TB) crisis. The nation, which in 2020 reported the greatest number of projected incident cases of tuberculosis (1.5 million among a total predicted 5.8 million worldwide cases), has set an aggressive goal to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025, as opposed to the traditional deadline of 2030. According to estimates, India will have the second-highest number of diabetes cases worldwide in 2021 (74 million out of an anticipated 537 million cases). It has been highlighted that diabetes treatment, a significant comorbidity among TB patients, should be handled in tandem with TB treatment since early detection is likely to save patient expenditures. In the present review article, authors have given an overview on Quorum sensing in M. tb, Quorum sensing mechanism in M. tb and correlation between TB and diabetes mellitus (DM).
Dengue fever remains a major public health concern, with its incidence steadily rising worldwide. This study delves into the multifaceted aspects of dengue, employing a holistic approach that integrates information from literatures regarding epidemiology, clinical manifestation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever. Furthermore, molecular investigations shed light on the genetic diversity of dengue viruses and their implications for vaccine development and antiviral strategies. By elucidating the intricate interactions between human hosts, mosquito vectors, and viral pathogens, this research contributes to the advancement of targeted interventions and the eventual control of dengue fever.
There is ample evidence to support the notion that the recovery and use of sericin protein as a natural antimicrobial compound in the textile will not only minimize the detrimental environmental health impact but will also be of immense commercial value. In the current study, the antibacterial activity of sericin-based silver nanoparticles (sericin-AgNPs) was checked by the well diffusion method against Eschrichia. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacilllus thuringiensis, Clostridium difficile, Serotia rubidia, Populans suringae and Proteus mirabilis. In 1st experiment, five different types of sericin-AgNPs were synthesized by variable (1.5%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.375%, 0.1%) amount of sericin with fixed (0.5%) amount of silver. The optimized quantity of sericin was found to be 0.1%. In 2nd experiment, four different types of sericin-AgNPs were synthesized by variable (0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) amount of silver with fixed (0.5%) concentrations of sericin. The optimized quantity of Ag was found 0.05%. Sericin-AgNPs showed good stability at different pH (4, 7, 11) and temperatures (70 degrees C, 37 degrees C, 4 degrees C) by showing an unwary antibacterial activity. Fabric treated with sericin-AgNPs also showed excellent antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains at different concentrations of silver as well as at different temperatures and pH. Hence, sericin, specifically conjugated with silver could be a very good antibacterial agent especially in textile industry
Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a multifactorial disease and has been predominantly associated with betel quid chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, and various other co-factors. The involvement of microorganisms in oral cancer is an area of research, where little attention has been paid to the relevance of these to overall patient morbidity.Aim of the study:The study aims to assess the oral hygiene status and the type of microbial flora in subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to healthy subjects.Materials and methods:The oral hygiene index (OHI - index) of Green - Vermillion method was used and recorded. Collection of swabs from lesion sites of OPMDs and OSCC patients and the healthy controls. One oral swab was used for direct slide preparation for microscopic microbiological examination and the other swab was used for inoculating onto the culture plates.Results:The most common oral microbes isolated were alpha-Haemolytic streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Compare the oral microbial flora of the study groups with that of the control group, showing that the microbial flora was present in both relative frequencies varied. Other microbes like Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, and Candida albicans were isolated only in the OSCC group.Conclusions:Only a restricted group of oral flora species thrive in the tumor environment and may contribute to cancer progression. These findings can aid clinicians in treatment and prognosis. Optimal oral hygiene and appropriate antimicrobial agents are crucial for oral cancer patients to enhance recovery and reduce post-operative complications.
Objectives: Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus are known to cause hospital acquired as well as community acquired infections. They are one of the most common pathogens of nosocomial infections. In this study we tried to find out the presence of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospital acquired infections. Staphylococcus cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing PCR was done to differentiate MRSA to community acquired-MRSA and hospital acquired-MRSA. Materials & methods: Total of 150 clinical strains of S. aureus isolated from various clinical samples of hospitalized patients were collected from A multiplex PCR was performed to carry out the SCCmec typing for the MRSA. Antibiotic resistance was done by Kirby Bauer method and the detection of LukS-PV and LukF-PV gene was done to see the ability of MRSA to produce panton valentine leukocidin. Result: We found that out of 53 MRSA 38 (71.7%) were HA-MRSA and 13 (24.5%) were CA-MRSA. We also found the presence of pvl gene, it was more common among the CA-MRSA (69.2%) as compared to HA-MRSA (13.1%). We also found that the CA-MRSA showed more resistance as compared to HA-MRSA to antibiotics like, Ciprofloxacin(84.6%), Ampicillin (100%), Cefotaxime (61.53%), Erythromycin (53.8%). Conclusion: In this study, we found that there is a mixing between the MRSA associated with community and hospital infections. We also found that increased antibiotic resistance in CA-MRSA and presence of PVL gene in them. This could be an indication of exchange of virulence factor or antibiotic resistance among the two types of MRSA which can be a threat to the existing healthcare policy used for their treatment and control.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most prevalent fungal infections worldwide, affecting millions of women annually, particularly those of reproductive age. The infection is primarily caused by Candida albicans , although non- albicans Candida (NAC) species such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei are increasingly implicated in clinical cases. Various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, antibiotic use, immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus, and changes in vaginal microbiota composition, contribute to fungal overgrowth and infection. The clinical presentation of VVC is characterized by vulvovaginal itching, irritation, dysuria, and thick, white, odorless discharge. The pathogenesis of Candida spp. involves multiple virulence factors, including morphological transition, adhesion to epithelial cells, biofilm formation, enzymatic secretion, and immune evasion strategies. While conventional diagnostic methods such as microscopy and culture remain widely used, molecular approaches have improved the sensitivity and specificity of species identification. Antifungal therapy primarily relies on azoles, although emerging resistance to fluconazole among Candida species, particularly NAC, poses significant treatment challenges. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the pathogenesis, virulence mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies for VVC, emphasizing the impact of antifungal resistance and the need for novel treatment approaches.
More than 700 million people worldwide have been confirmed to have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), putting them at risk of developing sequelae that are prone to invasive fungal infections (IFIs), such as candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis. These fungi are generally not virulent, but in patients with a history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, they can cause opportunistic infections due to immune dysregulation and abnormalities in lung tissue structure caused by the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, history of using immunosuppressive drugs or invasive medical devices during treatment, and so on. The increased susceptibility to IFIs in individuals post-COVID-19 requires rapid and efficient diagnostic methods. Currently, commercially available antigen-based serological tests have good sensitivity and specificity, and some have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Thus, antigen-based screening tests are essential in developing regions with limited resources.
Background and aim:Brevundimonas spp. are ubiquitous in the environment, but they are infrequently isolated from clinical specimens. Brevundimonas spp. cause bacteremia and sepsis, less frequently pneumonia, which resist numerous antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolone and beta lactams. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological distribution of the NDM-1 gene in metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis clinical isolates from pediatric patients with bloodstream infections.Methods:Totally, 384 blood samples were collected from children aged <= 10 years old attended Baghdad hospital children, Baghdad, Iraq. The blood samples were screened for bacterial species by cultural, biochemical methods and Vitek-2 system. Nine isolates were confirmed to be Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis had been selected to be screened for antimicrobial susceptibility, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (Es beta L) production and Molecular characterization of antibiotic resistance genes (blaNDM-1, blaSHV, IMP-1, aac(6')-Ib-, qnrB, and VIM).Results:Totally, 382 pure isolates were obtained in this study belonging to different 48 bacterial species. The highest occurrence was for Escherichia coli (55 isolates), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (44 isolates), and 9 isolates were identified as Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis.From antimicrobial susceptibility test to the isolated Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis strains, two isolates were resistant to Imipenem, one isolate was resistant to eight antibiotics from three different classes of antibiotics and considered as multidrug resistant strains. Also, four isolates gave positive results in the screening of beta L. The results of molecular assay of resistance genes was variable thus, two isolates have blaNDM-1 gene, one isolate was positive for IMP-1 gene, three isolates were positive for VIM gene, five isolates were positive for blaSHV gene, two isolates were positive for qnrB gene and one isolate was positive for aac(6')-Ib gene.Results:Totally, 382 pure isolates were obtained in this study belonging to different 48 bacterial species. The highest occurrence was for Escherichia coli (55 isolates), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (44 isolates), and 9 isolates were identified as Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis.From antimicrobial susceptibility test to the isolated Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis strains, two isolates were resistant to Imipenem, one isolate was resistant to eight antibiotics from three different classes of antibiotics and considered as multidrug resistant strains. Also, four isolates gave positive results in the screening of beta L. The results of molecular assay of resistance genes was variable thus, two isolates have blaNDM-1 gene, one isolate was positive for IMP-1 gene, three isolates were positive for VIM gene, five isolates were positive for blaSHV gene, two isolates were positive for qnrB gene and one isolate was positive for aac(6')-Ib gene.Conclusions:Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are a major public health threat, and Brevundimonas diminuta/vesicularis is an emerging pathogen that can be particularly resistant to these antibiotics. So, the fact that this is the first report about the clonal diversity of these isolates from blood in Baghdad. Overall, this study is an important contribution to our understanding of carbapenem resistance in Iraq. It sheds light on a previously understudied pathogen and could have significant implications for patient care in the region.
Bacterial dormancy is a state of decreased metabolic activity that allows bacteria to survive in harsh environments. Bacterial dormancy is a reversible metabolic shutdown; it is nonreplicating state of cell which enable them to survive under unfavorable conditions. Dormancy is facilitated by molecular mechanisms that involve signaling pathways, translational and transcriptional regulation, and metabolic shifts. Persisted cells, which are highly tolerant to antibiotics, are formed during dormancy, posing a significant challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of dormancy is crucial for developing strategies to control bacterial persistence and advance antibiotic discovery. Sporulation is the purest form of microbial dormancy. Spores are highly resistant to stresses such as antibiotics, extreme heat, chemicals, and radiation, and can survive. Dormant bacteria in blood are not growing but dormant microbiome which can significantly take part in large diverse of chronic inflammatory diseases. This review discusses the importance, molecular mechanisms, and strategies for entering a dormant state, and explores the molecular and physiological changes that occur during dormancy. Additionally, it sheds light on methods for identification and investigation of dormant bacteria that may help overcoming drug resistance and chronic infections.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is commonly correlated with gendered, genetic, environmental, or psychological factors. Recently, with an escalating number of depression-related studies, interest has focused on the role of intestinal microbiota in MDD pathogenesis. This research indicates that gut microbiota directly or indirectly influences brain function through diverse mechanisms regulating stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies indicate communication between the intestines and brain via neural, immune, and metabolic pathways. These imply a noteworthy correlation between alterations in gut microbiota and MDD. Hence, the study's potential role in understanding the regulatory mechanism of gut microbiota in MDD occurrence and its relation to probiotic antidepressive mechanisms could deliver a novel therapeutic perspective for treating depression.
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women, yet it is largely preventable. Persistent infections with oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are the predominant cause, with viral oncoproteins facilitating neoplastic growth. Acute HPV infections often result in low-grade precursor lesions that typically resolve on their own in over 90% of cases, with fewer than 10% advancing to high-grade or invasive malignancies. As a result, the implementation of Pap smear screening programs has significantly decreased the incidence and mortality associated with cervical cancer, but it still remains a global health concern. Challenges such as low sensitivity and the unavailability of tests in rural areas pose significant hurdles. Novel biomarkers that monitor critical molecular events in histological or cytological samples are expected to improve the detection of high-risk lesions in both primary screening and triage scenarios.
Kliniken der Stadt Koln gGmbH, Koln and Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany. Correspondence to Oliver Schildgen, Kliniken der Stadt Koln gGmbH, Koln, Germany. E-mail: [email protected]
Introduction: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one of the drugs used to treat COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IVIG in the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Materials and methods: The patients received IVIG before being intubated. The patients’ symptoms, disease severity, clinical features, and chest computed tomography findings were compared between before and after the treatment. Results: Out of 62 patients who received IVIG, 35 patients (56.5%) were male, and 27 patients (43.5%) were female. Overall, 13 (21%) patients died, and 49 (79%) recovered and were discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: IVIG can be used as an effective drug to save patients’ lives before they enter the intubation phase.
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin degrader that plays a major role in the human gut. Multiple studies have shown that the level of abundance of this organism in the human body is inversely related to diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. This organism has abilities to regulate the intestinal permeability, gut barrier and inflammatory responses in various metabolic disorders by activating various transcription factors and enhance the expression of receptors (TLRs, NLRs). Pangenome of A. muciniphila provides comprehensive detail and role of encoding genes in mitigation of metabolic dysbiosis. The present review discusses and summarizes the role of A. muciniphila in diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders.
