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11 pages, 1691 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effect of Buffer Room Configuration on Isolation of Bacteriophage phi6 and Micrococcus Luteus Emissions

by Radosław Wróbel, Monika Andrych-Zalewska, Jędrzej Matla, Justyna Molska, Gustaw Sierzputowski, Agnieszka Szulak, Radosław Włostowski, Adriana Włóka and Małgorzata Rutkowska-Gorczyca

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1099-1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030073 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 126

Abstract

In light of the growing need to mitigate viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, which has caused over 770 million infections and 7 million deaths worldwide, the role of architectural design in reducing pathogen spread has become paramount. This study explores how different buffer room configurations impact microbial isolation using the bacterium Micrococcus luteus and bacteriophage phi6 as test organisms. Through a comprehensive approach integrating architecture, technology, and scientific methodologies, we developed strategies to optimise safe buffer environments. Comparative analyses of various isolation systems highlighted significant variations in their effectiveness at reducing bioaerosol concentrations, directly influenced by the design and layout of buffer rooms. These findings are crucial for the effective design of medical and public spaces, particularly during pandemics, where preventing virus transmission is critical for public health. Full article

8 pages, 512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Seroepidemiological Study of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) in Southern Tunisia

by Afef Jeljli, Syrine Rekik, Boubaker Ben Smida, Walid Chandoul, Limam Sassi and Mohamed Gharbi

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1091-1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030072 - 25 Jun 2024

Viewed by 354

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common zoonotic parasites worldwide, with infections in humans as well as in all mammals, including dromedaries, that affect reproductive health, leading to malformations and abortions. In the current study, we estimated, for the first time in Tunisia, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies and its associated risk factors in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. A total of 248 sera samples were collected from dromedaries living in Médenine and Tataouine governorates, South Tunisia. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was estimated to be 29.8 ± 2.9% (74/248) with a significantly higher seroprevalence rate in dromedaries from Médenine (52.5 ± 7.9%; 21/40) compared to Tataouine (25.5 ± 3%; 53/208); it was also higher in dromedaries kept in intensive farming systems (55 ± 11.1%; 11/20) compared to extensive systems (27.6 ± 3%; 63/228), in non-pregnant females (39 ± 4%; 57/146) compared to pregnant ones (16.7 ± 3.7%; 17/102), and in those in contact with cats (66.7 ± 8.6%; 20/30) compared to those with no contact with cats (24.8 ± 2.9%; 54/218). The present study should be followed by others to explore the role of dromedaries in the epidemiological cycle of T. gondii in Southern Tunisia. Full article

8 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Dogs and Cats in Southern Brazil

by Letícia da Silva, Cristina Zaffari Grecellé, Ana Paula Guedes Frazzon, André Felipe Streck, Diéssy Kipper, André Salvador Kazantzi Fonseca, Nilo Ikuta and Vagner Ricardo Lunge

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1083-1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030071 - 25 Jun 2024

Viewed by 257

Abstract

Enterococcus spp. are isolated from infections of domestic animals and can present resistance to different antimicrobials. This study aimed to identify the main species of Enterococcus and determine the phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials of isolates of this bacterial genus obtained from dogs and cats admitted to a veterinary hospital in southern Brazil. A total of 57 Enterococcus spp. were isolated from different clinical samples (urine, feces, ears and skin) in domestic animals admitted to the hospital over a period of three years (2016 to 2019). MALDI-TOF results demonstrated the occurrence of Enterococcus faecium (39; 68.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (17; 29.8%) and Enterococcus avium (1; 1.8%). In an overall analysis, resistance was observed to the antimicrobials rifampicin (46; 80.7%), tetracycline and streptomycin (42; 73.7%), ampicillin and imipenem (41; 71.9%), erythromycin (39; 68.4%), gentamicin (38; 66.7%), ciprofloxacin (36; 63.2%), norfloxacin (32; 56.1%), nitrofurantoin (10; 17.5%) and chloramphenicol (9; 15.7%). None of the Enterococcus spp. showed resistance to vancomycin and linezolid. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 45 (78.9%) isolates. In conclusion, E. faecium and E. faecalis with MDR are frequent in infections of hospitalized dogs and cats from southern Brazil. Full article

10 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Mortality Analysis in Febrile and Afebrile Emergency Department Patients with Positive Blood Cultures: A Retrospective Study

by Nicola Bonadia, Davide Antonio Della Polla, Rita Murri, Tiziana D’Inzeo, Barbara Fiori, Annamaria Carnicelli, Andrea Piccioni, Mariella Fuorlo, Martina Petrucci, Angela Saviano, Antonio Gasbarrini, Francesco Franceschi and Marcello Covino

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1073-1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030070 - 22 Jun 2024

Viewed by 258

Abstract

This retrospective analysis at a major Italian university hospital (January 2018–September 2022) assessed the prognostic significance of fever in patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). Of the 1299 patients with positive blood cultures, a comparison between febrile and afebrile patients at emergency department admission was conducted. This study particularly focused on the mortality rates associated with these two groups. Notably, afebrile patients exhibited a higher mortality rate. The odds ratio for mortality in afebrile patients was significantly higher compared to febrile patients. This suggests that the absence of fever might be an indicator of increased mortality risk, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing bloodstream infections based on fever presence. This study contributes to the understanding of fever as a diagnostic marker in emergency settings. Full article

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23 pages, 2444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Xylella fastidiosa Dispersion on Vegetal Hosts in Demarcated Zones in the North Region of Portugal

by Talita Loureiro, Luís Serra, Ângela Martins, Isabel Cortez and Patrícia Poeta

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1050-1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030069 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 454

Abstract

The detection of Xylella fastidiosa in Portugal occurred through prospection in 2019 in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, in plants of Lavandula dentata L. Currently, in Portugal, there are 18 Xylella fastidiosa Demarcated Zones (DZs). The main objective of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of this problem within the defined Demarcated Zones in the North Region of Portugal from 2019 to June 2023. This work comprised two phases: the prospection phase (inspecting plants, sampling, and submission of samples to the laboratory) and the research phase (collecting and organizing data and statistical treatment). Our findings provide essential insights, suggesting that the Northern Region of Portugal is highly conducive to Xylella fastidiosa. Portugal has Xf-preferred hosts such as the olive tree, orange tree, Laurus nobilis, Rosa spp., Nerium oleander L., Pelargonium sp., Hedera helix L., and Lavandula dentata L. Portugal’s favorable environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can have an important role in influencing the interaction between bacteria and hosts. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider variations in the behavior of insect vectors, as these variations can limit the prevalence of the disease. Activities like the transport of infected planting materials from the first Demarcated Zone of the Area Metropolitana do Porto could be associated with the introduction and spread of Xylella fastidiosa, potentially triggering new disease outbreaks in the country. Our findings confirm the alarming spread of Xylella fastidiosa across Portugal. Factors such as the presence of insect vectors, abundance of host plants, and climate suitability play pivotal roles in Xylella fastidiosa dispersal. We recommend that countries identified with relatively high risk, like Portugal, undertake thorough individual risk analyses. The implementation of preventive measures and, if necessary, the enhancement of surveillance systems for early detection of Xylella fastidiosa in plants and insect vectors are crucial steps. Full article

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22 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Microbe Profile: Rhizophagus intraradices—A Review of Benevolent Fungi Promoting Plant Health and Sustainability

by Helen N. Onyeaka, Adenike A. Akinsemolu, Kehinde Favour Siyanbola and Victoria Ademide Adetunji

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 1028-1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020068 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 633

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) such as Rhizophagus intraradices (formerly known as Glomus intraradices) are of great importance to maintaining the soil ecosystem while supporting sustainable agriculture and practices. This review explores the taxonomy of Rhizophagus intraradices, their attributes, mycorrhizal symbiosis, plant growth improvement, nutrient recycling in the soil, soil health and environmental rehabilitation, and challenges that impede the effective use of AMF in agriculture. AMF impacts soil structure by releasing organic compounds like glomalin, improving total organic carbon and water-holding capacity, and reducing water scarcity. AMF, in sustainable agriculture, not only improves crop productivity through nutrient uptake but also enhances soil fertility and plants’ resistance to so-called stress from abiotic factors as well. The integration of AMF with other beneficial microorganisms in organic farming will be powerful both to ensure long-term soil output and to protect food from bacteria. Nevertheless, chemical inputs and spatial biases of the researchers remain matters to be solved in connection with the broad feasibility of AMF use. Full article

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12 pages, 3722 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

The First Report on Saprolegnia parasitica and Neoparamoeba perurans Isolated from Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Reared in Korea

by Dong-Hwi Kim, Min-Soo Joo, Soo-Ji Woo, Kwang-Tae Son, Woo-Seok Hong, Mun-Chang Park, Jin-Chul Park and Sung-Oh Park

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 1016-1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020067 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 371

Abstract

This study is the first report of parasite and fungal disease separated from domestically reared Atlantic salmon in Korea; the characteristics of the pathogens were identified, and histopathological analysis was conducted. Fungal and parasitic diseases were detected in Atlantic salmon and were isolated as Saprolegnia parasitica and Neoparamoeba perurans based on morphological and genetic analysis. External symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with S. parasitica include fin ulcers and hemorrhage, abdominal hemorrhage, and necrosis of the gills and gill covers. The histopathological analysis results showed necrosis, hemorrhaging, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the abdominal muscles, while only inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the gill covers. The clinical symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with N. perurans included excessive mucus secretion in the gills, a dense amoebic presence on the gill filaments, respiratory distress, and opening of the mouth and gill covers after death. Through histopathological analysis, we observed lesions in epithelial cells, characterized by the proliferation of epithelial cells and the fusion of secondary lamellae. Numerous lamellae were observed to be attached or fused with each other. To ensure the successful establishment of the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry in Korea, it is essential to swiftly quarantine infected fish based on the morphological characteristics of S. parasitica and N. perurans revealed in this study, along with the external symptoms of Atlantic salmon infected with these pathogens. Developing disease control strategies based on the findings of this research is imperative. Full article

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9 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Gender, Immunological Response, and COVID-19: An Assessment of Vaccine Strategies in a Pandemic Region of Oaxaca, México

by Luis M. Rodríguez-Martínez, José L. Chavelas-Reyes, Carlo F. Medina-Ramírez, Francisco J. Cabrera-Santos, Nadia A. Fernández-Santos, Jesús A. Aguilar-Durán, Sonia M. Pérez-Tapia, Josefina G. Rodríguez-González and Mario A. Rodríguez Pérez

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 1007-1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020066 - 17 Jun 2024

Viewed by 393

Abstract

COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern, but long COVID’s effects are yet to be fully understood. Hence, globally, SARS-CoV-2 is still a profound threat to public health and of perilous nature as a zoonotic disease. Timely vaccination provided to individuals worldwide during the pandemic phase was under a certain degree of control; however, few studies have reported the effectiveness of vaccines administered in Mexico, and its surveillance is paramount. Furthermore, an unknown proportion of Mexican individuals have not yet received any vaccine, and the circulation of the Omicron, Pirola, and FLiRT variants is ongoing. A cross-sectional serology survey study design was employed, involving 150 individuals from Southern Mexico (Oaxaca) whose humoral immune responses after vaccination were tested by an ELISA; the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein served as a recombinant antigen in the ELISA. One hundred thirty-nine out of 150 individuals (92.6%; 95%-CI = 87–95%) examined were positive for the ELISA, but in 11 individuals, the vaccines did not induce any immune response. Interestingly, the immune responses (antibody prevalence and levels) of females (58%) were higher (T= −2.21; p-value = 0.02) than those of males (41%). However, in this sample population of Southern Mexico, age, vaccine type, comorbidity, and body mass index did not have any effect (p > 0.05) after COVID-19 vaccination. Taking all results together, here, we present factors that affected immune responses of individuals during the first vaccination campaign in Oaxaca, Mexico; however, vaccine surveillance during the post-pandemic phase needs further investigation. Full article

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13 pages, 4083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Etiology of Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ukraine according to the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Genome Sequencing Data: A Pilot Study

by Alla Mironenko, Ihor Kravchuk, Larysa Radchenko, Nataliia Teteriuk, Olha Holubka, Liudmyla Bolotova, Mykola Pydiura and Andriy Goy

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 994-1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020065 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 263

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine, from March 2020 to June 2022, witnessed distinct waves, each characterized by an increase in cases and fatalities. Next-generation sequencing has been used to understand the impact of viral variants on the pandemic situation in Ukraine. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing data to identify viral variants circulating during each wave. By integrating epidemiological information, we established associations between viral variants and disease spread. The adoption of next-generation sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Ukraine, despite limited resources, yielded adequate and trustworthy results, reflecting the pandemic situation. After the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a large number of refugees crossed the border with neighboring countries. Mutation analysis on sequencing data from Ukraine and Poland was used to estimate the exchange of SARS-CoV-2 variants between the countries during this period. Omicron subvariants detected in both countries were similar. The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Poland and Ukraine revealed shared nucleotide mutations that can be used to identify the directions of spreading. Full article

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22 pages, 4790 KiB

Open AccessReview

Endophytic Fungi in Rice Plants and Their Prospective Uses

by Yingping Hu, Guodong Lu, Dongmei Lin, Hailin Luo, Mediatrice Hatungimana, Bin Liu and Zhanxi Lin

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 972-993; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020064 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 250

Abstract

In a long-term evolution, fungal endophytes have formed a mutually beneficial relationship with host plants. Therefore, what roles do fungal endophytes play in the growth and development of rice, one of the major food crops in the world, and agricultural production? This mini-review aims to highlight the diversity, identification, colonization, function, and mechanism of action of endophytic fungi isolated from rice tissues through a literature review; comprehensively expound the interaction mechanism between rice fungal endophytes and their hosts in stimulating the growth of rice plants and alleviating biological and abiotic stresses on plants; and contribute new ideas for rice production and a sustainable rice industry. Additionally, rice fungal endophytes, as a new resource, have broad prospects in the development of biopesticides, biocontrol agents, and new medicine. Full article

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10 pages, 9130 KiB

Open AccessReview

Outcomes of Microbiological Challenges in Poultry Transport: A Mini Review of the Reasons for Effective Bacterial Control

by Vinícius Machado dos Santos, Gabriel da Silva Oliveira, Cristiane Batista Salgado, Paula Gabriela da Silva Pires, Pedro Henrique Gomes de Sá Santos and Concepta McManus

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 962-971; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020063 - 7 Jun 2024

Viewed by 548

Abstract

This review aims to highlight the main microbiological challenges faced in poultry transport and show the role of effective bacterial control during this process to ensure poultry health and meat safety and to reduce economic losses. Poultry infections are among the most frequent infections in production systems, manifesting themselves in hatcheries, farms, slaughterhouses, and during transport between these integration centers. Although the clinical symptoms of these infections can range from mild to severe, many of them can lead to irreversible conditions, resulting in death and compromising productive results. Bacteria are the main causative agents of these infections, although fungi, viruses, and protozoa may also be involved. During the transport of poultry from farms to slaughterhouses, poultry are very vulnerable to infectious conditions. Therefore, implementing effective antibacterial management, focused on professionals, transport crates, and transport vehicles, is essential to guarantee the survival and quality of poultry until the moment of slaughter. Full article

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19 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Gut Microbial Changes in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Counteract Cry1c Toxicity

by Abeer Abd El Aziz, Saad Moussa, Mohamed T. Yassin, Iman El Husseiny and Samar El Kholy

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 943-961; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020062 - 6 Jun 2024

Viewed by 400

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) represents one of the most economical biopesticides to date. It produces toxins with insecticidal activity against many agricultural pests, including members of the genus Spodoptera. However, Bt tolerance leads to inefficiency in biological control. To overcome this problem, discovering the hidden cause(s) for the evolution of insect tolerance against Bt is of great importance. We hypothesized that changes in the gut microbiota due to the frequent application of Bt is one of those hidden causes. To investigate this hypothesis, we studied the effect of Bt Cry1c application on the Spodoptera littoralis larval gut microbiota in both Bt-susceptible and Bt-tolerant populations. The results revealed changes in the diversity and abundance of gut bacterial composition between the susceptible and tolerant populations. A high abundance of Enterococcaceae was detected in the tolerant population. Interestingly, Cry1c tolerance eliminates the bacterial genera Klebsiella and Serratia from the larval midgut. These changes may confirm the mechanism developed by Spodoptera larvae to counteract Bt Cry1c toxicity. Understanding the B. thuringiensis–gut microbiota interaction may help in improving biocontrol strategies against agricultural pests to overcome the evolution of tolerance. Full article

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17 pages, 3339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights into the Potential Inhibitory Effects of Native Plants from Cyprus on Pathogenic Bacteria and Diabetes-Related Enzymes

by Atalanti Christou, Constantina Stavrou, Christodoulos Michael, George Botsaris and Vlasios Goulas

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 926-942; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020061 - 29 May 2024

Viewed by 588

Abstract

Plants possess endless structural and chemical diversity, which is peerless with any synthetic library of small biomolecules, inspiring novel drug discovery. Plants are widely applied to encounter global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and diabetes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial and antidiabetic potency of native plants grown in Cyprus. All plants were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity, namely hexane, acetone, methanol, and water. First, the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were assessed. Afterwards, the bacteriostatic and bactericidal potency of plant extracts were tested against a panel of six bacteria using the broth microdilution method, whereas the inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes were also determined with the employment of microplate assays. The results highlighted the superiority of Sarcopoterium spinosum as a potential enzyme inhibitor, while a knowledge base was also acquired for the inhibitory potential of all plants. Daucus carota, Ferula communis, and Tordylium.aegyptiacum displayed additionally outstanding bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on Gram-positive bacteria at concentrations of 250 µg mL⁻¹ and 500 µg mL⁻¹. Overall, the present study describes the antibacterial and inhibitory activity against carbohydrate digestive enzymes of native plants grown in Cyprus delivering the first reports for many plant species. Full article

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The investigation into the potential association between retroviruses and breast cancer (BC) presents a fascinating area of research. In this study, the focus was on assessing the presence of two retroviruses, Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), in BC samples and exploring their relationship with relevant clinicopathological variables. The study involved analyzing BC samples from 103 Jordanian female patients diagnosed with BC, as well as breast tissue samples from 25 control patients without evidence of breast malignancy. Real-time PCR was used to investigate the evidence of MMTV and BLV infection in these samples, and the findings were then correlated with various clinicopathological characteristics of BC. The results showed that BLV was detected in 19 (18.4%) of the BC samples, while MMTV was detected in only seven (6.8%). Importantly, none of the control samples tested positive for MMTV or BLV. Additionally, MMTV/BLV co-infections were reported in 1.9% of the BC cases. However, the analysis did not reveal any statistically significant associations between the presence of these retroviruses and various clinicopathological variables, such as age, molecular subtypes of BC, stage, grade, lymph node involvement, tumor size, smoking status, or family history. Despite these findings, it is crucial to acknowledge that further investigation with a larger cohort is necessary to establish a clearer association and elucidate the underlying mechanisms that may explain the exact role of retroviruses in breast carcinogenesis. This study provides insights into the potential infection by MMTV and BLV of BC and lays the groundwork for future research in this area. Full article

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