Article
Environmental Sciences
Weihong Zhang, Bongkotrat Suyamud, Jenyuk Lohwacharin, Yuyi Yang
Summary: The study of resistance genes and bacterial communities in tap water revealed the importance of mobile genetic elements and heavy metals in the abundance and distribution of resistance genes. The presence of potential hosts for ARGs and MRGs in tap water was also highlighted.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dorte Lehmann, Margaret Sladek, Mark Khemmani, Tyler J. Boone, Eric Rees, Adam Driks
Summary: This study elucidates the assembly mechanism of the outer layer of cells, particularly the exosporium assembly in the pathogen Bacillus anthracis, and proposes a novel mechanism in which polysaccharide layers drive the assembly of a protein shell.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Tucker Maxson, Thiphasone Kongphet-Tran, Thitipong Mongkolrattanothai, Tatiana Travis, Katherine Hendricks, Corinne Parker, Heather P. McLaughlin, Julia Bugrysheva, Frank Ambrosio, Pierre Michel, Blake Cherney, Christine Lascols, David Sue
Summary: Research has shown that most Bacillus anthracis isolates are susceptible to current first-line antimicrobials recommended for postexposure prophylaxis and treatment. Data on potential alternative antimicrobials will be helpful in case of significant resistance to first-line antimicrobials, bioengineered strains, or unavailability/tolerance issues with first-line antimicrobials.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yulia Goncharova, Irina Bahtejeva, Galina Titareva, Tatiana Kravchenko, Anastasia Lev, Ivan Dyatlov, Vitalii Timofeev
Summary: The study evaluated the genetic polymorphism of pagA, lef, cya, and atxA genes for 85 Bacillus anthracis strains from different evolutionary lineages and canSNP groups. Strong correlation was found between 19 genotypes and main evolutionary lineages, with genetic markers indicating geographical origin of strains, and potential genetic relationship between strains from Europe and the Arctic.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva Maria Kalbhenn, Markus Kranzler, Agnieszka Gacek-Matthews, Gregor Grass, Timo D. Stark, Elrike Frenzel, Monika Ehling-Schulz
Summary: Bacillus cereus causes emetic type foodborne disease through production of the small peptide toxin cereulide. The CesNRPS multienzyme machinery, encoding Ces nonribosomal peptide synthetase, is located on a plasmid designated pCER270. Chromosomal transcriptional factors CodY and AbrB control ces transcription. In addition, a plasmid-encoded transcription factor PagRBc, homologous to PagR in Bacillus anthracis, also plays an important role in the regulation of cereulide synthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yufei Lyu, Dongshu Wang, Lu Yuan, Erling Feng, Li Zhu, Chao Pan, Yan Guo, Xiankai Liu, Hengliang Wang
Summary: Bacillus anthracis is a dangerous bacterium that causes life-threatening infections and is used as a bioterror agent. This study identifies eight new SNP sites for the specific identification of B. anthracis and develops software and methods for rapid and reliable detection. The findings have important implications for public health responses to disease outbreaks and bioterrorism threats.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wanli Peng, Yanqiu Wang, Yali Fu, Zixin Deng, Shuangjun Lin, Rubing Liang
Summary: This study revealed that Pseudomonas citronellolis SJTE-3 possesses high levels of tellurite resistance and forms unique tellurium nanostructures. The co-expression of terA or terZ genes can alleviate the burden caused by terCD genes expression and restore normal cell growth. TerC and TerD proteins, which commonly share conserved sequences, are widely distributed in many pathogenic bacteria and highly associated with pathogenicity factors.
Article
Microbiology
Debasish Chattopadhyay, Dionna R. Walker, Shane T. Rich-New, John F. Kearney, Charles L. L. Turnbough Jr
Summary: The outermost layer of Bacillus anthracis spores is made up of a basal layer and external filaments composed of the collagen-like protein BclA. The interaction between BclA and the basal layer protein BxpB is essential for the attachment and stability of the spores.
Article
Microbiology
Chih-Yuan Chiang, Douglas J. Lane, Yefen Zou, Tim Hoffman, Jianfeng Pan, Janice Hampton, Jillian Maginnis, Bishnu P. Nayak, Ugo D'Oro, Nicholas Valiante, Andrew T. Miller, Michael Cooke, Tom Wu, Sina Bavari, Rekha G. Panchal
Summary: This study investigated the potential of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists as immunomodulators for anthrax treatment. Two TLR ligands, Pam(3)CSK(4) and DA-98-WW07, were found to provide protection against B. anthracis infection in mice. DA-98-WW07 also showed enhanced protection when used in combination with ciprofloxacin.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Laura M. Carroll, Rachel A. Cheng, Martin Wiedmann, Jasna Kovac
Summary: The Bacillus cereus group, also known as B. cereus sensu lato (s.l.), is a complex species containing multiple closely related lineages with varying pathogenic abilities. Taxonomic classification of these organisms is challenging due to conflicting changes proposed over the years. This review discusses the nomenclatural changes in the taxonomic space of B. cereus s.l., outlines contemporary taxonomic frameworks, and offers suggestions to avoid ambiguities in classification. Future directions and open problems in the taxonomic realm are also discussed.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joseph Wood, Abderrahmane Touati, Ahmed Abdel-Hady, Denise Aslett, Francis Delafield, Worth Calfee, Erin Silvestri, Shannon Serre, Leroy Mickelsen, Christine Tomlinson, Anne Mikelonis
Summary: The study demonstrates the feasibility of using dry thermal techniques to decontaminate soils contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores. Results showed that increasing temperature and relative humidity reduced the time required to achieve soil samples with no spores detected. The thermal inactivation of spores varied depending on the temperature and humidity conditions, with different depth and soil types impacting the effectiveness of the treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chao Xie, Lei Xiong, Min Ye, Lingling Shen, Jingge Li, Zhen Zhang, Minsheng You, Shijun You
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide analysis of the VHA gene family in Plutella xylostella, identifying 35 members and highlighting the role of the PxVHA-G1 gene in regulating Cry1Ac toxicity. Knockdown of PxVHA-G1 using RNAi increased susceptibility to Cry1Ac toxin in P. xylostella, providing new insights into the development of Cry1Ac resistance and sustainable pest management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marcellene A. Gates-Hollingsworth, Cari B. Kolton, Alex R. Hoffmaster, Gabriel T. Meister, Addie E. Moore, Heather R. Green, Janice M. Pogoda, Segaran P. Pillai, Thomas R. Kozel
Summary: This study evaluated a lateral flow immunoassay for rapid detection of capsular antigen of Bacillus anthracis in a robust cynomolgus monkey model of inhalational anthrax. The results showed that the test provided similar results to blood culture and demonstrated sensitivity to different strains of Bacillus anthracis. The immunoassay could be used as a valuable tool for early diagnosis of anthrax, especially in situations where laboratory resources are limited.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hui Lin, Wanchun Sun, Danfeng Jin, Qiaogang Yu, Yuyi Yang, Zulin Zhang, Pengfei Sun, Junwei Ma
Summary: Composting was effective in reducing sulfonamide residues and inhibiting the transfer of specific antibiotic resistance genes, but was not as effective in reducing the risks of certain resistant pathogens. Further optimization is needed to target sul1 and sulfonamide-resistant pathogenic bacteria for better outcomes in manure composting to decrease antibiotic resistance dissemination.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Quagliariello, Angela Cirigliano, Teresa Rinaldi
Summary: Astronauts, especially those living on the Moon or Mars, are vulnerable to diseases. This article explores potential risks to astronaut health from anthrax-like bacteria and discovers a new strain closely related to Bacillus anthracis on the International Space Station.
Article
Microbiology
Lang Zou, Christopher R. Evans, Vuong D. Do, Quinn P. Losefsky, Diem Q. Ngo, Shauna M. McGillivray
Summary: The ClpX ATPase is crucial for Bacillus anthracis resistance to cell envelope targeting antibiotics by forming ClpXP protease. Disruption of clpP genes increases susceptibility to antimicrobials, but neither gene is essential for virulence. Changes in cell envelope morphology, including increased hydrophobicity and cell division defects, were observed in Delta clpX strain.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Henrique Machado, Yara Seif, George Sakoulas, Connor A. Olson, Ying Hefner, Amitesh Anand, Ying Z. Jones, Richard Szubin, Bernhard O. Palsson, Victor Nizet, Adam M. Feist
Summary: Henrique Machado and colleagues describe mutational mechanisms associated with MRSA vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus using adaptive laboratory evolution experiments focused on tolerance. Their results reveal environment-dependent mutational strategies to vancomycin tolerization and the impact of mutations in regulatory genes, providing insight into the development of antibiotic resistance under multiple conditions.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Aisling R. Caffrey, Haley J. Appaneal, Kerry L. LaPlante, Vrishali V. Lopes, Erlinda R. Ulloa, Victor Nizet, George Sakoulas
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of P2Y12 inhibitor clopidogrel can reduce in-hospital mortality in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nitasha D. Menon, Samuel Penziner, Elizabeth T. Montano, Raymond Zurich, David T. Pride, Bipin G. Nair, Geetha B. Kumar, Victor Nizet
Summary: Bacteriophage therapy is an alternative treatment to antibiotics for multidrug-resistant pathogens. This study found that phage therapy can lead to the emergence of phage-resistant mutants with pyomelanin pigmentation, but these mutants are less virulent due to large genomic deletions and retain susceptibility to the antibiotic colistin. This suggests that they do not pose a contraindication to using anti-pseudomonal phage therapy.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yujiro Hirose, Piotr Kolesinski, Masanobu Hiraoka, Satoshi Uchiyama, Raymond H. Zurich, Monika Kumaraswamy, Elisabet Bjanes, Partho Ghosh, Shigetada Kawabata, Victor Nizet
Summary: This study shows that the M87 protein of Streptococcus pyogenes strain emm87 acts as a virulence factor by modulating the interaction between the bacteria and innate immune cells, contributing to bacterial resistance and the release of mature IL-1 beta.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Piotr Kolesinski, Kuei-Chen Wang, Yujiro Hirose, Victor Nizet, Partho Ghosh
Summary: This study revealed the specific binding mechanism between the Streptococcus pyogenes M protein and the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37, providing important insights into the drug resistance of streptococcus.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sydney P. Thomas, Erce Denizer, Simone Zuffa, Brookie M. Best, Lars Bode, Christina D. Chambers, Pieter C. Dorrestein, George Y. Liu, Jeremiah D. Momper, Victor Nizet, Shirley M. Tsunoda, Adriana H. Tremoulet
Summary: Antibiotics are crucial for perinatal care, but they can harm the host gut microbiota. Current studies mainly focus on the effects of antibiotics on infants directly or through maternal use, with limited knowledge about the risks of antibiotics in human milk to infants.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dustin Johnson, John M. Reeks, Alexander Caron, Iakovos Tzoka, Iman Ali, Shauna M. McGillivray, Yuri M. Strzhemechny
Summary: Nano- and microscale ZnO exhibit robust antibacterial action, and microscale particles show similar antibacterial efficacy to nano-powders. The structural and optoelectronic changes in ZnO depend on the media type and the presence (or absence) of bacteria. Further evidence supports significant cytotoxicity without particle internalization, highlighting the importance of surface and media interactions in this process.
Article
Microbiology
Ericka Anderson, Bipin Nair, Victor Nizet, Geetha Kumar
Summary: The complexity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis and its global impact on healthcare requires understanding of the underlying forces and implementation of innovative solutions. Future therapeutic interventions should focus on host-pathogen interactions to enhance the innate immune system and reduce pathogen virulence. Interrupting pathogen survival strategies and using clonotyping assays to identify 'super clones' can guide targeted antibiotic regimens. Innovative alternatives to traditional antibiotics, such as bacteriophage therapy and repurposing drugs, are being successfully used to combat AMR. Policy changes, including shorter durations of antibiotic treatment and increased surveillance measures, can enhance patient safety and global prevention and control programs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
E. Mauricio Barajas-Mora, Lindsay Lee, Hanbin Lu, J. Andres Valderrama, Elisabet Bjanes, Victor Nizet, Ann J. J. Feeney, Ming Hu, Cornelis Murre
Summary: Researchers have identified a specific enhancer, E34, within the Igk locus, which is crucial for chromatin remodeling and repositioning, and promotes the rearrangement of Igkv7-33 V-kappa-J(kappa) genes necessary for the production of anti-phosphorylcholine-specific antibodies. Mice lacking E34 are more susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Elisabet Bjanes, Jiarong Zhou, Tariq Qayum, Nishta Krishnan, Raymond H. Zurich, Nitasha D. Menon, Alexandria Hoffman, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Victor Nizet
Summary: This study reports a vaccine platform that combines gold nanoparticles coated with immunogenic Acinetobacter baumannii outer membrane vesicles (Ab-OMVs). It induces high levels of IgG antibodies in rabbits, enhances neutrophil killing of A. baumannii, and provides passive protection against sepsis in mice. Active immunization with the Ab-NP vaccine in mice protects against sepsis and pneumonia, activates B cells and dendritic cells, improves neutrophil responses, and mitigates cytokine storm.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lucy Catteau, Yvan Diaz Iglesias, Hannah Tsunemoto, Joseph Pogliano, Francoise Van Bambeke, Victor Nizet, George Sakoulas
Summary: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) endocarditis, which does not respond to conventional therapy, can be effectively treated with the combination of nafcillin and daptomycin. In vitro studies have shown that nafcillin enhances the killing of MRSE by daptomycin, both in planktonic cells and biofilms. Nafcillin also sensitizes MRSE to killing by human neutrophils and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37. Clinical studies are needed to determine the optimal timing for the use of these regimens to improve clinical outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tirthankar Mohanty, Christofer A. Q. Karlsson, Yashuan Chao, Erik Malmstrom, Eleni Bratanis, Andrietta Grentzmann, Martina Morch, Victor Nizet, Lars Malmstrom, Adam Linder, Oonagh Shannon, Johan Malmstrom
Summary: This study used pharmacoproteomics to evaluate the time-dependent treatment effects of meropenem and methylprednisolone on a murine Escherichia coli sepsis model. Three distinct proteome response patterns were identified, which depended on the underlying proteotype for each organ. The findings provide insights for guiding treatment timing, dosage, and potential combination therapies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sarah R. Rudd, Leticia Silva Miranda, Hannah R. Curtis, Yves Bigot, Mercedes Diaz-Mendoza, Robert Hice, Victor Nizet, Hyun-Woo Park, Gregor Blaha, Brian A. Federici, Dennis K. Bideshi
Summary: This paper introduces three important commercial bacterial insecticides derived from different subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), including their sources and uses. It also explores the unique features of Bt subspecies israelensis, such as the structure of the parasporal body (PB) and the multilaminar fibrous matrix (MFM), as well as the functions and structural similarities of two proteins, Bt152 and Bt075. Additionally, a novel molecular process for targeting Cry and Cyt proteins has been identified.
Article
Biophysics
John M. Reeks, Iman Ali, William J. Moss, Eric Davis, Shauna M. McGillivray, Yuri M. Strzhemechny
Summary: Nano- and microcrystalline ZnO is a versatile material with various applications, one of which includes inhibiting bacterial growth. Despite extensive research on its antimicrobial properties, the fundamental mechanisms underlying growth inhibition are still unclear.