Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shipra Chandel, Archana Joon, Sujata Ghosh
Summary: The study revealed that EAEC infection induces glycosylation changes in membrane proteins of human small-intestinal and colonic epithelial cell lines. VDAC2 and PHB2 were identified as important proteins associated with EAEC adherence to human intestinal epithelial cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vemula Prasastha Ram, Jyothsna Yasur, Padikkamannil Abishad, Varsha Unni, Diksha Purushottam Gourkhede, Maria Anto Dani Nishanth, Pollumahanti Niveditha, Jess Vergis, Satya Veer Singh Malik, Byrappa Kullaiah, Nitin Vasantrao Kurkure, Chatragadda Ramesh, Laurent Dufosse, Deepak B. Rawool, Sukhadeo B. Barbuddhe
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of nanosilver-entrapped cinnamaldehyde (AgC) against multi-drug-resistant strains of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). The results showed that AgC had a high stability, safety, and effectiveness in inhibiting and killing MDR-EAEC. In vivo experiments using Galleria mellonella larvae also confirmed the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of AgC.
Article
Immunology
Mariana Izquierdo, Joaquin Lopez, Pablo Gallardo, Roberto M. Vidal, Juan C. Ossa, Mauricio J. Farfan
Summary: This study evaluated the role of Citrobacter werkmanii and Escherichia albertii in the virulence of Shiga toxin-producing and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli pathotypes, revealing their effects on gene expression and toxin secretion.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Padikkamannil Abishad, Jess Vergis, Varsha Unni, Vemula Prasastha Ram, Pollumahanti Niveditha, Jyothsana Yasur, Sanis Juliet, Lijo John, Kullaiya Byrappa, Prejit Nambiar, Nitin Vasantrao Kurkure, Sukhadeo Baliram Barbuddhe, Deepak Bhiwa Rawool
Summary: This study successfully synthesized green silver nanoparticles using probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus, which demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against multi-drug-resistant enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (MDR-EAEC) strains. Additionally, the green synthesized AgNPs showed antioxidant properties.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Angelina A. Kislichkina, Nikolay N. Kartsev, Yury P. Skryabin, Angelika A. Sizova, Maria E. Kanashenko, Marat G. Teymurazov, Ekaterina S. Kuzina, Alexander G. Bogun, Nadezhda K. Fursova, Edward A. Svetoch, Ivan A. Dyatlov
Summary: Hybrid diarrheagenic E. coli strains with genetic markers from different pathotypes have emerged as a public health concern. The most well-known hybrid strain, E. coli O104:H4, caused a serious outbreak of acute gastroenteritis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in Germany in 2011. A recent case of HUS intestinal infection was reported in St. Petersburg, Russia, with the E. coli strain SCPM-O-B-9427, which shares similarities with other related strains.
Article
Immunology
Claudia A. A. Freire, Beatriz O. O. Rodrigues, Waldir P. P. Elias, Cecilia M. M. Abe
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of AAF, AFP, and CS22-related genes in EAEC strains collected from children with diarrhea. The results indicate that AAF and AFP-related genes may contribute to identify EAEC strains, while the importance of cseA as an EAEC virulence factor and genotypic marker needs further evaluation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wendy E. Thomas, Laura Carlucci, Olga Yakovenko, Gianluca Interlandi, Isolde Le Trong, Pavel Aprikian, Pearl Magala, Lydia Larson, Yulia Sledneva, Veronika Tchesnokova, Ronald E. Stenkamp, Evgeni Sokurenko
Summary: This study reveals that the FimH protein of Escherichia coli can undergo fast and sustained allosteric activation under static, non-shear conditions, expanding the understanding of the catch bond mechanism. The activation of the lectin domain conformation occurs intrinsically at a constant rate, independent of its interaction with the pilin domain or mannose. The findings suggest that the allosteric catch bond mechanism may play a broader role in cell-pathogen attachments under various hydrodynamic conditions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sulaiman F. Aljasir, Dennis J. D'Amico
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of Hafnia alvei B16 to attenuate Salmonella virulence and protect against pathogen invasion of intestinal epithelial cells, thereby enhancing food safety.
Review
Microbiology
Adrianna Aleksandrowicz, Muhammad Moman Khan, Katarzyna Sidorczuk, Mateusz Noszka, Rafal Kolenda
Summary: APEC, a common pathogen in poultry, relies on various adhesins to evade host defense mechanisms and cause infection. Understanding these adhesins is essential for developing effective strategies to combat APEC infections.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Teresa Llorente, Raquel Escudero, Raquel Ramiro, Maria Antonia Remacha, Rocio Martinez-Ruiz, Fatima Galan-Sanchez, Monica de Frutos, Matilde Elia, Isabel Onrubia, Sergio Sanchez
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) in patients with non-travel related diarrhea in Spain and to characterize the molecular features of EAEC strains associated with illness in this high-income setting. The results showed that EAEC was the only bacterial enteric pathogen detected in a significant proportion of cases of endemic diarrhea in Spain, especially in children under 5 years old. Some of these strains also had a potential pathogenicity in the urinary/systemic system.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Marie Tre-Hardy, Klara De Rauw, Laurent Blairon, Anne Simon, Denis Pierard
Summary: This study reports the occurrence of an epidemic of EAEC O111:H21 in a Belgian nursery and describes its management approach. Clinical and microbiological investigations were conducted to identify the causative agent and confirm the cases. The action plan implemented focused on case eviction, general hygiene precautions, and specific cleaning and disinfection measures. It is important for clinical laboratories to standardize their practice and use molecular techniques to identify different pathotypes of E. coli in suspected outbreaks.
Article
Immunology
Munirah M. Alhammadi, Rita E. Godfrey, Joseph O. Ingram, Gurdamanjit Singh, Camilla L. Bathurst, Stephen J. W. Busby, Douglas F. Browning
Summary: Serine protease autotransporters of the Enterobacteriaceae (SPATEs) are virulence factors commonly found in enteric bacteria, such as E. coli and Shigella. One specific SPATE called Pic mucinase cleaves mucin, allowing bacteria to utilize it as a carbon source and penetrate the gut lining. The regulation of the pic gene in different strains of E. coli is controlled by the transcription factors CRP and Fis, with CRP activating transcription in nutrient-depleted conditions and Fis repressing expression in nutrient-rich environments. This regulation is consistent with Pic's role in scavenging mucin as a carbon source during colonization and infection.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ipshita Upadhyay, Shafiullah M. D. Parvej, Siqi Li, Kathryn L. Lauder, Yiyang Shen, Weiping Zhang
Summary: An effective vaccine against ETEC is lacking, which is a primary cause of children's and traveler's diarrhea and a global health threat. The key challenge in ETEC vaccine development is the expression of heterogeneous virulence determinants by ETEC bacteria. This study utilized a unique vaccinology platform to develop a polyvalent antigen that demonstrated broad immunogenicity and functions against targeted ETEC strains.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Danielle D. Munhoz, Amanda C. Richards, Fernanda F. Santos, Matthew A. Mulvey, Roxane M. F. Piazza
Summary: Pathogenic subsets of Escherichia coli include diarrheagenic (DEC) strains and extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. The newly reclassified hybrid strain BA1250 possesses genetic features of both DEC and ExPEC and has the potential to cause disease outside of the gut. The adhesin E. coli common pilus (ECP) acts as a colonization and virulence factor for BA1250, and changes in its activation may affect the fitness of the strain.
Article
Biology
Qingqing Fang, Yu Feng, Alan McNally, Zhiyong Zong
Summary: Fang et al. identified two previously unidentified phages that can inhibit the growth and decrease the virulence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). They also found that CRKP can develop phage resistance but can still be eliminated in a mouse intestinal colonization model, highlighting the potential of phage therapy as a treatment against drug-resistant pathogens.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Karen H. Keddy, Senjuti Saha, Samuel Kariuki, John Bosco Kalule, Farah Naz Qamar, Zoya Haq, Iruka N. Okeke
Summary: Despite advancements in management, diarrhoea remains a significant cause of illness and death in children from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Research on the causes of diarrhoea in LMICs has improved, thanks to multinational studies and big data analytics. Mobile phones have also contributed to the management of childhood diarrhoea by providing clinical support to healthcare workers and communicating preventive measures to caregivers.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Blake Angell, Olutobi Sanuade, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, Iruka N. Okeke, Aishatu Lawal Adamu, Muktar H. Aliyu, Emmanuel A. Ameh, Fatima Kyari, Muktar A. Gadanya, Diana A. Mabayoje, Adesola Yinka-Ogunleye, Tolu Oni, Rabiu Ibrahim Jalo, Fatimah I. Tsiga-Ahmed, Sarah L. Dalglish, Seye Abimbola, Tim Colbourn, Obinna Onwujekwe, Eme Theodora Owoaje, Gambo Aliyu, Sani H. Aliyu, Belinda Archibong, Alex Ezeh, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Zubairu Iliyasu, Stephen Obaro, Ebenezer Babatunde Obadare, Friday Okonofua, Muhammed Pate, Babatunde L. Salako, Fatima H. Zanna, Scott Glenn, Ally Walker, Maha Ezalarab, Mohsen Naghavi, Ibrahim Abubakar
Summary: Despite increased health expenditure in Nigeria, health outcomes remain poor. It is suggested that strengthening the health system and implementing targeted interventions could improve population health.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ibrahim Abubakar, Sarah L. Dalglish, Blake Angell, Olutobi Sanuade, Seye Abimbola, Aishatu Lawal Adamu, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, Tim Colbourn, Afolabi Olaniyi Ogunlesi, Obinna Onwujekwe, Eme T. Owoaje, Iruka N. Okeke, Adebowale Adeyemo, Gambo Aliyu, Muktar H. Aliyu, Sani Hussaini Aliyu, Emmanuel A. Ameh, Belinda Archibong, Alex Ezeh, Muktar A. Gadanya, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Zubairu Iliyasu, Aminatu Kwaku Chiroma, Diana A. Mabayoje, Mohammed Nasir Sambo, Stephen Obaro, Adesola Yinka-Ogunleye, Friday Okonofua, Tolu Oni, Olu Onyimadu, Muhammad Ali Pate, Babatunde L. Salako, Faisal Shuaib, Fatimah Tsiga-Ahmed, Fatima H. Zanna
Article
Pediatrics
Julia C. Durante, May Lau
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of youth, increasing rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Adolescents have been particularly vulnerable to the isolating effects of lockdown measures. Research has shown that adolescents have experienced increased loneliness and decreased social support during the pandemic, with social media usage further affecting their mental health. Fear of illness and life changes related to the pandemic have also negatively impacted adolescent well-being. Health care use has been disrupted, including suicide screening and access to mental health services. Health care providers can support adolescent mental health through consistent screening, referrals for evaluation, and providing guidance on resilience, mental health risks, and suicide prevention.
Review
Microbiology
Odion O. Ikhimiukor, Erkison Ewomazino Odih, Pilar Donado-Godoy, Iruka N. Okeke
Summary: This article describes the transmission of antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries from a One Health perspective and emphasizes high-risk transmission points such as urban settings and food-animal handling. The authors suggest that combining top-down and bottom-up approaches is necessary to effectively contain AMR in these settings.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akeem Ganiyu Rabiu, Olutayo Israel Falodun, Obasola Ezekiel Fagade, Rotimi Ayodeji Dada, Iruka N. Okeke
Summary: This study investigated fecal contamination in household water sources in Ibadan, Nigeria and found significant increase of Escherichia coli during the wet season. The findings suggest that the water sources evaluated are unfit for consumption.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Iruka N. Okeke, Aaron O. Aboderin, Abiodun Egwuenu, Anthony Underwood, Ayorinde O. Afolayan, Mihir Kekre, Anderson O. Oaikhena, Erkison Ewomazino Odih, Hamzat T. Omotayo, Hannah Dada-Adegbola, Veronica O. Ogunleye, Odion O. Ikhimiukor, David M. Aanensen, Chikwe Ihekweazu
Summary: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has important applications in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, providing detailed data and expanding the scope of surveillance. WGS has replaced traditional strain subtyping and is now the gold standard for quickly identifying isolates in suspected outbreak clusters.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Odion O. Ikhimiukor, Anderson O. Oaikhena, Ayorinde O. Afolayan, Abayomi Fadeyi, Aderemi Kehinde, Veronica O. Ogunleye, Aaron O. Aboderin, Oyinlola O. Oduyebo, Charles J. Elikwu, Erkison Ewomazino Odih, Ifeoluwa Komolafe, Silvia Argimon, Abiodun Egwuenu, Ini Adebiyi, Oluwadamilola A. Sadare, Tochi Okwor, Mihir Kekre, Anthony Underwood, Chikwe Ihekweazu, David M. Aanensen, Iruka N. Okeke
Summary: Invasive salmonellosis in southwest Nigeria is mainly caused by multidrug-resistant, West African dominant S. Typhi lineage 3.1.1, most of which can be prevented through vaccination. However, there are also invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella strains carrying typhoidal toxin or resistance genes.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
David A. Kwasi, Chinedum P. Babalola, Olujide O. Olubiyi, Jennifer Hoffmann, Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu, Iruka N. Okeke
Summary: This study identified five compounds with significant EAEC antibiofilm activity, including one molecule that targets the EAEC Aap protein. Inhibition of EAEC colonization by small molecules provides a potential new therapeutic approach against EAEC infection.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Jenny K. R. Francis, Sitara M. Weerakoon, Serena L. Lucas, Matthew S. Mathew, Julia C. Durante, Nancy Kelly, Jasmin A. Tiro
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Angela Mang, Katelyn K. Jetelina, Courtney Mcneely, Julia C. Durante, Victoria Sanchez, Jasmin A. Tiro, Jenny K. R. Francis
Summary: This study aims to explore the characteristics of parents who prefer an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant compared to other contraceptive methods. Through a cross-sectional survey, it was found that parental willingness to use IUD or implant themselves (p = 0.014) and their belief that IUD or implant is the best method for preventing pregnancy (p = 0.001) remained positively associated with their preference for IUD or implant as their daughter's contraceptive method. The study suggests that clinicians can consider incorporating parents' personal experiences with IUD or implant during adolescent contraception counseling.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Julia C. Durante, Robin T. Higashi, May Lau, Jasmin A. Tiro, Jenny K. R. Francis
Summary: Parent-youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) conversations are critical but often delayed. Parents initiate contraception discussions based on age, physical development, emotional maturity, and perceived likelihood of sexual activity. Cultural avoidance and fear of encouraging sexual behaviors are barriers to these discussions.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Abdurrahman Hassan Jibril, Iruka N. Okeke, Anders Dalsgaard, John Elmerdahl Olsen
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of Salmonella in hatchlings in Nigeria, with a focus on resistant strains. The study also analyzed the genetic relatedness between hatchling strains and strains from poultry farms. The results showed a high prevalence of Salmonella and a significant presence of multidrug-resistant strains.
Review
Pediatrics
Julia C. Durante, Jessica Sims, Jason Jarin, Melanie A. Gold, Sarah E. Messiah, Jenny K. R. Francis
Summary: Long-acting reversible contraception is important for preventing adolescent pregnancy, but its usage among US teenagers remains lower compared to other forms of contraception. Understanding the barriers and reasons for discontinuation can help improve communication and increase utilization rates.
ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Erkison Ewomazino Odih, Gabriel Temitope Sunmonu, Iruka N. Okeke, Anders Dalsgaard
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in hospital wastewater in Ibadan, Nigeria, and explored the phylogenetic relationships between these strains and clinical isolates. The study revealed a high proportion of carbapenem-resistant strains in the wastewater, with similarities to clinical isolates. The findings suggest that inadequately treated hospital wastewater may contribute to the spread of clinically important carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains in Ibadan.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)