Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
R. Gharieb, M. Saad, K. Abdallah, M. Khedr, E. Farag, A. Abd El-Fattah
Summary: This study aimed to determine the toxin genotypes, virulence determinants and antibiogram of Clostridium perfringens isolated from poultry, animals and humans. Biofilm formation and the efficacy of disinfectants on C. perfringens biofilms were studied. The results showed that all C. perfringens strains were type A, resistant to multiple antibiotics and most of them were biofilm producers. Sodium hypochlorite showed higher efficacy in reducing C. perfringens biofilms.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Pedro Rodriguez-Lopez, Juan Jose Rodriguez-Herrera, Marta Lopez Cabo
Summary: This study investigates the morphology and resistance of dual-species biofilms of L. monocytogenes and Pseudomonas spp. on stainless steel surfaces. The presence of Pseudomonas spp. affects the distribution of the biofilms and L. monocytogenes tend to co-localize with Pseudomonas. Moreover, the susceptibility to biocides differs among the dual-species biofilms.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Katja Bezek, Jana Avbersek, Olga Zorman Rojs, Darja Barlic-Maganja
Summary: The aim of this study was to test the biofilm formation and antimicrobial effect of disinfectants on genetically characterized S. Infantis isolates from poultry, food, and humans. The results showed that biofilm formation was strain-specific, but was higher at 20 degrees C and prolonged incubation time. Strains carrying a pESI plasmid showed higher biofilm formation potential. The antibiofilm potential of disinfectants on S. Infantis 323/19 strain at 20 degrees C was effective after a shorter incubation time. More effective precautionary measures should be implemented to ensure biofilm prevention and removal to control the occurrence of S. Infantis.
Article
Microbiology
Jun Song, Hongri Ruan, Li Chen, Yuqi Jin, Jiasan Zheng, Rui Wu, Dongbo Sun
Summary: SDQ, a specific lytic S. aureus bacteriophage, can effectively remove S. aureus biofilms. SDQ maintains its full activity under various environmental conditions and can be used in combination with detergents.
Article
Fisheries
Taylor I. Heckman, Esteban Soto
Summary: The globally distributed bacterium Streptococcus iniae is responsible for outbreaks of disease in economically important freshwater and marine fish species, but our understanding of its transmission and infection dynamics remains incomplete. This study found that S. iniae has the ability to form resilient biofilms, providing an effective mechanism for its persistence in the environment. Further research on controlling this pathogen is necessary.
Article
Microbiology
Mehdi Bakht, Safar Ali Alizadeh, Sara Rahimi, Raana Kazemzadeh Anari, Mohammad Rostamani, Amir Javadi, Amir Peymani, Seyed Mahmoud Amin Marashi, Farhad Nikkhahi
Summary: This study evaluated the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to five commonly used Hospital disinfectants, finding that sodium hypochlorite and ethanol showed the highest and lowest effectiveness, respectively. The addition of EDTA increased the effectiveness of the disinfectants. Exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of sodium hypochlorite resulted in resistance to some antibiotics in P. aeruginosa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chao Zhang, Bingshao Liang, Zhile Xiong, Zhuwei Liang, Hao Cai, Huamin Zhong, Yongqiang Xie, Yuanwei Xie, Xiaochun Liu, Shiying Xie, Fangjun Lan, Zhenwen Zhou
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of biocide resistance genes among S. aureus isolates from school-age children in Guangzhou, and to explore the relationship between these genes and clonal complex genotypes as well as biofilm formation in biocide resistance. The results showed that mepA was the most prevalent biocide resistance gene, while qacG gene was not detected. The qacA/B and mupA genes were highly associated with resistance to CHG and mupirocin, and biofilm formation was found to contribute to this biocide resistance.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Dhritishree Ghosh, Madhupa Seth, Priyajit Mondal, Subhra Kanti Mukhopadhyay
Summary: Biofilm plays an advantageous role in Burkholderia cepacia by providing multi-drug resistance. This study discovered that Chromohalobacter sp. D23, a halophilic bacteria, has quorum quenching and anti-biofilm activity against B. cepacia. The bacteria degraded specific compounds, reduced biofilm formation, and inhibited the pathogenicity of the strain, showing potential therapeutic value.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Jean-Yves Maillard, Michael Pascoe
Summary: In this Review, the authors examine the mechanisms of action, resistance mechanisms, and implications of chemical biocides in various settings.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chaoyu Tong, Hong Hu, Gang Chen, Zhengyan Li, Aifeng Li, Jianye Zhang
Summary: The study revealed the role of chlorine disinfectants in promoting microbial disinfectant resistance and antibiotic resistance through mechanisms such as decreased membrane permeability and increased expression of certain proteins. The results provide insight into disinfectant resistance mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Min Yi Wong, Yuan-Hsi Tseng, Tsung-Yu Huang, Bor-Shyh Lin, Chun-Wu Tung, Chishih Chu, Yao-Kuang Huang
Summary: Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a group of closely related bacteria that are opportunistic pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Different species within the BCC complex can be accurately distinguished using MLST technology. The study revealed diverse bacterial species and sequence types within BCC, indicating high genetic diversity and potential clinical effects in different infections.
Article
Microbiology
Anja M. M. Richter, Katharina Konrat, Ane M. M. Osland, Emma Brook, Claire Oastler, Lene K. K. Vestby, Rebecca J. J. Gosling, Live L. L. Nesse, Mardjan Arvand
Summary: Salmonella is a common problem in food and feed products in the European Union and can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces. Biofilms, where bacteria like Salmonella are found, provide protection against antibiotics and disinfectants. The efficacy testing methods for disinfectants against Salmonella biofilms need to be standardized. This study evaluated three models for disinfectant efficacy testing on Salmonella Typhimurium biofilms and found differences in achievable cell numbers, repeatability, and reproducibility of results among the methods. Developing a standardized protocol for testing disinfectant efficacy on biofilms is important for effectively eliminating biofilms.
Article
Microbiology
Shixing Liu, Liqiong Chen, Lingbo Wang, Beibei Zhou, Dandan Ye, Xiangkuo Zheng, Yishuai Lin, Weiliang Zeng, Tieli Zhou, Jianzhong Ye
Summary: This study aimed to characterize and explore the differences among species of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC). The results showed that different clusters of ECC had varying resistance, biofilm-forming ability, mobility, and virulence. Clusters IX, VIII, and I were the predominant clusters with high resistance and pathogenicity. Cluster II was a special taxon with a strong biofilm formation ability but low resistance, virulence, and pathogenicity. The findings highlight the need for clinical classification methods to guide the treatment of ECC infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Qing Chen, Yaxin Liu, Ziyi Zhang, Ke Li, Bin Liu, Tianli Yue
Summary: Glycerol monolaurate (GML) combined with different disinfectants showed enhanced population reduction rate for Salmonella. 1% GML and a complex disinfectant demonstrated powerful inactivation of Salmonella, while different combinations were more suitable for different processing times in chicken treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Shraddha Rani Modapathi, Anusha Rohit, Vankadari Aditya, Varsha Prakash Shetty, Akshatha Kotian, Mohanapriya, Praveen Rai, Indrani Karunasagar, Vijaya Kumar Deekshit
Summary: This study aimed to characterize Burkholderia cepacia complex and compare different molecular methods used in its characterization. Majority of the isolates harbored all the tested virulence genes and recA sequencing could identify the strains to species level. The study highlights the importance of combination of molecular methods to characterize Burkholderia cepacia complex.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: The high tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis contributes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. This study identified carbon sources that could enhance the inhibiting and/or eradicating activity of tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced biofilm eradicating activity were strain-dependent.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Jan J. De Waele, Jerina Boelens, Dirk Van De Putte, Diana Huis In't Veld, Tom Coenye
Summary: Intra-abdominal infections are common in hospitalized patients and require antimicrobial therapy and source control. The use of abdominal drains is increasing for treating these infections, but biofilm formation in the drains makes using abdominal fluid for diagnosis unreliable.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Rosalie C. D. Swimberghe, Rizos Tzourmanas, Roeland J. G. De Moor, Kevin Braeckmans, Tom Coenye, Maarten A. Meire
Summary: This study investigated the working mechanism of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and its effect on bacterial biofilms in a root canal model. High-speed imaging revealed that LAI generates small cavitation bubbles throughout the entire canal, resulting in rapid vertical movement of the root canal content and detachment of biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Respiratory System
Pavel Drevinek, Rafael Canton, Helle Krogh Johansen, Lucas Hoffman, Tom Coenye, Pierre-Regis Burgel, Jane C. Davies
Summary: This review summarizes the main points raised and highlighted during the pre-conference meeting to the 17th European Cystic Fibrosis Society Basic Science Conference. The report covers the latest information and topics related to antimicrobial resistance in cystic fibrosis, as well as advancements in novel anti-infective approaches.
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tom Coenye, Mona Bove, Thomas Bjarnsholt
Summary: Experimental evolution studies can provide insights into the mechanisms behind reduced antimicrobial susceptibility by repeatedly exposing bacterial populations to treatment. Including biofilms in these studies is important, and this review presents an overview of why and how to study experimental evolution in biofilms. Furthermore, the review discusses what experimental evolution has taught us about tolerance and resistance in biofilms, leading to an emerging consensus view on biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wen Wang, Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Petra Rigole, Xiaofeng Meng, Jianyu Su, Tom Coenye
Summary: Phytochemicals show potential as novel antibiofilm drugs, but their activity in physiologically relevant models is not well studied. This study evaluated the antibiofilm activity of borneol, citral, and their combinations, as well as Pickering emulsions, in various in vitro and in vivo models. The findings suggest that Pickering emulsions have enhanced antibiofilm activity and could potentially be used to treat biofilm-related chronic infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mona Bove, Mette Kolpen, Mads Lichtenberg, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, the fitness, antimicrobial susceptibility, metabolic activity, gene expression, in vitro production of virulence factors and in vivo virulence of experimentally evolved Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated. Mutations in mexT and fusA1 were found in the evolved strains, leading to altered fitness, metabolic activity, mexE expression, and antimicrobial susceptibility. However, the in vitro production of virulence factors and virulence in vivo were unchanged compared to the wild-type strains. These evolved strains also showed reduced susceptibility to tobramycin in an in vivo mouse model. Overall, this study highlights the impact of experimental evolution on the fitness and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea M. Sass, Tom Coenye
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biological role of the conserved small RNA NcS25 and its cognate target, outer membrane protein BCAL3473, in Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria. NcS25 strongly represses the expression of BCAL3473, while other factors such as a LysR-type regulator and nitrogen-depleted growth conditions activate its expression. BCAL3473 is involved in the transport of arginine, tyrosine, tyramine, and putrescine across the outer membrane, playing an important role in nitrogen metabolism.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Ellen Goeteyn, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: D,L-malate enhances ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa, improving antibiotic therapy in infection environments. The choice of model system influences the outcome of the experiment, emphasizing the importance of using models that closely mimic the in vivo environment. This study confirms the potential of D,L-malate to enhance ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa-associated infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Tom Coenye
Summary: Our understanding of biofilm biology has greatly increased, but it has not yet resulted in major changes in clinical practice. The lack of standardized tools for studying biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory, particularly in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), is a major obstacle. Biofilm lifestyle significantly impacts antibiotic susceptibility, but AST is still typically conducted using planktonic cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of biofilm AST, highlight knowledge gaps, discuss potential ways to improve AST, and address the bottlenecks preventing its use in clinical practice.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Luciana Meneses, Ana Catarina Brandao, Tom Coenye, Ana Cristina Braga, Diana Priscila Pires, Joana Azeredo
Summary: This systematic review summarizes and analyzes the published data on the use of bacteriophages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, providing recommendations for future experiments. The findings suggest that phage concentration, burst size, and latent period can influence the efficacy of biofilm control, with higher concentrations and specific characteristics leading to better outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amber De Bleeckere, Sara Van den Bossche, Pieter-Jan De Sutter, Tine Beirens, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, a high throughput method was developed to determine the antimicrobial concentration required to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation using a synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium (SCFM2). Significant differences were observed between biofilm preventing concentrations (BPCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of three antibiotics, with the BPCs consistently higher than the MICs. This high throughput assay could be a valuable addition to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility in P. aeruginosa biofilms in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF).
Review
Microbiology
Mads Lichtenberg, Tom Coenye, Matthew R. Parsek, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tim Holm Jakobsen
Summary: In vitro biofilms are distinct microbial communities characterized by physical traits, phenotypic features, and antibiotic tolerance. The importance of these traits varies depending on the environment and bacterial species. Mechanisms enabling antibiotic resistance in biofilms include physical barriers, physiological adaptations, and changes in gene expression. However, there is little consensus on gene expression profiles in biofilms, and a definitive "biofilm signature transcriptome" has not been identified. Spatial and temporal variability in biofilms greatly differs across systems or environments. Clinical biofilms may differ from those cultivated in laboratories and found in the environment, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of their characteristics.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Tom Coenye, Karl-Jan Spittaels, Yvonne Achermann
Summary: C. acnes is a commonly found bacterium on the skin, known for its role in acne and other infections. It forms biofilms and plays a significant role in vivo, being associated with treatment failure.
Article
Microbiology
Adrien Knoops, Florence Vande Capelle, Laetitia Fontaine, Marie Verhaegen, Johann Mignolet, Philippe Goffin, Jacques Mahillon, Andrea Sass, Tom Coenye, Laura Ledesma-Garcia, Pascal Hols
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of bimodal activation in salivarius streptococci and elucidates the molecular mechanisms governing cell fate. It reveals that an environmental sensor controlling virulence in pathogenic streptococci is diverted to control competence in commensal streptococci. These results showcase how bacteria can sense and transmit external stimuli to complex communication devices for fine-tuning collective behaviors.
