Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jean Bosco Ntivuguruzwa, Francis Babaman Kolo, Emil Ivan Mwikarago, Henriette van Heerden
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of Brucella infection in slaughtered cattle in Rwanda. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies was 20.7%, while the culture prevalence detected by PCR was 5.6%. The presence of mixed infections suggests cross-infection among cattle and poses a potential risk to abattoir workers.
Article
Immunology
Fredegonde About, Theo Pastre, Mathilde Boutrou, Alex Yahiaoui Martinez, Alessia Melzani, Sandrine Peugny, Celine Michaud, Sami Zouaoui, Thierry Carage, Vincent Sainte Rose, Magalie Demar, Jean-Philippe Lavigne, Felix Djossou, David O'Callaghan, Loic Epelboin, Anne Keriel
Summary: Two cases of brucellosis were reported in male patients from Brazil who were working as clandestine goldminers in French Guiana. The bacterial isolates represented a potential new species of Brucella. Medical practitioners in this region should be aware of these pathogens and the potential for human infection.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Brittany L. Mueller, Mark J. Liberman, Dmitry M. Kolpashchikov
Summary: Hybridization probes have been widely used in nucleic acid detection for the past 50 years. However, commonly used probes face challenges such as low selectivity for single nucleotide variations at low temperatures, low affinity for binding folded nucleic acids, and high cost of fluorescent probes. To address these issues, a multicomponent hybridization probe called OWL2 sensor is introduced, which uses analyte binding arms and sequence-specific strands to tightly bind and unwind folded analytes, and a universal molecular beacon (UMB) probe to form a fluorescent 'OWL' structure. The OWL2 sensor is able to differentiate single base mismatches in folded analytes within a temperature range of 5-38 degrees C, and is cost-efficient due to the use of the same UMB probe for detecting any analyte sequence.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shu Zhu, Qundong Liu, Jingyu He, Naomi Nakajima, S. P. Samarakoon, Swe Swe, Khin Zaw, Katsuko Komatsu
Summary: Salacia species have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various purposes. This study aims to authenticate these plants and determine the sources of commercially available Salacia-derived products using genetic approaches. Results showed that S. reticulata and S. chinensis are major sources of these products, and a PCR-RFLP assay was established for their identification.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hsi Liu, Kevin Tang, Cau D. Pham, Matthew Schmerer, Ellen N. Kersh, Brian H. Raphael
Summary: Researchers selected a panel of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates resistant and susceptible to ciprofloxacin for developing clinical tests related to ciprofloxacin susceptibility. The isolates showed various nucleotide variations in gyrA and parC genes, with some positions associated with ciprofloxacin resistance. This panel could provide researchers with valuable options for improving antibiotic usage and quality assurance purposes.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Natalie J. Wu-Woods, Jacob T. Barlow, Florian Trigodet, Dustin G. Shaw, Anna E. Romano, Bana Jabri, A. Murat Eren, Rustem F. Ismagilov
Summary: This study introduces a microbial-enrichment method (MEM) that enables the removal of host DNA in human intestinal biopsies and allows for the characterization of low-abundance microbial taxa. The method provides deeper insights into the high-throughput characterization of the gut microbiome and demonstrates the construction of metagenome-assembled genomes from human intestinal biopsies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Renpeng Li, Jing Wang, Lu Wang, Bin Hu, Zongdong Liu, Na Sun, Ying Yang, Song Miao, Xi Guo
Summary: In this study, nine untypeable K antigen strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were identified and characterized during a serotyping survey in Shandong province, China. Among these strains, three novel K serotypes were identified, with seven possessing the KUT2 antigens reported recently by another group. Comparative genomic analysis showed that the Shandong KUT2 strains exhibit different virulence profiles compared to their identical K serotype partners from Zhejiang province, suggesting possible evolution from a common ancestor. One isolate, SD2016062, was found to be phylogenetically similar to strains associated with local gastroenteritis outbreaks, indicating potential for disease spread. A sero-specific PCR assay targeting the three novel K serotypes was developed for clinical and epidemiological monitoring of V. parahaemolyticus strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Liyun Liu, Ling Zhang, Haijian Zhou, Min Yuan, Dalong Hu, Yonglu Wang, Hui Sun, Jianguo Xu, Ruiting Lan
Summary: This prospective study investigated molecular characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Citrobacter spp. isolates from extraintestinal infections. The results showed a diverse range of Citrobacter isolates causing extraintestinal infections and a high prevalence of multidrug resistance.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kanny Diallo, Vitalis F. Feteh, Lilian Ibe, Martin Antonio, Dominique A. Caugant, Mignon du Plessis, Ala-Eddine Deghmane, Ian M. Feavers, Katya Fernandez, LeAnne M. Fox, Charlene M. C. Rodrigues, Olivier Ronveaux, Muhamed-Kheir Taha, Xin Wang, Angela B. Brueggemann, Martin C. J. Maiden, Odile B. Harrison
Summary: Bacterial meningitis is a significant global cause of morbidity and mortality, and rapid identification of the causative agent is crucial for clinical management and disease prevention. Molecular diagnostic assays have been developed as an alternative to microbiological culture, allowing for faster and more accurate detection of the pathogens causing bacterial meningitis.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marika Grillini, Paola Beraldo, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Giorgia Dotto, Cinzia Tessarin, Giovanni Franzo, Erica Marchiori, David Modry, Giulia Simonato
Summary: This study developed a fast and cost-saving real-time PCR method to detect Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon parasites in felids in northeastern Italy. The results showed that Hepatozoon felis was commonly found in domestic cats, while Hepatozoon silvestris and Cytauxzoon europaeus were mainly found in wildcats.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Daniel Yasur-Landau, Or Genad, Harold Salant, Eran Dvir, Monica L. Mazuz, Gad Baneth
Summary: Echinococcosis and taeniasis are important helminth diseases that significantly impact human and animal health. This study compared PCR, fecal flotation, and coproscopy for the detection and identification of Taeniid parasites in dog fecal samples. The results showed that PCR was more sensitive than coproscopy for species identification. Therefore, the simultaneous use of PCR and coproscopy may not be advantageous.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Salma Javed, JoAnn McClure, Muhammad Ali Syed, Osahon Obasuyi, Shahzad Ali, Sadia Tabassum, Mohammad Ejaz, Kunyan Zhang
Summary: Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a major concern in the milk production industry in Pakistan. This study provides comprehensive epidemiological and molecular characterization data of S. aureus strains causing bovine mastitis in the Hazara district of Pakistan, including the identification of different strain types and antibiotic resistance profiles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Zhai, Xiangjun Meng, Li Li, Yushen Liu, Kun Xu, Chao Zhao, Juan Wang, Xiuling Song, Juan Li, Minghua Jin
Summary: This study presents a rapid and sensitive detection method for Vibrio parahaemolyticus by integrating magnetic nanobeads and quantum dots technology. The detection combines immunoseparation and immunofluorescence to achieve efficient detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, showing satisfactory results in real food samples.
Article
Plant Sciences
Milan Ivanovic, Andelka Prokic, Katarina Gasic, Jelena Menkovic, Nemanja Kuzmanovic, Nevena Zlatkovic, Aleksa Obradovic
Summary: In May 2016, severe blight symptoms were observed in raspberry and blackberry fields in Serbia. 22 strains of bacteria were isolated, and their pathogenicity was confirmed on detached shoots. The strains belonged to Pseudomonas syringae species.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Md Ashrafudoulla, Kyung Won Na, Kye-Hwan Byun, Duk Hyun Kim, Jang Won Yoon, Md Furkanur Rahaman Mizan, Iksoon Kang, Sang-do Ha
Summary: This study isolated and identified 26 S. Enteritidis isolates from a chicken processing facility using PCR and PFGE, all of which were genetically identical and had potential impacts on human health and economic revenue. Continuous monitoring of the molecular and biofilm characteristics of S. Enteritidis is necessary to enhance food safety.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adebayo J. Molehin, Donald P. McManus, Hong You
Summary: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by human blood flukes, lacks an available vaccine despite being ranked as one of the top 10 urgently needed vaccines by Science. This review highlights the current progress of schistosomiasis vaccines under clinical development and emphasizes the need for revolutionary and effective vaccine pipeline utilizing cutting-edge technologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Ousmane Kebe, Maria-Dolores Fernandez-Garcia, Boris-Enock Zinsou, Amadou Diop, Amary Fall, Ndack Ndiaye, Jan Vinje, Kader Ndiaye
Summary: The study investigated the molecular diversity of noroviruses in children in Senegal, revealing GII.4 and GII.6 as the most commonly identified genotypes. These findings serve as a baseline for future research and may assist decision-makers in determining options for norovirus vaccines.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geoffrey N. Gobert, Donald P. McManus, Geoff McMullan, Christopher J. Creevey, Jack Carson, Malcolm K. Jones, Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna, Kosala G. Weerakoon, Hong You
Summary: This study used FISH and microbial profiling techniques to demonstrate for the first time the presence of bacteria on the epithelial surfaces of adult schistosomes, which differ from the host blood and bile. These schistosome surface-associated bacteria are considered an important component of the host-parasite interaction.
Article
Microbiology
Nelida Fernandez, Belen Revuelta, Irene Aguilar, Jorge Francisco Soares, Annetta Zintl, Jeremy Gray, Estrella Montero, Luis Miguel Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigated the frequency and diversity of tick-borne piroplasms in six species of adult ixodid ticks removed from fallow deer and red deer in a nature reserve in southern Portugal. Four tick-borne piroplasms, including zoonotic pathogens, were detected. The study also found sporadic infections in ticks removed from the same individual hosts, suggesting the presence of piroplasms in ticks rather than the hosts.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Estrella Montero, Jeremy Gray, Cheryl Ann Lobo, Luis Miguel Gonzalez
Article
Microbiology
Camille Jacqueline, Manuel del Valle Arrojo, Paloma Bellver Moreira, Maria Asuncion Rodriguez Feijoo, Maria Cabrerizo, Maria Dolores Fernandez-Garcia
Summary: On September 30, 2021, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis caused by norovirus through waterborne transmission occurred in Muxia, Spain, affecting 115 individuals. The cases were associated with higher exposure to tap water and vegetable washing. The study highlights the importance of combining epidemiological, environmental, and microbiological investigations to identify the pathogen and control the outbreak.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Hong You, Malcolm K. Jones, Catherine A. Gordon, Alexa E. Arganda, Pengfei Cai, Harry Al-Wassiti, Colin W. Pouton, Donald P. McManus
Summary: Despite long-term efforts, developing effective vaccines against parasitic infections has been challenging due to the complexity of parasite life cycles and their interactions with hosts. Traditional vaccine platforms have proven unsuitable for many parasitic diseases. A new wave of research using mRNA vaccines is anticipated to advance the prevention of parasitic infections.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Allen G. Ross, Donald A. Harn, Delia Chy, Marianette Inobaya, Jerric R. Guevarra, Lisa Shollenberger, Yuesheng Li, Donald P. McManus, Darren J. Gray, Gail M. Williams
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a bovine vaccine in reducing human schistosome infection. Bovine vaccination significantly decreased the rate of human infection, and the best outcome was achieved when combined with snail mollusciciding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nalini Kaushalya Jayakody, Poornima Lakshini Kumbukgahadeniya, Anjana Silva, Nuwan Darshana Wickramasinghe, Susiji Wickramasinghe, Donald Peter McManus, Kosala Gayan Weerakoon
Summary: Human intestinal nematode infections are a global public health issue, especially in developing countries where there is a shortage of experienced laboratory staff and diagnostic technologies. Molecular methods, such as nucleic acid amplification, have increased the sensitivity of detection for these infections. However, the absence of a gold standard test limits current diagnosis and control efforts.
Article
Parasitology
Estrella Montero, Maria Folgueras, Mercedes Rodriguez-Perez, Laura Perez-ls, Javier Diaz-Arias, Maria Meana, Belen Revuelta, Karita Haapasalo, Julio Collazos, Victor Asensi, Luis Miguel Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of babesiosis in the population of Asturias, Spain from 2015 to 2017 and found a 39.2% seroprevalence rate of Babesia divergens. The epidemiological evidence suggests that Asturias is an emerging risk area for this tick-borne disease and calls for public health authorities to address the potential impact of babesiosis on human health.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pallavi Singh, Stefano Lonardi, Qihua Liang, Pratap Vydyam, Eleonora Khabirova, Tiffany Fang, Shalev Gihaz, Jose Thekkiniath, Muhammad Munshi, Steven Abel, Loic Ciampossin, Gayani Batugedara, Mohit Gupta, Xueqing Maggie Lu, Todd Lenz, Sakshar Chakravarty, Emmanuel Cornillot, Yangyang Hu, Wenxiu Ma, Luis Miguel Gonzalez, Sergio Sanchez, Karel Estrada, Alejandro Sanchez-Flores, Estrella Montero, Omar S. Harb, Karine G. Le Roch, Choukri Ben Mamoun
Summary: Babesia duncani is a tick-transmitted pathogen causing a malaria-like disease in humans and animals. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of its molecular biology, genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. The identification of candidate virulence factors, diagnostic antigens, and potential drug targets in the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome of B. duncani could lead to the development of effective therapies for human babesiosis.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Ester Alarcon-Linares, Antonio Moreno-Docon, Lorena Perez-Serna, Juan Camacho, Diego Sanchez Rodriguez, Maria Luisa Gutierrez-Martin, Antonio Broncano-Lavado, Juan-Emilio Echevarria, Maria Cabrerizo, Maria D. Fernandez-Garcia
Summary: In the summer of 2021, a large outbreak of norovirus infections occurred in a hotel in Murcia, Spain, affecting 163 patients, including 15 confirmed cases among food handlers. The outbreak was caused by a rare GI.5[P4] norovirus strain that was likely transmitted through an infected food handler. Molecular investigation using whole-genome sequencing showed genetic differentiation of the GI.5[P4] strains and suggested multiple chains of transmission. These recombinant viruses have been circulating globally, emphasizing the need for global surveillance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fabiana Gambaro, Ana Belen Perez, Matthieu Prot, Eduardo Aguera, Artem Baidaliuk, Maria Paz Sanchez-Seco, Luis Martinez-Martinez, Ana Vazquez, Maria Dolores Fernandez-Garcia, Etienne Simon-Loriere
Summary: This study highlights the usefulness of mNGS in directly identifying viral pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid. In southern Spain, Toscana virus (TOSV) should be considered as a potential cause of meningitis, regardless of recalling insect bites or other epidemiological criteria.
Article
Parasitology
F. Marquet, N. Mora, R. N. Incani, J. Jesus, N. Mendez, R. Mujica, H. Trosel, E. Ferrer
Summary: This study compared different PCR targets for molecular detection of S. stercoralis and standardized a PCR protocol for the selected target with the best diagnostic results. The 5.8S rDNA was found to be highly sensitive and specific for detecting S. stercoralis DNA.
JOURNAL OF HELMINTHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Qin Li, Jing Xu, Shi-Zhu Li, Juerg Utzinger, Donald P. McManus, Xiao-Nong Zhou
Summary: The World Bank Loan Project (WBLP) in China significantly contributed to the prevention, control, and elimination of schistosomiasis, with positive impacts on management mechanism reform, technological innovation, and epidemiological changes. The project played a crucial role in enhancing schistosomiasis control and shaping the response towards its elimination in China, offering valuable experiences for similar efforts elsewhere.