Review
Microbiology
Joanna S. Brooke
Summary: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause various infections and has intrinsic drug resistance. Research is ongoing to uncover new strategies to combat this pathogen, which possesses diverse virulence factors and adaptability to different environments.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ru Ma, Qiang Chen, Ying Huang, Zhongle Cheng, Xiaowei Wang, Lingling Xia, Lifen Hu
Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognosis of patients tested positive for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SMA) from different sources. A retrospective study was conducted among 651 patients and divided into seven groups according to the source of SMA. Results showed that patients in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture group, blood culture group, and abdominal drainage fluid culture group had higher mortality rates. Multivariate analysis revealed several risk factors associated with mortality in different groups. In conclusion, SMA has high antimicrobial resistance and can cause multisite infection, and timely standardized treatment can reduce mortality.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ming-Chih Ho, Ching-Hsi Hsiao, Ming-Hui Sun, Yih-Shiou Hwang, Chi-Chun Lai, Wei-Chi Wu, Kuan-Jen Chen
Summary: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has been reported in various ocular infections, with the strain being resistant to a wide variety of antibiotics. However, fluoroquinolones can be used as first-line antibiotics for S. maltophilia endophthalmitis, as they exhibit low antibiotic MIC90 values.
Article
Microbiology
Li-Hua Li, Hsu-Feng Lu, Yi-Fu Liu, Yi-Tsung Lin, Tsuey-Ching Yang
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of oxidative stress on bacterial susceptibility to fluoroquinolone and found that oxidative stress significantly affects bacterial resistance to the antibiotic. Mutant analysis revealed that the fadACB and smeU1VWU2X genes may be involved in the oxidative stress-mediated resistance process. Additionally, this study highlighted the limitations of conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing in detecting oxidative stress-mediated antibiotic resistance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ayesha Khan, Cesar A. Arias, April Abbott, Jennifer Dien Bard, Micah M. Bhatti, Romney M. Humphries
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of different systems in detecting drug resistance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and found inconsistencies in the agreement among different systems under different drugs and corresponding CLSI breakpoints, with the presence of significant errors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mirja Gudzuhn, Ifey Alio, Raphael Moll, Jessica de Vries, Jacob Boehlich, Maik Assmann, Jasmin Janneschuetz, Nina Schuetzenmeister, Axel Himmelbach, Anja Poehlein, Rolf Daniel, Wolfgang R. Streit
Summary: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant human opportunistic pathogen that causes progression of disease in cystic fibrosis patients and is commonly found in wounds, infected tissues, and catheter surfaces. Due to its well-known multidrug resistance, treating infections caused by S. maltophilia is difficult. Recent studies have shown that certain fungal diorcinols and rubrolides can reduce biofilm formation of S. maltophilia. In this study, a larger number of diorcinols and rubrolides were tested and the molecular mechanisms behind their antibiofilm effects were investigated. The compounds tested significantly reduced biofilm thickness and had strong effects on mature biofilms. Genes involved in iron transport, general metabolism, and membrane biosynthesis were found to be most strongly regulated by these compounds. The presence of prenyl group in diorcinols and increasing degree of bromination in chlorinated rubrolides were possibly responsible for their strong antibiofilm effects. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of rubrolides and diorcinols on biofilms formed by the important pathogen S. maltophilia.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yue Li, Ailan Zhao, Qin Yu, Nan Yu, Yao Cui, Xiaohan Ma, Haican Liu, Ruibai Wang
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant infectious disease in China and accurate diagnosis and treatment are vital for TB prevention and control. A study found that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a multidrug-resistant bacterium, was isolated from stored Mtb cultures and had a negative impact on TB diagnosis and treatment. S. maltophilia showed resistance to multiple anti-TB drugs and altered the drug sensitivity test results, requiring attention and further research.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Larina Pinto, Rajesh P. Shastry, Shivakiran Alva, R. Shyama Prasad Rao, Sudeep D. Ghate
Summary: This study utilized in-silico based functional network analysis to investigate the virulence and resistance mechanisms of multidrug-resistant bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed 8 hub proteins, which were further studied for docking with 58 selected phytochemicals. Deoxytubulosine and corosolic acid were identified as potential inhibitors of hub proteins in pathogenic S. maltophilia.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Daniel D. Rhoads
Summary: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is inherently resistant to several antibiotics, making treatment challenging. Automated susceptibility testing for S. maltophilia is limited by the performance of commercial test systems, requiring practical implementation and risk mitigation strategies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rima Fanaei Pirlar, Jeroen Wagemans, Fabian Kunisch, Rob Lavigne, Andrej Trampuz, Mercedes Gonzalez Moreno
Summary: CUB19 is a novel bacteriophage that specifically targets the bacterial species Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. It exhibits stability over a wide range of temperatures and pH values and has potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. The study also suggests that CUB19 is effective when co-administered with antibiotics, making it a promising targeted therapeutic agent against biofilm-associated Stenotrophomonas infections.
Article
Microbiology
Rebecca Horch, Diana Rasp, Annika Dietz, Ronald Ebbert, Joerg Steinmann, Ulrich E. Schaible, Uwe Mamat, Ralph Bertram
Summary: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an important nosocomial pathogen with intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. The implementation of tet regulation allows for the regulation of gene expression and provides a deeper understanding of its physiology and virulence.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danuta Wojcieszynska, Judyta Klamka, Ariel Marchlewicz, Izabela Potocka, Joanna Zur-Pinska, Urszula Guzik
Summary: In this study, a plant sponge from Luffa cylindrica was used as a carrier for the immobilization of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2 strain. The optimal conditions for immobilization were determined, and the immobilized strain showed potential for bioremediation processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marc Raad, Marc Abou Haidar, Racha Ibrahim, Rouba Rahal, Jocelyne Abou Jaoude, Carine Harmouche, Bassem Habr, Eliane Ayoub, Gebrayel Saliba, Ghassan Sleilaty, Karam Mounzer, Rindala Saliba, Moussa Riachy
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of S.maltophilia pneumonia in critical COVID-19 patients. S.maltophilia pneumonia was found to be common in ICU and associated with a longer hospital stay. Risk factors for S.maltophilia pneumonia included previous treatment with meropenem, thrombopenia, endotracheal intubation, foley catheter, and central venous catheter insertion.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Malak Pirtskhalava, Boris Vishnepolsky, Maya Grigolava, Grigol Managadze
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the potential to be novel biotherapeutics with interactions on the cell envelope, requiring comprehensive understanding for rational design. In-depth studies on the physicochemical, aggregative, and structural features of AMPs are essential for accurate classification and effective prediction methods. The knowledge of AMPs' physicochemical properties is crucial for the development of peptide-based antibiotics design tools.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thi Huyen Thu Nguyen, Ngoc Anh Tho Nguyen, Hai Dang Nguyen, Thi Thu Hien Nguyen, Mai Huong Le, Minh Quan Pham, Huu Nghi Do, Kim Chi Hoang, Serge Michalet, Marie-Genevieve Dijoux-Franca, Hoang Nam Pham
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial and efflux pump inhibitory activities of secondary metabolites from Pteris vittata L. and Fallopia japonica in the context of metal-tolerant plants. The DCM fraction of Fallopia japonica showed strong antibacterial activity and significantly decreased the minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin for certain strains. Pure emodin and sennidine A&B, identified components in the DCM fraction, also reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bruno Casciaro, Francesca Ghirga, Floriana Cappiello, Valeria Vergine, Maria Rosa Loffredo, Silvia Cammarone, Elena Puglisi, Carola Tortora, Deborah Quaglio, Mattia Mori, Bruno Botta, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: In this study, a cheminformatics approach was used to cluster a library of natural products and their derivatives, leading to the identification of a novel antimicrobial compound, ferruginin A. The activity of ferruginin A against Gram-positive bacteria was found to be the most potent, and it showed better therapeutic index compared to two analogues.
Review
Microbiology
Arianna Pompilio, Marco Scocchi, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Samira Shirooie, Annalisa Serio, Ygor Ferreira Garcia da Costa, Maria Silvana Alves, Gokce Seker Karatoprak, Ipek Suntar, Haroon Khan, Giovanni Di Bonaventura
Summary: Most human infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms in biofilms, which have increased resistance to antibiotics and the immune system. Therefore, there is a need for new strategies to control biofilm-associated infections. Natural products with a wide range of chemical structures and biological activities have been explored as potential biofilm inhibitors. This review discusses the bioactive compounds isolated from various natural sources that have the potential to inhibit biofilm formation and disperse established biofilms. However, the exact mechanism of action of these compounds is often unclear.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carla Zannella, Annalisa Chianese, Luciana Palomba, Maria Elena Marcocci, Rosa Bellavita, Francesco Merlino, Paolo Grieco, Veronica Folliero, Anna De Filippis, Marialuisa Mangoni, Lucia Nencioni, Gianluigi Franci, Massimiliano Galdiero
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of discovering broad-spectrum antiviral therapies. Antimicrobial peptides have been identified as promising agents, and a study found that a certain amphibian peptide showed significant inhibitory activity against various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, with improved effects after modification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michela Terri, Nicoletta Mancianti, Flavia Trionfetti, Bruno Casciaro, Valeria de Turris, Giammarco Raponi, Giulio Bontempi, Claudia Montaldo, Alessandro Domenici, Paolo Mene, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Raffaele Strippoli
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the effects of blue LED on both bacteria and human keratinocytes. The results demonstrated that blue LED had cytotoxic activity against bacteria and induced complex responses in keratinocytes, including cell cycle arrest, chromatin damage, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Raffaella Scotti, Bruno Casciaro, Annarita Stringaro, Fabrizio Morgia, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Roberta Gabbianelli
Summary: New strategies are needed to fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria caused by the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiofilm peptides derived from amphibian skin, such as Esc(1-21) and Esc(1-18), have shown potential to treat infections by inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. These peptides also induce the expression of genes associated with biofilm regulation and stress response in E. coli O157:H7.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giovanna Batoni, Giuseppantonio Maisetta, Esingul Kaya, Semih Esin
Summary: Probiotics have emerged as an attractive approach to replace or complement the use of antibiotics in cystic fibrosis (CF), as the spread of bacterial resistance to conventional drugs has become a serious issue. Administering probiotics orally has shown to improve lung function and reduce infection and exacerbation rates in CF patients. However, some studies have reported no beneficial effects of probiotics, suggesting the need for further improvement of this innovative intervention in CF.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Elena Marcocci, Bianka Gabriela Jackowska, Carla Prezioso, Virginia Protto, Marta De Angelis, Francesco Saverio Di Leva, Bruno Casciaro, Alfonso Carotenuto, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Anna Teresa Palamara, Valeria Pietropaolo, Giovanna De Chiara, Lucia Nencioni
Summary: Natural occurring peptides like temporin G (TG) could be potential drugs to combat diseases caused by HSV-1 and JCPyV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brunella Grassiri, Andrea Mezzetta, Giuseppantionio Maisetta, Chiara Migone, Angela Fabiano, Semih Esin, Lorenzo Guazzelli, Ylenia Zambito, Giovanna Batoni, Anna Maria Piras
Summary: The study evaluated the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as functional excipients for solubilizing and stabilizing diacerein (DIA) in eye drop formulations and prolonging its ocular residence time. Two ILs based on natural zwitterionic compounds were investigated: L-carnitine C6 alkyl ester bromide (Carn6) and betaine C6 alkyl ester bromide (Bet6). The ILs demonstrated solubilizing, stabilizing, mucoadhesive, and antimicrobial properties, with potential for future use in ophthalmic applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Israel Abebrese Sefah, Seth Adade Sarkodie, Giuseppe Pichierri, Natalie Schellack, Brian Godman
Summary: There is a growing focus on researching the management of children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 worldwide, as there is an increasing prevalence due to new variants and concerns about overuse of antimicrobials driving up resistance rates. Standard treatment guidelines (STGs) have been developed in Ghana to enhance the care of these children. Therefore, it is important to document the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed and admitted with COVID-19 in Ghana, factors influencing compliance to the STG, and treatment outcomes. The study found that nasal congestion and fever were common presenting complaints, with pneumonia being the most common complication. The mortality rate was 10.9%, and the most prescribed antimicrobial regimen was a combination of azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine. Compliance to the STG was variable, and mortality increased following transfer to the ICU. The study suggests the need to change current recommendations on the use of antimicrobials to reduce future resistance.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucia Vizzoni, Chiara Migone, Brunella Grassiri, Ylenia Zambito, Baldassare Ferro, Paolo Roncucci, Filippo Mori, Alfonso Salvatore, Ester Ascione, Roberto Crea, Semih Esin, Giovanna Batoni, Anna Maria Piras
Summary: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication of lung injuries, often caused by various infections. ARDS is associated with high mortality and lacks effective treatment. In this study, the efficacy of mesh nebulisation of plasminogen (PLG) for off-label administration as an ARDS treatment was investigated. Results showed that aerosolised PLG demonstrated optimal deposition, maintained enzymatic activity, and had immunomodulating effects.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cassandra Troiano, Adele De Ninno, Bruno Casciaro, Francesco Riccitelli, Yoonkyung Park, Luca Businaro, Renato Massoud, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Paolo Bisegna, Lorenzo Stella, Federica Caselli
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising compounds to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, as they kill bacteria by permeabilizing their membrane and exhibit low propensity for inducing bacterial resistance. However, limited understanding of AMPs' interactions with bacteria and human cells hinders their clinical applications. This study proposes the use of microfluidic impedance cytometry to rapidly explore the action of AMPs on bacteria and host cells, providing single-cell resolution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Floriana Cappiello, Sudhir Verma, Xiao Lin, Isabel Y. Moreno, Bruno Casciaro, Debarun Dutta, Alison M. McDermott, Mark Willcox, Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: The corneal epithelium is essential for both vision and immune defense. Corneal abrasion can lead to severe eye infections, but recent research has discovered peptides that not only treat keratitis but also promote corneal wound healing, which could have potential clinical applications.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zikria Saleem, Abdul Haseeb, Safa S. Almarzoky Abuhussain, Catrin E. E. Moore, Sairah Hafeez Kamran, Muhammad Usman Qamar, Aisha Azmat, Giuseppe Pichierri, Fahad Raees, Shahzad Asghar, Amna Saeed, Afreenish Amir, Furqan Khurshid Hashmi, Johanna C. C. Meyer, Israel Abebrese Sefah, Inaam Ur Rehman, Muhammad Umer Nadeem, Brian Godman
Summary: This study aimed to monitor the susceptibility pattern of microbes in Pakistan and found that the current antimicrobial options are severely restricted due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Urgent actions, including initiating antimicrobial stewardship programs, are needed to enhance prudent prescribing of antibiotics.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beatrice Cecchini, Roberta Rovelli, Lorenzo Zavagna, Bahareh Azimi, Teresa Macchi, Esingul Kaya, Semih Esin, Luca Bruschini, Mario Milazzo, Giovanna Batoni, Serena Danti, Chaoqun Dong
Summary: This study demonstrates the application of electrospinning and electrospray techniques to develop a tympanic membrane patch for delivering probiotics and/or postbiotics to the middle ear. The incorporation of probiotic-laden sodium alginate microparticles within electrospun sodium alginate/poly(ethylene oxide) fiber meshes offers a versatile and safe treatment strategy for chronic otitis media. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing complex healing processes of chronic upper respiratory diseases and mitigating antimicrobial resistance.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Saverio Bellizzi, Catello M. Panu Napodano, Giuseppe Pichierri
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Pacini, Bo Ahren
Summary: Tirzepatide stimulates both insulin secretion and glucose effectiveness, with stimulation of glucose effectiveness being the prominent process to reduce glucose.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Si -yu Wang, Yu-zhe Zhang, Xiao-han Liu, Xue-ci Guo, Xiao-fang Wang, Feng-tong Han, Yao Zhang, Chang -lin Wang
Summary: In the formalin pain test, the EM-2 analogs EM-2-Me, EM-2-Et, and EM-2-Bu showed significant analgesic effects with reduced tolerance and gastrointestinal side effects. These effects were mediated through central opioid mechanisms, with EM-2-Me possibly involving dynorphin A release and EM-2-Bu directly activating multiple opioid receptors.