Article
Food Science & Technology
Yufei Fan, Ping Li, Dongdong Zhu, Chumin Zhao, Jingbo Jiao, Xuemeng Ji, Xinjun Du
Summary: This study aims to elucidate the precise roles of the ESA_00986 gene in C. sakazakii by generating gene knockout mutants and complementary strains. The results showed that the ESA_00986 gene plays a positive role in biofilm formation, cell adhesion and invasion, and virulence, demonstrating it as a novel virulence factor and advancing our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of C. sakazakii.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ondrej Holy, Julio Parra-Flores, Sarah Lepuschitz, Maria Paula Alarcon-Lavin, Ariadnna Cruz-Cordova, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Jetsi Mancilla-Rojano, Werner Ruppitsch, Stephen Forsythe
Summary: This study investigated the putative virulence factors of six Cronobacter sakazakii strains isolated from powdered milk, identifying different sequence types and resistance genes. Some strains demonstrated high adherence and invasion abilities, while the cpa gene was not detected. Various virulence and resistance genes, as well as plasmids, were identified through whole-genome sequencing. Additionally, CRISPR matrices were observed in all strains, enhancing decision-making for health authorities to protect public health.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xi Chen, Juan Xue, Xiaoli Dong, Ping Lu
Summary: The study aimed to identify genes and proteins associated with the virulence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Highly virulent strains were rapidly screened and two genes, rcsA and treR, were identified as potential regulators of C. sakazakii toxicity. Knockout of these genes significantly weakened bacterial virulence, confirming their role as potential virulence factors. The findings contribute to understanding the pathogenicity of C. sakazakii and provide insights for targeted interventions and therapies against this bacterium.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Katie Phair, Sonia Gonsalves Pereira, Carmel Kealey, Seamus Fanning, Damien B. Brady
Summary: Cronobacter species enhance their virulence through various mechanisms during survival in the environment, infection of hosts, and persistence inside hosts. Cronobacter sakazakii is associated with fatal infections in populations such as neonates and infants.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Julio Parra-Flores, Ondrej Holy, Francisca Riffo, Sarah Lepuschitz, Eduard Maury-Sintjago, Alejandra Rodriguez-Fernandez, Ariadnna Cruz-Cordova, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Jetsi Mancilla-Rojano, Miriam Troncoso, Guillermo Figueroa, Werner Ruppitsch, Stephen Forsythe
Summary: This study used whole genome sequencing and laboratory studies to characterize Cronobacter strains from contaminated products, revealing multiple antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, supporting the decision to recall contaminated powdered and dairy formulas from the Chilean market in 2017.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ping Lu, Juan Xue, Xi Chen, Xuemeng Ji
Summary: Our study reveals the critical role of the dnaK gene in virulence, adhesion, invasion, and acid resistance of Cronobacter sakazakii. Proteomic analysis shows that dnaK knockout leads to upregulation of certain proteins and deamidation of others. The findings suggest that DnaK-mediated protein deamidation may be a novel mechanism for virulence and stress adaptation in Cronobacter sakazakii.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Aidi Zhou, Li Wang, Jingfeng Zhang, Xiaoqing Yang, Zhihua Ou, Lichao Zhao
Summary: VBNC C. sakazakii can induce intestinal inflammation in neonatal rats, but the inflammation is significantly lower compared to culturable bacteria, likely due to reduced endotoxin production, motility, adhesion, and invasion ability in the VBNC state. The numbers of C. sakazakii in the blood, liver, and spleen of rats treated with VBNC cells are in the same order of magnitude as those treated with its culturable counterpart, potentially leading to the same degree of bacteremia.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tong Jin, Xiangjun Zhan, Liuxin Pang, Bo Peng, Xinpeng Zhang, Wenxiu Zhu, Baowei Yang, Xiaodong Xia
Summary: The study found that CpxAR TCS is an important regulatory mechanism for the virulence of C. sakazakii. Mutants showed weakened adhesion, invasion, and survival ability, and exhibited attenuated virulence in animal models. In addition, CpxAR TCS is involved in regulating the expression of genes associated with bacterial virulence and cellular invasion.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Babak Pakbin, Wolfram Manuel Bruck, Samaneh Allahyari, John W. A. Rossen, Razzagh Mahmoudi
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance profile, and clonal relatedness of C. sakazakii strains isolated from powdered infant formula milk (PIFM) samples collected in Tehran, Iran. The results showed a high prevalence rate of C. sakazakii in PIFM samples, with high resistance to multiple antibiotics and a diverse genetic profile. The study highlights the need for novel microbial surveillance systems to control the contamination of this foodborne pathogen in infant foods.
Article
Microbiology
Jianxin Gao, Zhonghui Han, Ping Li, Hongyan Zhang, Xinjun Du, Shuo Wang
Summary: Research found that OmpF plays a positive regulatory role in the biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion of C. sakazakii by reducing the amount of LPS, but acts as a negative regulator of antibiotic resistance.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marc J. A. Stevens, Nicole Cernela, Roger Stephan, Angelika Lehner
Summary: Sequencing of Cronobacter sakazakii strains from a powdered infant formula plant over a 15-year period revealed two major sequence types, ST83 and ST4. Genomic comparisons showed clonality of most ST83 and some ST4 strains, with population-specific genes potentially involved in persistence, such as aggregation and stress-resistance genes in ST83 strains and fimbrial genes in ST4 strains. Several antimicrobial resistance genes, including a colistin resistance gene acquired via horizontal gene transfer, were found in these strains. The findings suggest that evolving C. sakazakii populations in an industrial environment may have an impact on public health.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ping Li, Wenyue Zong, Zhengyang Zhang, Xuemeng Ji, Dongdong Zhu, Xinjun Du, Shuo Wang
Summary: In this study, the role of the flgK gene in the motility and desiccation resistance of C. sakazakii was investigated. The flgK mutant strain showed increased motility and invasion ability, while biofilm formation was not significantly affected. Interestingly, the absence of the flgK gene resulted in enhanced resistance to dehydration. Further analysis revealed changes in gene expression related to environmental stress resistance in the flgK mutant strain. This study provides valuable insights into the functions of the flgK gene and the molecular mechanism of desiccation resistance in C. sakazakii.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ziad W. Jaradat, Waseem A. Al-Mousa, Ahmed M. Elbetieha, Qutaiba O. Ababneh, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, Hyein Jang, Jayanthi Gangiredla, Isha R. Patel, Gopal R. Gopinath, Ben D. Tall
Summary: This study aimed to characterize a collection of Cronobacter sakazakii isolates from various sources in Jordan. The results revealed that C. sakazakii sequence type 4 and Csak O:1 serotype were the most prevalent strains. Putative virulence genes, siderophore-interacting protein gene, and iron acquisition gene clusters were detected with noticeable variability. The majority of the isolates showed susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, despite harboring resistance genes. These findings provide additional insights into the genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of C. sakazakii, which are important for understanding their origins and preventing future outbreaks.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ning Guan, Yiqi Shi, Haoyu Tong, Yanpeng Yang, Jiahui Li, Du Guo, Xin Wang, Zhongguo Shan, Xin Lu, Chao Shi
Summary: In this study, the inhibitory effects of coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0) on biofilm formation and virulence gene expression in Cronobacter sakazakii were investigated. It was found that CoQ0 effectively inhibited biofilm formation and reduced the ability of C. sakazakii to adhere to and invade cells. CoQ0 also impeded the survival and replication of C. sakazakii within cells. Furthermore, the expression of nine genes associated with biofilm formation and virulence in C. sakazakii was downregulated in response to CoQ0 treatment.
FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Na Ling, Xiuting Jiang, Stephen Forsythe, Danfeng Zhang, Yizhong Shen, Yu Ding, Juan Wang, Jumei Zhang, Qingping Wu, Yingwang Ye
Summary: This review summarizes the prevalence of Cronobacter species in various food types and highlights its high virulence in infants. The mechanisms allowing Cronobacter to persist in adverse growth conditions and its pathogenicity are discussed. The food safety concerns caused by Cronobacter and the subsequent control methods and clinical treatments are emphasized.
Article
Mycology
Ximena Leon-Lara, Carlos Atoche, Roberto Arenas, Fernando Martinez-Hernandez, Luary C. Martinez-Chavarria, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Victor A. Vazquez-Aceituno, Rigoberto Hernandez-Castro
Summary: This article reports a 60-year-old male from southern Mexico with a 40-year history of chromoblastomycosis caused by Cyphellophora laciniata. Despite treatment with itraconazole and cryosurgery, the results were unsatisfactory.
JOURNAL DE MYCOLOGIE MEDICALE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
M. M. Limon-Gonzalez, R. Hernandez-Castro, F. Martinez-Hernandez, J. Xicohtencatl-Cortes, H. Ramirez-Alvarez, E. G. Palomares-Resendiz, E. Diaz-Aparicio
Summary: This article reports the presence of C. pecorum in sheep imported from New Zealand into Mexico. Through bacterial isolation and molecular identification, it was found that 7 samples were positive for C. pecorum. Genetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to genotype O and are related to strains isolated from sheep, cattle, and koalas.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Julio Parra-Flores, Ondrej Holy, Fernanda Bustamante, Sarah Lepuschitz, Ariane Pietzka, Alejandra Contreras-Fernandez, Claudia Castillo, Catalina Ovalle, Maria Paula Alarcon-Lavin, Ariadnna Cruz-Cordova, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Jetsi Mancilla-Rojano, Miriam Troncoso, Guillermo Figueroa, Werner Ruppitsch
Summary: This study investigated the virulence factors and antibiotic resistance in Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from ready-to-eat foods. The results showed that these strains carried virulence and antibiotic resistance traits that pose a potential public health risk for consumers.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eduard Maury-Sintjago, Alejandra Rodriguez-Fernandez, Julio Parra-Flores, Marcela Ruiz-De la Fuente
Summary: The aim of the study was to determine the association between menstrual cycle phase and resting metabolic rate (RMR) as well as dietary intake. The results showed that lean women had increased RMR, caloric intake, and lipid intake during the luteal phase, while women with obesity only had increased carbohydrate intake.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alejandra Rodriguez-Fernandez, Natalia Ramos-Castillo, Marcela Ruiz-De la Fuente, Julio Parra-Flores, Eduard Maury-Sintjago
Summary: Gestational exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter is associated with prematurity and low birth weight in Chilean newborns. PM10 affects the entire pregnancy, while PM2.5 is primarily associated with low birth weight in the second trimester.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Statistics & Probability
Kamila Facevicova, Peter Filzmoser, Karel Hron
Summary: This paper establishes a theoretical framework for multi-factorial compositional data based on the current understanding of compositional data. It is found that multi-factorial structures can be orthogonally decomposed into independent and interactive parts, and a coordinate representation allowing for their separate analysis by standard analytical methods can be constructed.
STATISTICAL PAPERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alejandra Rodriguez-Fernandez, Ximena Sanhueza-Riquelme, Gloria Carcamo-Vargas, Julio Parra-Flores, Ana Lizette Rojas-Rodriguez, Marcela Ruiz-De la Fuente, Eduard Maury-Sintjago
Summary: There is limited knowledge regarding the factors influencing non-exclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) practices in immigrant populations, particularly in Latin America. This study aimed to determine the association between maternal factors and the prevalence of NEBF in Haitian immigrant women in southern Chile. The findings showed that Haitian immigrant women without legal residency, recently arrived, with low educational attainment, and limited knowledge of breastfeeding are at higher risk of not providing exclusive breastfeeding. However, employment, access to basic services, and Spanish proficiency were found to be protective factors associated with higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Article
Pediatrics
Alejandra Rodriguez-Fernandez, Marcela Ruiz-De la Fuente, Ximena Sanhueza-Riquelme, Julio Parra-Flores, Maria Dolores Marrodan, Eduard Maury-Sintjago
Summary: The study found that maternal factors, such as educational attainment and age, are associated with preterm and low-birthweight births in Chile. Mothers with less than 12 years of education and mothers aged 35 or older were found to be at a higher risk for preterm and low-birthweight newborns.
Article
Geography, Physical
Jitka Elznicova, Timea Kiss, Hans von Suchodoletz, Tamas Bartyik, Gyorgy Sipos, Zuzana Lendakova, Kamila Facevicova, Ivana Pavlu, Jaromir Kovarnik, Tomas Matys Grygar
Summary: This paper investigates the transformation of the channel pattern of the Jizera River in Czechia, from meandering to low-sinuous. By analyzing the topography and historical maps, it is found that the transition is likely to be climatic-driven, possibly influenced by past climatic extremes.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Julio Parra-Flores, Adriana Cabal-Rosel, Beatriz Daza-Prieto, Pamela Chavarria, Eduard Maury-Sintjago, Alejandra Rodriguez-Fernandez, Sergio Acuna, Werner Ruppitsch
Summary: This study genetically characterized Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus strains isolated from powdered infant formulas (PIF). The strains exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics and carried various resistance and virulence genes. These multidrug-resistant strains pose a health risk for infants consuming PIF.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ilse Yolanda Osorio-Aragon, Sonia Toussaint-Caire, Simon Guzman-Bucio, Bibiana Monserrat Barbosa-Ramirez, Victor A. Vazquez-Aceituno, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Rigoberto Hernandez-Castro
Summary: We report a case of primary cutaneous mucormycosis in a patient with bone marrow failure due to paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The patient presented with papules on the lower limbs that rapidly progressed to necrotic plaques within 2 months. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous and suppurative dermatitis with tissue necrosis, and molecular identification confirmed Rhizopus arrhizus. Despite treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and surgical debridement, the patient developed severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and septic shock, ultimately resulting in death after 6 days of hospitalization.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Karina Espinosa-Mazariego, Zeus Saldana-Ahuactzi, Sara A. A. Ochoa, Bertha Gonzalez-Pedrajo, Miguel A. A. Cevallos, Ricardo Rodriguez-Martinez, Mariana Romo-Castillo, Rigoberto Hernandez-Castro, Ariadnna Cruz-Cordova, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether E. coli BL21 (ECBL) transformed with lng operon lacking lngA gene (pE9034A Delta lngA) and complemented in trans with lngA variants of ETEC clinical strains, as well as point substitutions, exhibited modified adherence to HT-29 cells.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ondrej Holy, Julio Parra-Flores, Jaroslav Bzdil, Adriana Cabal-Rosel, Beatriz Daza-Prieto, Ariadnna Cruz-Cordova, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Ricardo Rodriguez-Martinez, Sergio Acuna, Stephen Forsythe, Werner Ruppitsch
Summary: The objective of this study was to screen for antibiotic resistance, fitness and virulence genes in Cronobacter sakazakii strains isolated from food and powdered-milk-producing environments using whole-genome sequencing. Antibiotic-resistance genes and virulence genes were detected using various tools, and susceptibility testing was performed. The strains showed resistance to cephalotin and ampicillin, and multiple ARGs and VGs were identified. These findings suggest a potential risk of infection in susceptible populations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rafael Nambo-Venegas, Berenice Palacios-Gonzalez, Jaime Mas-Oliva, Ana Karen Aurioles-Amozurrutia, Armando Cruz-Rangel, Abel Moreno, Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda, Mauricio Rodriguez-Dorantes, Felipe Vadillo-Ortega, Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Maria Isabel Ruiz-Olmedo, Juan Pablo Reyes-Grajeda
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the changes in the transcriptome of M1 macrophages during the internalization of LDL particles and its relationship with sex. It was found that male macrophages exhibited more pronounced proinflammatory gene expression during LDL internalization, while female macrophages showed a higher number of markers associated with cell damage.
