Article
Immunology
Min Song, Dongmei Wu, Yang Hu, Haiyan Luo, Gongbo Li
Summary: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that poses a threat to stroke patients by causing pneumonia and bacteremia. The development of antibiotic resistance in hospital-associated E. faecalis is a significant public health concern, but the combination of bacteriophages and antibiotics shows promising results in combating E. faecalis, preventing the development of resistance.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Abbas Soleimani-Delfan, Majid Bouzari, Ran Wang
Summary: The newly discovered E. faecalis bacteriophage vB_EfaS-DELF1 is specific, effective against vancomycin-resistant strains, lacks undesirable genes in its genome, and remains stable under various environmental conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Fuqiang Song, Jun Sheng, Jishan Tan, Huajie Xie, Xiaoyu Wang, Wenqiong Guo
Summary: In this study, a bacteriophage SFQ1 was isolated from hospital sewage, which effectively infects E. faecalis strain EFS01 and disrupts the biofilms formed by E. faecalis. Therefore, SFQ1 has the potential for treating E. faecalis infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Beatriz Garcia Mendes, Yi Duan, Bernd Schnabl
Summary: Treatment with cytolytic E. faecalis phages may have anti-inflammatory and tissue-restoring effects on the intestinal and liver immune response. Oral administration of phages appears to be safe and effective following chronic-binge ethanol administration.
Article
Microbiology
Tatsuma Kishimoto, Waka Ishida, Tadahiro Nasukawa, Takako Ujihara, Isana Nakajima, Takashi Suzuki, Jumpei Uchiyama, Daisuke Todokoro, Masanori Daibata, Atsuki Fukushima, Shigenobu Matsuzaki, Ken Fukuda
Summary: The study investigated the therapeutic potential of three newly isolated enterococcal phages against E. faecalis-induced endophthalmitis, demonstrating their ability to lyse a broad range of E. faecalis both in vitro and in vivo. These phages showed promising results as potential candidates for phage therapy against endophthalmitis.
Review
Virology
Raghad Khalid AL-Ishaq, Sini Skariah, Dietrich Busselberg
Summary: Bacteriophages are shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis infections with high efficacy and safety. Further studies on phage therapy, host identification, and regulatory processes are needed to evaluate and advance their clinical use.
Article
Microbiology
Mohamed El-Telbany, Gamal El-Didamony, Ahmed Askora, Eman Ariny, Dalia Abdallah, Ian F. Connerton, Ayman El-Shibiny
Summary: Phage therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant bacteria. The isolated phage vB_ZEFP showed potential in controlling the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, especially in preventing infection after root canal treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Jiazhen Liu, Yanpeng Zhu, Yang Li, Yuwen Lu, Kun Xiong, Qiu Zhong, Jing Wang
Summary: In this study, a bacteriophage EFap02 with the potential for treating drug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis infection was isolated. The phage proved to be tolerant to harsh environments and high temperature. However, phage-resistant mutants were found to have impaired biofilm formation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Hyun Keun Oh, Yoon Jung Hwang, Hye Won Hong, Heejoon Myung
Summary: A bacteriophage, PBEF129, was isolated and characterized in this study, infecting a variety of E. faecalis strains, including those with antibiotic resistance. Its genome is 144,230 base pairs in length, with a GC content of 35.9%. The phage has a wider host range and demonstrated efficacy in removing bacterial biofilms on the surface of in vitro cultured human intestinal cells comparable to cefotaxime, but lower than its parent phage.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joshua Williams, Jaimee Kerven, Yin Chen, Antonia P. Sagona
Summary: Bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli, are a significant global health issue. Antibiotic resistance has made these infections more challenging, necessitating the development of alternative antimicrobial treatments. Bacteriophages offer potential as they can be genetically modified and are highly specific. In this study, we engineered a phage called K1F to express an epidermal growth factor (EGF) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein, allowing it to better target and eradicate E. coli infections in human cells through endocytosis and avoidance of phagocytosis.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brieuc Van Nieuwenhuyse, Dimitri Van der Linden, Olga Chatzis, Cedric Lood, Jeroen Wagemans, Rob Lavigne, Kaat Schroven, Jan Paeshuyse, Catherine de Magnee, Etienne Sokal, Xavier Stephenne, Isabelle Scheers, Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos, Sarah Djebara, Maya Merabishvili, Patrick Soentjens, Jean-Paul Pirnay
Summary: In this study, the authors use a combination of bacteriophage and antibiotic therapy to treat extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a toddler post liver transplantation. They report on the clinical and microbiological improvement and investigate the reasons why bacterial phage resistance did not lead to therapeutic failure.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lingqiong Huang, Wenqiong Guo, Jiahui Lu, Wuliang Pan, Fuqiang Song, Peng Wang
Summary: This study characterized a new lytic Enterococcus faecalis bacteriophage and suggested its potential as an antimicrobial agent.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yingying Xiang, Chunlan Ma, Shuang Yin, Fei Song, Kunhao Qin, Yafang Ding, Xianghong Yang, Pengfei Song, Xiuling Ji, Yunlin Wei
Summary: This study investigated the resistance against Enterococcus faecalis infection using phage therapy and found that phage PEf771 showed significant antibacterial effect and prevention of infection.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Ines Pradal, Angel Casado, Beatriz del Rio, Carlos Rodriguez-Lucas, Maria Fernandez, Miguel A. Alvarez, Victor Ladero
Summary: The rise of AMR bacteria, especially VRE Enterococcus faecium, is a major health concern. Phage therapy has emerged as a novel alternative for AMR infections, but it requires a large collection of phages. This study explored human feces as a source of new E. faecium-infecting phages and isolated and characterized vB_EfaH_163 phage. It has a dsDNA genome, infects a wide range of E. faecium and E. faecalis strains, including some linezolid-resistant ones, and can control the growth of VRE isolates in culture and in an animal model, demonstrating its potential therapeutic application.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Han Shuwen, Ding Kefeng
Summary: This review presents the interactions between phages and bacteria in the human intestinal tract, as well as their roles in disease pathogenesis and treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amel Sami, Imad Elimairi, C. Anthony Ryan, R. Paul Ross, Catherine Stanton
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the smokeless tobacco product Toombak on the body's cortisol response and analyzes the psycho-dependency level of Toombak users. The results show that Toombak users have significantly lower hair cortisol levels compared to non-users, and they exhibit high levels of psycho-dependency and nicotine tolerance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oliver W. Bayfield, Andrey N. Shkoporov, Natalya Yutin, Ekaterina V. Khokhlova, Jake L. R. Smith, Dorothy E. D. P. Hawkins, Eugene V. Koonin, Colin Hill, Alfred A. Antson
Summary: CrAssphage and related crassviruses are the most abundant viruses in the human gut, with some individuals having up to 95% of viral sequences from these viruses. By reconstructing Bacteroides intestinalis virus fcrAss001 using cryo-electron microscopy, we gained insights into the structure and function of its proteins. The muzzle protein forms a new fold called the 'crass fold' and acts as a gatekeeper for controlling cargo release. Additionally, the fcrAss001 virus provides ample storage space for cargo proteins in both the capsid and the tail, with a mechanism for protein ejection involving partial unfolding during extrusion through the tail.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Colin Buttimer, Ekaterina V. Khokhlova, Lisa Stein, Cara M. Hueston, Bianca Govi, Lorraine A. Draper, R. Paul Ross, Andrey N. Shkoporov, Colin Hill
Summary: This study isolates and characterizes six bacteriophages that can infect Ruminococcus gnavus, a gut microbe associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The phages have a temperate lifestyle and can coexist with the host bacterium without causing a significant reduction in its abundance. Analysis of gut virome data reveals a high abundance of these phages in individuals with IBD. This work provides insight into the interaction between phages and R. gnavus in the human gut microbiome.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Susan Mills, Bo Yang, Graeme J. Smith, Catherine Stanton, R. Paul Ross
Summary: The colonization of Bifidobacterium in the neonatal gut highlights its significance to human health. Bifidobacterium longum is the most abundant species during early stages, but its levels decrease with age and in certain diseases. Research has revealed that B. longum produces bioactive molecules and can impact immune responses in various parts of the body. This review emphasizes the biological and clinical impacts of B. longum throughout different stages of human life, suggesting the need for further research and clinical trials to explore its potential in treating and preventing diseases.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Daniel Merenstein, Bruno Pot, Gregory Leyer, Arthur C. Ouwehand, Geoffrey A. Preidis, Christopher A. Elkins, Colin Hill, Zachery T. Lewis, Andrea L. Shane, Niv Zmora, Mariya I. Petrova, Maria Carmen Collado, Lorenzo Morelli, Gina A. Montoya, Hania Szajewska, Daniel J. Tancredi, Mary Ellen Sanders
Summary: Probiotics are used by both healthy individuals and in clinical settings, but there are potential risks associated with their consumption. This has led to the need for concise recommendations on how to ensure the safe and effective use of new probiotic strains and products, especially in vulnerable populations.
Article
Microbiology
Ivan Sugrue, Daragh Hill, Paula M. O'Connor, Li Day, Catherine Stanton, Colin Hill, R. Paul Ross
Summary: This study describes a new variant of nisin, nisin E, produced by Streptococcus equinus strains isolated from sheep milk. The genome sequencing and analysis revealed similarities to nisin U, but with a unique rearrangement of the core peptide encoding gene. Nisin E showed antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Clostridiodes, and was immune to nisin U. The discovery of nisin E suggests its central role in the competitive nature of S. equinus.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Eleni Kamilari, Catherine Stanton, F. Jerry Reen, R. Paul Ross
Summary: This review highlights the biotechnological importance of the filamentous yeast-like fungus Geotrichum candidum, which is widely used as a starter in the dairy industry. The study found that aside from its role in the dairy and brewing industries, G. candidum has potential as a probiotic nutritional supplement in fish. Additionally, this species produces various biotechnologically important enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, and has bioremediation capabilities.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shona Uniacke-Lowe, Fergus W. J. Collins, Colin Hill, R. Paul Ross
Summary: With the increase in antimicrobial resistance, the deep-sea fish microbiome can serve as a potential source of antimicrobials, including bacteriocins. In this study, bacterial isolates recovered from deep-sea fish were screened for antimicrobial activity and their genomic DNA was analyzed for bacteriocin and other antimicrobial metabolite genes. The study identified 147 candidate biosynthetic gene clusters, including 35 bacteriocin clusters, and discovered unique bacteriocin gene clusters encoding novel peptides. This dual approach provided insights into the bacteriocinogenic potential and antimicrobial molecules of the deep-sea isolates.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Friederike Uhlig, Alicja K. Warda, Cara M. Hueston, Lorraine A. Draper, Gilles Chauviere, Erik Eckhardt, Colin Hill, Niall P. Hyland
Summary: Lactobacillus LB, generated through fermentation, has beneficial effects on intestinal ion transport and motility, alleviating acute diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Low-lactose Lactobacillus LB (LL-LB) increases baseline short-circuit current and is partially mediated by sodium-D-glucose transporter 1. Preparations produced from a single strain fermentate of L. fermentum have a stronger effect on baseline short-circuit current and carbachol-induced contractions compared to LL-LB.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aditya Upadrasta, Stephen Daniels, Thomas Philip Thompson, Brendan Gilmore, Hilary Humphreys
Summary: This study developed a new method for surface decontamination using cold plasma technology, which showed effective virucidal activity against surrogate viruses for COVID-19. The efficacy of the treatment depended on the exposure time and distance from the plasma source.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Des Field, Miguel Fernandez de Ullivarri, R. Paul Ross, Colin Hill
Summary: Nisin, a highly post-translationally modified peptide, has been extensively studied over the past 100 years. While it has been used successfully as a food preservative, its potent activity against multidrug resistant microbes and potential for therapeutic use in treating bacterial infections has shifted the focus of research towards its biomedical applications. Recent developments have shed light on the biosynthesis, cellular location, and genetic regulation of nisin, and there is growing interest in its potential role in influencing the microbiome and in bioengineering novel variants for biomedical applications.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xinqi Chen, Yang Chen, Catherine Stanton, Reynolds Paul Ross, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Bo Yang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM683 on relieving psoriasis and its underlying patterns. Specifically, the expression of keratin 16, keratin 17, and involucrin were substantially decreased by specific doses of the probiotic. Moreover, the gut microbiota in mice treated with the probiotic was rebalanced and the concentrations of colonic bile acids were positively correlated with the effectiveness of the strain in relieving psoriasis.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kexue Chen, Xingya Zhou, Jianxin Zhao, R. Paul Ross, Catherine Stanton, Wei Chen, Bo Yang
Summary: This study explores the genetic diversity and functional gene features of L. johnsonii through comparative genomic analysis. The results show that L. johnsonii can be classified into two phylogenetic clusters, with differences in carbohydrate utilization genes, bacteriocin operon, extracellular polysaccharide gene cluster, and bile salt hydrolase encoding genes between the clusters.
