Article
Microbiology
Yonggang Zhao, Dingqiang Chen, Kaichao Chen, Miaomiao Xie, Jiubiao Guo, Edward Wai Chi Chan, Lu Xie, Jingbo Wang, Enqi Chen, Sheng Chen, Weijun Chen, Lars Jelsbak
Summary: By sequencing and analyzing the genomes of 416 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from hospitals in China, the genetic, phenotypic, and transmission characteristics of carbapenem-resistant strains were elucidated, and the molecular signatures responsible for the increased prevalence of CRPA infections in China were identified. These findings may provide new insight into the development of effective strategies for worldwide control of CRPA and minimize the occurrence of untreatable infections in clinical settings.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Michael Biggel, Sophia Johler, Tim Roloff, Sarah Tschudin-Sutter, Stefano Bassetti, Martin Siegemund, Adrian Egli, Roger Stephan, Helena M. B. Seth-Smith
Summary: This study developed a bioinformatic tool called PorinPredict to predict defects in the outer membrane porin OprD of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are strongly associated with reduced carbapenem susceptibility. PorinPredict relies on a database of OprD variants and can identify inactivating mutations in the coding or promoter region. The tool was validated against P. aeruginosa genomes and showed a high correlation between OprD loss and meropenem nonsusceptibility, regardless of the presence of carbapenemases.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Su Young Lee, Christian M. Gill, David P. Nicolau, ERACE PA Global Study Grp
Summary: This study compared the in vitro activity of different drugs against serine beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ceftazidime/avibactam demonstrated the best activity and is a rational treatment option.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Younes Khalili, Pooya Omidnia, Hamid Reza Goli, Sajjad Zamanlou, Farhad Babaie, Abed Zahedi Bialvaei, Aylin Esmailkhani
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the molecular epidemiology and mechanisms of resistance in carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) isolates from Tabriz, Iran. The prevalence of CRPA was found to be at alarming levels, with overexpression of efflux systems being the most common mechanism of carbapenem resistance.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wei Feng, Qing Huang, Yu Wang, Qian Yuan, Xiaoyu Li, Peiyuan Xia, Fengjun Sun
Summary: This study aimed to investigate changes in resistance and epidemiological characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from a respiratory department over a ten-year period. The resistance rate of P. aeruginosa strains to antibiotics decreased significantly from 2006-2007 to 2016-2017. The MLST results showed a decrease in genotypes over the ten-year period.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Liyang Zhang, Filemon C. Tan, Lynne Strasfeld, Morgan Hakki, Natalia V. Kirienko
Summary: An epidemiological study found that breakthrough P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections (BSIs) during FQ prophylaxis in HCT/HM patients are mainly caused by clonally-related FQ/meropenem non-susceptible ST111 strains. These strains have a colonization advantage over other clinical strains and outcompete them in in vitro co-culture assays.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica Gomez-Martinez, Rosa del Carmen Rocha-Gracia, Elena Bello-Lopez, Miguel Angel Cevallos, Miguel Castaneda-Lucio, Alma Lopez-Garcia, Yolanda Saenz, Guadalupe Jimenez-Flores, Gerardo Cortes-Cortes, Patricia Lozano-Zarain
Summary: bla(IMP) and bla(VIM) are the most commonly detected plasmid-encoded carbapenemase genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, a plasmid carrying bla(IMP-56) was characterized in a P. aeruginosa strain isolated from a Mexican hospital. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this plasmid and several others belonged to the same family and had similar backbones and RepA genes. The study also identified the insertion of other resistance genes in these plasmids.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Masoumeh Kiani, Akram Astani, Gilda Eslami, Mansoor Khaledi, Hamed Afkhami, Soodabeh Rostami, Mohadeseh Zarei, Nahid Rezaei Khozani, Hengameh Zandi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mutations upstream of the oprD coding region and its promoters in imipenem-resistant and sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from educational hospitals in Yazd City, Iran. Mutations were observed in the upstream regions of the oprD gene in the majority of resistant isolates, suggesting a potential mechanism for imipenem resistance. The findings emphasize the importance of controlling the indiscriminate use of antibiotics to prevent the development of resistance.
Article
Immunology
Anthony Sophonsri, Corey Kelsom, Mimi Lou, Paul Nieberg, Annie Wong-Beringer
Summary: The study found that patients coinfected with CRKP and another carbapenem-resistant pathogen have more significant morbidity and require longer hospital stays compared to those with CRKP monoinfection. Empiric therapy targeting both CRKP and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be beneficial for at-risk patients with pneumonia.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Pranita D. Tamma, Samuel L. Aitken, Robert A. Bonomo, Amy J. Mathers, David van Duin, Cornelius J. Clancy
Summary: This guidance document provides recommendations for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant infections caused by ESBL-E, CRE, and DTR-P. aeruginosa, with a focus on the United States. It discusses empiric treatment selection, duration of therapy, and other management considerations for both adults and children. The current version of the guidance is valid as of September 17, 2020, and will be updated periodically.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zhiwei Zheng, Lizhang Liu, Lianwei Ye, Yating Xu, Sheng Chen
Summary: A nationwide survey in China identified seven blaIMP-4-carrying CRKP isolates, which exhibited MDR and were linked to different regions. Genetic analysis revealed significant variation among these CRKP strains and identified multiple resistance factors. This highlights the need for expanded surveillance and control measures to prevent dissemination of CRKP strains and improve antibiotic stewardship and infection control.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yunan Zhao, Xuefeng Chen, Xiaolei Hu, Yang Shi, Xinmi Zhao, Jianfen Xu, Hui Ding, Rongzhen Wu, Jiansheng Huang, Zhigang Zhao
Summary: Citrobacter amalonaticus is a rare carbapenem-resistant bacterium, and a strain carrying bla(IMP-4) and qnrs1 genes has been identified in China.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tomasz Bogiel, Malgorzata Prazynska, Joanna Kwiecinska-Pirog, Agnieszka Mikucka, Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
Summary: The study compared the frequency of selected enzymatic virulence factor genes among non-duplicated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates, finding a higher prevalence of alkaline protease gene and a 37.4% detection rate for neuraminidase-1 gene. Significant differences in the prevalence of lasB and nan1 were observed between MBL-positive and MBL-negative strains.
Article
Microbiology
Yun-Qi Song, Su Min Kyung, Suji Kim, Gun Kim, So Yeong Lee, Han Sang Yoo
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in nosocomial infections, which are difficult to handle due to its biofilm-forming ability and carbapenem resistance. Antimicrobial peptides, such as RP557, have shown effectiveness in inhibiting biofilms. Our study assessed the effectiveness of RP557 on carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, providing a potential treatment option for carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. This treatment could be helpful in managing severe nosocomial infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria and improving patients' survival rates.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Luke Diorio-Toth, Sidra Irum, Robert F. Potter, Meghan A. Wallace, Muhammad Arslan, Tehmina Munir, Saadia Andleeb, Carey-Ann D. Burnham, Gautam Dantas
Summary: This study used whole-genome sequencing to determine the genotypic mechanisms of beta-lactam resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from three hospitals in Pakistan. The study found that carbapenem resistance was associated with the acquisition of metallo-beta-lactamases or extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and mutations in the porin gene. Furthermore, isolates with multiple resistance mechanisms showed significantly higher levels of imipenem resistance compared to isolates with a single resistance mechanism.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daoqun Li, Zulqarnain Baloch, Yang Zhao, Lei Bai, Xing Wang, Gang Wang, A-Mei Zhang, Ke Lan, Xueshan Xia
Summary: The study successfully established an in vitro and in vivo KSHV latent infection model in tree shrews, with kidney epithelial cells being the most susceptible to KSHV infection. This model is useful for studying the pathogenesis of KSHV in vivo, transmission routes of viral infection, and novel therapeutics against KSHV.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Heng-Lin Yang, Zulqarnain Baloch, Jian-Wei Xu, Xiao-Dong Sun, Zu-Rui Lin, Yao-Wu Zhou, Xiao-Tao Zhao, Quan Lv, Shi-Yuan Xu, Chun-Li Ding, Qi-Yan Chen, Peng Tian, Kai-Xia Dung, Xue-Shan Xia, Hong-Ning Zhou
Summary: Yunnan Province in China has successfully eliminated indigenous malaria cases, but efforts need to be strengthened in border areas for disease surveillance and control to prevent a resurgence of malaria.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Bilal Aslam, Muhammad Imran Arshad, Muhammad Aamir Aslam, Saima Muzammil, Abu Baker Siddique, Nafeesa Yasmeen, Mohsin Khurshid, Maria Rasool, Moeed Ahmad, Muhammad Hidayat Rasool, Mohammad Fahim, Riaz Hussain, Xueshan Xia, Zulqarnain Baloch
Summary: Bacteriophages and their derived proteins are considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics to manage infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Clinical trials are ongoing for phage therapy, but existing regulations may hinder their development as routine antimicrobial agents. Advancements in molecular techniques and sequencing offer new potentials for engineered bacteriophages and recombinant bacteriophage proteins.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Zhong-Ren Ma, Wei-Hua Ma, Sakinah Idris, Qiu-Wei Pan, Zulqarnain Baloch
Summary: The study found a prevalence rate of 32.94% of students experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The majority of students felt that online education was not very effective in terms of knowledge acquisition and skills improvement. Correlation analysis showed significant links between class level, residential background, and living with parents with the effectiveness and satisfaction of the online education system.
WORLD JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Taif Shah, Zahir Shah, Zulqarnain Baloch, XiuMing Cui
Summary: Trillions of microorganisms in the human respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts play a crucial role in maintaining human health by producing antimicrobial metabolites to protect the body from pathogens. The microbiome interacts with each other and with the host in a mutually beneficial relationship, potentially influencing immune homeostasis and respiratory physiology. Dysbiosis caused by anti-TB antibiotics may make the host more susceptible to M. tuberculosis infection.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ke Ma, Zulqarnain Baloch, Fengbiao Mao
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Nafeesa Yasmeen, Abdul Jabbar, Taif Shah, Liang-xing Fang, Bilal Aslam, Iqra Naseeb, Faiqa Shakeel, Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad, Zulqarnain Baloch, Yahong Liu
Summary: The emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases pose a significant impact on human health, especially for those in impoverished areas with close contact with animals. One Health, a multidisciplinary concept aimed at improving human, animal, and environmental health, has not been widely accepted in developing countries. This review focuses on the most common zoonotic diseases in Pakistan and highlights the importance of One Health in managing these diseases. Interdisciplinary research efforts are needed to implement and sustain effective control measures in animal, human, and environmental health.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Peifang Xie, Yue Fang, Zulqarnain Baloch, Huanhuan Yu, Zeyuan Zhao, Rongqiao Li, Tongtong Zhang, Runfeng Li, Jincun Zhao, Zifeng Yang, Shuwei Dong, Xueshan Xia
Summary: In this study, a new mouse-adapted HCoV-OC43 model was successfully established, which can be used for antiviral studies of HCoV-OC43. The model showed respiratory symptoms and pneumonia in mice, and the treatment with ARB or QJM improved the symptoms, decreased inflammatory response, and increased survival rate of the infected mice.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ke-Yao Xia, Zeyuan Zhao, Taif Shah, Jing-Yi Wang, Zulqarnain Baloch
Summary: Traditional Chinese medicines have been used effectively in the treatment of COVID-19 in China, but there is a lack of in vivo and in vitro evidence to support their mechanisms of action.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Taif Shah, Zahir Shah, Nafeesa Yasmeen, Zulqarnain Baloch, Xueshan Xia
Summary: This article examines the pathogenesis and impact of coinfection between COVID-19 and TB, highlighting the diagnostic challenges associated with this dual infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zulqarnain Baloch, Aqsa Ikram, Saba Shamim, Ayesha Obaid, Faryal Mehwish Awan, Anam Naz, Bisma Rauff, Khadija Gilani, Javed Anver Qureshi
Summary: This study aimed to design a multi-epitope vaccine targeting the spike protein of human coronaviruses. Through immunoinformatic analysis, researchers prioritized conserved epitopes to develop this vaccine candidate, which is expected to induce strong immune responses.
Article
Microbiology
Bilal Aslam, Tamoor Hamid Chaudhry, Muhammad Imran Arshad, Saima Muzammil, Abu Baker Siddique, Nafeesa Yasmeen, Mohsin Khurshid, Afreenish Amir, Muhammad Salman, Muhammad Hidayat Rasool, Xueshan Xia, Zulqarnain Baloch
Summary: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogen that is widespread in humans, animals, and plant-based foods, and it plays a role in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes between different ecological niches. The study found that K. pneumoniae is prevalent among humans, animals, and the environment, and it exhibits significant resistance to antibiotics. The analysis of antibiotic resistance genes revealed the presence of various carbapenem resistance genes. Additionally, the study identified multiple sequence types and clonal complexes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Shufa Liu, Yuanyue Li, Yuzhu Song, Xiaomei Wu, Zulqarnain Baloch, Xueshan Xia
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between HPV infection and vaginal microbiota. The results showed that women with single HPV genotype infection had higher microbial diversity compared to HPV-negative and multiple HPV-positive women. The composition of vaginal microbiota varied among different HPV genotype infections, and the abundance of certain microbes changed compared to the control group.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Hidayat Rasool, Mohsin Khurshid, Bilal Aslam, Zulqarnain Baloch
Summary: This study aimed to detect carbapenem-resistant co-harboring mcr-1 avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) in broiler chickens infected with colibacillosis using molecular techniques. Results showed that 37% of the isolates were confirmed as APEC, with 8.4% found to be carbapenem-resistant APEC, and 38% of the carbapenem-resistant APEC co-harbored the mcr-1 gene. Improper use of antibiotics in poultry production systems is contributing to the emergence of CR-APEC co-harboring the mcr-1 gene.
