Article
Infectious Diseases
Monica Amblar, Angel Zaballos, Adela G. de la Campa
Summary: This study characterized the mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance in a clinical isolate of Streptococcus pneumoniae without mutations in the DNA topoisomerase genes. The researchers identified the PatAB fluoroquinolone efflux-pump as the mechanism conferring low-level resistance to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. They also discovered a novel single mutation that upregulates the expression of patAB. This study highlights the importance of the PatAB transporter in levofloxacin efflux in pneumococcal clinical isolates.
Article
Immunology
Dominic Dolbec, Melanie Lehoux, Masatoshi Okura, Daisuke Takamatsu, Marcelo Gottschalk, Mariela Segura
Summary: In this study, we compared the protective properties of different serotypes of Streptococcus suis using serotype-switched mutants in a mouse infection model. The structure of the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) influenced bacterial survival, antibody binding, and antibody-mediated bacterial killing. CPS of serotypes 3, 4, and 14 allowed more antibody binding and bacterial elimination compared to serotypes 2, 7, and 9. These findings suggest that the varying CPS structures of S. suis provide different levels of protection by affecting antigen availability and elimination by the host immune system.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rui Yu, Yindi Xu, Stefan Schwarz, Yanhong Shang, Xuezhen Yuan, Yue Zhang, Dexi Li, Xiang-Dang Du
Summary: This study investigated the presence and location of erm(T) in clinical Streptococcus suis isolates and explored the transmission ability and fitness cost of erm(T)-carrying mobile genetic elements. The results showed that erm(T) was detected on a plasmid and an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) in S. suis isolates, which were transmissible by transformation. The erm(T)-carrying plasmid and ICE posed a fitness cost to the host S. suis isolate.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xia Yang, Wei Peng, Ningning Wang, Beibei Dou, Fengming Yang, Huanchun Chen, Fangyan Yuan, Weicheng Bei
Summary: This study clarified the role of CiaRH in fluoroquinolone resistance. A mutant with the ciaRH genes deleted showed decreased susceptibility to the antibiotics tested, an invariant growth rate, and reduced intracellular efflux pump substrates. This research also demonstrated that overexpression of the efflux pump SatAB was the main cause of Delta ciaRH resistance. In addition, CiaR could combine with the promoter region of satAB to further directly suppress target gene transcription. Simultaneously, satAB was also directly regulated by SatR. Our findings may provide novel insights for the development of drug targets and help to exploit corresponding inhibitors to combat bacterial multidrug resistance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Nguyen Dinh-Hung, Ha Thanh Dong, Suwimon Taengphu, Chayanit Soontara, Channarong Rodkhum, Saengchan Senapin, Satid Chatchaiphan
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the causative agent of an outbreak with clinical signs similar to those of piscine streptococcosis in farmed snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis). The bacterium isolated from the diseased fish was identified as Streptococcus suis, a new piscine pathogen. Experimental infection confirmed the pathogenicity of S. suis in both juvenile and adult fish, and histopathological changes were observed in multiple organs. Public awareness and biosecurity measures should be considered to prevent the spread of the disease.
Article
Microbiology
Chaoxiong Yue, Chenlu Hu, Peng Xiang, Siming Zhang, Hongde Xiao, Wei Zhou, Hui Jin, Deshi Shi, Jinquan Li, Lang Xu, Yushan Chen, Yan Zeng
Summary: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a significant swine and human pathogen that can cause severe meningitis with high mortality. This study demonstrates that autophagy serves as a cellular defense mechanism in microglial cells following S. suis infection, aiding in limiting bacterial invasion and microglial inflammation.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Shengnan Xie, Yan Zhang, Lei Xu, Shufang Li, Xue Shen, Li Li, Xuming Deng, Yonglin Zhou
Summary: Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen, and acacetin, as an effective inhibitor of the virulence and inflammation of Streptococcus suis, represents a potential drug candidate for the treatment.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Samantha J. Hau, Daniel W. Nielsen, Susan L. Brockmeier
Summary: Bordetella bronchiseptica colonization can increase colonization with Streptococcus suis, potentially contributing to enhanced disease when animals are stressed or immunocompromised.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Carlos Neila-Ibanez, Louise Brogaard, Lola Pailler-Garcia, Jorge Martinez, Joaquim Segales, Mariela Segura, Peter M. H. Heegaard, Virginia Aragon
Summary: Streptococcus suis is a common pathogen in swine that can cause arthritis, polyserositis, and meningitis. Colonization by S. suis often occurs early in the life of piglets, and the outcome of infection is influenced by both the virulence of the strains and the immunity of the animals. In this study, the innate immune response to S. suis was investigated in piglets, showing differences in gene transcription and local inflammatory responses between virulent and non-virulent strains of the pathogen.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaodan Li, Qingyuan Li, Zhaoran Zhang, Chenchen Wang, Xinyu Huo, Hongjiang Lai, Hao Lu, Wenjia Lu, Yulin Qian, Wenqi Dong, Chen Tan, Manli Liu
Summary: Highly virulent Streptococcus suis infections can cause Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS) in pigs and humans, which is characterized by excessive inflammatory response and severe damage. Hemolysin (SLY), a major virulence factor of S. suis serotype 2, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of STSLS by inducing pore formation and activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Canagliflozin, a hypoglycemic agent, has been identified as a potential inhibitor of SLY, and it significantly reduces the hemolytic activity of SLY.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Lu, Xiaodan Li, Gaoyan Wang, Chenchen Wang, Jiajia Feng, Wenjia Lu, Xiangru Wang, Huanchun Chen, Manli Liu, Chen Tan
Summary: Baicalein, in combination with ampicillin, effectively improved severe Streptococcus suis infection by inhibiting the hemolytic activity of SLY and providing protection in infected cells. Baicalein showed potential as a new therapeutic strategy for STSLS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting Gao, Yiqing Tan, Yanjun Wang, Fangyan Yuan, Zewen Liu, Keli Yang, Wei Liu, Rui Guo, Chang Li, Yongxiang Tian, Danna Zhou
Summary: Theaflavin (TF1), a compound extracted from black tea, was found to have antibacterial and antihemolytic activity against Streptococcus suis (S. suis). It showed inhibitory effects on S. suis growth, hemolytic activity, and biofilm formation. TF1 also improved the survival rate of S. suis-infected mice and reduced bacterial load and inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
LuLu Li, Qing Zhang, Xiaonan Zhao, Yufeng Zhou, Jian Sun, Jinrui Ren, Dong Zhou, Yan-Bo Luo, Ming Hu, Yin Zhang, Jing Qi, Yu-Qing Liu
Summary: The study developed rapid assays for detecting three common virulence-related factors of Streptococcus suis, with LAMP assays showing significantly higher sensitivity than conventional PCR. When applied to clinical strains, the LAMP assays yielded consistent results with PCR, demonstrating their potential as rapid and reliable detection techniques for the virulence factors mrp, epf, and sly. This is the first study to report the application of LAMP for detecting these genes.
FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Jose Lopez-Martinez, Andelo Beletic, Josipa Kules, Dina Resetar-Maslov, Ivana Rubic, Vladimir Mrljak, Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Elena Goyena, Silvia Martinez-Subiela, Jose Joaquin Ceron, Alberto Munoz-Prieto
Summary: Through saliva and serum proteomic analysis, we elucidated specific proteome changes in saliva and serum caused by Streptococcus suis infection-induced meningitis, which may reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms and provide new potential biomarkers for this infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chengkun Zheng, Man Wei, Jun Qiu, Mengdie Jia, Xiaohui Zhou, Xinan Jiao
Summary: The metalloregulator TroR in Streptococcus suis is essential for resistance to metal toxicity and virulence, with its deletion resulting in significant upregulation of the troABCD operon and decreased virulence in an intranasal mouse model. TroR contributes to maintaining metal homeostasis and playing a negative regulatory role in the TroABCD system.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian Gardner, Martha Betson, Adriana Cabal Rosel, Manuela Canica, Mark A. Chambers, Francesca M. Contadini, Laura C. Gonzalez Villeta, Marwa M. Hassan, Roberto M. La Ragione, Alexandre de Menezes, Davide Messina, Gordon Nichols, Daniel Olivenca, Revati Phalkey, Joaquin M. Prada, Werner Ruppitsch, Lorenzo A. Santorelli, Nick Selemetas, Mukunthan Tharmakulasingam, Arnoud H. M. van Vliet, Markus Woegerbauer, Inaki Deza-Cruz, Giovanni Lo Iacono
Summary: Human, animal, and environmental health are threatened by antibiotic resistance. In addition to inappropriate use of antibiotics, other environmental factors also play a significant role. This study aims to collect and categorize evidence on the effects of environmental factors on antibiotic resistance in the outdoor environment and explore the relationship with natural or anthropogenic conditions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Charlotte Bain, Getika Rathor, Ben P. Jones, Marwa M. Hassan, Przemyslaw Papke, Ben South, Mark Elliott, Ian Jones, Roberto M. La Ragione, Martha Betson
Summary: Despite reductions in antimicrobial use, the UK gamebird industry still struggles with production diseases and relies heavily on antibiotics. This study found that over half of the gamebird samples tested contained genes that confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The presence of these resistance genes highlights the need for further research into antimicrobial resistance in UK gamebirds.
Article
Microbiology
Miriam Garcia-Lopez, Diego Megias, Maria-Jose Ferrandiz, Adela G. de la Campa
Summary: Two enzymes, gyrase and topoisomerase I, play important roles in maintaining supercoiling in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The ratio of these enzymes affects supercoiling and cell viability, suggesting a potential mechanism for the action of topoisomerase-targeting antibiotics.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Florent Kempf, Guido Cordoni, Anne-Marie Chausse, Rosanna Drumo, Helen Brown, Daniel L. Horton, Frederic Paboeuf, Martine Denis, Philippe Velge, Roberto La Ragione, Annaelle Kerouanton
Summary: By analyzing immune-associated markers and gut microbiota composition in pigs infected with Salmonella, we found that identifying high shedder pigs can help mitigate the risk of pathogen spread in the food chain.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marwa M. Hassan, Arnoud H. M. van Vliet, Owen Higgins, Liam P. Burke, Alexandra Chueiri, Louise O'Connor, Dearbhaile Morris, Terry J. Smith, Roberto M. La Ragione
Summary: Environmental water is a major route for the transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and poses a growing threat to human and animal health. This study used comparative genomics to identify the prevalence of AMR genes in several bacteria and developed a rapid and sensitive method for detecting these genes in water samples. The developed assays successfully detected five AMR gene markers within 1 hour and can be easily implemented in resource-limited areas to enhance AMR surveillance and diagnostics.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Owen Higgins, Alexandra Chueiri, Louise O'Connor, Sinead Lahiff, Liam Burke, Dearbhaile Morris, Nicola Maria Pfeifer, Belen Gonzalez Santamarina, Christian Berens, Christian Menge, Manuela Canica, Vera Manageiro, Veljo Kisand, Marwa M. M. Hassan, Brian Gardner, Arnoud H. M. van Vliet, Roberto M. La Ragione, Bruno Gonzalez-Zorn, Terry J. J. Smith
Summary: CTX-M ESBL-producing E. coli is an increasing public health concern, and accurate identification of CTX-M variants is crucial for disease monitoring and treatment. CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-15 are the main ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae associated with animal and human infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio A. A. de Vasconcelos Junior, Jose M. Tirado-Velez, Antonio J. Martin-Galiano, Diego Megias, Maria-Jose Ferrandiz, Pablo Hernandez, Monica Amblar, Adela G. de la Campa
Summary: In this study, a new topoisomerase I regulator protein (StaR) was characterized in Streptococcus pneumoniae. It was found that StaR directly affects novobiocin susceptibility and needs to be maintained within a narrow range.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucy Coleman, James R. G. Adams, Will Buchanan, Tao Chen, Roberto M. M. La Ragione, Lian X. X. Liu
Summary: Chronic wounds are a significant burden to patients and healthcare systems, complicated by bacterial infection. This study screened several non-antibiotic compounds for their antibacterial and antibiofilm capabilities and found that PHMB exhibited highly effective antibacterial activity, while TPGS demonstrated potent antibiofilm properties. The combination of these two compounds resulted in a synergistic enhancement of their capability to kill bacteria and disperse biofilms. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of combinatory approaches to treat infected chronic wounds where bacterial colonization and biofilm formation are significant issues.
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurore C. Poirier, Ruben D. Riano Moreno, Leona Takaindisa, Jessie Carpenter, Jai W. Mehat, Abi Haddon, Mohammed A. Rohaim, Craig Williams, Peter Burkhart, Chris Conlon, Matthew Wilson, Matthew Mcclumpha, Anna Stedman, Guido Cordoni, Manoharanehru Branavan, Mukunthan Tharmakulasingam, Nouman S. Chaudhry, Nicolas Locker, Anil Fernando, Wamadeva Balachandran, Mark Bullen, Nadine Collins, David Rimer, Daniel L. Horton, Muhammad Munir, Roberto M. La Ragione
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurore C. Poirier, Ruben D. Riano Moreno, Leona Takaindisa, Jessie Carpenter, Jai W. Mehat, Abi Haddon, Mohammed A. Rohaim, Craig Williams, Peter Burkhart, Chris Conlon, Matthew Wilson, Matthew Mcclumpha, Anna Stedman, Guido Cordoni, Manoharanehru Branavan, Mukunthan Tharmakulasingam, Nouman S. Chaudhry, Nicolas Locker, Anil Fernando, Wamadeva Balachandran, Mark Bullen, Nadine Collins, David Rimer, Daniel L. Horton, Muhammad Munir, Roberto M. La Ragione
Summary: This study presents a rapid and inexpensive diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) using the RT-LAMP assay and a portable smart diagnostic device. The platform utilizes automated image acquisition and an AI deep learning model to eliminate subjectivity in result interpretation. The AI-assisted diagnostics platform showed high specificity and sensitivity compared to the gold standard RT-qPCR test.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Tara Davis, Dagmara Bialy, Joy Leng, Roberto La Ragione, Holly Shelton, Klaudia Chrzastek
Summary: The diversity of gut and respiratory microbiota in chickens is related to H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) infection. In the acute phase of infection, the diversity of respiratory microbiota decreases, and it does not fully recover to normal levels in the recovery phase after infection. Lactobacillus is associated with the microbiota of infected chickens at different stages of infection. Additionally, the respiratory microbiota in chickens undergoes age-related changes during maturation.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Mukunthan Tharmakulasingam, Wenwu Wang, Michael Kerby, Roberto La Ragione, Anil Fernando
Summary: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, and this study explores the use of a 1D-Transformer model developed through machine learning to predict AMR in real-time. The model achieved higher accuracy compared to traditional ML models and provided interpretable results.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ambra Morisi, Taran Rai, Nicholas J. Bacon, Spencer A. Thomas, Miroslaw Bober, Kevin Wells, Michael J. Dark, Tawfik Aboellail, Barbara Bacci, Roberto M. La Ragione
Summary: Canine soft-tissue sarcomas are tumors that arise from the skin and subcutaneous connective tissue. The use of artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning can help automatically detect tumor necrosis and improve the efficiency and accuracy of tumor grading.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
