Article
Immunology
Sara E. Oliver, Amy B. Rubis, Heidi M. Soeters, Arthur Reingold, Meghan Barnes, Susan Petit, Monica M. Farley, Lee H. Harrison, Kathy Como-Sabetti, Sarah A. Khanlian, Rachel Wester, Ann Thomas, William Schaffner, Henju Marjuki, Xin Wang, Susan Hariri
Summary: This study evaluated the epidemiology of NTHi disease in the US, including among pregnant women, infants, and PWH. Results showed that NTHi causes substantial invasive disease, especially among older adults, pregnant/postpartum women, and neonates. Enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions are needed to prevent perinatal NTHi infections.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nadia A. Kadry, Eric A. Porsch, Hao Shen, Joseph W. St Geme
Summary: NTHi is a common cause of respiratory tract disease and preventing colonization is a strategy to prevent disease. Immunization with HMW1 and HMW2 can protect against colonization by both parent NTHi strain and heterologous strains expressing distinct HMW1 and HMW2 proteins. The protection against heterologous strains is IL-17A dependent.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hans-Christian Slotved, Thor Bech Johannesen, Marc Stegger, Tine Dalby, Kurt Fuursted
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections in Denmark, as well as the impact of outdoor temperature and COVID-19 restrictions. It found that the overall incidence of H. influenzae returned to stable levels after the COVID-19 epidemic, with non-typeable strains dominating. There was a negative correlation between the incidence of H. influenzae and temperature. The study also identified a high genetic beta-lactam resistance rate.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Timothy F. Murphy, Charmaine Kirkham, Adonis D'Mello, Sanjay Sethi, Melinda M. Pettigrew, Herve Tettelin
Summary: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and debilitating disorder that is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This study analyzed the persistence of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) in COPD airways and found that the NTHi genome undergoes inversion during persistence, resulting in changes in expression of key virulence factors. It was also discovered that the adhesins HMW1 and HMW2 play a critical role in NTHi adherence and invasion of respiratory epithelial cells. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms of NTHi persistence in COPD airways and may inform the development of novel interventions.
Article
Microbiology
Hans-Christian Slotved, Thor Bech Johannesen, Marc Stegger, Kurt Fuursted
Summary: This study evaluated the reliability of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for serotyping and biotyping clinical Haemophilus influenzae isolates in Denmark. The results showed high concordance between genotypic and phenotypic methods for serotyping and biotyping. Therefore, WGS and in silico serotyping are reliable approaches for clinical surveillance of H. influenzae isolates.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sudeshna Saha, Alison Coady, Aniruddha Sasmal, Kunio Kawanishi, Biswa Choudhury, Hai Yu, Ricardo U. Sorensen, Jaime Inostroza, Ian C. Schoenhofen, Xi Chen, Anja Munster-Kuhnel, Chihiro Sato, Ken Kitajima, Sanjay Ram, Victor Nizet, Ajit Varki
Summary: This study demonstrates the presence of anti-Kdn antibodies in humans, suggesting a potential role for Kdn in combating pathogens that rely on nonhuman sialic acids for colonization and virulence. The interaction between Kdn and the immune system provides insights for potential therapeutic interventions against pathogenic bacteria that cloak themselves in external sialic acids.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marlena Kiedrowska, Weronika Jasmina Forys, Agnieszka Golebiewska, Izabela Wasko, Patrycja Ronkiewicz, Alicja Kuch, Izabela Wrobel-Pawelczyk, Michal Wroczynski, Waleria Hryniewicz, Anna Skoczynska
Summary: This study characterized antibiotic resistance in Haemophilus influenzae strains isolated from patients with lower respiratory tract infections in Poland. The results showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins, which is a cause for concern.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Grigorios Chatziparasidis, Ahmad Kantar, Keith Grimwood
Summary: The respiratory tract antimicrobial defense system protects the lungs from microorganisms through various defense mechanisms. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), a potential pathogen, uses multiple strategies to colonize the lower airways and establish persistent infections. NTHi impairs mucociliary clearance, evades host defenses, and forms biofilms, causing chronic infections and inflammation. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of NTHi is important for developing effective therapies and vaccines, considering its genetic heterogeneity. Currently, there are no vaccine candidates ready for large clinical trials.
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Giufre, Rita Cardines, Manuela Marra, Maria Carollo, Marina Cerquetti, Paola Stefanelli
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate the serotype distribution, antibiotic susceptibility, and molecular characteristics of 392 invasive H. influenzae isolates collected in Italy from 2017 to 2021. The majority of isolates were non-typeable H. influenzae (305/392, 77.8%), followed by Hib (49/392, 12.5%). Ampicillin resistance was common (85/392, 21.7%), with 12.2% being beta-lactamase producers and 9.4% being beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) with mutations in the ftsI gene. Six isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, with substitutions in GyrA and ParC. MLST analysis revealed the presence of international resistant clones, such as ST103 and ST14, highlighting the importance of molecular surveillance.
Article
Microbiology
Stephen C. Watts, Louise M. Judd, Rosemary Carzino, Sarath Ranganathan, Kathryn E. Holt
Summary: Respiratory infection during childhood is a key risk factor in early cystic fibrosis lung disease progression. Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae are commonly isolated from the lungs of children with CF, with a high frequency of colonization and antimicrobial resistance. The genetic basis for AMR in these bacteria was identified, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae had a higher prevalence of acquired AMR genes than H. influenzae.
Article
Microbiology
Emi Tanaka, Takeaki Wajima, Kei-Ichi Uchiya, Hidemasa Nakaminami
Summary: This study investigates the emergence and dissemination mechanisms of low susceptibility to quinolones in Haemophilus influenzae strains. The results show that quinolone resistance can emerge through point mutation in gyrA as well as through horizontal transfer of mutated gyrA. Additionally, extracellular DNA plays an active role in the transfer of quinolone resistance. The study also identifies specific sequences involved in the horizontal transfer of resistance. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring drug resistance in H. influenzae isolates.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ying-Chun Chien, Yu-Tsung Huang, Chun-Hsing Liao, Jung-Yien Chien, Po-Ren Hsueh
Summary: This study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of bacteremia caused by Haemophilus and Aggregatibacter species in patients treated at a medical center between 2006 and 2018. The results showed that the majority of patients with bacteremia had community-acquired disease, with a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score being an independent predictor of poor 7-day clinical outcomes in patients with community-acquired H. influenzae bacteremia.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bipasa Kar, Mohan Sharma, Annalisha Peter, Pankaj Chetia, Bijoy Neog, Amrit Borah, Sanghamitra Pati, Debdutta Bhattacharya
Summary: The study analyzed antibiotic resistance patterns in 189 bacterial isolates from Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh, revealing high levels of resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. ESBL and MBL genes were found to be responsible for resistance, with CTX-M3 and VIM-1 genes being the most dominant. Mutations in QRDR were identified as the primary cause of fluoroquinolone resistance, along with the presence of efflux pump and PMQR. This study, the first detailed study on antibiotic resistance in Northeast India, may help in implementing control measures against emerging antibiotic resistance in hospital and community-based infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
J. Chase McNeil, Lauren M. Sommer, James J. Dunn, Kristina G. Hulten, Sheldon L. Kaplan, Jesus G. Vallejo
Summary: The study conducted multilocus sequence typing on invasive H. influenzae to understand the contemporary molecular epidemiology of these organisms. The results showed that although the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b has decreased, nontypeable H. influenzae and other encapsulated types remain a health threat.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rika Nakahashi-Ouchida, Hiromi Mori, Yoshikazu Yuki, Shingo Umemoto, Takashi Hirano, Yohei Uchida, Tomonori Machita, Tomoyuki Yamanoue, Shin-ichi Sawada, Masashi Suzuki, Kohtaro Fujihashi, Kazunari Akiyoshi, Yuichi Kurono, Hiroshi Kiyono
Summary: A nasal vaccine containing the NTHi surface antigen P6 was developed, which effectively induced specific IgA antibodies and prevented NTHi colonization and biofilm formation, providing protection against infection in mice.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Anna Carrera-Salinas, Aida Gonzalez-Diaz, Daniel Antonio Vazquez-Sanchez, Mariana Camoez, Jordi Niubo, Jordi Camara, Carmen Ardanuy, Sara Marti, M. Angeles Dominguez
Summary: This study describes the association between biofilm formation and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus surface protein G (sasG) and its allelic variants in MRSA bloodstream isolates from endemic and sporadic clones in Spain. Endemic clones, particularly CC5 and CC8, produced more biofilm and carried sasG allelic variant 1, while sporadic clones showed either an absence of sasG or the presence of allelic variant 2. Variant 1 of sasG, present in major CC5 and CC8 clones, was correlated with increased biofilm formation and may serve as an important virulence determinant.
RESEARCH IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Juan Nogales, Junkal Garmendia
Summary: This article provides an overview of the recent understanding of bacterial metabolism and the interaction between bacterial and host metabolism during infection. It also highlights the key outcomes and challenges for practical implementation of bacterial metabolic modelling computational tools in the pathogenesis field.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Aira, Claudia Arajol, Climent Casals-Pascual, Begona Gonzalez-Suarez, Silvia Marti, M. Angeles Dominguez, Jordi Guardiola, Alex Soriano
Summary: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective and safe treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, with the selection of an appropriate fecal microbiota donor being crucial for recipient safety. To minimize risks and ensure maximum guarantees, a multidisciplinary working group has been established in Cataluna to provide recommendations for donor selection.
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jordi Camara, Aida Gonzalez-Diaz, Irene Barrabeig, Miguel Fernandez-Huerta, Laura Calatayud, Jordi Niubo, Sara Marti, Ma Angeles Dominguez, Carmen Ardanuy
Summary: An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.351) occurred in a nursing home, despite the majority of residents and healthcare workers having received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Infected individuals had lower levels of anti-S antibodies, indicating the importance of quantifying circulating antibodies in identifying high-risk individuals with impaired immune responses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aida Gonzalez-Diaz, Anna Carrera-Salinas, Miguel Pinto, Meritxell Cubero, Arie van der Ende, Jeroen D. Langereis, M. Angeles Dominguez, Carmen Ardanuy, Paula Bajanca-Lavado, Sara Marti
Summary: This study examines the genetic diversity of serotype f isolates and compares all available capsulated genomes. The results show that serotype f isolates have a high level of genetic stability and few lineages. The study also reveals the presence of three main clades based on unique genes. The findings suggest that capsulated H. influenzae are genetically homogeneous.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nahikari Lopez-Lopez, David San Leon, Sonia de Castro, Roberto Diez-Martinez, Manuel Iglesias-Bexiga, Maria Jose Camarasa, Margarita Menendez, Juan Nogales, Junkal Garmendia
Summary: This study focuses on the human-adapted pathogen Haemophilus influenzae and identifies new metabolic drug targets through the construction of a high-quality genome-scale metabolic model. The results provide valuable insights into potential drug targets and validate the effectiveness of a specific inhibitor against the targeted enzyme.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Laura Soldevila-Boixader, Isabel Mur, Laura Morata, Yanik Sierra, Alba Rivera, Jordi Bosch, Abelardo Montero-Saez, Alvaro J. Fernandez-Reinales, Sara Marti, Natividad Benito, Oscar Murillo
Summary: Assessing the microbial load of diabetic foot ulcers can help predict treatment outcomes. High microbial load in diabetic patients is associated with higher treatment failure rates, indicating the potential use of quantitative cultures to guide antibiotic therapy.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
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
Anna Carrera-Salinas, Aida Gonzalez-Diaz, Rachel L. Ehrlich, Damaris Berbel, Fe Tubau, Xavier Pomares, Junkal Garmendia, M. Angeles Dominguez, Carmen Ardanuy, Daniel Huertas, Alicia Marin, Conchita Monton, Joshua Chang Mell, Salud Santos, Sara Marti
Summary: The immunomodulatory properties of azithromycin reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve the quality of life of COPD patients. However, long-term administration may alter the respiratory microbiota, such as Haemophilus influenzae, an opportunistic respiratory colonizing bacteria that play an important role in exacerbations. This study contributes to a better understanding of COPD progression by characterizing the clinical evolution of H. influenzae in a cohort of patients with prolonged azithromycin treatment. The emergence of macrolide resistance during the first months, combined with the role of Haemophilus parainfluenzae as a reservoir and source of resistance dissemination, is a cause for concern that may lead to therapeutic failure. Furthermore, genetic variations in cell wall and inorganic ion metabolism coding genes likely favor bacterial adaptation to host selective pressures. Therefore, the bacterial pathoadaptive evolution in these severe COPD patients raise our awareness of the possible spread of macrolide resistance and selection of host-adapted clones.
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
Microbiology
Begona Euba, Celia Gil-Campillo, Javier Asensio-Lopez, Nahikari Lopez-Lopez, Emel Sen-Kilic, Roberto Diez-Martinez, Saioa Burgui, Mariette Barbier, Junkal Garmendia
Summary: Using transcriptome sequencing, we analyzed the gene expression of both the host and pathogen during H. influenzae infection in the murine airways. We found that the host upregulates inflammatory response genes while downregulating cell adhesion and cytoskeleton genes upon infection. Additionally, H. influenzae has a requirement for purine nucleotide synthesis during infection, suggesting that targeting this metabolic process could be a potential therapeutic strategy.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Bonilla-Moreno, Miriam Torrecillas, Julia Laporte-Amargos, Aida Gonzalez-Diaz, Alberto Mussetti, Fe Tubau, Carlota Gudiol, M. Angeles Dominguez, Sara Marti, Graciela Rodriguez-Sevilla, Carmen Ardanuy
Summary: This article reports a case of a patient with persistent blood infection due to a multidrug-resistant C. coli strain over a 3-month period, highlighting the association between monotherapy with meropenem and the development of resistance to it. Improving immunity status and a combined therapy for intestinal decolonization were found to be effective in controlling the persistent C. coli infection in this patient.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
L. Saiz-Escobedo, I. Cadenas-Jimenez, R. Olmos, A. Carrera-Salinas, D. Berbel, J. Camara, F. Tubau, M. A. Dominguez, C. Ardanuy, A. Gonzalez-Diaz, S. Marti
Summary: Four cephalosporin-resistant H. parainfluenzae strains from patients with urethritis were found to be multidrug-resistant, and a novel ESBL resistance gene was identified. The transmission potential of these resistance genes to other pathogens is a cause for concern.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ester Cuevas, Daniel Huertas, Concepcion Monton, Alicia Marin, Anna Carrera-Salinas, Xavier Pomares, Marian Garcia-Nunez, Sara Marti, Salud Santos
Summary: Continuous treatment with azithromycin reduces the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and improves gas exchange. IL-8 may serve as a predictor of clinical response to azithromycin treatment.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
