Article
Veterinary Sciences
Delphine Bibbal, Philippe Ruiz, Panagiotis Sapountzis, Christine Mazuy-Cruchaudet, Estelle Loukiadis, Frederic Auvray, Evelyne Forano, Hubert Brugere
Summary: This study aimed to identify farms with persistent circulation of EHEC O157:H7 in cattle. The results showed that persistent circulation may be due to the presence of a few predominant strains or repeated exposure of cattle to various strains. In addition, differences were found in the fecal microbial communities of shedders and non-shedders, with different bacterial indicators identified.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
David A. Montero, Richard Garcia-Betancourt, Roberto M. Vidal, Juliana Velasco, Pablo A. Palacios, Daniela Schneider, Carolina Vega, Leonardo Gomez, Hernan Montecinos, Rodrigo Soto-Shara, Angel Onate, Leandro J. Carreno
Summary: Researchers have developed a chimeric protein-based vaccine targeting seven virulence factors of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), which elicited significant immune responses in mice and provided protection against infection. However, further improvement is needed to enhance the vaccine's efficacy and explore other potential mechanisms of protection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lingyan Jiang, Wen Yang, Xinlei Jiang, Ting Yao, Lu Wang, Bin Yang
Summary: EHEC O157 carries 177 unique genomic islands, termed O islands, which play a crucial role in its pathogenicity by providing virulence factors, effectors, and regulatory proteins.
Article
Immunology
Ying Hua, Milan Chromek, Anne Frykman, Cecilia Jernberg, Valya Georgieva, Sverker Hansson, Ji Zhang, Ann Katrine Marits, Chengsong Wan, Andreas Matussek, Xiangning Bai
Summary: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical outcomes in HUS patients, with O157:H7 being the predominant serotype linked to severe renal sequelae. Virulence genes related to severe outcomes are more prevalent in O157:H7 strains, while those related to mild symptoms are evenly distributed across all serotypes. There is high genomic diversity among HUS-associated STEC strains.
Article
Microbiology
R. R. Atitkar, J. R. Hauser, A. R. Melton-Celsa
Summary: In a murine model of STEC infection, the stx(2a) phage lytic genes were found to be unnecessary for the virulence of pathogenic O157:H7 clinical isolates or for the release of Stx2a into bacterial cultures. These findings suggest an alternative mechanism for Stx2a release from STEC strains.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Timothy J. Dallman, David R. Greig, Saheer E. Gharbia, Claire Jenkins
Summary: Analysis of STEC O157:H7 genomes revealed that 5-SNP single linkage clusters are useful for detecting outbreak-related cases, while 5-SNP single linkage community clusters without identified epidemiological links are more likely to be temporally and/or geographically related. 10-SNP single linkage clusters occur infrequently and are challenging to investigate.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jie Hu, Yifan Wu, Xingjian Zhou, Luyuan Kang, Shiyi Zhang, Yisi Liu, Yu Pi, Xilong Li, Junjun Wang, Dandan Han
Summary: The pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7 is mainly due to the expression of Stx2 gene, which is located in the Stx2 prophage and poses a threat to intestinal health. This study aimed to investigate whether specific dietary sugars can inhibit Stx2 prophage induction in E. coli O157:H7, leading to reduced Stx2 production and improved intestinal health.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lindsey Ferraro, D. J. Irving, Jack Marr, Kelly Orejuela, Erin Murray, Mugdha Golwalkar, Lisa M. Durso, Julie Viruez, Robin Rasnic, Katie Garman, John Dunn
Summary: On June 22, 2022, the Tennessee Department of Health was informed that a child who attended a farming camp at farm A was hospitalized with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7. Three days later, another child who attended the same camp was hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome. This prompted an investigation.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Danielle M. Tack, Hannah M. Kisselburgh, LaTonia C. Richardson, Aimee Geissler, Patricia M. Griffin, Daniel C. Payne, Brigette L. Gleason
Summary: The study summarizes the epidemiology and transmission routes of STEC outbreaks in the United States from 2010 to 2017, finding that foodborne transmission is the most common route, and there are differences between O157 and non-O157 outbreaks in terms of food sources, demographic characteristics, and severity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jinling Shen, Shuai Zhi, Dehua Guo, Yuan Jiang, Xuebin Xu, Lina Zhao, Jingzhang Lv
Summary: This study reveals the presence of pathogenic STEC and EPEC strains in imported food in China, highlighting their potential to carry antibiotic resistance and virulence genes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yue Han, Minqi Liu, Ying Han, Naiyang Shi, Qiang Wang, Tingting Cui, Liuqing Yang, Xuefeng Zhang, Liguo Zhu, Huimin Qian, Hui Jin, Chen Dong
Summary: This study aimed to assess the public health significance of STEC and EPEC strains isolated from livestock in Jiangsu, China by determining their serotypes, virulence profiles, and genetic relationship with international STEC strains. The results showed diverse serotypes and virulence gene profiles in the STEC and EPEC strains, and some strains displayed genomic correlation with clinical isolates, indicating a potential threat to public health.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yanli Du, Xiangyu Wang, Zongli Han, Ying Hua, Kaina Yan, Bao Zhang, Wei Zhao, Chengsong Wan
Summary: The study demonstrates the essential role of PPK1 in both survival and virulence of EHEC O157:H7, with deletion of ppk1 gene leading to decreased survival rate under heat stress and acid tolerance, as well as reduced adhesion, formation of attaching and effacing lesions, invasion ability, and overall virulence in vivo. These findings suggest that PPK1 is crucial for the pathogenesis of EHEC O157:H7.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Seon Mi Wi, Se Kye Kim, Jun Bong Lee, Jang Won Yoon
Summary: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe intestinal infection in humans. The large virulence plasmid pO157 is considered a hallmark of EHEC virulence. This study investigated the role of pO157 in the regulation of the glutamate-dependent acid resistance (GDAR) system in EHEC and found that pO157 does not affect acid resistance in strain 43894. The results suggest the existence of variation in acid resistance among EHEC isolates.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mauro D. D. Garcia, Maria J. Ruiz, Luis M. M. Medina, Roberto Vidal, Nora L. L. Padola, Analia I. Etcheverria
Summary: The objective of this study was to characterize six colicinogenic Escherichia coli strains and test their inhibitory activity against STEC O157:H7. The results showed that these strains and their colicins have inhibitory activity against STEC O157:H7. PCR and genome sequencing identified various colicins and microcins in these strains, and no genes coding for stx1 and stx2 were detected. The results suggest that colicins could be a potential alternative for reducing the presence of STEC O157:H7.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Siobhan C. McCarthy, Guerrino Macori, Gina Duggan, Catherine M. Burgess, Seamus Fanning, Geraldine Duffy
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of STEC circulating within sheep in Ireland, with prevalence related to animal age and seasonality. Sheep harbor a variety of non-O157 STEC, whose prevalence and contribution to human disease have been underinvestigated for many years. A variety of Stx variants were also observed, some of which are of high clinical importance.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Stefania Lauzi, Camilla Luzzago, Paola Chiani, Valeria Michelacci, Arnold Knijn, Luca Pedrotti, Luca Corlatti, Clelia Buccheri Pederzoli, Gaia Scavia, Stefano Morabito, Rosangela Tozzoli
Summary: This study found the presence of STEC infection in free-ranging red deer living in areas with different levels of anthropisation, highlighting the potential zoonotic risk posed to humans. Particularly, red deer were carriers of STEC strains with zoonotic potential and may contaminate the environment with STEC, affecting soil and water sources. Special attention should be paid to these findings in the handling and preparation of game meat.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kari Lavinia vom Werth, Theresa Woermann, Bjoern Kemper, Philipp Kumpers, Stefanie Kampmeier, Alexander Mellmann
Summary: Sepsis is a major global disease with early identification remaining a challenge. Recent research suggests that white blood cell morphology can serve as a new biomarker for sepsis diagnosis. This study used digital holographic microscopy to analyze the effects of different bacteria on T-lymphocytes and found that different bacterial strains caused different cellular responses, potentially offering a new approach for early sepsis diagnosis and identification of causative agents.
Article
Microbiology
Soe Yu Naing, Joost Hordijk, Birgitta Duim, Els M. Broens, Linda Van der Graaf-van Bloois, John W. Rossen, Joris H. Robben, Masja Leendertse, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Aldert L. Zomer
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii, a nosocomial pathogen, poses a significant public health threat due to the global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Two MDR A. baumannii outbreaks occurred in a companion animal intensive care unit in the Netherlands. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolates of the two outbreaks were not related. Comparative genome analysis showed that the outbreak isolates contained different gene contents, including mobile genetic elements associated with antimicrobial resistance genes.
Article
Microbiology
Esther E. E. Dirks, Jasminka A. A. Lukovic, Heidrun Peltroche-Llacsahuanga, Anke Herrmann, Alexander Mellmann, Mardjan Arvand
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile, the clinical outcome, and the time of initiation of specific hygiene measures in patients with CDI in a large tertiary-care hospital in Brandenburg. The results showed that the majority of cases were healthcare-associated CDI, with high rates of recurrence and mortality. RT027 was the most common ribotype, highlighting the need for improved molecular surveillance and specific hygiene measures.
Article
Microbiology
K. E. Boiten, E. J. Kuijper, L. Schuele, J. van Prehn, L. G. M. Bode, I. Maat, S. A. V. van Asten, D. W. Notermans, J. W. A. Rossen, A. C. M. Veloo
Summary: Five clinical multidrug-resistant Bacteroides fragilis isolates, with resistance to meropenem and metronidazole, were recovered in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2020. Through sequencing and assembly, various mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were identified. This study discovered novel CTns, Tns, and plasmids in these MDR B. fragilis isolates, expanding our understanding of multidrug resistance and horizontal gene transfer in anaerobic bacteria.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Franziska Guenl, Tim Krischuns, Julian A. Schreiber, Lea Henschel, Marius Wahrenburg, Hannes C. A. Drexler, Sebastian A. Leidel, Vlad Cojocaru, Guiscard Seebohm, Alexander Mellmann, Martin Schwemmle, Stephan Ludwig, Linda Brunotte
Summary: The replication of influenza A virus relies on ubiquitination of the viral polymerase derived from host cells. This study reveals that site-specific ubiquitination of PB1-K578 is acquired during infection and regulates the dimerization of polymerase and the binding of NP. Mass spectrometry analysis has identified 59 modified lysines across the three subunits of the viral polymerase, which affect mRNA transcription, vRNA replication, and the generation of recombinant viruses via non-proteolytic mechanisms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Veronica A. Ferrando, Marcel E. Friedrich, Shrey Gandhi, Alexander Mellmann, Doerthe Masemann, Anmari Christersson, Darisuren Anhlan, Linda Brunotte, Monika Stoll, Timm Harder, Martin Beer, Yvonne Boergeling, Stephan Ludwig
Summary: Influenza A viruses, including the H1N1pdm09 virus, cause recurrent epidemics and occasional pandemics in humans. The reassortment of these viruses in swine and their ability to replicate in human lung tissue suggest a possible zoonotic potential. Reassortment frequently occurs in the PB1, PA, and NA segments, resulting in the generation of reassortants that can reach high titers in swine lung cells.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mathijs J. P. Theelen, Roosmarijn E. C. Luiken, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Marianne Sloet M. van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, John W. A. Rossen, Femke J. W. C. Schaafstra, David A. van Doorn, Aldert L. Zomer
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of transportation, hospitalisation, and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (TMS) administration on the faecal microbiota and resistome of healthy horses. The results showed that TMS treatment had a rapid and long-lasting effect on faecal microbiota composition and resistome, making the equine hindgut a reservoir and potential source of resistant bacteria, posing a risk to animal and human health.
Article
Cell Biology
Kari Lavinia vom Werth, Bjorn Kemper, Stefanie Kampmeier, Alexander Mellmann
Summary: Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) was used to detect aberrant cell morphologies caused by disease, providing a non-invasive diagnostic approach. T-cells exposed to different bacterial species and strains showed rapid morphological changes, such as cell shrinkage and alterations in phase contrast. The response varied depending on the causative pathogen and concentrations of bacterial determinants.
Article
Microbiology
Theresa Isabella Maria Krueger, Susann Herzog, Alexander Mellmann, Thorsten Kuczius
Summary: This study investigated the short-term impact of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) treatment on various microorganisms in dental unit water lines. The results showed that the environmental background played a significant role in the tolerance to ClO2. Gram-positive bacteria demonstrated higher resistance to ClO2 compared to Gram-negative bacteria, and microorganisms adapted to tap water showed increased stability. Higher concentrations of ClO2 were effective in disinfecting bacteria at high densities. The kinetics of disinfection showed an initial rapid cell decrease followed by plateau formation or slower reduction, which could not be solely explained by ClO2 depletion.
Review
Microbiology
Robin Koeck, Luisa Denkel, Andrea T. Fessler, Rudolf Eicker, Alexander Mellmann, Stefan Schwarz, Christine Geffers, Nils-Olaf Huebner, Rasmus Leistner
Summary: This article reviews clinical studies on the effects of octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) as an antiseptic agent. It reveals that OCT has certain effects in decolonizing Staphylococcus aureus, preventing surgical site infections (SSIs), and preventing ICU or catheter-related bloodstream and insertion site infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marleen Optenhoevel, Alexander Mellmann, Thorsten Kuczius
Summary: Water-bearing instruments and treatments in dental units can produce aerosols contaminated with bacteria, particularly Legionella, which can pose a risk of infection to patients and dental staff. A study in Germany found that 36.4% of water samples from dental practices were positive for Legionella, predominantly the species L. anisa. Higher temperatures were identified as a significant factor for increased colonization of Legionella. Routine monitoring of water quality and regular disinfection in dental chair units is recommended to minimize the risk of infection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Khald Blau, Fabian K. Berger, Alexander Mellmann, Claudia Gallert
Summary: This study characterized virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance, ribotype distribution, and genetic relationship of C.difficile isolates from various fecally contaminated environmental sources. The results showed that the isolates had different virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, indicating a potential for zoonotic transmission.
Article
Microbiology
Florian Campmann, Hauke Toennies, Christian Boeing, Franziska Schuler, Alexander Mellmann, Vera Schwierzeck
Summary: This study investigated clinical isolates of linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis and identified a closely related cluster of infections. The analysis of cgMLST data revealed the relatedness of these isolates and confirmed the high risk of LRSE infection in vulnerable patient groups such as those with hematological malignancies. The authors emphasize the importance of monitoring LRSE in the hospital setting to prevent its spread among vulnerable patient groups.
Article
Pediatrics
Stephanie C. de Crom, M. Ted van Hinsbergh, Inge A. van Beijsterveldt, A. Marceline van Furth, John W. Rossen, Charlie C. Obihara
Summary: This study examined the motor development of children after HPeV or EV infections and found no significant differences in motor development between infected and uninfected children after 24 months of follow-up.
MINERVA PEDIATRICS
(2023)