Article
Food Science & Technology
Martin B. Koeppel, Jana Glaser, Tobias Baumgartner, Stefanie Spriewald, Roman G. Gerlach, Benedikt von Armansperg, John M. Leong, Baerbel Stecher
Summary: This study established a set of chromosomal stx2 reporter assays to investigate the expression and regulation of Stx2 in the gut, utilizing two systems based on sfGFP and gluc for detection at single-cell level or in culture supernatant. This new reporter tools are envisioned to be highly useful in analyzing the impact of environmental and host factors on Stx2 release and identifying risk factors and new therapies in Stx-mediated pathologies.
Article
Pediatrics
Eva Bueltmann, Antonia Zapf, Hans Joachim Mussgnug, Nele Kanzelmeyer, Hans Hartmann
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate microstructural cerebral changes in children with typical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. The results showed qualitative and quantitative differences between HUS patients with poor neurological outcome and those without neurological deficits at discharge. DWI and ADC values could be used as early prognostic indicators for neurological outcome in pediatric HUS patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
N. Garimano, L. I. Diaz Vergara, A. D. Kim, E. E. Badin, S. Sodero, A. M. Bernal, D. D. Gonzalez, M. M. Amaral, A. R. Lespinard, C. Porporatto, M. A. Montenegro, M. S. Palermo, M. Larzabal, A. A. Cataldi, C. Ibarra, F. Sacerdoti
Summary: The study demonstrates that hyperimmune colostrum against Stx2 maintains its protective properties after pasteurization and spray-drying processes, successfully neutralizing Stx2 cytotoxicity and protecting against EHEC infection. Further research is needed to explore its potential for controlling EHEC infections.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Rajal K. Mody, Robert M. Hoekstra, Magdalena Kendall Scott, John Dunn, Kirk Smith, Melissa Tobin-D'Angelo, Beletshachew Shiferaw, Katie Wymore, Paula Clogher, Amanda Palmer, Nicole Comstock, Kari Burzlaff, Sarah Lathrop, Sharon Hurd, Patricia M. Griffin
Summary: The study found that there is a risk of developing HUS in patients with O157 diarrhea who are treated with beta-lactam antibiotics, especially in children and adults. Macrolide antibiotics seem to have a protective effect against HUS, although not statistically significant. Overall, there was no significant association between antimicrobial use and the risk of HUS.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ying Hu, Li Bai, Linna Zhao, Lingling Wu, Hong Lv, Qiongqiong Li, Xinpeng Li, Qingchao Xie, Lili Wang, Chengwei Liu, Na Liu, Shenghui Cui
Summary: The study compared the efficiency of recommended stx screening primers and probe sets in four standardized methods and developed a new system with internal amplification control for all known stx(2) subtypes. The new pan-stx(2) primer and probe set showed high efficiency and specificity for all stx(2) subtypes in ground beef and bean sprout samples, with robustness and consistency across multiple laboratories.
JOURNAL OF AOAC INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ashmita Tontanahal, Vanessa Sperandio, Olga Kovbasnjuk, Sebastian Loos, Ann-Charlotte Kristoffersson, Diana Karpman, Ida Arvidsson
Summary: This study investigated the effect of immunoglobulins (IgG) treatment on a mouse model of E. coli O157:H7 infection. The results showed that IgG treatment improved survival, reduced intestinal and renal pathology, and improved kidney function in infected mice. It was also found that IgG bound to the virulence factor EspP, blocking its enzymatic activity and protecting the host from infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yujie Zhang, Yen-Te Liao, Alexandra Salvador, Valerie M. Lavenburg, Vivian C. H. Wu
Summary: STEC O103 strains have been linked to recent foodborne outbreaks in the US. Lytic phages from an organic farm may serve as alternative biocontrol agents against antibiotic-resistant strains. Two characterized phages, Ro103C3lw and Pr103Blw, displayed genomic features and strong antimicrobial activities against STEC O103 strains.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Benoit Travert, Cedric Rafat, Patricia Mariani, Aurelie Cointe, Antoine Dossier, Paul Coppo, Adrien Joseph
Summary: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) historically considered pediatric disease, is characterized by bloody diarrhea, but in adults, the clinical presentation is more diverse and associated with neurological symptoms and a poorer prognosis. There is a need for more studies focused on adult patients to better understand and treat this disease.
Article
Immunology
Kenichi Lee, Atsushi Iguchi, Kazuhiro Uda, Sohshi Matsumura, Isao Miyairi, Kenji Ishikura, Makoto Ohnishi, Junji Seto, Kanako Ishikawa, Noriko Konishi, Hiromi Obata, Ichiro Furukawa, Hiromi Nagaoka, Hirotaka Morinushi, Natsuki Hama, Ryohei Nomoto, Hiroshi Nakajima, Hideaki Kariya, Mitsuhiro Hamasaki, Sunao Iyoda
Summary: This study reports a fatal case of hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Japan. The genotype of the isolate was identified as OX18:H2, and whole-genome sequencing revealed 3 potentially pathogenic lineages (OX18:H2, H19, and H34) that have been continuously isolated in Japan.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kenichi Lee, Atsushi Iguchi, Chikako Terano, Hiroshi Hataya, Junko Isobe, Kazuko Seto, Nozomi Ishijima, Yukihiro Akeda, Makoto Ohnishi, Sunao Iyoda
Summary: This study successfully isolated minor serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O76 using a new diagnostic and isolation method. Genomic analysis of these isolates revealed that some of them carrying stx2 were associated with severe infections. This research demonstrates that the detection methods used contribute to the diagnosis and isolation of minor serogroups of STECs, and complete genomic analysis can shed light on the pathogenic potential of STECs.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xinxia Sui, Xi Yang, Ming Luo, Hua Wang, Qian Liu, Hui Sun, Yujuan Jin, Yannong Wu, Xiangning Bai, Yanwen Xiong
Summary: This study found that Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) circulating in asymptomatic food handlers is genetically distinct from the strains causing disease, suggesting a low potential for disease-causing.
Article
Microbiology
Xiangning Bai, Elisa Ylinen, Ji Zhang, Saara Salmenlinna, Jani Halkilahti, Harri Saxen, Aswathy Narayanan, Timo Jahnukainen, Andreas Matussek
Summary: STEC infection can cause various illnesses and the fatal HUS. The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of STEC infection is not fully understood. This study identified bacterial genetic factors associated with the risk of HUS and poor renal outcome. Nonbacterial factors, such as host immunity, may also affect the virulence and clinical outcomes of STEC infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mina Lazem, Abbas Sheikhtaheri, Nakysa Hooman
Summary: Our study identified and compared different features of HUS registries to guide their development and implementation. The data set included demographic information, medical history, diagnostic measures, treatment data, complications, and outcomes. Results showed that only a few registries pursued all three types of purposes, and specialized hospitals were the main data source.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lucrezia Rocchetti, Beatrice Munari, Elisa Varrone, Elisa Porcellini, Dorothea Orth-Hoeller, Reinhard Wuerzner, Domenica Carnicelli, Maurizio Brigotti
Summary: The pathogenesis of eHUS is influenced by pathogenic E. coli producing Stx and host factors. Stx2a is considered the main pathogenic factor in eHUS development, with its functional properties changing based on modifications of toxin structure.
Article
Microbiology
Adi Millman, Sarah Melamed, Azita Leavitt, Shany Doron, Aude Bernheim, Jens Hor, Jeremy Garb, Nathalie Bechon, Alexander Brandis, Anna Lopatina, Gal Ofir, Dina Hochhauser, Avigail Stokar-Avihail, Nitzan Tal, Saar Sharir, Maya Voichek, Zohar Erez, Jose Lorenzo M. Ferrer, Daniel Dar, Assaf Kacen, Gil Amitai, Rotem Sorek
Summary: This study reports the discovery of 21 bacterial defense systems against phages. These systems contain domains involved in eukaryotic antiviral immunity and are widely distributed in microbial genomes. These findings contribute to our understanding of the defense mechanisms bacteria use against phage infection.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pedro Blanco-Picazo, Clara Gomez-Gomez, Sara Morales-Cortes, Maite Muniesa, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio
Summary: This study analyzed phages and phage particles containing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in five dairy products purchased from local retailers in Barcelona. The experiment identified phages that can infect Escherichia coli and revealed the morphologies of the phage particles. The results indicate that dairy products may serve as a potential source of antibiotic resistance genes that can be transmitted to susceptible hosts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javier Mendez, Cristina Garcia-Aljaro, Maite Muniesa, Miriam Pascual-Benito, Elisenda Balleste, Pere Lopez, Antonio Monleon, Anicet R. Blanch, Francisco Lucena
Summary: A statistical framework was developed in this study for microbial source tracking (MST) using Monte Carlo simulations and non-linear regression. The model, based on parameters such as somatic coliphages and human host-specific bacteriophages, could accurately classify fecal pollution sources in water. Increasing the analyzed volume sample can reduce the threshold concentration of MST markers, making the model applicable in practical cases.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Inger Helene Kravik, Hakon Kaspersen, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Malin Jonsson, Bruce David, Marina Aspholm, Camilla Sekse
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of developing reliable and cost-effective sampling guidelines for investigating colibacillosis in broiler flocks. Through whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, it was found that there was limited diversity between APEC isolates from different organs within individual birds. Furthermore, isolates from the liver consistently represented the major disease-causing APEC, even when multiple sequence types were detected within an individual bird and flock.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hannah Joan Jorgensen, Mette Valheim, Camilla Sekse, Bjarne Asbjorn Bergsjo, Helene Wisloff, Simen Foyn Norstebo, Ellen Skancke, Karin Lagesen, Anita Haug Haaland, Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Merete Hofshagen, Jorun Jarp, Ole-Herman Tronerud, Gro Skoien Johannessen, Monica Heggelund, Sasja Rygg, Ellen Christensen, Mette Boye, Britt Gjerset, Morten Sandvik, Eiril Moen Soltvedt, Cecilia Wolff
Summary: In 2019, Norwegian veterinary authorities conducted an official outbreak investigation to determine the cause of dogs suffering from acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea (AHD). The investigation pointed towards Providencia alcalifaciens as a potential cause, with whole genome sequencing showing the bacterial strains from the affected dogs were almost identical. Further studies are needed to understand the pathogenic potential of P. alcalifaciens in dogs.
Article
Microbiology
Thomas H. A. Haverkamp, Hakon Kaspersen, Oivind Oines, Bjorn Spilsberg, Amar Anandrao Telke, Karin Lagesen, Jannice Schau Slettemeas, Solveig Solverod Mo, Hannah Joan Jorgensen, Camilla Sekse
Summary: Eight Providencia alcalifaciens isolates from different dogs in Norway with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea were sequenced, and all the genomes were complete and closed after hybrid assembly.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pedro Blanco-Picazo, Clara Gomez-Gomez, Marc Tormo, Maria Dolores Ramos-Barbero, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio, Maite Muniesa
Summary: This study analyzed viral sequences from different types of food samples and found antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in these viral sequences, suggesting that the transmission of resistance by phage particles may contribute to the emergence of resistant strains along the food chain.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pedro Blanco-Picazo, Clara Gomez-Gomez, Sergi Aguilo-Castillo, Dietmar Fernandez-Orth, Marta Cerda-Cuellar, Maite Muniesa, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio
Summary: Poultry meat production is a significant agricultural industry worldwide. The use of antibiotics in intensive chicken farming has led to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Chicken liver, which is closely related to the intestinal tract, has been found to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. This study detected bacteria and phages in chicken livers, including those dissected under sterile conditions. The phages were able to infect Escherichia coli and carried antibiotic resistance genes. These findings suggest that phages, like bacteria, can potentially contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Roberto Vazquez, Roberto Diez-Martinez, Pilar Domingo-Calap, Pedro Garcia, Diana Gutierrez, Maite Muniesa, Maria Ruiz-Ruigomez, Rafael Sanjuan, Maria Tomas, Maria Angeles Tormo-Mas, Pilar Garcia
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge for humanity, and phage therapy is being considered as an alternative to antibiotics. However, the development of antibiotics hindered the wide application of phage therapy in the West. Nevertheless, due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, phage therapy is experiencing a revival, and some countries are adopting regulations to promote its short-term implementation in clinical practice. The Phage Therapy Work Group from FAGOMA in Spain has contacted the Spanish Drugs and Medical Devices Agency to advocate for the regulation of phage therapy in the country.
Article
Ecology
Pedro Blanco-Picazo, Sara Morales-Cortes, Maria Dolores Ramos-Barbero, Cristina Garcia-Aljaro, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio, Maite Muniesa
Summary: This study investigated whether viral particles in food could carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and found that these genes did exist in the viral particles, while outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and non-packaged bacterial DNA did not serve as carriers for these genes.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Herbert Schmidt, Maite Muniesa
Article
Ecology
Pablo Quiros, Laura Sala-Comorera, Clara Gomez-Gomez, Maria Dolores Ramos-Barbero, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio, Gloria Vique, Tula Yance-Chavez, Sergio Atares, Sandra Garcia-Gutierrez, Sonia Garcia-Marco, Antonio Vallejo, Ignasi Salaet, Maite Muniesa
Summary: This study reports the isolation of the first phage infecting some Nitrosomonas species. The phage was found to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce NH4+ consumption, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent for nitrification inhibition without the use of chemical inhibitors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Toribio-Avedillo, Clara Gomez-Gomez, Laura Sala-Comorera, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio, Albert Carcereny, David Garcia-Pedemonte, Rosa Maria Pinto, Susana Guix, Belen Galofre, Albert Bosch, Susana Merino, Maite Muniesa
Summary: Wastewater-based surveillance is a valuable tool for monitoring viral circulation and serving as an early warning system. This study conducted a 15-month weekly sampling campaign in two wastewater treatment plants in Barcelona, Spain, and found the presence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in wastewater. The data obtained from wastewater surveillance provided new information on the abundance of respiratory viruses in the Barcelona area and correlated favorably with clinical data.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Dolores Ramos-Barbero, Clara Gomez-Gomez, Laura Sala-Comorera, Lorena Rodriguez-Rubio, Sara Morales-Cortes, Elena Mendoza-Barbera, Gloria Vique, Daniel Toribio-Avedillo, Anicet R. Blanch, Elisenda Balleste, Cristina Garcia-Aljaro, Maite Muniesa
Summary: In this study, 25 new crAss-like phages (termed crAssBcn) infecting Bacteroides intestinalis were isolated and genetically characterized, showing their wide distribution in fecal samples from people around the globe.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Inger Helene Kravik, Hakon Kaspersen, Siri Kulberg Sjurseth, Katharine Rose Dean, Bruce David, Marina Aspholm, Camilla Sekse
Summary: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major cause of colibacillosis outbreaks in poultry chicks, resulting in high mortality and poor animal welfare. This study performed whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses on 219 APEC isolates from colibacillosis broiler flocks in Norway during 2018-2021. The results revealed the prevalence of specific sequence types (STs) and identified two distinct outbreaks caused by ST429 and ST23. Additionally, combining serotyping and sequence typing was found to be useful in discriminating APEC strains.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hakon Kaspersen, Thomas H. A. Haverkamp, Hanna Karin Ilag, Oivind Oines, Camilla Sekse, Jannice Schau Slettemeas
Summary: Using long-read sequencing on a MinION device and analysis with the MOB-suite pipeline, the genome sequences of 12 quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli strains containing qnrS1 were successfully assembled, with six of them closed after hybrid assembly.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)