Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nasim Salimiaghdam, Lata Singh, Mithalesh K. Singh, Marilyn Chwa, Shari R. Atilano, Zahra Mohtashami, Anthony B. Nesburn, Baruch D. Kuppermann, Stephanie Y. Lu, M. Cristina Kenney
Summary: The study assessed the potential negative effects of bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics on AMD cybrid cell lines, indicating that clinically relevant dosages of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline may have adverse impacts on AMD cybrids with K, J, and U mtDNA haplogroups in vitro.
Article
Microbiology
Fabrice Jean-Pierre, Arsh Vyas, Thomas H. Hampton, Michael A. Henson, George A. O'Toole
Summary: Culture-independent studies have shown that chronic lung infections in persons with cystic fibrosis involve diverse microbial communities. Interactions among these communities influence clinical outcomes, and a single community cannot fully explain the diversity of outcomes. Combining computational and experimental approaches can help enhance our understanding of microbial community function and lead to the identification of new therapeutics for polymicrobial infections.
Article
Microbiology
Fernando Baquero, Jeronimo Rodriguez-Beltran, Bruce R. Levin
Summary: This article revisits the concept of bacteriostasis, suggesting that some antibiotics induce bacteria to become bacteriostatic. Bacteriostatic cells are a variant type of cells that are unable to multiply, preventing the antibiotic from exerting lethal effects. The term bacteriostasis should not be limited to antimicrobials but can be associated with other stressful conditions. The promotion of bacteriostasis might resemble other stress-induced cellular differentiations, such as sporulation or persister bacteria.
Article
Microbiology
Julie D. Pourtois, Michael J. Kratochvil, Qingquan Chen, Naomi L. Haddock, Elizabeth B. Burgener, Giulio A. De Leo, Paul L. Bollyky
Summary: A mathematical model was used to study the competition between Pf+ and Pf- strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different environments, revealing that the benefits of phage production may not always outweigh the metabolic cost for bacterial fitness. Frequent administration of intermediate doses of antibiotics can favor Pf+ strains over Pf-, suggesting potential treatment strategies for combating antibiotic tolerance.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Evanthia P. Perikleous, Despoina Gkentzi, Aris Bertzouanis, Emmanouil Paraskakis, Aleksandar Sovtic, Sotirios Fouzas
Summary: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are frequently exposed to antibiotics, which can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and make treatment challenging. Conventional susceptibility-testing techniques may not accurately assess AMR in the lungs, and the dosing of antibiotics is complicated by factors such as biofilm formation and lung penetration. Novel diagnostic tools and effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to address the growing problem of AMR in CF.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: The high tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis contributes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. This study identified carbon sources that could enhance the inhibiting and/or eradicating activity of tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced biofilm eradicating activity were strain-dependent.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Arianna Pani, Valeria Lucini, Silvana Dugnani, Alice Schianchi, Francesco Scaglione
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of antibiotics used for aerosol therapy in CF on the production of LOX in P. aeruginosa, and finds that levofloxacin and amikacin have inhibitory activity on LOX secretion.
Article
Immunology
Jonathan D. Cogen, Anna Faino, Frankline Onchiri, Lucas R. Hoffman, Matthew P. Kronman, David P. Nichols, Margaret Rosenfeld, Ronald L. Gibson
Summary: A retrospective cohort study found that there were no significant differences in respiratory and clinical outcomes between young patients with cystic fibrosis treated with one versus two intravenous antipseudomonal antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Claudie Lamoureux, Charles-Antoine Guilloux, Elise Courteboeuf, Stephanie Gouriou, Clemence Beauruelle, Genevieve Hery-Arnaud
Summary: Resistance to certain antibiotics was observed in a significant percentage of isolates from the predominant anaerobic species in the respiratory microbiota of patients with cystic fibrosis, potentially exacerbated by long-term antibiotic therapy. A positive correlation was found between resistance to clindamycin and chronic azithromycin administration. Further characterization of the anaerobic resistome at the species level is needed to prevent the emergence of resistance within lung microbiota.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chelsea R. Thorn, Cristiane de Souza Carvalho-Wodarz, Justus C. Horstmann, Claus-Michael Lehr, Clive A. Prestidge, Nicky Thomas
Summary: A biomimetic, nanostructured, lipid liquid crystal nanoparticle formulation has been discovered to significantly enhance the efficacy of tobramycin and eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections. This formulation improves antibiotic penetration across the biofilm barrier, leading to increased antibiotic concentration at the infection site. The nanoparticle strategy enables lower doses, reduced toxicity, and amplified anti-biofilm activity of the antibiotic.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Giovanni Taccetti, Michela Francalanci, Giovanna Pizzamiglio, Barbara Messore, Vincenzo Carnovale, Giuseppe Cimino, Marco Cipolli
Summary: Inhaled antibiotics have greatly improved respiratory diseases in cystic fibrosis patients, especially in treating chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. These antibiotics offer advantages over systemic therapy by delivering high drug concentrations directly to the lungs. Alternating treatment with inhaled antibiotics is crucial for improving patient outcomes, and long-term use can prevent acute pulmonary exacerbations.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne M. Akkerman-Nijland, Onno W. Akkerman, Floris Grasmeijer, Paul Hagedoorn, Henderik. W. Frijlink, Bart. L. Rottier, Gerard. H. Koppelman, Daniel. J. Touw
Summary: Dosage of antibiotics in cystic fibrosis patients is challenging due to altered pharmacokinetics and difficulty in lung tissue penetration. Different antibiotic classes have varying effects on drug metabolism and excretion, with specific guidelines recommended for optimizing therapy. Inhalation therapy can help achieve higher local antibiotic concentrations in the airways, minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity risk.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG METABOLISM & TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhenghui Qin, Jing Zhao, Haimang Wang, Bo Wang, Liang Zheng, Hongyu Zhang
Summary: This study reports a bioinspired and eco-friendly coating that effectively inhibits marine biofouling through a synergistic strategy of antibacterial and bactericidal effects. The coating exhibits self-adhesive properties and excellent antibacterial performance, making it suitable for surface functionalization of marine devices and instruments.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jonathan D. Cogen, Frankline M. Onchiri, Nicole Mayer Hamblett, Ronald L. Gibson, Wayne J. Morgan, Margaret Rosenfeld
Summary: The study showed that prolonged use of oral antibiotics in children with cystic fibrosis increased the risk of acquiring Achromobacter xylosoxidans, while treatment with intravenous antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Diana Vilela, Nuria Blanco-Cabra, Ander Eguskiza, Ana C. Hortelao, Eduard Torrents, Samuel Sanchez
Summary: The study introduces drug-free enzyme-based nanomotors for treating bacterial urinary-tract infections, with a focus on nonpathogenic planktonic Escherichia coli. Utilizing functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles, nanomotors were able to significantly reduce biofilm biomass of uropathogenic E. coli strains, demonstrating the potential of enzyme-based nanomotors in fighting infectious diseases and possibly extending to other diseases through biomolecule selection.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: The high tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis contributes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. This study identified carbon sources that could enhance the inhibiting and/or eradicating activity of tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced biofilm eradicating activity were strain-dependent.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Adrien Knoops, Florence Vande Capelle, Laetitia Fontaine, Marie Verhaegen, Johann Mignolet, Philippe Goffin, Jacques Mahillon, Andrea Sass, Tom Coenye, Laura Ledesma-Garcia, Pascal Hols
Summary: In bacteria, phenotypic heterogeneity compensates for the lack of genetic diversity, allowing for the adoption of multiple survival strategies. This study reveals that the CovRS system controls the ComRS system to generate bimodality in Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus thermophilus. The intracellular concentration of ComR determines the proportion of competent cells in the population. Furthermore, a functional positive-feedback loop and specific permeases are required for bimodal activation. CovRS is identified as a direct repression system of comR expression. This research highlights how bacteria sense and transmit external stimuli for fine-tuning collective behaviors.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Jan J. De Waele, Jerina Boelens, Dirk Van De Putte, Diana Huis In't Veld, Tom Coenye
Summary: Intra-abdominal infections are common in hospitalized patients and require antimicrobial therapy and source control. The use of abdominal drains is increasing for treating these infections, but biofilm formation in the drains makes using abdominal fluid for diagnosis unreliable.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Rosalie C. D. Swimberghe, Rizos Tzourmanas, Roeland J. G. De Moor, Kevin Braeckmans, Tom Coenye, Maarten A. Meire
Summary: This study investigated the working mechanism of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and its effect on bacterial biofilms in a root canal model. High-speed imaging revealed that LAI generates small cavitation bubbles throughout the entire canal, resulting in rapid vertical movement of the root canal content and detachment of biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Respiratory System
Pavel Drevinek, Rafael Canton, Helle Krogh Johansen, Lucas Hoffman, Tom Coenye, Pierre-Regis Burgel, Jane C. Davies
Summary: This review summarizes the main points raised and highlighted during the pre-conference meeting to the 17th European Cystic Fibrosis Society Basic Science Conference. The report covers the latest information and topics related to antimicrobial resistance in cystic fibrosis, as well as advancements in novel anti-infective approaches.
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tom Coenye, Mona Bove, Thomas Bjarnsholt
Summary: Experimental evolution studies can provide insights into the mechanisms behind reduced antimicrobial susceptibility by repeatedly exposing bacterial populations to treatment. Including biofilms in these studies is important, and this review presents an overview of why and how to study experimental evolution in biofilms. Furthermore, the review discusses what experimental evolution has taught us about tolerance and resistance in biofilms, leading to an emerging consensus view on biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wen Wang, Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Petra Rigole, Xiaofeng Meng, Jianyu Su, Tom Coenye
Summary: Phytochemicals show potential as novel antibiofilm drugs, but their activity in physiologically relevant models is not well studied. This study evaluated the antibiofilm activity of borneol, citral, and their combinations, as well as Pickering emulsions, in various in vitro and in vivo models. The findings suggest that Pickering emulsions have enhanced antibiofilm activity and could potentially be used to treat biofilm-related chronic infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mona Bove, Mette Kolpen, Mads Lichtenberg, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, the fitness, antimicrobial susceptibility, metabolic activity, gene expression, in vitro production of virulence factors and in vivo virulence of experimentally evolved Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated. Mutations in mexT and fusA1 were found in the evolved strains, leading to altered fitness, metabolic activity, mexE expression, and antimicrobial susceptibility. However, the in vitro production of virulence factors and virulence in vivo were unchanged compared to the wild-type strains. These evolved strains also showed reduced susceptibility to tobramycin in an in vivo mouse model. Overall, this study highlights the impact of experimental evolution on the fitness and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea M. Sass, Tom Coenye
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biological role of the conserved small RNA NcS25 and its cognate target, outer membrane protein BCAL3473, in Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria. NcS25 strongly represses the expression of BCAL3473, while other factors such as a LysR-type regulator and nitrogen-depleted growth conditions activate its expression. BCAL3473 is involved in the transport of arginine, tyrosine, tyramine, and putrescine across the outer membrane, playing an important role in nitrogen metabolism.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Ellen Goeteyn, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: D,L-malate enhances ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa, improving antibiotic therapy in infection environments. The choice of model system influences the outcome of the experiment, emphasizing the importance of using models that closely mimic the in vivo environment. This study confirms the potential of D,L-malate to enhance ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa-associated infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Tom Coenye
Summary: Our understanding of biofilm biology has greatly increased, but it has not yet resulted in major changes in clinical practice. The lack of standardized tools for studying biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory, particularly in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), is a major obstacle. Biofilm lifestyle significantly impacts antibiotic susceptibility, but AST is still typically conducted using planktonic cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of biofilm AST, highlight knowledge gaps, discuss potential ways to improve AST, and address the bottlenecks preventing its use in clinical practice.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Luciana Meneses, Ana Catarina Brandao, Tom Coenye, Ana Cristina Braga, Diana Priscila Pires, Joana Azeredo
Summary: This systematic review summarizes and analyzes the published data on the use of bacteriophages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, providing recommendations for future experiments. The findings suggest that phage concentration, burst size, and latent period can influence the efficacy of biofilm control, with higher concentrations and specific characteristics leading to better outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amber De Bleeckere, Sara Van den Bossche, Pieter-Jan De Sutter, Tine Beirens, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, a high throughput method was developed to determine the antimicrobial concentration required to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation using a synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium (SCFM2). Significant differences were observed between biofilm preventing concentrations (BPCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of three antibiotics, with the BPCs consistently higher than the MICs. This high throughput assay could be a valuable addition to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility in P. aeruginosa biofilms in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF).
Review
Microbiology
Mads Lichtenberg, Tom Coenye, Matthew R. Parsek, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tim Holm Jakobsen
Summary: In vitro biofilms are distinct microbial communities characterized by physical traits, phenotypic features, and antibiotic tolerance. The importance of these traits varies depending on the environment and bacterial species. Mechanisms enabling antibiotic resistance in biofilms include physical barriers, physiological adaptations, and changes in gene expression. However, there is little consensus on gene expression profiles in biofilms, and a definitive "biofilm signature transcriptome" has not been identified. Spatial and temporal variability in biofilms greatly differs across systems or environments. Clinical biofilms may differ from those cultivated in laboratories and found in the environment, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of their characteristics.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Tom Coenye, Karl-Jan Spittaels, Yvonne Achermann
Summary: C. acnes is a commonly found bacterium on the skin, known for its role in acne and other infections. It forms biofilms and plays a significant role in vivo, being associated with treatment failure.
