Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yinghan Chan, Xun Hui Wu, Buong Woei Chieng, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Yoon Yee Then
Summary: Biofilm formation is a significant concern linked to increased morbidity and mortality, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Physicochemical modification of biomaterials in medical devices is a promising approach to combating polymicrobial infections.
Review
Microbiology
Nitin Chandra Teja Dadi, Barbora Radochova, Jarmila Vargova, Helena Bujdakova
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by nosocomial pathogens have a significant impact worldwide, especially as device-associated infections. This review highlights the most relevant microorganisms infecting medical devices and briefly mentions both traditional and novel therapeutic approaches against HAIs.
Article
Immunology
Manjari Shukla, Vineeta Singh, Hamza Habeeballah, Mustfa F. Alkhanani, Manjul Lata, Yusuf Hussain, Madhuparna Mukherjee, Mukesh Pasupuleti, Abha Meena, Bhartendu Nath Mishra, Shafiul Haque
Summary: The inhibitory and degradation potential of Carissa carandas proteinaceous leaf extract against mixed bacterial biofilm responsible for nosocomial infections was evaluated. The extract showed significant inhibition and degradation of the biofilm, with the best degradation observed against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The presence of flavonoids, phenols, and tannins in the extract suggests their contribution to the antibiofilm property.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Ramanathan Srinivasan, Sivasubramanian Santhakumari, Pandurangan Poonguzhali, Mani Geetha, Madhu Dyavaiah, Lin Xiangmin
Summary: Biofilm formation is a major concern in various sectors, with bacterial biofilm posing a persistent threat in healthcare due to increased mortality and morbidity. Bacteria can form biofilms on various substrates, exhibiting significant resistance to external attacks. Developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat biofilm-mediated infections has garnered significant attention in recent research.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Heba A. Ahmed, Eman H. S. Ibrahim, Ekram Abdelhaliem, Eman Y. T. Elariny
Summary: This study investigated the frequency, characteristics and antibiotic resistance of nosocomial extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Klebsiella species. The results showed that these Klebsiella pneumoniae strains exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics and had the ability to form biofilm and produce virulence genes. These resistant strains pose a public threat to hospitalized patients.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reza Heidari, Ahmad Farajzadeh Sheikh, Mohammad Hashemzadeh, Zahra Farshadzadeh, Shokrollah Salmanzadeh, Morteza Saki
Summary: This study evaluated antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and genetic diversity of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from different types of nosocomial infections. The results showed a significant association between resistance to carbapenem and resistance to other antibiotics, high rates of biofilm production, and high genetic diversity of the isolates, emphasizing the importance of careful surveillance.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Widad Bouguenoun, Fethi Benbelaid, Salsabil Mebarki, Imane Bouguenoun, Sara Boulmaiz, Abdelmonaim Khadir, Mohammed Yassine Benziane, Mourad Bendahou, Alain Muselli
Summary: This study aims to inhibit and eradicate bacterial biofilms that cause nosocomial infections using essential oils. The results show that Thymus pallescens essential oil has the highest effectiveness against pathogenic bacteria, with large zones of inhibition, low MICs, and the ability to eradicate biofilms in a short amount of time.
Article
Immunology
Oscar Alberto Solis-Velazquez, Melesio Gutierrez-Lomeli, Pedro Javier Guerreo-Medina, Maria de Lourdes Rosas-Garcia, Maricarmen Iniguez-Moreno, Maria Guadalupe Avila-Novoa
Summary: This study found that nosocomial pathogens can develop biofilms on biomaterials, with lower densities of Gram-negative bacteria in mono-species biofilms compared to dual-species biofilms. Moreover, dual-species biofilms exhibited a higher concentration of proteins and eDNA in the extracellular matrix.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chenlei Huang, Shaoneng Tao, Jinlong Yuan, Xiaoning Li
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of sodium hypochlorite on the biofilm of Klebsiella pneumoniae with different drug resistance. The results showed that sodium hypochlorite inhibited and cleared the biofilm of K. pneumoniae, and the effect was enhanced with the increase of concentration within the range of bacteriostatic and bactericidal concentration.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Giorgio Silva-Santana, Cecilia Maria Ferreira Silva, Julianna Giordano Botelho Olivella, Igor Ferreira Silva, Lais Menegoi Oliveira Fernandes, Bruna Ribeiro Sued-Karam, Cintia Silva Santos, Cassius Souza, Ana Luiza Mattos-Guaraldi
Summary: Corynebacterium striatum, a part of human skin and nasal mucosa microbiota, is increasingly being identified as the etiologic agent of both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. Multidrug-resistant strains of C. striatum have been associated with various nosocomial diseases worldwide, contributing to fatal invasive infections in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. Improved microbiological techniques have led to better survival rates for patients with C. striatum nosocomial infections, while biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces plays a role in the persistence of virulent strains and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Siyu Liu, Hongyun Lu, Shengliang Zhang, Ying Shi, Qihe Chen
Summary: Bacterial biofilms have high resistance to antimicrobial agents, posing a challenge in treating biofilm-based infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Bacteriophages, as natural enemies of bacteria, offer potential alternatives due to their specificity, safety, and non-toxicity.
Article
Immunology
Shaohua Hu, Yan Lv, Hao Xu, Beiwen Zheng, Yonghong Xiao
Summary: This study investigated the association between antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation ability in Elizabethkingia anophelis isolated from hospitalized patients in China. The results showed high resistance to current antibiotics among clinical E. anophelis isolates, with all strains being multidrug-resistant and 20 being extensively drug-resistant. The isolates also exhibited the ability to form biofilm, with a positive correlation between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the importance of understanding the resistance mechanisms and biofilm formation in E. anophelis infections for improving therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ahmed Morad Asaad, Shamshul Ansari, Soma Elsayed Ajlan, Samah Mohammed Awad
Summary: A high prevalence of biofilm-producing MDR and XDR A. baumannii nosocomial isolates was found in a tertiary care hospital in Egypt, with associated risk factors including length of hospital stay, presence of specific genes, antibiotic resistance, and MDR/XDR status. Characterization of these risk factors could help control the spread of this serious A. baumannii phenotype and improve patient care quality.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shweta Dixit, Swati Varshney, Deepti Gupta, Shilpi Sharma
Summary: Nosocomial infections or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a concern due to the transmission of infectious diseases through textiles in healthcare facilities. However, there is a lack of systematic research in this area and a better understanding of the factors contributing to the transmission of infections through textiles is needed. This review critically explores textiles as contaminants in healthcare systems, identifies potential risks they may pose, and discusses strategies to limit the spread of nosocomial infections through fabrics.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emerito Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan, Donald J. Davidson, Alexander D. Liddle
Summary: Biofilm-related implant infections are a disastrous complication of orthopaedic surgery, with high treatment risks, significant socioeconomic costs, and a high risk of recurrence. Interventions to prevent and treat these infections are a major focus of research due to the large number of medical device implantations performed annually.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Ines Correia-Sa, Marisa Marques, Ricardo Horta, Antonio Costa-Ferreira, Acacio G. Rodrigues, Alvaro Silva, Paula Egipto
Summary: Burn injuries during pregnancy are rare in Portugal, but active medical treatment and conservative wound care should be standard in each trimester. The use of cerium nitrate and silver sulfadiazine in treatment of pregnant women with burns was effective and safe in this study. Individualized obstetrical management is recommended.
JOURNAL OF BURN CARE & RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Entomology
D. L. Dallavecchia, E. Ricardo, A. S. da Silva, A. G. Rodrigues
Summary: This study found that the native excretions/secretions (NES) produced by third instar larvae of Calliphora vicina showed antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungus, with the best effect seen against E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
L. Cobrado, P. Ramalho, E. Ricardo, M-M Azevedo, A. G. Rodrigues
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a faster cycle of nebulized hydrogen peroxide against healthcare associated micro-organisms and found that the fast cycle had a similar disinfection efficacy to the standard cycle, with no significant differences between multidrug-resistant and multidrug-susceptible strains. The results support the wider implementation of the technology, potentially reducing room turnover time, costs, and indirect infection transmission.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Maria Manuel Azevedo, Cidalia Pina-Vaz, Acacio G. Rodrigues
Summary: This systematic review addresses the general characteristics of bacteriophages, their activity compared to conventional antibiotics, their effectiveness against biofilms, administration methods, and their use in burn wound infections. Although recognized for its potential value in modern wound care, specific aspects need to be considered, including the lack of consensus on therapeutic guidelines/regulatory policies and laboratory support that can predict efficacy.
JOURNAL OF BURN CARE & RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Silva-Dias, Blanca Perez-Viso, Ines Martins-Oliveira, Rosario Gomes, Acacio G. Rodrigues, Rafael Canton, Cidalia Pina-Vaz
Summary: The FASTinov flow cytometry kits were assessed in two locations for direct evaluation, demonstrating high sensitivity for positive blood cultures and the ability to provide rapid and personalized antibiotic management.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eva Lau, Eugeni Belda, Paul Picq, Davide Carvalho, Manuel Ferreira-Magalhaes, Maria Manuel Silva, Isaac Barroso, Flora Correia, Cidalia Pina Vaz, Isabel Miranda, Adelino Barbosa, Karine Clement, Joel Dore, Paula Freitas, Edi Prifti
Summary: This study investigated the changes in clinical, analytical, and microbiome in T2DM patients with class 1 obesity after RYGB versus standard medical therapy. The results showed that RYGB significantly improved anthropometric and metabolic profiles, and these improvements were associated with changes in gut microbiota.
DIABETOLOGY & METABOLIC SYNDROME
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Manuel Azevedo, Elisa Saraiva, Fatima Baltazar
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate middle school students' perceptions about SARS-CoV-2 infection and support education regarding COVID-19, mainly focusing on reinforcing preventive measures. Through designed online curricular activities, the study aimed to enhance students familiarity with COVID-19 terms, awareness of preventive measures, engagement in related activities, and motivation to research health-related issues.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. P. Viana Martins, C. S. F. Xavier, L. Cobrado
Summary: This study reviews the efficacy of various disinfection methods against SARS-CoV-2 based on up-to-date evidence. The results show that several household and hospital disinfection agents, as well as ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation, are effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces. Formulations containing povidone-iodine have a virucidal effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Typical soap bars and alcohols can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 for hand hygiene. Air filtration systems with catalytic properties, UV-C devices, and heating systems can effectively reduce airborne viral particles. Decontamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) can be safely conducted through heat and ozone treatment.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Diogo Filipe Borges Duarte, Acacio Goncalves Rodrigues
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii is a common opportunistic pathogen that frequently causes outbreaks in healthcare facilities, especially in Intensive Care Units (ICU). It can survive for extended periods in the hospital environment and can be transmitted through various means. Additionally, it easily acquires antibiotic resistance genes, rendering many antibiotics ineffective. This review aims to increase awareness among the medical community about the significance of this pathogen and discuss its potential impact on healthcare institutions, particularly in the aftermath of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the need to recognize the importance of this pathogen and implement preventive measures to mitigate its consequences, including the triage of high-risk patients.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
L. Cobrado, P. Ramalho, E. Ricardo, A. R. Fernandes, M-M Azevedo, A. G. Rodrigues
Summary: The study found that nebulized H2O2 has good efficacy against healthcare-associated microbial dry biofilms, and similar efficacy was observed between standard cycles and fast cycles.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Joao Souto, Acacio Goncalves Rodrigues
Summary: Burn patients have unique characteristics that often lead to anemia and the need for blood transfusion. By implementing a combination of surgical techniques and medical approaches, we can reduce blood loss and optimize red cell production, ultimately decreasing the need for transfusion.
JOURNAL OF BURN CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Monica Galocha, Romeu Viana, Pedro Pais, Ana Silva-Dias, Mafalda Cavalheiro, Isabel M. Miranda, Mieke Van Ende, Caio S. Souza, Catarina Costa, Joana Branco, Claudio M. Soares, Patrick Van Dijck, Acacio G. Rodrigues, Miguel C. Teixeira
Summary: Candida glabrata has been causing an increasing prevalence of candidosis, mainly due to its ability to acquire resistance to azole drugs. This study reveals that hexose transporters, such as CgHxt4/6/7 and CgHxt6/7, play a role in azole import in C. glabrata, and their mutations can lead to increased azole resistance.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Micael F. M. Goncalves, Angela Rita Fernandes, Acacio Goncalves Rodrigues, Carmen Lisboa
Summary: This review provides an overview of the microbial communities of the healthy male genital mucosa and their role in disease. The bacterial composition of the male genital mucosa shows similarities with adjacent anatomical sites and is related to sexual intercourse. Male circumcision appears to influence the penile microbiome. Limited data and the lack of prospective controlled studies emphasize the need for additional research and established criteria for sampling methods and microbiome assay procedures.