Article
Respiratory System
Wang Chun Kwok, James Chung Man Ho, Terence Chi Chun Tam, Mary Sau Man Ip, David Chi Leung Lam
Summary: The study revealed that patients with longer duration of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and those on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more likely to have Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization, leading to more extensive lung involvement and higher risks of exacerbation requiring hospitalization.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Lisa Montemari, Valeria Marzano, Nour Essa, Stefano Levi Mortera, Martina Rossitto, Simone Gardini, Laura Selan, Gianluca Vrenna, Andrea Onetti Muda, Lorenza Putignani, Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli
Summary: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common rare disease caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, leading to mucus accumulation and recurrent respiratory infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the most detected bacterium in CF patients and is able to adapt and cause chronic infections in the hostile environment of the CF lung. This study compared surface protein expression of antibiotic-resistant strains of PA to antibiotic-sensitive strains and characterized their biofilm production.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Christina S. Thornton, Michael G. Surette
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is the most common and lethal genetic disease among the Caucasian population, leading to chronic airway inflammation and declining pulmonary function. Studies have shown a diverse community of anaerobic bacteria in CF patients' airways, potentially impacting disease progression through synergistic interaction with principal pathogens. Despite the understanding of this complex bacterial milieu, the specific roles of anaerobes in disease progression remain unclear.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(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)
Review
Immunology
Veronica Roxana Flores-Vega, Silvia Yalid Vargas-Roldan, Jose Luis Lezana-Fernandez, Ricardo Lascurain, Jose Ignacio Santos-Preciado, Roberto Rosales-Reyes
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the cftr gene, affecting chloride ion and water transport and leading to bacterial infections in the lungs. Autophagy plays a crucial role in pathogen clearance, but P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia have strategies to evade this pathway, resulting in chronic inflammatory immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chloe Dupont, Fabien Aujoulat, Massilia Benaoudia, Estelle Jumas-Bilak, Raphael Chiron, Helene Marchandin
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients over time and found a high diversity of strains and complexity of colonization. Widespread clones were also identified.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Veronica Lupetti, Simone De Fabritiis, Alessandra Piccirilli, Annamaria Porreca, Marta Di Nicola, Arianna Pompilio
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial and antivirulence activities of eight FDA-approved non-antibiotic drugs and their effects on biofilm formation. Ciclopirox and actinomycin D showed the best antibacterial activity and were most effective against preformed biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tatiana Savinova, Yuliya Bocharova, Nikolay Mayanskiy, Igor Chebotar
Summary: This study investigates the genomic characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235 isolates from cystic fibrosis patients in Russia, revealing the successful dissemination of high-risk clones in the cystic fibrosis population through the core-genome background and acquired resistance determinants.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Roberto Rosales-Reyes, Veronica Roxana Flores-Vega, Jose Luis Lezana-Fernandez, Jose Ignacio Santos-Preciado
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen causing lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Its increasing antibiotic resistance makes treatment challenging. Microbiology and whole genome sequencing are important tools for determining antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance as well as analyzing genomic variations. Molecular epidemiologic surveillance aids in developing better treatment strategies and controlling the spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa variants.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(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
Microbiology
Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Veronica Lupetti, Fabio Verginelli, Sara Giancristofaro, Rosemary Barbieri, Giovanni Gherardi, Arianna Pompilio
Summary: This study evaluated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activities of apramycin compared to tobramycin against P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. Apramycin showed better efficacy than tobramycin, without cytotoxicity to bronchial epithelial CF cells.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Aleksandra John, Joanna Gozdzik-Spychalska, Magdalena Durda-Masny, Wojciech Czainski, Natalia Pawlowska, Jolanta Wlizlo, Halina Batura-Gabryel, Anita Szwed
Summary: The study described the relationship between the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and lung function, nutritional status, and gene mutation type in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The presence of PA was associated with lower FEV1% and BMI values. Severe gene mutation, undernutrition, and deterioration of lung function were linked to a higher probability of PA acquisition and resistance to antibiotic treatment.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Roberto Rosales-Reyes, Silvia Yalid Vargas-Roldan, Jose Luis Lezana-Fernandez, Jose Ignacio Santos-Preciado
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, causing chronic lung infections and breathing difficulties. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to imbalanced intracellular water content, resulting in sticky mucus and bacterial infections that ultimately affect lung function.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Samantha L. Durfey, Sudhakar Pipavath, Anna Li, Anh T. Vo, Anina Ratjen, Suzanne Carter, Sarah J. Morgan, Matthew C. Radey, Brenda Grogan, Stephen J. Salipante, Michael J. Welsh, David A. Stoltz, Christopher H. Goss, Edward F. McKone, Pradeep K. Singh
Summary: Studies show that chronic CF infections may persist despite improvements induced by CFTR modulators and aggressive antibiotic treatment. Combining CFTR modulators with intensive antibiotics may be most effective for patients with higher CFTR activity. Challenges remain in improving the health of people with CF.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, Janetta Top, Jukka Corander, Rob J. L. Willems, Anita C. Schurch
Summary: This study retrospectively investigated the genomic epidemiology of 309 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates in 32 Dutch hospitals from 2012 to 2015. The dissemination of the vanA gene cluster in related VRE cases in Dutch hospitals during this period was primarily attributed to clonal spread. However, outbreaks with high frequencies of plasmid dissemination were also identified, indicating that resistance spread was mainly driven by horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna K. Pontinen, Janetta Top, Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, Gerry Tonkin-Hill, Ana R. Freitas, Carla Novais, Rebecca A. Gladstone, Maiju Pesonen, Rodrigo Meneses, Henri Pesonen, John A. Lees, Dorota Jamrozy, Stephen D. Bentley, Val F. Lanza, Carmen Torres, Luisa Peixe, Teresa M. Coque, Julian Parkhill, Anita C. Schurch, Rob J. L. Willems, Jukka Corander
Summary: The study reveals that Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal microorganism as well as a nosocomial pathogen, with common ancestors of multiple hospital-associated lineages dating back to the pre-antibiotic era.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sebastiaan J. van Hal, Rob J. L. Willems, Theodore Gouliouris, Susan A. Ballard, Teresa M. Coque, Anette M. Hammerum, Kristin Hegstad, Hendrik T. Westh, Benjamin P. Howden, Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar, Guido Werner, Katsunori Yanagihara, Ashlee M. Earl, Katherine E. Raven, Jukka Corander, Rory Bowden
Summary: The study found that Enterococcus faecium A1 group evolves through acquisition and loss of genes via mobile genetic elements, as well as homologous recombination of the core genome. This leads to new clones emerging locally and eventually spreading globally, posing challenges for the control of this pathogen.
Correction
Microbiology
Axel B. Janssen, Dennis J. Doorduijn, Grant Mills, Malbert R. C. Rogers, Marc J. M. Bonten, Suzan H. M. Rooijakkers, Rob J. L. Willems, Jose A. Bengoechea, Willem Van Schaik
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Julian A. Paganini, Nienke L. Plantinga, Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, Rob J. L. Willems, Anita C. Schurch
Summary: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant E. coli strains have increased in recent years. A study of 25 available plasmid prediction tools found that MOB-suite was the most effective in correctly reconstructing the majority of plasmids.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marta Reyman, Marlies A. van Houten, Rebecca L. Watson, Mei Ling J. N. Chu, Kayleigh Arp, Wouter J. de Waal, Irene Schiering, Frans B. Plotz, Rob J. L. Willems, Willem van Schaik, Elisabeth A. M. Sanders, Debby Bogaert
Summary: In a randomized trial of 147 infants receiving distinct antibiotic regimens for early-onset neonatal sepsis, Reyman et al. characterize the gut microbiome and resistance profiles, finding differential effects of antibiotic combinations on microbial community composition and antimicrobial resistance genes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul B. Stege, Joost Hordijk, Sudarshan A. Shetty, Michael Visser, Marco C. Viveen, Malbert R. C. Rogers, Esther Gijsbers, Cindy M. Dierikx, Rozemarijn Q. J. van der Plaats, Engeline van Duijkeren, Eelco Franz, Rob J. L. Willems, Susana Fuentes, Fernanda L. Paganelli
Summary: This study assessed whether long-term dietary habits in the Netherlands impact the human gut resistome. The results showed that different diet groups had similar numbers of antibiotic resistance genes, but vegans had a distinct microbiome composition compared to other diet groups.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sebastiaan J. van Hal, Rob J. L. Willems, Theodore Gouliouris, Susan A. Ballard, Teresa M. Coque, Anette M. Hammerum, Kristin Hegstad, Mette Pinholt, Benjamin P. Howden, Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar, Guido Werner, Katsunori Yanagihara, Ashlee M. Earl, Katherine E. Raven, Jukka Corander, Rory Bowden
Summary: The study collected 1095 hospital E faecium sequences from 34 countries, augmented by 33 published sequences. It showed that A1 likely emerged as a clone from A2, and that A2 represents a genetic continuum between A1 and community E faecium. The study also found that A2 and B isolates entering the hospital are important reservoirs for ongoing A1 adaptation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tess Verschuuren, Thijs Bosch, Valentina Mascaro, Rob Willems, Jan Kluytmans
Summary: The study validated two whole genome sequence-antimicrobial susceptibility testing phenotype prediction tools for Escherichia coli clinical isolates from Dutch routine care, but found that they did not meet FDA criteria for clinical diagnostic use. The tools need further improvement before they can be used for clinical decision making.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ana P. Pereira, Patricia Antunes, Rob Willems, Jukka Corander, Teresa M. Coque, Luisa Peixe, Ana R. Freitas, Carla Novais
Summary: This study explores the activity of chlorhexidine (CHX) against Enterococcus faecalis and the variability of ChlR-EfrEF proteins in diverse populations. The findings suggest that CHX-tolerant isolates are more prevalent in the food chain and recent human infections. The study also provides insights into the genetic diversity of the efrEF operon and its correlation with CHX phenotypes.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sudarshan A. Shetty, Paul B. Stege, Joost Hordijk, Esther Gijsbers, Cindy M. Dierikx, Engeline van Duijkeren, Eelco Franz, Rob J. L. Willems, Fernanda L. Paganelli, Susana Fuentes
Summary: Diet plays an important role in modulating the human gut microbiome, but there are no major differences in the composition and function of the gut microbiome among individuals with different dietary habits. However, there are differences in the species that contribute to the core functions of the gut microbiome.
Article
Microbiology
Chrispin Chaguza, Anna K. Poentinen, Janetta Top, Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, Ana R. Freitas, Carla Novais, Carmen Torres, Stephen D. Bentley, Luisa Peixe, Teresa M. Coque, Rob J. L. Willems, Jukka Corander
Summary: This study used a genome-wide association analysis to investigate the genetic changes in Enterococcus faecalis isolates and their association with hospitalization status and body isolation source. The results showed that infection by hospitalization status and extraintestinal infection are heritable traits, but no clear individual genetic changes were found to be associated with hospitalization status or body isolation source. The study also identified a genomic region potentially linked to infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Janetta Top, Tess D. Verschuuren, Marco C. Viveen, M. Eugenia Riccio, Stephan Harbarth, Jan A. J. W. Kluytmans, Rob J. L. Willems, Fernanda L. Paganelli
Summary: This study investigated the gut microbiome dynamics of patients colonized with ESBL-Ec or ESBL-Kp and their household contacts. The results showed that the microbiome composition of index patients was different from that of household contacts, but in some patients, the microbiome gradually recovered to a healthier state. The microbiome composition of household contacts remained stable over time, regardless of colonization with ESBL positive bacteria.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ana P. Pereira, Patricia Antunes, Paula Bierge, Rob J. L. Willems, Jukka Corander, Teresa M. Coque, Oscar Q. Pich, Luisa Peixe, Ana R. Freitas, Carla Novais
Summary: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in various settings, while Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are recognized as nosocomial pathogens. This study evaluated the susceptibility of Enterococcus to QACs and found that they rarely carry related tolerance genes, but their susceptibility can decrease under specific environmental conditions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Axel B. Janssen, Dennis J. Doorduijn, Grant Mills, Malbert R. C. Rogers, Marc J. M. Bonten, Suzan H. M. Rooijakkers, Rob J. L. Willems, Jose A. Bengoechea, Willem van Schaik
Summary: Colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae can rapidly develop through diverse evolutionary trajectories, shortening the lifespan of this last-resort antibiotic for treating infections with multidrug-resistant strains.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)