Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sha Liu, Karen Hon, George Spyro Bouras, Alkis James Psaltis, Keith Shearwin, Peter-John Wormald, Sarah Vreugde
Summary: The isolated Staphylococcus aureus phages showed significant bactericidal activity against the biofilm form and a broad host range, with low mutation rate, indicating potential for further development as a treatment alternative to antibiotics for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Pawel Korzeniowski, Paulina Sliwka, Maciej Kuczkowski, Dusan Misic, Agata Milcarz, Marta Kuzminska-Bajor
Summary: In this study, bacteriophages were used to degrade biofilms formed by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis strains. The phages were effective in reducing biofilm formation on various surfaces, and the phage cocktail completely eradicated Salmonella from contaminated poultry drinkers.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jun Song, Hongri Ruan, Li Chen, Yuqi Jin, Jiasan Zheng, Rui Wu, Dongbo Sun
Summary: SDQ, a specific lytic S. aureus bacteriophage, can effectively remove S. aureus biofilms. SDQ maintains its full activity under various environmental conditions and can be used in combination with detergents.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Fei Ma, Yu Ning, Qingqing Wan, Likou Zou, Yuntao Liu, Shujuan Chen, Jianlong Li, Zhen Zeng, Yong Yang, Hong Chen, Min Zhou, Shuliang Liu, Cheng Li, Aiping Liu
Summary: Bacteriophages LSA2308 and LSA2366 showed lytic activity against drug-resistant S. aureus, and combined with ampicillin achieved better clearance in LB broth. In skim milk, a concentration of 10^7 PFU/mL bacteriophages exhibited the most effective bactericidal efficacy against S. aureus strains.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hyerim Kwak, Jinshil Kim, Sangryeol Ryu, Jaewoo Bai
Summary: Phage KMSP1, isolated from raw milk, was characterized as a lytic phage belonging to the Myoviridae family. It showed efficient antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of S. aureus strains, including MRSA. The presence of putative tail lysin with antimicrobial activity and the stability of KMSP1 under various conditions suggested its potential as a biocontrol agent.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Elliot Whittard, James Redfern, Guoqing Xia, Andrew Millard, Roobinidevi Ragupathy, Sladjana Malic, Mark C. Enright
Summary: This study validates the potential of phage therapy for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections by examining the characteristics and host range of lytic S. aureus phages. Phages with the widest host range and effective killing abilities against various isolates were identified, showing promise as therapeutic candidates for future studies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Hyonoo Joo, Sijia M. Wu, Isha Soni, Caroline Wang-Crocker, Tyson Matern, James Peter Beck, Catherine Loc-Carrillo
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of implant-related infections in the form of biofilms. The heavy use of broad-spectrum antibiotics against these pathogens contributes to the problem of antibiotic-resistant infections. Bacteriophages have the potential to be an alternative therapy.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hoang Minh Duc, Yu Zhang, Hoang Minh Son, Hung-Hsin Huang, Yoshimitsu Masuda, Ken-ichi Honjoh, Takahisa Miyamoto
Summary: In this study, a lytic phage STG2 capable of reducing S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium contaminations on cabbage and various surfaces was characterized. Genomic characterization revealed that phage STG2 does not contain any genes associated to antibiotic resistance, toxins, lysogeny, or virulence factors. Additionally, phage STG2 exhibited great efficacy in reducing both planktonic cells and biofilms on different surfaces.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Eric Brouillette, Guillaume Millette, Suzanne Chamberland, Jean-Pierre Roy, Celine Ster, Tadele Kiros, Stephanie Hickey, Lauren Hittle, Joelle Woolston, Francois Malouin
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus causes chronic mastitis that is difficult to treat with antibiotics. Phage therapy, as an alternative to antibiotics, shows potential in managing mastitis in cows and reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Hua Wen, Wenyuan Zhou, Ying Wu, Yajie Li, Guoqiang Zhu, Zhenwen Zhang, Xuewen Gu, Cuimei Wang, Zhenquan Yang
Summary: This study evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDR S. aureus) isolates and compared the lytic activity of different phages against MDR S. aureus. The results showed that one specific phage, SapYZU15, had excellent lytic activity against MDR S. aureus and could effectively reduce S. aureus contamination in food products.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Houqi Ning, Hong Lin, Jingxue Wang, Xuebing He, Xiaoqian Lv, Lei Ju
Summary: A phage qdsa002 targeting MRSA was isolated and its endolysin Lys84 and domains were purified. Lys84 showed strong lytic activity and effectively removed MRSA biofilms, with the combination of CHAP and Amidase_2 domains exhibiting close to 90% of Lys84's activities.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jumpei Fujiki, Tomohiro Nakamura, Keisuke Nakamura, Keita Nishida, Yurika Amano, Yusaku Watanabe, Satoshi Gondaira, Masaru Usui, Masaru Shimizu, Kazuhiko Miyanaga, Shinya Watanabe, Tomohito Iwasaki, Kotaro Kiga, Tomoko Hanawa, Hidetoshi Higuchi, Teiji Sawa, Yasunori Tanji, Yutaka Tamura, Longzhu Cui, Hidetomo Iwano
Summary: The study assessed the biological stability and clinical potential of Staphylococcus virus Phi SA012. The virus showed a wide host range and efficient lytic activity. Experiments on mice demonstrated the ability of Phi SA012 to spread and accumulate in specific organs without causing inflammation. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of appropriate dosing and administration periods for effective phage therapy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Salim Manoharadas, Naushad Ahmad, Mohammad Altaf, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei, Basel F. Al-Rayes
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of two engineered enzybiotics against a dual biofilm formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The cocktail of proteins showed an additive effect in rapidly disrupting the preformed dual biofilm, resulting in over 90% dispersion within 3 hours of treatment. Furthermore, it effectively reduced bacterial cells embedded in the biofilm matrix by over 90% within the same time frame. This is the first successful use of an engineered enzybiotic cocktail to impede the structural integrity of a dual biofilm.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hua Wen, Lei Yuan, Xuan Li, Jun-hang Ye, Ya-jie Li, Zhen-quan Yang, Wen-yuan Zhou
Summary: Four lytic Staphylococcus aureus phages were isolated from sewage samples in Yangzhou, China, showing effective bactericidal effect against S. aureus isolates. Among them, SapYZU11 exhibited the highest efficacy in lysing all tested strains. These phages maintained stability under various conditions and SapYZU11 demonstrated excellent performance in eradicating MRSA in milk.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SAFETY OF CROPS & FOODS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Viviane C. Oliveira, Ana P. Macedo, Luis D. R. Melo, Silvio B. Santos, Paula R. S. Hermann, Claudia H. Silva-Lovato, Helena F. O. Paranhos, Denise Andrade, Evandro Watanabe
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of five bacteriophages in removing and preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on endotracheal tubes, finding a significant reduction in biofilms, especially in multidrug-resistant strains, after phage treatment. Two phages were selected as cocktail components, showing potential in preventing bacterial colonization on tube surfaces in a dynamic biofilm model.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amel Sami, Imad Elimairi, C. Anthony Ryan, R. Paul Ross, Catherine Stanton
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the smokeless tobacco product Toombak on the body's cortisol response and analyzes the psycho-dependency level of Toombak users. The results show that Toombak users have significantly lower hair cortisol levels compared to non-users, and they exhibit high levels of psycho-dependency and nicotine tolerance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingjie Li, Jiuhong Ding, Catherine Stanton, R. Paul Ross, Jianxin Zhao, Bo Yang, Wei Chen
Summary: In this study, it was found that B. longum subsp. infantis FJSYZ1M3 could alleviate DSS-induced colitis through various mechanisms, including maintaining the intestinal barrier, regulating inflammatory cytokines, and modifying the gut microbiota.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Laura M. O'Connell, Aidan Coffey, Jim M. O'Mahony
Summary: Antibiotic resistance has become a major global health concern, and efforts to develop alternative therapies are lacking in veterinary contexts, despite the agriculture sector being the prominent consumer of antibiotics. This not only increases the risk of resistant infections spreading but also affects animal welfare and global economies. Rapid diagnostics and effective treatment, such as phage therapy, can greatly reduce financial losses associated with chronic diseases in livestock.
ANIMAL HEALTH RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Aoibhin Ryan, Pratikkumar Patel, Poonam Ratrey, Paula M. O'Connor, Julie O'Sullivan, R. Paul Ross, Colin Hill, Sarah P. Hudson
Summary: Chronic wounds have a global impact and their healing is being hindered by antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections like MRSA. A study proposes the use of a lacticin 3147 solid lipid nanoparticle gel as a topical treatment for S. aureus and MRSA wound infections. Encapsulation of lacticin 3147 into solid lipid nanoparticles improved its physicochemical properties and resulted in a long-lasting gel with increased activity against S. aureus.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Colin Buttimer, Ekaterina V. Khokhlova, Lisa Stein, Cara M. Hueston, Bianca Govi, Lorraine A. Draper, R. Paul Ross, Andrey N. Shkoporov, Colin Hill
Summary: This study isolates and characterizes six bacteriophages that can infect Ruminococcus gnavus, a gut microbe associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The phages have a temperate lifestyle and can coexist with the host bacterium without causing a significant reduction in its abundance. Analysis of gut virome data reveals a high abundance of these phages in individuals with IBD. This work provides insight into the interaction between phages and R. gnavus in the human gut microbiome.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Susan Mills, Bo Yang, Graeme J. Smith, Catherine Stanton, R. Paul Ross
Summary: The colonization of Bifidobacterium in the neonatal gut highlights its significance to human health. Bifidobacterium longum is the most abundant species during early stages, but its levels decrease with age and in certain diseases. Research has revealed that B. longum produces bioactive molecules and can impact immune responses in various parts of the body. This review emphasizes the biological and clinical impacts of B. longum throughout different stages of human life, suggesting the need for further research and clinical trials to explore its potential in treating and preventing diseases.
Article
Microbiology
Ivan Sugrue, Daragh Hill, Paula M. O'Connor, Li Day, Catherine Stanton, Colin Hill, R. Paul Ross
Summary: This study describes a new variant of nisin, nisin E, produced by Streptococcus equinus strains isolated from sheep milk. The genome sequencing and analysis revealed similarities to nisin U, but with a unique rearrangement of the core peptide encoding gene. Nisin E showed antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Clostridiodes, and was immune to nisin U. The discovery of nisin E suggests its central role in the competitive nature of S. equinus.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Eleni Kamilari, Catherine Stanton, F. Jerry Reen, R. Paul Ross
Summary: This review highlights the biotechnological importance of the filamentous yeast-like fungus Geotrichum candidum, which is widely used as a starter in the dairy industry. The study found that aside from its role in the dairy and brewing industries, G. candidum has potential as a probiotic nutritional supplement in fish. Additionally, this species produces various biotechnologically important enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, and has bioremediation capabilities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Malgorzata Borowska, Lilit Ispiryan, Emma Neylon, Aylin W. Sahin, Craig P. Murphy, Emanuele Zannini, Elke K. Arendt, Aidan Coffey
Summary: The application of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been investigated for producing low-FODMAP whole-wheat bread, which is recommended for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
David B. Healy, Benjamin Campbell-Green, Vicki Livingstone, C. Anthony Ryan, R. Paul Ross, Catherine Stanton, Eugene M. Dempsey
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined outcome of death and/or severe grade necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm infants before and after the introduction of routine supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics. The results showed a reduction in the composite outcome of severe grade NEC and/or death after the introduction of routine administration of probiotics.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shona Uniacke-Lowe, Fergus W. J. Collins, Colin Hill, R. Paul Ross
Summary: With the increase in antimicrobial resistance, the deep-sea fish microbiome can serve as a potential source of antimicrobials, including bacteriocins. In this study, bacterial isolates recovered from deep-sea fish were screened for antimicrobial activity and their genomic DNA was analyzed for bacteriocin and other antimicrobial metabolite genes. The study identified 147 candidate biosynthetic gene clusters, including 35 bacteriocin clusters, and discovered unique bacteriocin gene clusters encoding novel peptides. This dual approach provided insights into the bacteriocinogenic potential and antimicrobial molecules of the deep-sea isolates.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lauren Walsh, Colin Hill, R. Paul Ross
Summary: This review focuses on the potential effect of glyphosate exposure on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome, highlighting the significance of gut microbiota to health.
Review
Microbiology
Des Field, Miguel Fernandez de Ullivarri, R. Paul Ross, Colin Hill
Summary: Nisin, a highly post-translationally modified peptide, has been extensively studied over the past 100 years. While it has been used successfully as a food preservative, its potent activity against multidrug resistant microbes and potential for therapeutic use in treating bacterial infections has shifted the focus of research towards its biomedical applications. Recent developments have shed light on the biosynthesis, cellular location, and genetic regulation of nisin, and there is growing interest in its potential role in influencing the microbiome and in bioengineering novel variants for biomedical applications.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xinqi Chen, Yang Chen, Catherine Stanton, Reynolds Paul Ross, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Bo Yang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM683 on relieving psoriasis and its underlying patterns. Specifically, the expression of keratin 16, keratin 17, and involucrin were substantially decreased by specific doses of the probiotic. Moreover, the gut microbiota in mice treated with the probiotic was rebalanced and the concentrations of colonic bile acids were positively correlated with the effectiveness of the strain in relieving psoriasis.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kexue Chen, Xingya Zhou, Jianxin Zhao, R. Paul Ross, Catherine Stanton, Wei Chen, Bo Yang
Summary: This study explores the genetic diversity and functional gene features of L. johnsonii through comparative genomic analysis. The results show that L. johnsonii can be classified into two phylogenetic clusters, with differences in carbohydrate utilization genes, bacteriocin operon, extracellular polysaccharide gene cluster, and bile salt hydrolase encoding genes between the clusters.