Article
Microbiology
Jordy Evan Sulaiman, Lexin Long, Pei-Yuan Qian, Henry Lam
Summary: Elasnin, a newly reported antibiofilm agent, has been found to have superior activity in eradicating daptomycin-resistant MRSA strain biofilms compared to the wild type. This study highlights the lower expression of key proteins involved in pathogenesis and cell adhesion in the daptomycin-resistant strain, leading to weaker biofilm development. Elasnin shows great potential for clinical use in settings with daptomycin-resistant strains and biofilm formation.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Migle Ziemyte, Miguel Carda-Dieguez, Juan C. Rodriguez-Diaz, Maria P. Ventero, Alex Mira, Maria D. Ferrer
Summary: Biofilm formation and the emergence of persister cells with low metabolic rates are critical factors contributing to treatment failure and antibiotic resistance. Study on 13 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains revealed that exposure to certain antibiotics induced persister cells, while mannitol was found to prevent persister cell formation and enhance antibiotic susceptibility. These findings suggest that combination therapy with mannitol and antibiotics could be a potential strategy to eradicate biofilms and overcome antibiotic resistance.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
She Pengfei, Liu Yaqian, Xu Lanlan, Li Zehao, Li Yimin, Liu Shasha, Li Linhui, Yang Yifan, Zhou Linying, Wu Yong
Summary: This study identified a small molecule, L007-0069, that exhibits strong bactericidal activity against highly resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The mechanism of action involves membrane disruption and metabolic disorder induction. L007-0069 also showed effective anti-MRSA effects in vivo.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yuanyuan Gao, Zhongyu Chen, Wei Yao, Daliang Li, Xinmiao Fu
Summary: The study demonstrates that treatment with gentamicin under hypoionic shock conditions effectively kills bacterial pathogens in aquaculture, providing a potential solution for controlling bacterial infections in aquatic animals.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ho-Ting-Venice Iu, Pak-Ming Fong, Hin-Cheung-Bill Yam, Peng Gao, Bingpeng Yan, Pok-Man Lai, Victor-Yat-Man Tang, Ka-Ho Li, Chi-Wang Ma, King-Hei-Kenneth Ng, Kong-Hung Sze, Dan Yang, Julian Davies, Richard-Yi-Tsun Kao
Summary: Antibiotic tolerance poses a threat as it allows bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment, leading to persistent and difficult-to-treat infections. This can result in antibiotic treatment failure and impose a burden on the healthcare system. The study identified a small molecule compound, SA-558, that effectively targets antibiotic-tolerant Staphylococcus aureus and reduces their population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guoxing Wei, Yun He
Summary: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common antibiotic-resistant bacterium that causes serious infections and forms biofilms, rendering traditional antibiotics ineffective. Lugdunin and its analogues cyclic peptide-11 and cyclic peptide-14 have shown antimicrobial activity against MRSA biofilms and clinical MRSA, without toxicity or resistance development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Trenten J. Theis, Trevor A. Daubert, Kennedy E. Kluthe, Kenan L. Brodd, Austin S. Nuxoll
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infections are mainly caused by persister cells, which exhibit tolerance to antibiotics. This may explain why biofilm infections are often chronic or relapsing.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Leslie Landemaine, Gregory Da Costa, Elsa Fissier, Carine Francis, Stanislas Morand, Jonathan Verbeke, Marie-Laure Michel, Romain Briandet, Harry Sokol, Audrey Gueniche, Dominique Bernard, Jean-Marc Chatel, Luc Aguilar, Philippe Langella, Cecile Clavaud, Mathias L. Richard
Summary: This study demonstrates that Staphylococcus epidermidis strains originating from healthy skin and atopic skin have different effects. Strains from atopic skin alter the structure of a 3D reconstructed skin model, while strains from healthy skin do not. The metabolites produced by strains from healthy skin can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, while strains from atopic skin cannot.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natsu Aoyama, Hideyuki Kanematsu, Dana M. Barry, Hidekazu Miura, Akiko Ogawa, Takeshi Kogo, Risa Kawai, Takeshi Hagio, Nobumitsu Hirai, Takehito Kato, Michiko Yoshitake, Ryoichi Ichino
Summary: Biofilms, composed of bacteria, are formed on material surfaces due to bacterial activity. They provide an environment conducive to bacterial growth and propagation, and are resistant to disinfectants and antibiotics. This study investigates the potential application of alternating electromagnetic fields for biofilm control and finds that the combination of bacteria type, material, and low-frequency electromagnetic fields can change the circumstances of biofilm suppression.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fernando Oliveira, Tania Lima, Alexandra Correia, Ana Margarida Silva, Cristina Soares, Simone Morais, Samira Weisselberg, Manuel Vilanova, Holger Rohde, Nuno Cerca
Summary: This study addressed for the first time the underlying mechanisms of siderophore production in Staphylococcus epidermidis, highlighting the importance of siderophore-mediated iron acquisition under host relevant conditions and its contribution to survival within the host.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Aubin Souche, Camille Kolenda, Jordan Teoli, Raymond Schuch, Tristan Ferry, Frederic Laurent, Jerome Josse
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of the lysin exebacase against Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. It found that exebacase significantly reduced the biomass and bacterial count of S. epidermidis biofilms, and exhibited synergistic effects with rifampicin, vancomycin, or daptomycin. These findings suggest that exebacase could be a promising therapy for prosthetic joint infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Minyoung Kim, Jada S. McMahon, Julianna M. Nerone, Luciana H. Skinner, Guy K. German, Claudia N. H. Marques
Summary: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by susceptibility to infection and inflammation, as well as skin dysbiosis and ceramide deficiency. The study investigates the impact of AD conditions on S. aureus resilience and finds that the viability of non-dominant bacterial species is affected in both healthy and AD conditions. The results show that S. epidermidis increases S. aureus resilience to sphingosine in biofilms, potentially enhancing the pathogen's recalcitrance in AD skin.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Alekseevna Ovcharova, Olga Vyacheslavovna Geraskina, Natalya Dmitrievna Danilova, Ekaterina Alexandrovna Botchkova, Sergey Vladislavovich Martyanov, Alexey Valeryevich Feofanov, Vladimir Konstantinovich Plakunov, Andrei Vladislavovich Gannesen
Summary: The study showed the regulatory effect of human ANP on skin microbe dual-species communities, indicating its potential to alter microbiota homeostasis on the skin.
Article
Immunology
Pornpimol Phuengmaung, Wimonrat Panpetch, Uthaibhorn Singkham-In, Tanittha Chatsuwan, Chintana Chirathaworn, Asada Leelahavanichkul
Summary: SE > CT biofilms prominently induced biofilm matrix, fungemia, macrophage responses, and sepsis severity, whereas the microbial burdens were lower than in the single-organism biofilms. All biofilms were attenuated by l-cysteine.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Vania Gaio, Nathalie Lopes, Nuno Cerca, Angela Franca
Summary: The research indicates that the formation of VBNC cells in Staphylococcus epidermidis is independent of the mode of growth, and the genes codY and pdhA seem to be relevant for the regulation of this physiological condition.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia C. Rosas, Trevor Lithgow
Summary: The cell envelope of bacteria is essential for their survival and adaptation. The process of membrane remodelling is closely linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Understanding the biogenesis and turnover of bacterial membrane proteins is crucial in comprehending bacterial membrane remodelling and its role in the evolution of AMR phenotypes. This fundamental knowledge provides a new perspective for sustainable solutions in combating the AMR crisis.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher J. Stubenrauch, Rebecca S. Bamert, Jiawei Wang, Trevor Lithgow
Summary: This research reveals that efflux pumps are more widespread in bacteria than previously recognized. The study also provides insights into the assembly pathway of these pumps, which have implications for the acquisition of efflux pumps in bacterial species and the development of new antimicrobial compounds that target these pumps.
Article
Microbiology
Laura Perlaza-Jimenez, Kher-Shing Tan, Sarah J. Piper, Rachel M. Johnson, Rebecca S. Bamert, Christopher J. Stubenrauch, Alexander Wright, David Lupton, Trevor Lithgow, Matthew J. Belousoff
Summary: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major threat to human health, and its treatment often requires the use of last-line antibiotics like linezolid. This study identified linezolid-resistant mutants in MRSA strains and found that mutations in the ribosomal protein uL3 were responsible for the resistance. Cryo-electron microscopic analysis revealed structural rearrangements in the ribosome caused by these mutations.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Giancarlo Spano, Eric Buffle, Laura Naemi Walti, Maks Mihalj, David R. Cameron, Michele Martinelli, Monika Fuerholz, Yok-Ai Que, Christopher Hayward, David Reineke, Lukas Hunziker, Bruno Schnegg
Summary: In this study, the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of infections in VAD patients were investigated, and no predictive factors for infection during VAD support were identified. Therefore, diabetes, renal insufficiency, age, or high BMI are not sufficient to deny a patient access to ventricular support.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Kelly A. Cairns, Iain J. Abbott, Michael J. Dooley, Anton Y. Peleg, Trisha N. Peel, Andrew A. Udy
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether daptomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), including dose adjustment, improves the clinical outcomes of adult patients with Gram-positive infections. A systematic review found no studies exploring the efficacy of routine daptomycin TDM in comparison with fixed dosing regimens. Further well-designed, comparative studies are needed to determine the role of daptomycin TDM in patients with Gram-positive infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Iain J. Abbott, Elke van Gorp, Hugh Cottingham, Nenad Macesic, Steven C. Wallis, Jason A. Roberts, Joseph Meletiadis, Anton Y. Peleg
Summary: The study found that high-dose oral ciprofloxacin therapy (750 mg 12 hourly) has good antibacterial activity against ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli, especially with ciprofloxacin MIC <= 1 mg/L.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Kelly A. Cairns, Andrew A. Udy, Trisha N. Peel, Iain J. Abbott, Michael J. Dooley, Anton Y. Peleg
Summary: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a common cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs) with high morbidity and mortality rates. The management of VRE BSI presents significant challenges, including drug dosing, resistance emergence, and optimal treatment strategies. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) shows promise in predicting drug toxicity for VRE-active agents, but there is limited evidence for predicting antimicrobial efficacy for VRE BSIs. This article provides an overview of treatment options, the role of TDM in clinical infection management, and future challenges and perspectives.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Micaela Mossop, Luca Robinson, Jhih-Hang Jiang, Anton Y. Peleg, Luke Blakeway, Nenad Macesic, Audrey Perry, Stephen Bourke, Fatima R. Ulhuq, Tracy Palmer
Summary: One third of CF patients in the UK are co-infected with both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which contribute to lung tissue destruction and respiratory failure. This study aims to characterize twenty-five clinical S. aureus isolates from CF patients, including those with mono- and coinfection with P. aeruginosa, using molecular and phenotypic tools.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Trevor Lithgow, Christopher J. Stubenrauch, Michael P. H. Stumpf
Summary: Recent studies using advanced imaging techniques have provided new insights into bacterial cell surfaces, including single-cell heterogeneity, drug sensitivity, and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Nanoscale imaging has allowed for the construction of topographical maps, revealing distinct zones and specific features that can uniquely identify each cell. Functional assembly precincts for protein insertion into the membrane have been mapped, as well as suggested lipid-assembly precincts from discrete lipopolysaccharide patches.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Xenia Kostoulias, Christina C. Chang, Jessica Wisniewski, Iain J. Abbott, Helen Zisis, Amanda Dennison, Denis W. Spelman, Anton Y. Peleg
Summary: We investigated the effectiveness of ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) in a high-risk population for antimicrobial resistance, specifically patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and lung transplantation (LTx). Out of 163 clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected from a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, 81.6% were susceptible to C/T. Among the multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) isolates, C/T showed susceptibility in 88.3% and 28.1% of cases, respectively. In conclusion, C/T maintained its activity against a significant portion of MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa isolates from CF and post-LTx patients.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Yashpal Ramakrishnaiah, Nenad Macesic, Geoffrey I. Webb, Anton Y. Peleg, Sonika Tyagi
Summary: The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) has created opportunities for predicting clinical outcomes and improving patient care. However, non-standardized data representations and anomalies present major challenges in digital health research. To address these challenges, we have developed EHR-QC, a tool with two modules: data standardization and preprocessing. We believe that the development and adoption of tools like EHR-QC are critical for advancing digital health.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jipan Yi, Yao Sun, Chenghong Zeng, Xenia Kostoulias, Yue Qu
Summary: Biofilm formation is crucial for fungal pathogens to cause keratitis in patients wearing contact lenses. However, current contact lens care systems and solutions do not specifically target fungal biofilms. This review aims to explore the link between fungal biofilms and contact lens-associated fungal keratitis, and enhance our understanding of its importance in infection pathogenesis and persistence.
Article
Microbiology
Yue Qu, David McGiffin, Lina Duque Sanchez, Thomas Gengenbach, Chris Easton, Helmut Thissen, Anton Y. Peleg
Summary: This study comprehensively assessed the anti-biofilm capability of the Carbothane driveline against leading microorganisms causing VAD driveline infections and explored its physicochemical characteristics. The Carbothane driveline demonstrated anti-biofilm activity, and the surface characteristics may explain its ability to inhibit biofilm formation.
Review
Microbiology
Jhih-Hang Jiang, David R. Cameron, Cara Nethercott, Marta Aires-de-Sousa, Anton Y. Peleg
Summary: This review focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the establishment and maintenance of current, dominant MRSA lineages across the globe. Factors that influence MRSA's ability to colonize and cause disease within a host are discussed, with an emphasis on colonization and niche adaptation. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to the development of targeted therapies.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)