Article
Environmental Sciences
Cai-Hong Guo, Yu-Qing Liu, Yan Li, Xiao-Xiao Duan, Ting-Yu Yang, Fang-Yu Li, Ming Zou, Bao-Tao Liu
Summary: The widespread presence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and mcr-positive Escherichia coli (MCREC) in large-scale rivers in China poses a significant threat to animal and human health. A study conducted in Shandong Province sampled 86 rivers and found a prevalence of 16.3% for CRE and 27.9% for MCREC. Multiple antibiotic-resistant isolates were obtained, including those carrying blaKPC-2, blaNDM, and mcr-1 genes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ihab Habib, Mohammed Elbediwi, Akela Ghazawi, Mohamed-Yousif Ibrahim Mohamed, Glindya Bhagya Lakshmi, Mushtaq Khan
Summary: Plasmid-borne colistin resistance is a complex public health concern worldwide. This study reports the presence of mcr-1.1-mediated colistin resistance in multidrug-resistant S. Minnesota isolates from retail chicken meat samples in the UAE. The isolates exhibited different patterns of β-lactamase resistance genes and carried an IncX4 plasmid. Further investigation is needed at the national level.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catarina Ferreira, Santosh K. Bikkarolla, Karolin Frykholm, Saga Pohjanen, Margarida Brito, Catarina Lameiras, Olga C. Nunes, Fredrik Westerlund, Celia M. Manaia
Summary: The study tracked carbapenem resistance transmission by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a healthcare facility, finding evidence of vertical transmission of resistance genes among patient isolates.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jan Tkadlec, Alzbeta Kalova, Marie Brajerova, Tereza Gelbicova, Renata Karpiskova, Eva Smelikova, Otakar Nyc, Pavel Drevinek, Marcela Krutova
Summary: The study revealed that mcr-mediated colistin resistance poses little threat to hospitalized patients in Czech healthcare settings. The presence of the mcr-1 gene in the human population is potentially linked to domestically produced, retail meat.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alzbeta Kalova, Tereza Gelbicova, Soren Overballe-Petersen, Eva Litrup, Renata Karpiskova
Summary: This study characterized bacterial strains resistant to colistin in retailed aquaculture products imported from Vietnam to the Czech Republic, with some strains carrying multiple mcr genes on various plasmids. The results suggest that aquaculture products of Asian origin can be an important source of variable plasmids carrying mcr genes.
Article
Microbiology
Victor Band, Sarah W. Satola, Richard D. Smith, David A. Hufnagel, Chris Bower, Andrew B. Conley, Lavanya Rishishwar, Suzanne E. Dale, Dwight J. Hardy, Roberto L. Vargas, Ghinwa Dumyati, Marion A. Kainer, Erin C. Phipps, Rebecca Pierce, Lucy E. Wilson, Matthew Sorensen, Erik Nilsson, I. King Jordan, Eileen M. Burd, Monica M. Farley, Jesse T. Jacob, Robert K. Ernst, David S. Weiss
Summary: The study revealed varying levels of colistin heteroresistance among highly drug-resistant carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), with most heteroresistant isolates being misclassified as colistin susceptible by clinical diagnostic testing. The findings from the 2015 study suggest a high frequency of colistin heteroresistance in CRE.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Olfa Dziri, Raoudha Dziri, Allaaeddin A. El Salabi, Alhussain A. Alawami, Riadh Ksouri, Chedly Chouchani
Summary: This review assessed the epidemiology of polymyxin E-resistant bacteria in Tunisia and neighboring countries, highlighting their high prevalence, genetic factors, and distribution. Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, are the main colistin-resistant bacteria, associated with chromosomal mutations and plasmid-mediated genes. The rapid spread of colistin resistance is driven by various mcr variants and high-risk clones, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and monitoring to minimize the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Raquel Girardello, Carlos Morais Piroupo, Joaquim Martins, Marcia Helena Maffucci, Ana Paula Cury, Maria Renata Gomes Franco, Fernanda de Mello Malta, Natalia Conceicao Rocha, Joao Renato Rebello Pinho, Flavia Rossi, Alberto Jose da Silva Duarte, Joao Carlos Setubal
Summary: Polymyxins are important antibiotics for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. This study characterized colistin-resistant mcr-1-producing strains isolated from human infections in a Brazilian hospital over one year. The mcr-1-producing E. coli isolates had low MICs for colistin and showed diversity in MLST classification. Further genomic surveillance is needed to understand plasmid dissemination.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xue Zhang, Fen Qu, Wei Jia, Bin Huang, Bin Shan, Hua Yu, Yiwei Tang, Liang Chen, Hong Du
Summary: This study found that despite the lack of exposure to polymyxins, 3.8% of CRE were resistant to polymyxins in China. Both chromosomal and plasmid-encoded mechanisms of resistance were identified in resistant isolates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hakeam A. Hakeam, Hala Alsahli, Lama Albabtain, Shahad Alassaf, Zainab Al Duhailib, Sahar Althawadi
Summary: In patients with CRE bacteremia, ceftazidime-avibactam was associated with a lower risk of 14-day mortality compared to colistin, and had a higher clinical success rate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zunfang Tu, Ju Gu, Haoyu Zhang, Jinxin Liu, Junrui Shui, Anyun Zhang
Summary: The study found that the withdrawal of colistin reduced the incidence of IncX4-type plasmids carrying the mcr-1 gene, but had limited effects on unrelated antibiotic resistance genes.
Article
Biology
Akshay Sabnis, Katheryn L. H. Hagart, Anna Klockner, Michele Becce, Lindsay E. Evans, R. Christopher D. Furniss, Despoina A. Mavridou, Ronan Murphy, Molly M. Stevens, Jane C. Davies, Gerald J. Larrouy-Maumus, Thomas B. Clarke, Andrew M. Edwards
Summary: Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic with poor efficacy due to growing resistance. Recent research has shown that colistin exerts bactericidal activity by targeting lipopolysaccharide in the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria. These findings offer insight into novel approaches for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valentina Laverde-Rojas, Yamil Liscano, Sandra Patricia Rivera-Sanchez, Ivan Dario Ocampo-Ibanez, Yeiston Betancourt, Maria Jose Alhajj, Cristhian J. Yarce, Constain H. Salamanca, Jose Onate-Garzon
Summary: Colistin is a re-emergent antibiotic peptide used to combat multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, but the spread of colistin-resistant strains has become a global public health concern. Nanotechnology strategies have been successfully applied to combat antibiotic resistance. Nanoliposomes coated with highly deacetylated chitosan and colistin were found to enhance antimicrobial activity against susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but not against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Interestingly, free coated nanoliposomes exhibited consistent antibacterial activity against both sensitive and multidrug-resistant strains. Simulation studies revealed weak association of colistin with zwitterionic phospholipid micelles.
Article
Microbiology
Widad Chelaghma, Lotfi Loucif, Mourad Bendahou, Jean-Marc Rolain
Summary: Antibacterial resistance is a major threat to global public health, with the emergence of resistance among Gram-negative bacteria being a serious concern. These bacteria are increasing not only in hospital settings but also in other sources like vegetables and fruit. Fresh produce, popular for its consumption in healthy diets, can also serve as a source of foodborne disease and a reservoir for antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Majid Taati Moghadam, Ali Mojtahedi, Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghaddam, Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi, Reza Mirnejad
Summary: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers are looking for alternatives with antimicrobial properties, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can fight against different resistant bacteria through various mechanisms.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Michelli dos Santos, Thaiz Rodrigues Teixeira, Felipe Rocha da Silva Santos, William Gustavo Lima, Ariane Coelho Ferraz, Nathalia Lucca Silva, Flavio Jose Leite, Joao Maximo Siqueira, Walter Luyten, Ana Hortencia Fonseca de Castro, Jose Carlos de Magalhaes, Jaqueline Maria Siqueira Ferreira
Summary: The study found that Bauhinia holophylla has promising anti-dengue activity, mainly attributed to the presence of flavonoids.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Larissa Gabriela Ferreira de Carvalho, William Gustavo Lima, Luiz Gonzaga Vaz Coelho, Valbert Nascimento Cardoso, Simone Odilia Antunes Fernandes
Summary: Circulating leptin levels may help differentiate between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
William G. Lima, Julio C. M. Brito, Waleska S. da Cruz Nizer
Summary: The emergence of the novel coronavirus has become a major international concern, with no specific antivirals available. Apitherapy offers promise as a potential source of treatment or prevention for COVID-19.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Cesar Quadros Maia, William Gustavo Lima, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer, Jaqueline Maria Siqueira Ferreira
Summary: The overall incidence rate of epilepsy in children with CZS was estimated to be around 60%, with epileptic spasms being the primary seizure type. The frequency of epilepsy varied with age, and the response rate to anti-epileptic drugs was low. This suggests a high cumulative incidence of epilepsy episodes with increased severity in children with CZS due to extensive damage caused by the Zika virus on cortical structures.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
William Gustavo Lima, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Maria Elena de Lima, Amanda Cristina Silva Tardelli Pizarro, Maria Auxiliadora Martins de Mello Vianna, Magna Cristina de Paiva, Debora Cristina Sampaio de Assis, Valbert Nascimento Cardoso, Simone Odilia Antunes Fernandes
Summary: The study found that the synthetic peptide LyeTx I mn Delta K, based on the venom of the wolf spider, showed significant antibacterial activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and acted synergistically with meropenem and colistin. The peptide demonstrated low cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, but its antibacterial efficacy was reduced in the presence of serum and trypsin.
JOURNAL OF ANTIBIOTICS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, William Gustavo Lima, Lidia Pereira B. Cordeiro, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer
Summary: This systematic review demonstrates the antiviral activity of quercetin-type flavonols against lower respiratory tract viruses, showing reduced mortality rate and viral load in infected animals. It also reveals the impact of quercetin and its derivatives on reducing inflammatory markers, mucus production, and airway resistance. Overall, supplementation with quercetin-type flavonols presents a promising strategy for treating viral-induced lower respiratory tract infections.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Mycology
William Gustavo Lima, Marcelo Gonzaga Freitas Araujo, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Rachel Oliveira Castilho, Valbert Nascimento Cardoso, Simone Odilia Antunes Fernandes
Summary: The study found that the hydroethanolic extract of Fridericia chica leaves has antifungal effects against Candida albicans and Candida krusei, and can effectively treat vulvovaginal candidosis, showing potential therapeutic value against fungal vaginal infections.
JOURNAL DE MYCOLOGIE MEDICALE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
William Gustavo Lima, Francisco Leandro Batista Filho, Iasmin Pinheiro Lima, Daniela Carolina Simiao, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer, Valbert Nascimento Cardoso, Simone Odilia Antunes Fernandes
Summary: In this study, we demonstrated that melittin, derived from honeybee venom, has in vitro and in vivo antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against uropathogenic Escherichia coli resistant to quinolones. Melittin showed rapid and potent bactericidal effect against a quinolone-resistant and ESBL-producing UPEC strain, and it was able to decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration of ceftizoxime by forming pores in the membrane. Furthermore, melittin disrupted mature biofilms and inhibited the adhesion of UPEC to urethral catheter surfaces.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Marina Pereira Rocha, Juliana Mendes Amorim, William Gustavo Lima, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer
Summary: Honey and propolis have been found to be more effective than acyclovir in treating cold sores and genital herpes.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
William Gustavo Lima, Cesar Quadros Maia, Thayane Santos de Carvalho, Gustavo Oliveira Leite, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Isabella Piassi Dias Godoi, Maria Elena de Lima, Jaqueline Maria Siqueira Ferreira
Summary: Peptides derived from animal venoms show promising antiviral activity against arboviruses. These peptides, obtained from the venom of scorpions, spiders, wasps, snakes, sea snails, and frogs, were tested against DENV, ZIKV, YFV, WNV, and CHIKV. Their antiviral activity appears to be associated with positive charges, an excess of basic amino acids (mainly lysine), and a high isoelectric point. Peptides use different antiviral mechanisms, such as inhibiting viral replication, release, entry, or fusion. Some peptides also have virucidal and cytoprotective effects.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
William Gustavo Lima, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer, Debora Cristina Sampaio de Assis
Summary: The study demonstrates that Aroeira honey exhibits strong antifungal activity against Candida species, including the ability to break down biofilms formed by these yeasts. It reverses the resistance profile of Candida strains and shows synergistic effects with commercial antifungal agents. Therefore, Aroeira honey is considered a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of superficial candidiasis.
BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
William Gustavo Lima, Maria Elena de Lima
Summary: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) have become a public health emergency and the development of new antimicrobials against MDR-Ab is crucial. Animal venom-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show promising activity against MDR-Ab infections in vivo and have pleiotropic effects that aid in treating infections. Animal venom-derived AMPs have the potential to be prototype molecules for the development of new therapeutic agents against MDR-Ab.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jessica T. Andrade, William G. Lima, Camila S. Barbosa, Alessandra M. M. N. Goncalves, Mayra K. P. Silva, Fernanda B. Morais, Juliana M. C. Palumbo, Gustavo H. R. Viana, Jaqueline M. S. Ferreira
Summary: The study demonstrated that among seven synthetic 3-alkylpyridine alkaloid analogs, alkaloid 1 exhibited potent antifungal activity against various Candida species independently of its binding with fungal membrane ergosterol or cell wall. This suggests alkaloid 1 could be a prototype for the development of new anti-Candida agents, although molecular modifications are needed to reduce its high cytotoxicity against mammalian cells.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, William Gustavo Lima, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer
Summary: COVID-19 is a viral disease that affects multiple human organs and systems. Chemoprophylactic potential of quercetin against SARS-CoV-2 has been studied, showing inhibition of virus entry and potential inhibitory effects on the main protease Mpro. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Review
Virology
William Gustavo Lima, Rosangela Santos Pereira, Waleska Stephanie da Cruz Nizer, Julio Cesar Moreira Brito, Isabella Piassi Godoi, Valbert Nascimento Cardoso, Simone Odilia Antunes Fernandes, Jaqueline Maria Siqueira Ferreira
Summary: Mayaro fever, caused by Mayaro virus, is a neglected disease transmitted by arthropods. Brazil has the highest number of confirmed cases, with the majority of cases located in the northern region, especially in the Legal Amazon. Decentralized surveillance studies in Brazil focus on small outbreaks and unconfirmed cases of MAYV infection.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
