Article
Food Science & Technology
Kai Wen Choo, Liang Mao, Azlin Mustapha
Summary: This study isolated a novel Escherichia phage, CAM-21, from a dairy farm environment. CAM-21 showed targeted host specificity towards various serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli O157:H7. The phage was effective in controlling the bacterial counts in milk, ground beef, and baby spinach.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Khashayar Shahin, Hongduo Bao, Shujiao Zhu, Abbas Soleimani-Delfan, Tao He, Mojtaba Mansoorianfar, Ran Wang
Summary: This study identified and characterized three highly effective antibacterial phages with stable bacteriolytic activity under different conditions. These phages exhibited extensive lytic effects on a wide range of E. coli strains, including pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant ones. Food testing confirmed that the phage cocktail was able to completely inhibit the growth of E. coli in food matrices, making them ideal candidates for further development as bio-control agents for E. coli in food production.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lan Yao, Yinli Bao, Jiangang Hu, Beibei Zhang, Zhiyang Wang, Xinyu Wang, Weiqi Guo, Di Wang, Jingjing Qi, Mingxing Tian, Yanqing Bao, Haihua Li, Shaohui Wang
Summary: This study isolated and purified a lytic avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) phage designated as PEC9 from chicken farm feces samples. PEC9 exhibited strong lytic activity and inhibitory ability against biofilm formation, and it could effectively inhibit bacterial growth. The therapeutic effects of PEC9 were confirmed in a mice model, with improved survival rate and reduced bacterial loads and organ lesions. These findings suggest that PEC9 may be a promising alternative to antibiotics in the control of APEC infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sherita Li, Haley M. Konoval, Samantha Marecek, Amanda A. Lathrop, Sofia Feng, Siroj Pokharel
Summary: The use of lytic bacteriophages and lactic acid as antimicrobials can result in a reduced risk of E. coli O157:H7 on the surface of pork loins.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Akiyo Suga, Marina Kawaguchi, Tetsuro Yonesaki, Yuichi Otsuka
Summary: This study identified key amino acid residues important for the interaction between gp37 protein in the distal tip (DT) region of T4 long tail fibers and OmpC of Escherichia coli, shedding light on the mechanism underlying phage host specificity. The results suggest that the shapes of both proteins at the binding interface play crucial roles in their interactions. Multiple phage mutants capable of adsorbing to various E. coli receptors were successfully isolated using a mutant T4 phage library with artificial modifications in the DT region, providing a basis for altering host specificity in phage therapy development.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ana C. Maganha de Almeida Kumlien, Clara Perez-Vega, Edgar Gonzalez-Villalobos, Carles M. Borrego, Jose Luis Balcazar
Summary: In this study, the complete genome of a new member of the Tequatrovirus genus, Escherichia phage vB_EcoM_C2-3, is presented. This phage has distinct features with an isometric head and a contractile tail, and its genome contains predicted genes encoding functional proteins. No lysogeny-related or antibiotic resistance genes were found. The results indicate the potential value of this phage as a biocontrol agent, as it exhibited lytic activity against E. coli, including multidrug-resistant strains.
Article
Virology
Pan Fu, Qiang Zhao, Li Shi, Qin Xiong, Zijing Ren, Hongxia Xu, Senmao Chai, Qianqian Xu, Xiaodong Sun, Ming Sang
Summary: This study isolated and characterized two new bacteriophages capable of infecting multidrug-resistant E. coli, demonstrating rapid replication, high stability, and no obvious cytotoxicity. These phages show potential as therapeutic candidates for treating multidrug-resistant E. coli in the future.
Article
Microbiology
Marianne Nicolas, Angelina Trotereau, Antoine Culot, Arshnee Moodley, Robert Atterbury, Jeroen Wagemans, Rob Lavigne, Philippe Velge, Catherine Schouler
Summary: Colibacillosis, the most common bacterial disease affecting poultry, is primarily treated with antibiotics. However, the rise of multidrug-resistant avian-pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) necessitates the exploration of alternative treatments, such as phage therapy. This study isolates and characterizes 19 genetically diverse coliphages, and demonstrates their efficacy in controlling APEC infections in ovo.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Do-Won Park, Jong-Hyun Park
Summary: In this study, a novel phage-derived depolymerase Dpo10 targeting the lipopolysaccharides of E. coli O157 was characterized, purified, and applied. Dpo10 showed potential as an anti-biofilm agent against E. coli O157:H7 strain by inhibiting biofilm formation and enhancing complement-mediated serum lysis activity against the bacteria.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rafael Tabla, Antonia Gomez, Jose Emilio Rebollo, Felipe Molina, Isidro Roa
Summary: This study found that using a cocktail of four selected coliphages can effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli in cheese and reduce early blowing of cheese. In addition to reducing E. coli growth at the beginning of fermentation, treatment with phages also significantly decreased the number of cheese eyes and the area occupied by gas holes in cheese slices during cheese ripening.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lindsey W. W. McGee, Yazid Barhoush, Rafaella Shima, Miette Hennessy
Summary: Bacteriophage therapy in combination with antibiotics shows potential in overcoming antibiotic resistance. This study examines the effects of phage resistance mutations on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. Results reveal that phage-resistant mutants maintain resistance to other phages and some display trade-offs between phage and antibiotic resistance. Surprisingly, some mutants exhibit synergistic pleiotropy, leading to increased antibiotic resistance. This study highlights the importance of selective pressures and pleiotropic interactions in phage-antibiotic combinatorial therapy.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Agnieszka Necel, Sylwia Bloch, Bozena Nejman-Falenczyk, Aleksandra Dydecka, Gracja Topka-Bielecka, Alicja Wegrzyn, Grzegorz Wegrzyn
Summary: This study proposes a validation system for selecting bacteriophages against STEC contamination, and conducts model experiments to explore their potential applications. The results show that bacteriophage vB_Eco4M-7 has a certain bactericidal effect on STEC, but caution should be taken due to the appearance of phage-resistant bacteria.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yu Tong Lu, Yvonne Ma, Catherine W. Y. Wong, Siyun Wang
Summary: This study explored the host ranges, genome compositions, and efficacy of bacteriophages against Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and identified phages suitable for the food industry, contributing to the development of future biocontrol methods. The research found that the phages showed stability at different pH and temperature levels, and effectively reduced the populations of STEC in liquid culture and on fresh Romaine lettuce.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Bednarek, Agata Cena, Wioleta Izak, Joanna Bigos, Malgorzata Lobocka
Summary: P1 is a model temperate myovirus that infects different Enterobacteriaceae and can develop lytically or form lysogens. It has unique cell lysis-associated genes, including holins and pinholins, that cooperate with the SAR-endolysin of P1 in cell lysis. The contribution of holins/pinholins to cell lysis varies depending on the host and growth conditions of P1. The complex lytic system facilitates P1 adaptation to various hosts and their growth conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Pavel Alexyuk, Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy, Madina Alexyuk, Kuralay Akanova, Yergali Moldakhanov, Vladimir Berezin
Summary: This study investigated six lytic E. coli bacteriophages isolated from wastewater, which showed the ability to suppress the growth of pathogenic E. coli strains. These bacteriophages had a wide host range, and a cocktail formed from them exhibited long storage period and high efficiency in treating bacterial infections.
Article
Microbiology
Attika Rehman, Julie Jeukens, Roger C. Levesque, Iain L. Lamont
Summary: This study revealed the epistatic interactions among multiple mutation genes contribute to ciprofloxacin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By using gene mutation information, antibiotic susceptibility profiles were correctly predicted for the majority of isolates. The unsuccessful predictions for resistant isolates suggest the involvement of additional unidentified genes and mutations in resistance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fadi Soukarieh, Alaa Mashabi, William Richardson, Eduard Vico Oton, Manuel Romero, Shaun N. Roberston, Scott Grossman, Tomas Sou, Ruiling Liu, Nigel Halliday, Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj, Roger C. Levesque, Christel A. S. Bergstrom, Barrie Kellam, Jonas Emsley, Stephan Heeb, Paul Williams, Michael J. Stocks, Miguel Camara
Summary: This study identified and optimized PqsR antagonists using virtual screening and whole cell assay validation, with compound 61 showing potential as a potent PqsR inhibitor. Compound 61 reduced virulence traits in various strains of P. aeruginosa and enhanced the effect of ciprofloxacin in treating biofilms and infections in Galleria mellonella. These findings suggest compound 61 as a promising lead for developing P. aeruginosa quorum sensing inhibitors for preclinical development.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Camille Cavestri, Patricia Savard, Ismail Fliss, Jean-Guillaume Emond-Rheault, Jeremie Hamel, Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj, Brian Boyle, France Daigle, Danielle Malo, Sadjia Bekal, Linda J. Harris, Roger C. Levesque, Lawrence Goodridge, Gisele LaPointe
Summary: This study evaluated the survival capability of high and low virulence Salmonella strains in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. Results showed that high virulence strains had a significantly better survival rate, possibly due to their enhanced acid and bile resistance.
Review
Microbiology
Alfred Ke, Valeria R. Parreira, Lawrence Goodridge, Jeffrey M. Farber
Summary: Cronobacter species, particularly C. sakazakii, pose a risk of severe illness in infants, with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics showing potential efficacy in reducing invasive Cronobacter infections during early infancy.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Samuel J. T. Wardell, Jeff Gauthier, Lois W. Martin, Marianne Potvin, Ben Brockway, Roger C. Levesque, Iain L. Lamont
Summary: Using genomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic approaches, the study compared multiple isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected more than 20 years apart during a chronic infection in a cystic fibrosis patient. The results showed a genetic bottleneck followed by diversification of the bacteria during evolution in the lung, leading to increased antibiotic resistance and altered gene expression patterns. This comprehensive analysis helps explain the adaptive changes P. aeruginosa undergoes during chronic lung infections in CF patients.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ruimin Gao, Hongsheng Huang, Jeremie Hamel, Roger C. Levesque, Lawrence D. Goodridge, Dele Ogunremi
Summary: In this study, a new sequencing method was developed to assess the pathogenicity potential of Salmonella by detecting and analyzing 227 virulence genes. The study found that common serovars causing foodborne illnesses had a high number of virulence genes, while serovars not commonly associated with human illnesses had fewer virulence genes. Variable virulence genes displayed considerable sequence variation and were linked to strain pathogenicity.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Jemaneh Habtewold, David McCarthy, Edward McBean, Ilya Law, Larry Goodridge, Marc Habash, Heather M. Murphy
Summary: Three field experiments were conducted in Ontario, Canada to study wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 using passive samplers. Membrane filters were found to linearly accumulate the virus up to 48 hours, making them a cost-effective option for detecting virus levels in wastewater for up to two days.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brigitte Cadieux, Opeyemi U. Lawal, Jean-Guillaume Emond-Rheault, Julie Jeukens, Luca Freschi, Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj, Roger C. Levesque, John W. Austin, Lawrence Goodridge
Summary: Clostridium botulinum is a pathogen responsible for severe food-borne intoxication. This study reports the draft genome sequences of two C. botulinum strains and reveals the presence of multiple similar mobile genetic elements.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Catherine Beliveau, Patrick Gagne, Sandrine Picq, Oksana Vernygora, Christopher Keeling, Kristine Pinkney, Daniel Doucet, Fayuan Wen, J. Spencer Johnston, Halim Maaroufi, Brian Boyle, Jerome Laroche, Ken Dewar, Nikoleta Juretic, Gwylim Blackburn, Audrey Nisole, Bryan Brunet, Marcelo Brandao, Lisa Lumley, Jun Duan, Guoxing Quan, Christopher J. Lucarotti, Amanda D. Roe, Felix A. H. Sperling, Roger C. Levesque, Michel Cusson
Summary: Insects, such as the spruce budworm, have developed antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to survive harsh winter conditions. A study on the genome of the budworm found that the genes responsible for AFPs were present in other related species as well, suggesting a common origin. The study also identified a zonadhesin-like protein that may have served as a precursor to tortricid AFPs.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Alfred Ke, Valeria R. Parreira, Jeffrey M. Farber, Lawrence Goodridge
Summary: The study finds that the combination of probiotics and prebiotics can inhibit the contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula (PIF), preventing severe illnesses in infants. The combination may inhibit the growth of C. sakazakii through the production of antimicrobial metabolites, increasing species diversity, or a combination of mechanisms. Additionally, the native gut microbiota may also play a role in inhibiting C. sakazakii.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mara C. Goodyear, Nicole E. Garnier, Roger C. Levesque, Cezar M. Khursigara
Summary: This study investigated the antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, showing that the Liverpool epidemic strain (LES) isolates exhibit high levels of resistance, especially when forming biofilms, which could have implications for improved treatments for P. aeruginosa infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher Ruis, Aaron Weimann, Gerry Tonkin-Hill, Arun Prasad Pandurangan, Marta Matuszewska, Gemma G. R. Murray, Roger C. Levesque, Tom L. Blundell, R. Andres Floto, Julian Parkhill
Summary: The study reveals that mutagens and defects in DNA repair can generate context-specific mutational signatures in bacteria, similar to the findings in cancer cells. By reconstructing mutational spectra and analyzing bacterial lineages, the researchers identified mutational patterns associated with DNA repair defects and niche-specific mutagens. These mutational signatures were found to be influenced by both bacterial phylogeny and replication niche. The results suggest that mutational spectra can be used to infer transmission routes for bacterial pathogens.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kira L. Goff, Jeff Gauthier, Steven M. Shideler, Tyson Bookout, Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj, Shawn Lewenza, Roger C. Levesque
Summary: We present the draft genomes of seven bacterial strains isolated from environmental water samples from oil sands tailings ponds.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Steven Shideler, John Headley, Jeff Gauthier, Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj, Roger C. Levesque, Shawn Lewenza
Summary: The complete genome sequence of strain OST1909 from a Pseudomonas species recovered from oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) has been reported. The genome size is 6,306,352 bp with a G+C content of 59.6%. This isolate was able to thrive in the presence of toxic compounds found in oil sands tailings ponds.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)