Article
Microbiology
Li Tan, Yuyang Huang, Weilong Shang, Yi Yang, Huagang Peng, Zhen Hu, Yuting Wang, Yifan Rao, Qiwen Hu, Xiancai Rao, Xiaomei Hu, Ming Li, Kaisen Chen, Shu Li
Summary: This study reveals that the allele-dependent preferences of S. aureus agr are influenced by factors other than gene polymorphisms.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Bruna F. Rossi, Erika C. R. Bonsaglia, Jose C. F. Pantoja, Marcos Santos, Juliano L. Goncalves, Ary Fernandes Junior, Vera L. M. Rall
Summary: The study revealed a strong association between the agr type of Staphylococcus aureus and the type of mastitis, indicating that understanding the genetic profiles of S. aureus could serve as an additional tool in controlling this disease.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jeong Eun Lee, Shinwon Lee, Sohee Park, Soon O. Lee, Sun H. Lee
Summary: This study found that dysfunctional accessory gene regulator (agr) is associated with higher mortality in invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. However, the association between agr dysfunction and mortality in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MSSA-B) was not significant. The functionality of agr in causative organisms may impact patients' outcomes in MSSA-B with moderate severity.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Masakazu Tamai, Yuriko Yamazaki, Tomoka Ito, Seitaro Nakagawa, Yuumi Nakamura
Summary: The skin microbiota, consisting of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, plays a role in various skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in the lesional skin of AD patients and may contribute to the disease flare. The accessory gene regulator (Agr) quorum sensing system of S. aureus regulates virulence factors that induce skin inflammation. Targeting Agr may provide new therapeutic methods for AD.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
S. Caroline Jordan, Pamela R. Hall, Seth M. Daly
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium with antibiotic resistance. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) can reduce its virulence and facilitate clearance by the host immune system. However, there are concerns about the promotion of biofilm formation by agr inhibition.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Letter
Microbiology
Lisiane da Luz Rocha Balzan, Adriana Medianeira Rossato, Cezar Vinicius Wurdig Riche, Vlademir Vicente Cantarelli, Pedro Alves D'Azevedo, Aline Valerio de Lima, Beatriz Rodrigues, Ivan Leonardo Avelino Franca e Silva, Cicero Armidio Gomes Dias, Jorge Luiz Mello Sampaio
Summary: In 2015, two new species related to Staphylococcus aureus were proposed. We report the isolation of five strains of the newly identified species, Staphylococcus argenteus, from human cases of bacteremia and skin and soft tissue infections. This is the first documentation of S. argenteus causing community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections in South America.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Mervat Mashaly, Asmaa Bakr, Eman A. Elmansoury, Maysaa El S. Zaki, Sara Galeb
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of agr genotypes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pediatric sepsis patients and their relationship to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. The results showed an increase in biofilm formation in MRSA isolates and agr genotype I was the most common genotype in MRSA isolates and was significantly associated with biofilm formation.
CLINICAL LABORATORY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Enrique-J Montagut, Gerardo Acosta, Fernando Albericio, Miriam Royo, Gerard Godoy-Tena, Alicia Lacoma, Cristina Prat, Juan-Pablo Salvador, Maria-Pilar Marco
Summary: An immunochemical strategy for detecting and quantifying AIP-IV, a quorum sensing signaling molecule produced by Staphylococcus aureus agr type IV, is reported. The use of theoretical calculations and molecular modeling studies assisted in designing a suitable peptide hapten and obtaining specific antibodies. The developed ELISA achieved high sensitivity and specificity, and its potential for biomedical investigations related to QS in pathogenesis and clinical outcomes was demonstrated.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bingjie Wang, Jingjing Duan, Ye Jin, Qing Zhan, Yanlei Xu, Huilin Zhao, Xinyi Wang, Lulin Rao, Yinjuan Guo, Fangyou Yu
Summary: The study identified the conserved role of mraZ in Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting its essential contribution to virulence and immune evasion. MraZ was found to regulate various virulence genes and may serve as a potential target for anti-virulence therapy.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Madison R. Stock, Liwei Fang, Kaelie R. Johnson, Chance Cosgriff, Wei Ping Teoh, Francis Alonzo
Summary: The study reveals the critical role of MroQ in the maturation and activity of AIP in Agr-I, -II, and -IV strains, but not in Agr-III. MroQ may act as a mediator of cyclic peptide maturation.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kyle J. Kinney, Jessica M. Stach, Katarina Kulhankova, Matthew Brown, Wilmara Salgado-Pabon
Summary: Infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a severe disease, and the expression patterns of certain genes in the pathogen can affect the formation of vegetations on cardiac endothelium and the development of lethal sepsis. The expression of RNAIII and sarA are associated with vegetation formation and the occurrence of fatal sepsis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Bruno Toledo-Silva, Fernando N. de Souza, Kristien Mertens, Sofie Piepers, Freddy Haesebrouck, Sarne De Vliegher
Summary: The formation of biofilms in Staphylococcus aureus strains causing subclinical mastitis in dairy cows is influenced by environmental signals and communication systems, with different staphylococci species impacting S. aureus biofilm formation and dispersion. Specifically, S. chromogenes enhances biofilm formation of an agr-positive S. aureus strain, while NAS isolates suppress biofilm dispersion of S. aureus. Additionally, the effects on biofilm formation and dispersion do not depend on the capacity of NAS to repress the agr system.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Akram M. Salam, Gina Porras, Young-Saeng K. Cho, Morgan M. Brown, Caitlin J. Risener, Lewis Marquez, James T. Lyles, John Bacsa, Alexander R. Horswill, Cassandra L. Quave
Summary: MRSA, a serious global infectious disease threat, has been studied for potential treatment using an active component from European chestnut leaf extract.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin Bouiller, Michael Z. Z. David
Summary: A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the association between S. aureus genes and outcomes in patients with bone and joint infections. The results showed that PVL genes were associated with poor outcomes in children, while no specific genes were found to have similar associations in adults. Further studies with larger sample sizes and homogeneous patient populations are needed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yifan Rao, Huagang Peng, Weilong Shang, Zhen Hu, Yi Yang, Li Tan, Ming Li, Renjie Zhou, Xiancai Rao
Summary: The WalK(S221P) mutation enhances vancomycin resistance and decreases virulence in Staphylococcus aureus.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Edward J. A. Douglas, Abdulaziz H. H. Alkhzem, Toska Wonfor, Shuxian Li, Timothy J. J. Woodman, Ian S. S. Blagbrough, Maisem Laabei
Summary: This study demonstrates that polyamine derivatives based on spermine and norspermine possess potent anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity and low toxicity towards human cells. The study also identifies a gain of function mutation in the mprF gene as a mechanism of AHA-1394 resistance. Additionally, AHA-1394 shows the ability to potentiate the activity of certain antibiotics.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Guillem Safont, Irene Latorre, Raquel Villar-Hernandez, Zoran Stojanovic, Alicia Marin, Cristina Perez-Cano, Alicia Lacoma, Barbara Molina-Moya, Alan Jhunior Solis, Fernando Armestar, Joan Matllo, Sergio Diaz-Fernandez, Arnau Cendon, Liliya Sokalchuk, Guillermo Tolosa, Irma Casas, Antoni Rosell, Jose Dominguez
Summary: The measurement of specific T-cell responses is important for COVID-19 diagnostics and management, with the study finding a low chance of IFN-gamma T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 during the acute phase but potential increase over time. Only half of vaccinated individuals displayed an IFN-gamma T-cell response after the second dose.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nishtha Gaur, Bethany L. Patenall, Bhagirath Ghimire, Naing T. Thet, Jordan E. Gardiner, Krystal E. Le Doare, Gordon Ramage, Bryn Short, Rachel A. Heylen, Craig Williams, Robert D. Short, Toby A. Jenkins
Summary: We introduce a versatile drug-loaded composite hydrogel that can simultaneously deliver a drug and CAP-generated molecules in a tissue target when activated by an argon-based cold atmospheric plasma jet. We demonstrated this concept by encapsulating gentamicin in sodium polyacrylate particles dispersed within a poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel matrix. The resulting gentamicin-PAA-PVA composite hydrogel can release gentamicin and effectively eradicate bacteria, including those in planktonic state and biofilm, when activated by CAP. The concept of the composite hydrogel can also be applied to other antimicrobial agents like cetrimide and silver, and activated by any dielectric barrier discharge CAP device.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Emily J. Owen, Rachel A. Heylen, Kyle Stewart, Paul G. Winyard, A. Toby A. Jenkins
Summary: This review discusses the current understanding of the prevention and treatment of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD). It emphasizes the need for specific preventative measures targeting faecal/urinary irritants, including the use of urease inhibitors. The lack of internationally accepted diagnostic methods for IAD severity is identified, with current diagnosis relying on visual inspection. Non-invasive techniques, such as impedance spectroscopy, could potentially provide objective assessments of skin barrier function and aid in early detection and intervention.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART H-JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
Bethany L. Patenall, Joanne D. Ridgley, A. Toby A. Jenkins, Amber E. Young
Summary: The prevalence and role of biofilm formation in acute wounds has been rarely investigated. Understanding the presence of biofilm in acute wounds could lead to earlier targeted management, reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with wound infection, improving patient experience and potentially reducing healthcare costs. This study aimed to summarize the evidence for biofilm formation within acute wounds.
JOURNAL OF WOUND CARE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Edward J. A. Douglas, Sri W. Wulandari, Scott D. Lovell, Maisem Laabei
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, particularly in the case of Staphylococcus aureus, a multidrug resistant bacterium with high mortality rates. The lack of antibiotic discovery and development adds to the challenge of treating this formidable pathogen. However, innovative antimicrobial strategies are being developed and investigated to combat Staphylococcus aureus disease, offering promising treatment options.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
Michal Magda, Serena Bettoni, Wendy Boschloo, Maisem Laabei, Derek Fairley, Thomas A. Russo, Suzan H. M. Rooijakkers, Kristian Riesbeck, Anna M. Blom
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Joseph G. Turner, Maisem Laabei, Shuxian Li, Pedro Estrela, Hannah S. Leese
Summary: Hydrogel-forming microneedle arrays are a promising alternative to traditional drug delivery methods for transdermal drug delivery. This study successfully created hydrogel-forming microneedles for controlled delivery of amoxicillin and vancomycin within therapeutic ranges comparable to oral delivery. The use of reusable 3D printed master templates allowed for quick and low-cost manufacturing of the hydrogel microneedles. The drug loading method eliminated the need for an external drug reservoir and the microneedles demonstrated mechanical strength and successful penetration of porcine skin grafts.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paola Villanueva, Nigel W. Crawford, Mariana Garcia Croda, Simone Collopy, Bruno Araujo Jardim, Tyane de Almeida Pinto Jardim, Helen Marshall, Cristina Prat-Aymerich, Alice Sawka, Ketaki Sharma, Darren Troeman, Ushma Wadia, Adilia Warris, Nicholas Wood, Nicole L. Messina, Nigel Curtis, Laure F. Pittet
Summary: BCG vaccination and revaccination have an acceptable safety profile in adults, with most recipients experiencing self-limiting local injection site reactions. BCG revaccination is associated with an increased frequency of mild injection site reactions compared to BCG-naive individuals, but they are generally self-limiting. Injection site abscess and regional lymphadenopathy are the most common adverse events, but they have a benign course.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Edward J. A. Douglas, Brandon Marshall, Arwa Alghamadi, Erin A. Joseph, Seana Duggan, Serena Vittorio, Laura De Luca, Michaela Serpi, Maisem Laabei
Summary: The lipoteichoic acid (LTA) biosynthesis pathway is a potential target for antimicrobial therapy. Previous research has identified the compound 1771 as an LTA inhibitor with activity against Gram-positive pathogens. Six derivatives of 1771 were successfully synthesized, and the addition of a pentafluorosulfanyl substituent was found to enhance the activity. The newly described derivative, compound 13, showed significantly increased activity compared to 1771 against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, while also exhibiting improved toxicity profile against mammalian cells. Molecular techniques revealed that the assumed target, lipoteichoic acid synthase (LtaS), did not affect the susceptibility to 1771 or compound 13 when deleted or overexpressed. However, overexpression of LtaS increased the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Congo red, a known LtaS inhibitor. Docking studies indicated the possibility of additional targets for 1771 and its derivatives. Furthermore, both 1771 and compound 13 demonstrated activity against Gram-negative species when the outer membrane was permeabilized, challenging their classification as strict LtaS inhibitors.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jessica R. Westlake, Maisem Laabei, Yunhong Jiang, Wen Chyin Yew, Darren L. Smith, Andrew D. Burrows, Ming Xie
Summary: We report on a novel cross-linked chitosan composite film containing vanillin, glycerol, and green tea extract. The film showed increased tensile strength due to cross-linking and incorporated antimicrobial green tea polyphenols. The release of polyphenols from the film exhibited an initial burst release followed by controlled release. The film demonstrated inhibitory effects against foodborne bacteria and strong antioxidant capacities. Additionally, it showed significant mass loss after being buried in compost for 12 weeks, adhering to green chemistry principles.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paola Villanueva, Nigel W. Crawford, Mariana Garcia Croda, Simone Collopy, Bruno Araujo Jardim, Tyane de Almeida Pinto Jardim, Laurens Manning, Michaela Lucas, Helen Marshall, Cristina Prat-Aymerich, Alice Sawka, Ketaki Sharma, Darren Troeman, Ushma Wadia, Adilia Warris, Nicholas Wood, Nicole L. Messina, Nigel Curtis, Laure F. Pittet
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and influencing factors of scar formation following BCG vaccination, as well as participants' perception of the scars. The results showed that 76% of the recipients developed a scar, with the lowest prevalence in Spain and the highest in the UK. Factors such as absence of post-injection wheal, BCG revaccination, female sex, older age, and study country influenced scar prevalence. The majority of participants did not mind having the scar and did not regret getting vaccinated.
Article
Biology
Toska Wonfor, Shuxian Li, Maisem Laabei
Summary: This article introduces a novel method for quantifying complement deposition, which allows observation of wild-type cells and analysis of complement evasion mechanisms used by clinical isolates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai-Cheng Yan, Jordan E. E. Gardiner, Adam C. C. Sedgwick, Naing Thet, Rachel A. A. Heylen, Tony D. D. James, A. Toby A. Jenkins, Xiao-Peng He
Summary: A new fluorescent probe was developed to determine the NTR activity of different bacterial species under various growth conditions, which can be applied in complex clinical environments with high sensitivity and detection accuracy for both planktonic cultures and biofilms.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai-Cheng Yan, Bethany L. L. Patenall, Jordan E. E. Gardiner, Rachel A. A. Heylen, Naing Thet, Xiao-Peng He, Adam C. C. Sedgwick, Tony D. D. James, A. Toby A. Jenkins
Summary: TCF-OTf is a fluorescent probe that can monitor the production of superoxide anions in bacteria. It is responsive to chloramphenicol and heat shock treatment, and can detect the presence of superoxide anions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
