Article
Microbiology
Emma C. L. Marrs, Audrey Perry, John D. Perry
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of three commercially available selective media for the isolation of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). The results showed that all three media were effective for BCC isolation, with BCSA being more selective than the other two media.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ahmad-Kamal Ghazali, Su-Anne Eng, Jia-Shiun Khoo, Seddon Teoh, Chee-Choong Hoh, Sheila Nathan
Summary: The study sequenced and analyzed the genomes of four clinical Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from Malaysia, identifying genetic differences that may explain variations in virulence among the strains.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Amy Pham, James G. Volmer, Daniel C. Chambers, Daniel J. Smith, David W. Reid, Lucy Burr, Timothy J. Wells
Summary: In this study, we genomically characterized Burkholderia anthina isolated from patients with chronic lung infections, which revealed two distinct evolutionary lineages and demonstrated substantial metabolic diversity, including enhanced capability for iron metabolism.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Silvia A. Sousa, Antonio M. M. Seixas, Joana M. M. Marques, Jorge H. Leitao
Summary: This review discusses immunization and immunotherapy approaches against human infections caused by opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex. It covers vaccination strategies, ongoing clinical trials, as well as novel bacterial targets for development of immunization and immunotherapy strategies.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Freddy Frost, Matthew Shaw, Dilip Nazareth
Summary: This review examined the current evidence for long-term antibiotic therapy in people with CF and chronic BCC infection, finding insufficient evidence to determine an effective strategy for treating chronic BCC infection. The primary objective of the review was to assess the efficacy of treatments in terms of improvements in lung function and reductions in exacerbation rate, with secondary objectives including quantifying adverse events, mortality, and changes in quality of life associated with treatment.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Frieder Schaumburg, Evgeny A. Idelevich, Alexander Mellmann, Barbara C. Kahl
Summary: Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) in the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the susceptibility of Bcc to ceftazidime/avibactam and other standard drugs used for CF treatment, as well as identified the genomic determinants of resistance. The results showed that Bcc had a high susceptibility rate to ceftazidime/avibactam, while being less susceptible to other antibiotics.
MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shekooh Behroozian, James E. A. Zlosnik, Wanjing Xu, Loretta Y. Y. Li, Julian E. Davies
Summary: There is a crisis in healthcare due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, necessitating the search for novel antimicrobial agents. Kisameet clay has been found to inhibit acute infections, presenting a potential therapy. This offers hope for addressing the challenge of chronic bacterial infections and improving treatment options.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Evelise Bach, Fernando Hayashi Sant'Anna, Guilherme Dubal dos Santos Seger, Luciane Maria Pereira Passaglia
Summary: This study performed pangenome analysis on Burkholderia sensu lato for the first time, and focused on the specific features of B. catarinensis in the pangenome of Burkholderia sensu stricto and Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). The results showed great variability and unknown potential in these genomes. The genome of B. catarinensis contains genes related to hydmlase production and plant growth promotion.
Article
Respiratory System
Rianald Fischer, Carsten Schwarz, Rebecca Weiser, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, Knut Smerud, Nils Meland, Hugo Flaten, Philip Rye
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of inhaled OligoG as a therapy for CF patients with Bcc infection. The results showed a decrease in bacterial colony-forming units after OligoG treatment, although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant improvement in lung function parameters, but some quality of life scores showed relative improvement. The study suggests the potential of OligoG for the treatment of Bcc infection.
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
George Oduro, F. J. Lourens Robberts, Paul K. A. Dartey, Alex Owusu-Ofori, Chris Oppong, Thomas K. Gyampomah, Isaac Boakye, Emmanuel Quainoo, David P. AuCoin, Danielle Clark, Kevin L. Schully
Summary: This study presents the first confirmation of the presence of B. pseudomallei in the environment of Ghana. It highlights a disease with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality in Ghana, which has gone completely unrecognized until now. Furthermore, it encourages local clinicians to familiarize themselves with the diagnosis and clinical management of melioidosis, and laboratories to develop capacity for the safe isolation and identification of B. pseudomallei.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tien-Hao Chang, Yu -Chung Chuang, Jann-Tay Wang, Wang-Huei Sheng
Summary: This study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of BCC bacteremic patients without cystic fibrosis. The findings suggest that no single regimen is associated with improved mortality, but selection of an appropriate antibiotic may provide better clinical outcomes among patients with BCC bacteremia.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Heather D. Green, Andrew M. Jones
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a disease characterized by chronic airway infection and progressive decline in respiratory function. Recent changes in the landscape of airway infection in CF have resulted in an increased prevalence of atypical gram-negative bacterial infections. The clinical relevance and treatment strategies for many of these lower prevalence organisms are still not well understood.
Article
Microbiology
Cedric Lood, Charlotte Peeters, Quentin Lamy-Besnier, Jeroen Wagemans, Daniel De Vos, Marijke Proesmans, Jean-Paul Pirnay, Fedoua Echahidi, Denis Pierard, Matthieu Thimmesch, Anca Boeras, Katrien Lagrou, Evelien De Canck, Elke De Wachter, Vera van Noort, Rob Lavigne, Peter Vandamme
Summary: The study found that Burkholderia multivorans, a pathogenic bacterium within the Burkholderia cepacia complex, primarily spreads among cystic fibrosis patients through environmental sources with rare cases of patient-to-patient transmission. Genomic analysis of an endemic strain infecting multiple patients revealed significant genomic diversity between patients, suggesting the presence of a microdiverse reservoir for this strain with active diversification. Additionally, the study identified specific genomic adaptations across multiple patients, indicating that the genomic background of a strain may dictate its route of adaptation within the cystic fibrosis lung.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Roger Vargas Jr, Michael J. Luna, Luca Freschi, Maximillian Marin, Ruby Froom, Kenan C. Murphy, Elizabeth A. Campbell, Thomas R. Ioerger, Christopher M. Sassetti, Maha Reda Farhat
Summary: This study investigates the role of insertions and deletions (INDELs) in genomic homopolymeric tracts (HT) in regulating gene expression in pathogenic bacteria, specifically within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Through analysis of 31,428 clinical isolates, the researchers identified phase-variants of INDEL events that are under positive selection. Further experiments confirmed that a putatively adaptive phase-variant in the ESX-1 system alters the expression of the critical virulence mediator, espA.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sujintana Janesomboon, Veerachat Muangsombut, Varintip Srinon, Chatruthai Meethai, Chayada S. Tharinjaroen, Premjit Amornchai, Patoo Withatanung, Narisara Chantratita, Mark Mayo, Vanaporn Wuthiekanun, Bart J. Currie, Joanne M. Stevens, Sunee Korbsrisate
Summary: The Burkholderia pseudomallei phylogenetic cluster consists of several pathogenic species, with B. pseudomallei and B. mallei being the only pathogenic members causing melioidosis and glanders. A PCR-based assay was developed to detect these pathogenic strains with high sensitivity and specificity, proving to be a useful tool for epidemiological studies.
Article
Microbiology
Bram Danneels, Monique Blignaut, Guillaume Marti, Simon Sieber, Peter Vandamme, Marion Meyer, Aurelien Carlier
Summary: The symbiotic relationships between plants of the Rubiaceae and Primulaceae families and Burkholderia bacteria are unique and intimate. This study assembled and analyzed 17 new endophyte genomes, revealing that all endophytes, despite their taxonomic diversity, contained gene clusters linked to the production of specialized metabolites. Acquisition of secondary metabolite gene clusters through horizontal gene transfer is proposed to be a prerequisite for the evolution of a stable association between these endophytes and their hosts.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Margo Olbrecht, Fedoua Echahidi, Denis Pierard, Charlotte Peeters, Peter Vandamme, Ingrid Wybo, Thomas Demuyser
Summary: We conducted in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 267 Achromobacter isolates for 16 antibiotics from 2017 to 2022. The highest susceptibility was found for piperacillin-tazobactam (70%) and ceftazidime-avibactam (62%). Between 30% and 49% of strains were susceptible to tigecycline, ceftazidime, and meropenem. We applied species-specific Achromobacter xylosoxidans breakpoints for piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and EUCAST pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints for the others. A. xylosoxidans was the most frequently isolated species, followed by Achromobacter insuavis and Achromobacter ruhlandii.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Hettiarachchi, Margo Cnockaert, Marie Joossens, David Laureys, Jessika De Clippeleer, Nicolas J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, Dirk C. de Graaf, Peter Vandamme
Summary: This study analyzed the cultivable bacterial communities of different compartments in the invasive insect Vespa velutina, as well as the nest samples, using both cultivation and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The bacterial symbionts in Vespa velutina were dominated by Convivina, Fructobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Lactococcus, Sphingomonas, and Spiroplasma. Lactococcus lactis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were generalist core lactic acid bacteria (LAB) symbionts, while Convivina species and Fructobacillus fructosus were highly specialized core LAB symbionts with reduced genome sizes. Sphingomonas and Spiroplasma were non-LAB core symbionts, but they were not isolated. Convivina bacteria were particularly enriched in the hornet crop and included Convivina intestini, a species adapted to amino acid metabolism, and Convivina praedatoris sp. nov., which was adapted to carbohydrate metabolism.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tina Tuerlings, Amanda Hettiarachchi, Marie Joossens, Benoit Geslin, Nicolas J. J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, Peter Vandamme
Summary: The study characterized the gut microbiota of invasive bee Megachile sculpturalis from native and invaded regions. The microbiota communities in bees from invaded regions were similar and different from those in Japan. Core amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) represented micro-organisms commonly present in bee-associated niches. The absence of known bee pathogens and presence of microparasite infections suggest a potential role of pathogen pressure and natural enemies in the invasion success of M. sculpturalis.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Louise Vermote, Jonas De Roos, Margo Cnockaert, Peter Vandamme, Stefan Weckx, Luc De Vuyst
Summary: Belgian lambic beers are produced using traditional craftsmanship, relying on wooden barrels for spontaneous fermentation and maturation. These barrels play a crucial role in establishing a stable microbial ecosystem, minimizing batch-to-batch variations, and preventing flavor deviations. They provide an inoculation source of necessary microorganisms and a microaerobic environment for successful lambic beer production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Juan Guzman, Miyoung Won, Anja Poehlein, Atena Sadat Sombolestani, Daniela Mayorga-Ch, David Laureys, Jessika De Clippeleer, Peter Kaempfer, Rolf Daniel, Andreas Vilcinskas, Peter Vandamme, Soon- Wo Kwon
Summary: In this study, two strains of bacteria were isolated from wasps in Germany and Korea. Molecular and phenotypic analysis showed that these strains are closely related to known species but also have distinct characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed to name these strains Aristophania vespae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peter Vandamme, Charlotte Peeters, Amanda Hettiarachchi, Margo Cnockaert, Aurelien Carlier
Summary: Strain LMG 31809 T was isolated from a top soil sample in Belgium and classified as a rare biosphere bacterium that occurs at low abundances in multiple soil and water ecosystems. It represents a new species within a new genus, Govania unica gen. nov., sp. nov, belonging to the class Alphaproteobacteria. The strain is strictly aerobic and uses organic acids and possibly aromatic compounds as growth substrates. Its whole-genome sequence has a size of 3.21 Mbp with a G + C content of 58.99 mol%.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nanzhen Qiao, Julia Bechtner, Margo Cnockaert, Eliza Depoorter, Christian Diaz-Munoz, Peter Vandamme, Luc De Vuyst, Michael G. Ganzle
Summary: This study characterized the genus Periweissella through phylogenetic analysis and genomic analysis, revealing its evolutionary relationship with closely related genera Weissella and Furfurilactobacillus. The study also determined the genetic and physiological traits of the genus. Results showed that Periweissella is the link between rod-shaped heterofermentative lactobacilli and the coccoid Leuconostoc clade, and it is the only heterofermentative genus in the Lactobacillaceae that comprises predominantly motile strains.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Amanda Hettiarachchi, Margo Cnockaert, Marie Joossens, Antoine Gekiere, Ivan Meeus, Nicolas J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, Peter Vandamme
Summary: We characterized the microbial communities in different parts of four wild solitary bee species and found that the dominant bacteria were endosymbionts such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. Other bacterial and yeast genera were associated with environmental sources. The bacterial communities varied between bee species, gut compartments, and ovaries, suggesting a selective process influenced by floral and host traits. Many of the gut symbionts identified in this study exhibited metabolic versatility.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Atena Sadat Sombolestani, Dries Bongaerts, Eliza Depoorter, Ilse Cleenwerck, Anneleen D. Wieme, Scott J. Britton, Stefan Weckx, Luc De Vuyst, Peter Vandamme
Summary: Polyphasic taxonomic and comparative genomic analyses revealed a novel species among acetic acid bacteria, named Brytella acorum gen. nov., sp. nov., represented by lambic beer isolates including strain LMG 32668T and the kombucha isolate LMG 32879. This species has Acidomonas methanolica as its closest phylogenomic neighbor and possesses metabolic characteristics typical of acetic acid bacteria. The absence of glycolysis pathway and the presence of both aerobic respiration and oxidative fermentation for energy metabolism are notable features. Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors are absent.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Luc Cornet, Benoit Durieu, Frederik Baert, Elizabet D'hooge, David Colignon, Loic Meunier, Valerian Lupo, Ilse Cleenwerck, Heide-Marie Daniel, Leen Rigouts, Damien Sirjacobs, Stephane Declerck, Peter Vandamme, Annick Wilmotte, Denis Baurain, Pierre Becker
Summary: A bioinformatics toolbox called GEN-ERA has been developed by the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms. It allows researchers to perform robust phylogenomic analyses on bacteria and small eukaryotes without specific training in bioinformatics. The toolbox provides workflows for genome downloading, quality assessment, contamination estimation, tree reconstruction, average nucleotide identity comparisons, and metabolic modeling. It has been tested on various microorganisms and used in a case study on Gloeobacterales for microbial taxonomy.
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Botero, Atena Sadat Sombolestani, Margo Cnockaert, Charlotte Peeters, Wim Borremans, Luc De Vuyst, Nicolas J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, German Bonilla-Rosso, Philipp Engel, Peter Vandamme
Summary: This study provides insights into the diversity and function of Commensalibacter bacteria in various insect species. Through analysis of their whole-genome sequences, it was found that Commensalibacter strains can be classified into four species, which share similar genetic pathways for central metabolism. However, there are differences in genome size, G+C content, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes among these species. Notably, the study on the Western honey bee symbiont, C. melissae, revealed its unique characteristics such as reduced genome size and a large number of species-specific gene clusters.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leon Marshall, Nicolas Leclercq, Timothy Weekers, Insafe El Abdouni, Luisa G. Carvalheiro, Michael Kuhlmann, Denis Michez, Pierre Rasmont, Stuart P. M. Roberts, Guy Smagghe, Peter Vandamme, Thomas Wood, Nicolas J. Vereecken
Summary: Visitation by wild bee species is essential for apple production, but they are vulnerable to climate change. We modeled the distribution range shifts of key apple-pollinating bee species under different climate change scenarios and found that overall contractions in range are limited. However, under the worst-case scenario, some countries such as France and Italy may experience significant loss in bee populations and potential pollination services. Climate change is not the only threat to apple pollination, and future deficits will also depend on orchard management and ecological infrastructure.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2023)