Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Arie Horowitz, Sandra D. Chanez-Paredes, Xenia Haest, Jerrold R. Turner
Summary: Increased intestinal permeability due to tight junction barrier loss can be targeted in gastrointestinal diseases. The authors discuss the molecular components and regulation of tight junctions, and their relevance to gut diseases and therapeutic opportunities. The restoration of increased unrestricted pathway permeability requires mucosal healing, while tight junction barrier loss can be reversed by targeted interventions. Specific approaches are needed to restore pore pathway or leak pathway permeability increases, and recent studies have demonstrated the potential of barrier restoration in disease.
NATURE REVIEWS GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Asaye Mitiku, Zerihin Solomon, Berhanu Gidisa, Kasie Gebeyhu, Haymanot Tewabe, Demissew Shenkute, Melkayehu Kassa, Addisu Gize
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of enteric bacterial pathogens among HIV infected patients with diarrhea attending the ART clinic in Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. The study analyzed demographic and clinical data of 422 patients and assessed the antimicrobial resistance pattern of enteric bacterial isolates from stool specimens. The findings revealed that enteric bacteria are common causative agents of diarrhea in immune-compromised patients, and a high rate of drug resistance emphasizes the need for antimicrobial susceptibility testing before prescribing antibiotics.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marvin Bubeck, Christoph Becker, Jay V. Patankar
Summary: The intestinal mucosal surface, which is in direct contact with the environment, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis through the coordinated actions of immune, epithelial, and neuronal cells. The enteric nervous system has been found to have important functions in regulating and maintaining the integrity of the epithelial barrier. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the neuro-immune-epithelial mechanisms ensuring intestinal barrier integrity and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alaullah Sheikh, Brunda Tumala, Tim J. Vickers, John C. Martin, Bruce A. Rosa, Subrata Sabui, Supratim Basu, Rita D. Simoes, Makedonka Mitreva, Chad Storer, Erik Tyksen, Richard D. Head, Wandy Beatty, Hamid M. Said, James M. Fleckenstein
Summary: This study reveals that enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) enterotoxins can disrupt the structure and function of intestinal epithelial cells, leading to non-diarrheal sequelae. The researchers found that the heat-labile toxin (LT) produced by ETEC significantly alters gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells, suppresses critical factors for enterocyte differentiation, and disrupts microvillus architecture and nutrient transport. They also observed substantial brush border derangement in ETEC-challenged neonatal mice, which could be prevented by maternal vaccination with LT. These findings highlight the importance of studying the impacts of ETEC infections beyond acute diarrheal illness and may inform strategies for preventing major sequelae such as malnutrition in children.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Isobel L. Gabain, Anouschka S. Ramsteijn, Joanne P. Webster
Summary: Globally, approximately 149.2 million children under the age of 5 are affected by stunting, but the underlying causes and mechanisms are still unclear, leading to limited treatment and prevention strategies. The direct link between parasites and stunting is often lacking due to the complex nature of stunting and a lack of interdisciplinary research. Based on existing studies, this paper presents potential pathways by which parasitic infection in mothers and/or infants may lead to childhood stunting. The need for future multidisciplinary longitudinal studies and clinical trials to identify influential factors and develop effective solutions is highlighted.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Md Amran Gazi, Md Ashraful Alam, Shah Mohammad Fahim, Barbie Zaman Wahid, Shaila Sharmeen Khan, Md Ohedul Islam, Md Mehedi Hasan, S. M. Tafsir Hasan, Subhasish Das, Mustafa Mahfuz, Rashidul Haque, Tahmeed Ahmed
Summary: The study reveals that infection with certain E. coli pathotypes (EAEC and ETEC) influences gut health, while EPEC is associated with linear growth and underweight in Bangladeshi children.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nicolas Nantel-Fortier, Martin Gauthier, Virginie Lachapelle, Philippe Fravalo, Julie Brassard, Yvan L'Homme
Summary: This study monitored 12 enteric viruses in piglets and characterized the virome composition using high-throughput sequencing. The results show that certain viruses are associated with the risk of diarrhea in piglets, and the prevalence of different viruses varies at different stages of life.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Chang Liu, Jing Yang
Summary: Enteric glial cells (EGCs) play important roles in the gastrointestinal tract by supporting the survival and functions of enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons, and potentially participating in the immune homeostasis of the gut. This review article summarizes the potential involvement of EGCs in immunological disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and autoimmune enteropathy, and highlights key questions for future research on the immunological aspects of EGCs.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jan F. Richter, Markus Hildner, Ralf Mrowka, Ralf Schmauder
Summary: Epithelial barriers are important for preventing the access of foreign material to immune-competent compartments. However, a lack of methods to analyze the passage of macromolecules through epithelial cells has hindered the understanding of barrier function. In this study, we developed a leak imaging method to visualize the transepithelial passage of macromolecules. The method allowed us to observe and analyze the nature and dynamics of the epithelial cell leak pathway.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Drabinska, Elzbieta Jarocka-Cyrta
Summary: Plant-based nutraceuticals, particularly phenolic compounds, are gaining attention for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Resveratrol, a polyphenol, shows potential in improving gut barrier integrity, but further clinical trials are needed for validation of its effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Elisa J. M. Raineri, Sandra Maass, Min Wang, Siobhan Brushett, Laura Palma M. Medina, Neus Sampol Escandell, Dania Altulea, Erwin Raangs, Anne de Jong, Elias Vera Murguia, Edward J. Feil, Alex W. Friedrich, Girbe Buist, Dorte Becher, Silvia Garcia-Cobos, Natacha Couto, Jan Maarten van Dijl
Summary: Goldylococcus aureus can invade the bloodstream through the gut, causing serious infections, and the mechanisms behind this process were not well understood. In this study, genome-wide association studies were conducted to compare the genetic sequences of gut and bloodstream isolates, along with proteomic characterization and infection models. The results showed that even isolates with the same sequence type can have genetic and proteomic differences. It was also found that bloodstream isolates did not necessarily possess higher virulence potential. The integrity of the gut epithelial layer may determine the invasiveness of staphylococci from the gut microbiome.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kate Phuong-Nguyen, Bryony A. A. McNeill, Kathryn Aston-Mourney, Leni R. R. Rivera
Summary: Consuming a high-AGE diet can lead to changes in gastrointestinal structure, modifications in enteric neurons, and reshaping of the microbiota, resulting in poor health outcomes.
Article
Virology
Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Lori R. Holtz
Summary: The human body is colonized by a variety of microorganisms that play vital roles in health and disease. The composition of viral populations in the gut during early life has significant implications for disease development later in life.
CURRENT OPINION IN VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Aleksandra Kovaleva, Elena Poluektova, Roman Maslennikov, Anna Karchevskaya, Oleg Shifrin, Andrey Kiryukhin, Aleksandr Tertychnyy, Leonid Kovalev, Marina Kovaleva, Olga Lobanova, Anna Kudryavtseva, George Krasnov, Vladimir Ivashkin
Summary: This study found that patients with IDFO had increased biomarkers of intestinal barrier disorders at multiple levels. These disruptions were associated with the severity of clinical symptoms and changes in the gut microbiota.
DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xiaodong Yang, Penghui Ai, Xiaoqin He, Chengjun Mo, Yi Zhang, Shaoqing Xu, Yiqiu Lai, Yiwei Qian, Qin Xiao
Summary: This study investigated synchronous changes of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces and plasma of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and found that these changes were associated with an impaired gut-blood barrier (GBB) and constipation.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Heidi Auerswald, Sokhoun Yann, Sokha Dul, Saraden In, Philippe Dussart, Nicholas J. Martin, Erik A. Karlsson, Jose A. Garcia-Rivera
Summary: Proper handling of samples infected with SARS-CoV-2 is crucial, especially in resource-limited settings where chemical and physical inactivation techniques can effectively reduce the risk of handling live virus.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erik A. Karlsson, Veasna Duong
Summary: Researchers have found four novel SARS-CoV-2-related viruses in bat species in Yunnan province, China, providing further evidence of coronavirus diversity.
Article
Immunology
Raquel Giacomelli Cao, Lisa Christian, Zhaohui Xu, Lisa Jaramillo, Bennett Smith, Erik A. Karlsson, Stacey Schultz-Cherry, Asuncion Mejias, Octavio Ramilo
Summary: Influenza vaccination in pregnant women led to upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes on day 1 and plasma cell genes on day 7, which were significantly correlated with increased antibody titers. Compared to non-vaccinated women, those vaccinated during the previous influenza season showed more frequent significant correlations between ISGs and antibody titers.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Jurre Y. Siegers, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Ruopeng Xie, Yi-Mo Deng, Sarika Patel, Vanra Ieng, Jean Moselen, Heidi Peck, Ammar Aziz, Borann Sarr, Savuth Chin, Seng Heng, Asheena Khalakdina, Michael Kinzer, Darapheak Chau, Philomena Raftery, Veasna Duong, Ly Sovann, Ian G. Barr, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: The introduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions to control COVID-19 in early 2020 coincided with a global decrease in active influenza circulation. However, an influenza A(H3N2) epidemic occurred in Cambodia and neighboring countries later in the year, with viruses genetically distinct from the WHO recommended vaccine components. Virus migration events between countries were observed, with limited global circulation outside the region. The virus from the Cambodian outbreak was eventually recommended by WHO for inclusion in the 2021-2022 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deborah Delaune, Vibol Hul, Erik A. Karlsson, Alexandre Hassanin, Tey Putita Ou, Artem Baidaliuk, Fabiana Gambaro, Matthieu Prot, Vuong Tan Tu, Sokha Chea, Lucy Keatts, Jonna Mazet, Christine K. Johnson, Philippe Buchy, Philippe Dussart, Tracey Goldstein, Etienne Simon-Loriere, Veasna Duong
Summary: The study identified SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses in bats sampled in Cambodia, indicating a wider geographic distribution than previously reported. The findings suggest that Southeast Asia may be a key area to consider for future coronavirus surveillance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hoa Thi My Vo, Alvino Maestri, Heidi Auerswald, Sopheak Sorn, Sokchea Lay, Heng Seng, Sotheary Sann, Nisa Ya, Polidy Pean, Philippe Dussart, Olivier Schwartz, Sovann Ly, Timothee Bruel, Sowath Ly, Veasna Duong, Erik A. Karlsson, Tineke Cantaert
Summary: This study followed Cambodian individuals for up to nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that humoral and cellular immune memory was maintained, and immune protection was sustained in the absence of reinfection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Heidi Auerswald, Dolyce H. W. Low, Jurre Y. Siegers, Teyputita Ou, Sonita Kol, Saraden In, Martin Linster, Yvonne C. F. Su, Ian H. Mendenhall, Veasna Duong, Gavin J. D. Smith, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: The study highlights the importance of bat cell lines in investigating bat-virus interactions and isolating bat-borne viruses, particularly in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers demonstrate the susceptibility and permissiveness of a continuous kidney bat cell line to SARS-CoV-2 and suggest the potential involvement of Rhinolophus species in the replication of the virus. This contributes to a better understanding of emerging viruses and their impact on humans and domestic animals.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Heidi Auerswald, Chanreaksmey Eng, Sokchea Lay, Saraden In, Sokchea Eng, Hoa Thi My Vo, Charya Sith, Sokleaph Cheng, Gauthier Delvallez, Vann Mich, Ngy Meng, Ly Sovann, Kraing Sidonn, Jessica Vanhomwegen, Tineke Cantaert, Philippe Dussart, Veasna Duong, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: Accurate and sensitive measurement of antibodies is crucial for assessing infection prevalence and analyzing immune response to vaccination. This study compared the performance of six serological methods and found that in-house methods perform similarly to commercial methods. Selection of suitable immunoassays should consider laboratory resources and diagnostic needs.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sudipta Hyder, Rethy K. Chhem, Filip Claes, Erik Albert Karlsson
Summary: Despite producing enough food, world hunger and obesity crisis persist. Malnutrition is associated with socioeconomic factors such as conflict, poverty, climate change, and COVID-19. Nutrition and infectious diseases are intricately linked, with malnutrition increasing disease severity, vaccine effectiveness, and the potential for viral mutation. Strengthening public health, pandemic prevention, and nutrition programs is therefore crucial.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paul F. Horwood, Srey Viseth Horm, Sokhoun Yann, Songha Tok, Malen Chan, Annika Suttie, Y. Phalla, Sareth Rith, Jurre Y. Siegers, Sorn San, Holl Davun, Sothyra Tum, Sowath Ly, Arnaud Tarantola, Philippe Dussart, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: Live bird market workers are at increased risk of aerosol exposure to avian influenza viruses during periods of high circulation, highlighting the need for interventions. Novel approaches, such as environmental sampling, should be further explored as potentially cost-effective alternatives for monitoring pandemic threats.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yvonne C. F. Su, Jordan Z. J. Ma, Tey Putita Ou, Leakhena Pum, Sidonn Krang, Philomena Raftery, Michael H. Kinzer, Jennifer Bohl, Vanra Ieng, Vannda Kab, Sarika Patel, Borann Sar, Wong Foong Ying, Jayanthi Jayakumar, Viseth Srey Horm, Narjis Boukli, Sokhoun Yann, Cecile Troupin, Vireak Heang, Jose A. Garcia-Rivera, Yi Sengdoeurn, Seng Heng, Sreyngim Lay, Sophana Chea, Chau Darapheak, Chin Savuth, Asheena Khalakdina, Sowath Ly, Laurence Baril, Jessica E. Manning, Etienne Simone-Loriere, Veasna Duong, Philippe Dussart, Ly Sovann, Gavin J. D. Smith, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: The first case of COVID-19 in Cambodia was confirmed on January 27, 2020. Despite intermittent cases, there was no widespread community transmission. Investigating the introduction routes of SARS-CoV-2 was important for evaluating public health interventions and control measures.
Article
Microbiology
Sudipta Hyder, Benjamin L. Sievers, Claude Flamand, Damian TagoPacheco, Malen Chan, Filip Claes, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: This study highlights the potential risks of increased poultry production in Cambodia due to the global demand for poultry protein, urbanization, and the reduction in global pork supply. Insufficient biosecurity measures could lead to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, such as avian influenza, from animals to humans. Improved biosecurity and surveillance systems are crucial for preventing future pandemics.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Marwa Abd Alhadi, Lilach M. Friedman, Erik A. Karlsson, Liel Cohen-Lavi, Anat Burkovitz, Stacey Schultz-Cherry, Terry L. Noah, Samuel S. Weir, Lester M. Shulman, Melinda A. Beck, Tomer Hertz
Summary: Obesity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Previous studies have shown that influenza vaccines do not provide optimal protection in obese individuals. Our research reveals that obese individuals have differences in immune memory and a lower antibody response to influenza viruses. These findings have important implications for the development and usage of vaccines in obese individuals.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kimberly M. Edwards, Jurre Y. Siegers, Xiaoman Wei, Ammar Aziz, Yi-Mo Deng, Sokhoun Yann, Chan Bun, Seng Bunnary, Leonard Izzard, Makara Hak, Peter Thielen, Sothyra Tum, Frank Wong, Nicola S. Lewis, Joe James, Filip Claes, Ian G. Barr, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: Institute in Cambodia collaborated with FAO to monitor AI virus in bird markets and poultry storage in Cambodia. The surveillance showed high levels of AIV circulation, with approximately 30%-50% of ducks and 20%-40% of chickens testing positive for various subtypes. The predominant subtypes were H5N1 during 2005-2014 and H5N1 and H5N6 since 2014, with sporadic detection of other subtypes including novel H7Nx in late 2021. Some samples tested positive for HPAIV H5 HA but negative for neuraminidase PCR, and further analysis confirmed them as H5N8 subtype.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Samnang Um, Jurre Y. Siegers, Borann Sar, Savuth Chin, Sarika Patel, Seng Bunnary, Makara Hak, Sothy Sor, Oum Sokhen, Seng Heng, Darapheak Chau, Tum Sothyra, Asheena Khalakdina, Joshua A. Mott, Sonja J. Olsen, Filip Claes, Ly Sovann, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: In February 2021, a case of human avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection was detected in Cambodia through routine surveillance. Investigations found no recent H9N2 virus infections among 43 close contacts. A chicken sample from the infected child's house tested positive for H9N2 virus and was genetically similar to the human virus.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
