Review
Infectious Diseases
Ina Gajic, Jovana Kabic, Dusan Kekic, Milos Jovicevic, Marina Milenkovic, Dragana Mitic Culafic, Anika Trudic, Lazar Ranin, Natasa Opavski
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global public health. Accurate and rapid detection of antibiotic resistance and appropriate treatment methods are crucial for controlling its emergence. However, traditional testing methods are time-consuming and costly, highlighting the need for innovative approaches.
Review
Microbiology
Szilvia Neuhaus, Andrea T. Fessler, Ralf Dieckmann, Lara Thieme, Mathias W. Pletz, Stefan Schwarz, Sascha Al Dahouk
Summary: Disinfection is crucial in reducing infections, but the excessive use of disinfectants may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. However, there is currently no consensus on this matter. The lack of standardized procedures and criteria to evaluate bacterial susceptibility to disinfectants makes data analysis challenging. Therefore, standardization and adaptation of evaluation concepts are urgently needed.
Review
Microbiology
Tom Coenye
Summary: Our understanding of biofilm biology has greatly increased, but it has not yet resulted in major changes in clinical practice. The lack of standardized tools for studying biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory, particularly in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), is a major obstacle. Biofilm lifestyle significantly impacts antibiotic susceptibility, but AST is still typically conducted using planktonic cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of biofilm AST, highlight knowledge gaps, discuss potential ways to improve AST, and address the bottlenecks preventing its use in clinical practice.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adriana D. Balasiu, Colin R. MacKenzie
Summary: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), part of the skin microbiota, are now more commonly associated with infections due to changes in patient populations. However, data on teicoplanin resistance among CoNS strains is limited and inconsistent.
Article
Ecology
Michael J. Bottery, Jonathan W. Pitchford, Ville-Petri Friman
Summary: Research suggests that bacteria's response to antibiotics is influenced by other interacting microbes in microbial communities. Resistance and evolutionary responses to antibiotic treatments are not solely traits of individual bacterial species but emergent properties of the entire microbial community. Interactions between species can impact responses to antibiotic treatment, potentially altering the trajectory of resistance evolution.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Marita Meurer, Deborah A. O'Neil, Emma Lovie, Laura Simpson, Marcelo D. T. Torres, Cesar De la Fuente-Nunez, Alfredo M. Angeles-Boza, Christin Kleinsorgen, Derry K. Mercer, Maren Von Koeckritz-Blickwede
Summary: Experts at IMAP and GRC conferences discussed the need for optimized and standardized test systems for novel antimicrobial peptides, and a survey was conducted to gather opinions on this topic. Based on the survey results, suggestions for future improvements in the research field were made.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Lisa Kaebisch, Anne-Kathrin Schink, Doris Hoeltig, Joachim Spergser, Corinna Kehrenberg, Stefan Schwarz
Summary: A standardized method is needed for conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in a comparable manner. We developed a broth microdilution method using a modified Friis broth without antimicrobial or bacterial growth-inhibiting agents to test Mycoplasma hyorhinis in a standardized and harmonized way. This newly proposed method aims to improve comparability between times and countries for diagnostic laboratories and monitoring purposes, as well as to enhance targeted treatments with antimicrobial agents and reduce resistance development.
Article
Microbiology
Xi Wang, W. Evan Chaney, Hilary O. Pavlidis, James P. McGinnis, J. Allen Byrd, Yuhua Z. Farnell, Timothy J. Johnson, Audrey P. McElroy, Morgan B. Farnell
Summary: Comparing different isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods on Salmonella isolated from poultry samples, the study found that methodology plays a critical role in detecting antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Results showed discrepancies in resistance profiles depending on the methods used, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate methodology for accurate surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in poultry pathogens.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Artur Ruszczak, Simona Bartkova, Marta Zapotoczna, Ott Scheler, Piotr Garstecki
Summary: The application of droplet-based methods in antimicrobial resistance research allows for faster detection, increased sensitivity, characterization of heterogeneity in bacterial populations' response to antibiotics, and expanded screening of antibiotic combinations. This article discusses the key steps and parameters of droplet-based experiments, reviews recent findings achieved with these methods, and highlights their advantages and capacity to provide new insights into the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sunjae Hwang, Jungil Choi
Summary: Antibiotic resistance poses a global threat to human health. A rapid antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) is crucial for appropriate antibiotic prescriptions for patients infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study introduces a rapid AST platform that utilizes low-density bacterial samples, concentrates bacterial cells, and performs AST on a single microfluidic chip. The platform allows quick detection of antibiotic resistance in three hours and can be used for cell-based drug testing of low-concentration bacterial samples.
Article
Microbiology
Ayesha Khan, Samuel G. Erickson, Cedric Pettaway, Cesar A. Arias, William R. Miller, Micah M. Bhatti
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of four ATM-CZA combination testing methods, with the most accurate, precise, and reproducible methods being disk elution and both strip methods (SX and SS) using MIC test strips (MTS). These methods can inform clinical decision making for severe infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Enterobacterales.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Noemi Poma, Federico Vivaldi, Andrea Bonini, Pietro Salvo, Arno Kirchhain, Zeliha Ates, Bernardo Melai, Daria Bottai, Arianna Tavanti, Fabio Di Francesco
Summary: Future strategies for detecting and monitoring biofilm formation in both industry and human health are crucial due to the negative impact of biofilms. Various electrochemical techniques including potentiometric, voltammetric, and impedance-based sensors are being used to provide an overview of biofilm detection and monitoring processes.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Maria Baltogianni, Vasileios Giapros, Chrysoula Kosmeri
Summary: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Antibiotic resistance is a significant issue in neonatal intensive care units, and biofilm infections also pose challenges. This review aims to discuss various approaches to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilm infections in NICUs.
Article
Microbiology
C. J. Kelley, A. Kennedy-Mendez, O. N. Walser, M. T. Thwaites, F. F. Arhin, C. M. Pillar, D. A. Hufnagel
Summary: Nonstandard testing conditions, apart from low pH and high inoculum density, had little impact on ATM/AVI microdilution MIC values for Enterobacterales. The study showed a strong correlation between agar dilution and broth microdilution MIC values, indicating the reliability of both methods in determining ATM/AVI susceptibility.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nima Shaigan, Xiao-Zi Yuan, Francois Girard, Khalid Fatih, Mark Robertson
Summary: The goal of the article is to establish standard specifications and test methods for quality control of bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells. By identifying and classifying important bipolar plate properties and reviewing current and past test methods, the article aims to close the gaps and provide a common ground for defining and measuring bipolar plate properties.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sofia Wareham-Mathiassen, Vera Pinto Glenting, Lene Bay, Marie Allesen-Holm, Henrik Bengtsson, Thomas Bjarnsholt
Summary: The microflora of pig neck skin is similar to that of human skin, although there are some differences at the species level. Pig neck skin can be used as an injection model, but there are certain limitations.
LABORATORY ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mona Bove, Mette Kolpen, Mads Lichtenberg, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, the fitness, antimicrobial susceptibility, metabolic activity, gene expression, in vitro production of virulence factors and in vivo virulence of experimentally evolved Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated. Mutations in mexT and fusA1 were found in the evolved strains, leading to altered fitness, metabolic activity, mexE expression, and antimicrobial susceptibility. However, the in vitro production of virulence factors and virulence in vivo were unchanged compared to the wild-type strains. These evolved strains also showed reduced susceptibility to tobramycin in an in vivo mouse model. Overall, this study highlights the impact of experimental evolution on the fitness and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yvonne Adams, Anne Skovsbo Clausen, Peter Ostrup Jensen, Malin Lager, Peter Wilhelmsson, Anna J. Henningson, Per-Eric Lindgren, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen, Helene Mens, Peter Kraiczy, Kasper Norskov Kragh, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Andreas Kjaer, Anne-Mette Lebech, Anja R. Jensen
Summary: We screened a group of low-passage Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. isolates using a novel human-derived 3D blood-brain barrier (BBB)-organoid model. The results showed that human-derived BBB-organoids can be invaded by Borrelia spirochetes, leading to swelling and loss of structural integrity. The BBB-organoid model highlights the tropism between B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to central nervous system infection.
Article
Dermatology
Anne -Sofie Halling, Blaine Gabriel Fritz, Trine Gerner, Maria Rasmussen Rinnov, Lene Bay, Mette Hjorslev Knudgaard, Nina Haarup Ravn, Simon Trautner, Iben Frier Ruge, Caroline Olesen, Isabel Diiaz-Pinees Cort, Lone Skov, Nikolaj Sorensen, Amalie Thorsti Moller Ronnstad, Simon F. Thomsen, Alexander Egeberg, Ivone Jakasa, Sanja Kezic, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Jacob P. Thyssen
Summary: This study examined the association between alterations in the skin microbiome and the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a Danish birth cohort. While no overall association was found, the study showed that lower alpha diversity in the skin microbiome at 2 months of age was associated with an increased risk of AD, particularly in children with parents who have atopy.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Amalie Thorsti Moller Ronnstad, Lene Bay, Iben Frier Ruge, Anne-Sofie Halling, Blaine Gabriel Fritz, Ivone Jakasa, Rosalie Luiten, Sanja Kezic, Simon Francis Thomsen, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Jacob P. Thyssen
Summary: This study aims to investigate the changes in the skin microbiome, skin barrier, and immune response in patients with AD, as well as the temporal relationship between them. The study includes 81 AD patients and 41 matched controls, and collects skin biopsies, tape strips, skin and nasal swabs for analysis using RNA sequencing, multiplex immunoassays, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 16S rDNA analysis. The findings will be presented at national and international conferences and published in international peer-reviewed publications.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Katrin Beilharz, Kasper Norskov Kragh, Blaine Fritz, Julius B. Kirkegaard, Tim Tolker-Nielsen, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Mads Lichtenberg
Summary: This protocol presents a method for assessing the metabolic activity of bacterial populations using isothermal calorimetry. It includes steps for preparing different growth models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and performing continuous metabolic activity measurements. The protocol also uses principal component analysis and probabilistic logistic classification to differentiate between metabolic states of different populations and assess resemblance to wild-type bacteria. This fine-scale metabolic measurement method can contribute to the understanding of microbial physiology.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Ellen Goeteyn, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: D,L-malate enhances ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa, improving antibiotic therapy in infection environments. The choice of model system influences the outcome of the experiment, emphasizing the importance of using models that closely mimic the in vivo environment. This study confirms the potential of D,L-malate to enhance ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa-associated infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Christopher J. Barnes, Maria Asplund, Maja-Lisa Clausen, Linett Rasmussen, Caroline Meyer Olesen, Yasemin Topal Yuksel, Paal Skytt Andersen, Thomas Litman, Kim Holmstrom, Lene Bay, Blaine Gabriel Fritz, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tove Agner, Anders Johannes Hansen
Summary: Considerable research has been done on understanding the healthy skin microbiome and the role of specific microbes in skin disorders. This study used sampling techniques to investigate the bacterial communities on the epidermal surface and within the stratum corneum of atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls. The results showed variations in bacterial richness at different layers of the skin, suggesting that sampling strategies can be tailored based on the research hypothesis. It was also observed that significant community variation between atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls was only observable at the epidermal surface, but individual taxa consistently differed with atopic dermatitis status throughout the entire epidermis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Torgny Sunnerhagen, Franziska Schwartz, Lars Christophersen, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Klaus Qvortrup, Nikolaj Eldrup, Katja Vogt, Claus Moser
Summary: This study examines whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus form biofilm on EVAR prostheses. The results show that bacteria can rapidly adhere to and form antibiotic-tolerant biofilms on EVAR graft material.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Tom Coenye
Summary: Our understanding of biofilm biology has greatly increased, but it has not yet resulted in major changes in clinical practice. The lack of standardized tools for studying biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory, particularly in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), is a major obstacle. Biofilm lifestyle significantly impacts antibiotic susceptibility, but AST is still typically conducted using planktonic cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of biofilm AST, highlight knowledge gaps, discuss potential ways to improve AST, and address the bottlenecks preventing its use in clinical practice.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Luciana Meneses, Ana Catarina Brandao, Tom Coenye, Ana Cristina Braga, Diana Priscila Pires, Joana Azeredo
Summary: This systematic review summarizes and analyzes the published data on the use of bacteriophages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, providing recommendations for future experiments. The findings suggest that phage concentration, burst size, and latent period can influence the efficacy of biofilm control, with higher concentrations and specific characteristics leading to better outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amber De Bleeckere, Sara Van den Bossche, Pieter-Jan De Sutter, Tine Beirens, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, a high throughput method was developed to determine the antimicrobial concentration required to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation using a synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium (SCFM2). Significant differences were observed between biofilm preventing concentrations (BPCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of three antibiotics, with the BPCs consistently higher than the MICs. This high throughput assay could be a valuable addition to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility in P. aeruginosa biofilms in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF).
Article
Microbiology
Kendra P. Rumbaugh, Thomas Bjarnsholt
Summary: This article traces the historical development of biofilms and their significance in infections, discusses the importance and challenges of in vivo biofilm research, and summarizes the current understanding and knowledge gaps in biofilm infections.
Review
Microbiology
Mads Lichtenberg, Tom Coenye, Matthew R. Parsek, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tim Holm Jakobsen
Summary: In vitro biofilms are distinct microbial communities characterized by physical traits, phenotypic features, and antibiotic tolerance. The importance of these traits varies depending on the environment and bacterial species. Mechanisms enabling antibiotic resistance in biofilms include physical barriers, physiological adaptations, and changes in gene expression. However, there is little consensus on gene expression profiles in biofilms, and a definitive "biofilm signature transcriptome" has not been identified. Spatial and temporal variability in biofilms greatly differs across systems or environments. Clinical biofilms may differ from those cultivated in laboratories and found in the environment, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of their characteristics.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
