Article
Immunology
Wilhelm Hedin, Gabrielle Froberg, Kalle Fredman, Erja Chryssanthou, Ingrid Selmeryd, Anna Gillman, Letizia Orsini, Michael Runold, Bodil Joensson, Thomas Schon, Lina Davies Forsman
Summary: The morphology of MABC is associated with disease and treatment outcome, with smooth isolates having more favorable outcomes compared to rough isolates.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Carneiro, Miguel Pinto, Sonia Silva, Andrea Santos, Irene Rodrigues, Daniela Santos, Silvia Duarte, Luis Vieira, Joao Paulo Gomes, Rita Macedo
Summary: This study examined the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profiles of circulating Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) strains in Portugal. The results showed a high genetic diversity among the Portuguese isolates, suggesting the potential for international circulation or cross-border transmission.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
John Jairo Aguilera-Correa, Yves-Marie Boudehen, Laurent Kremer
Summary: By analyzing two-dimensional images of fluorescent or Congo red-stained M. abscessus colony-biofilms grown on a membrane, we found that colony-biofilms of smooth and rough variants of M. abscessus responded differently to rifabutin and bedaquiline, highlighting the importance of morphotype in addressing antibiotic treatment for biofilm-related infections in patients.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nils Wetzstein, Margo Diricks, Thomas A. Kohl, Thomas A. Wichelhaus, Soenke Andres, Laura Paulowski, Carsten Schwarz, Astrid Lewin, Jan Kehrmann, Barbara C. Kahl, Karl Dichtl, Christian Huegel, Olaf Eickmeier, Christina Smaczny, Annika Schmidt, Stefan Zimmermann, Lutz Naehrlich, Sylvia Hafkemeyer, Stefan Niemann, Florian P. Maurer, Michael Hogardt
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiological situation of M. abscessus among CF patients in Germany by performing whole-genome sequencing of isolates. The study identified representatives of all reported DCCs but found no evidence for nosocomial transmission.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrew Burke, Robyn Carter, Carla Tolson, Jacob Congdon, Christine Duplancic, Evan Bursle, Scott C. Bell, Jason A. Roberts, Rachel Thomson
Summary: This study describes the in vitro activity of imipenem-relebactam and tedizolid against Mycobacterium abscessus isolates from patients with and without cystic fibrosis, and suggests their potential use as treatment options for M. abscessus infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fernanda Cornejo-Granados, Thomas A. Kohl, Flor Vasquez Sotomayor, Sonke Andres, Rogelio Hernandez-Pando, Juan Manuel Hurtado-Ramirez, Christian Utpatel, Stefan Niemann, Florian P. Maurer, Adrian Ochoa-Leyva
Summary: This study represents the first systematic prediction and in silico characterization of the MAB secretome. Bioinformatics strategies can help to broadly explore mycobacterial secretomes, including those of clinical isolates, and tailor subsequent experimental approaches accordingly. The approach can support systematic investigation exploring candidate proteins for new vaccines and diagnostic markers to distinguish between colonization and infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca M. Davidson, Jeanne B. Benoit, Sara M. Kammlade, Nabeeh A. Hasan, L. Elaine Epperson, Terry Smith, Sruthi Vasireddy, Barbara A. Brown-Elliott, Jerry A. Nick, Kenneth N. Olivier, Adrian M. Zelazny, Charles L. Daley, Michael Strong, Richard J. Wallace
Summary: A recent study found a dominant clone of Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies massiliense associated with cystic fibrosis patients, pulmonary outbreaks, and skin infections, with high prevalence in the US and UK. The genomic variation and antimicrobial resistance mutations were compared between different isolates, revealing that outbreak isolates were more likely to have antimicrobial resistance mutations compared to sporadic isolates. Further studies are needed to understand the potential routes of transmission and spread of this clone among non-CF and CF patients in the US.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Juan M. Belardinelli, Wei Li, Charlotte Avanzi, Shiva K. Angala, Elena Lian, Crystal J. Wiersma, Zuzana Palcekova, Kevin H. Martin, Bhanupriya Angala, Vinicius C. N. de Moura, Callan Kerns, Victoria Jones, Mercedes Gonzalez-Juarrero, Rebecca M. Davidson, Jerry A. Nick, Bradley R. Borlee, Mary Jackson
Summary: Characterizing Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) biofilms under host-relevant conditions revealed substantial differences in composition, gene expression profile, and stress response compared to biofilms grown in standard laboratory media. Key extracellular matrix constituents holding clusters of bacilli together included eDNA, mannose-and glucose-containing glycans, and phospholipids. Environmental cues had no significant effect on SCFM-grown biofilms, likely due to the nutrient-rich environment allowing MABSC to cope with stresses in various ways. Potential new targets for adjunct therapeutics targeting MABSC biofilms in persons with CF were identified.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Peipei Jin, Jing Dai, Yinjuan Guo, Xuefeng Wang, Jing Lu, Yan Zhu, Fangyou Yu
Summary: Genomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) from non-cystic fibrosis patients in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, China revealed significant diversity in antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and phylogeny. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution and pathogenesis of MABC strains in China, which can be useful for the development of novel antimicrobial therapies.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Su-Young Kim, Dae Hun Kim, Seong Mi Moon, Ju Yeun Song, Hee Jae Huh, Nam Yong Lee, Sung Jae Shin, Won-Jung Koh, Byung Woo Jhun
Summary: This study evaluated the association between rrs mutations and amikacin resistance in clinical isolates of NTM in NTM-PD patients. The findings showed a higher prevalence of rrs mutations in high-level amikacin-resistant MAC isolates compared to low-level isolates, while all amikacin-resistant M. abscessus isolates had rrs mutations. These results emphasize the significance of phenotypic and genotypic susceptibility testing in managing MAC and M. abscessus-PD.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ada Marie Hoffmann, Martina Wolke, Jan Rybniker, Georg Plum, Frieder Fuchs
Summary: This study assessed the in vitro activity of the old antimicrobial nitroxoline against drug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MYABS) isolates. The results showed that nitroxoline has promising antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant MYABS isolates.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah E. M. Born, Matthew J. Reichlen, Iona L. Bartek, Jeanne B. Benoit, Daniel N. Frank, Martin I. Voskuil
Summary: Bacteria use population heterogeneity to adapt to different environmental challenges. This study describes multiple morphological variants in M. smegmatis and M. abscessus, and observes a shift from smooth to rough form in extended static culture. The presence of an aggregated microenvironment plays a role in this shift. Variants show differences in growth, biofilm formation, cell wall composition, and drug tolerance. Deletion of the global regulator lsr2 shifts the intermediate morphotype of M. smegmatis to a smooth form, but does not fully replicate the naturally generated smooth morphotype. Rough forms are associated with higher invasiveness and worse infection outcomes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yiting Wang, Wencong He, Ping He, Huiwen Zheng, Yanlin Zhao
Summary: This study investigated differences in antimicrobial susceptibility of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) subsp. massiliense and subsp. abscessus, finding that multilocus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) typing may provide valuable information for predicting resistance phenotype.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kana Misawa, Tomoyasu Nishimura, Shoko Kashimura, Yuki Enoki, Kazuaki Taguchi, Shunsuke Uno, Yoshifumi Uwamino, Kazuaki Matsumoto, Naoki Hasegawa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the combination of β-lactams and DBO β-lactamase inhibitors on MABC, and found that relebactam and nacubactam improved the efficacy of β-lactams against all MABC subspecies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jianhui Chen, Haonan Zhang, Qi Guo, Siyuan He, Liyun Xu, Zhemin Zhang, Jian Ma, Haiqing Chu
Summary: The available antibiotic options for Mycobacterium abscessus infection are limited. However, this study found that rifabutin has strong in vitro activity against M. abscessus and can be further enhanced when used in combination with amikacin. Certain strains of M. abscessus were also found to be more sensitive to rifabutin. Whole genome sequencing identified mutation patterns, but none were found to confer rifabutin resistance. These findings suggest that rifabutin is a promising option, either alone or in combination, for the treatment of M. abscessus infections.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Weixin Wang, Rui Chen, Stephenie Droll, Emily Barber, Layla Saleh, Meghan Corrigan-Cummins, Megan Trick, Vollter Anastas, Nga Voong Hawk, Zhen Zhao, Donald C. Vinh, Amy Hsu, Dennis D. Hickstein, Steven M. Holland, Katherine R. Calvo
Summary: GATA2 deficiency leads to cytopenias and susceptibility to infections. Increased expression of miR-181c and decreased levels of MCL1 were found in GATA2 deficiency cells, possibly contributing to elevated cell death and cytopenia. GATA2 represses miR-181c expression, while knockdown of GATA2 results in increased miR-181c expression.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Robert R. West, Katherine R. Calvo, Lisa J. Embree, Weixin Wang, Laura M. Tuschong, Thomas R. Bauer, Desiree Tillo, Justin Lack, Stephenie Droll, Amy P. Hsu, Steven M. Holland, Dennis D. Hickstein
Summary: Patients with GATA2 deficiency have germline mutations in the GATA2 transcription factor gene, which predispose them to myeloid malignancies. Somatic mutations in ASXL1 and STAG2 are associated with lower survival probability, while mutations in DNMT3A are found in early stages of the disease. Chromatin-related genes and cohesin genes characterize the progression of GATA2 deficiency.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hung-Chuan Yu, Wang-Da Liu, Po-Hsien Kuo, Chien-Chin Lin, Un-In Wu
Summary: This case report highlights the rare cutaneous manifestations of cytomegalovirus infection in nontransplant hematological patients and the associated risk of multisystem involvement and poor prognosis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jen-Yu Hsu, Aristine Cheng, Chia-Chi Ku, Yee-Chun Chen, Jann-Tay Wang, Tan-Wen Hsieh, Wang-Huei Sheng, Shang-Chwen Chang, Un-In Wu
Summary: This study aimed to identify predictors for the subspecies of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MAB) to facilitate rapid differentiation and optimize treatment plans. The analysis compared clinical characteristics, sites of infection, and outcomes between patients infected with M. abscessus and M. massiliense. The results showed that patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors were more likely to harbor M. abscessus, while M. massiliense was more frequently recovered from cutaneous and surgical wounds. These differences may provide clinically significant clues for treatment strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Linchen He, Chan Wang, Jiyuan Hu, Zhan Gao, Emilia Falcone, Steven M. Holland, Martin J. Blaser, Huilin Li
Summary: Dynamic changes of microbiome communities play important roles in human health and diseases. A novel statistical method called ARZIMM is proposed to model the temporal dynamic patterns of microbiome and quantify the microbial interactions and community stability simultaneously.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Katelyn J. McCann, Stephen M. Christensen, Devon H. Colby, Peter J. McGuire, Ian A. Myles, Christa S. Zerbe, Clifton L. Dalgard, Gauthaman Sukumar, Warren J. Leonard, Beth A. McCormick, Steven M. Holland
Summary: This study identifies an IFNy-induced, NAMPT-dependent, NAD+ salvage pathway that is critical for the activation of human monocytes. IFNy reprograms monocyte metabolism by increasing oxygen consumption rates through the oxidative phenotype driven by the IFNy-induced reprogramming of NAD+ metabolism.
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Shaia Bierman-Chow, Steven M. Holland, Amy P. Hsu, Cindy Palmer, John Lynch, Yair Mina, HyunJoo (Sophie) Cho
Summary: This study characterized the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of 10 patients with GATA2 deficiency who presented with early-onset ischemic stroke. The results suggest a link between GATA2 deficiency and stroke, emphasizing the need for further research to understand this unique vulnerability within this patient population.
Review
Immunology
Julia E. Marshall, Matthew J. Gebert, Ettie M. Lipner, Max Salfinger, Joseph O. Falkinham, D. Rebecca Prevots, Rachel A. Mercaldo
Summary: This review summarized current methods used to isolate and identify nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from the environment. Approximately half of the studies used a combination of culture-independent and culture-dependent methods. The most common environmental substrate analyzed was water. Summarizing these common methods may contribute to the development of standardized practices.
Article
Immunology
Rachel A. Mercaldo, Julia E. Marshall, D. Rebecca Prevots, Ettie M. Lipner, Joshua P. French
Summary: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are common environmental bacteria that can cause disease in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The risk of NTM infection varies depending on the geographical location. This study used several cluster detection methods to identify areas with a high risk of NTM infection, detecting four clusters in five states. Identifying these clusters will provide valuable information for future studies on environmental predictors of NTM infection and help guide prevention and control efforts.
Article
Immunology
Cheri Grigg, Kelly A. Jackson, Devra Barter, Christopher A. Czaja, Helen Johnston, Ruth Lynfield, Paula Snippes Vagnone, Laura Tourdot, Nancy Spina, Ghinwa Dumyati, P. Maureen Cassidy, Rebecca Pierce, Emily Henkle, D. Rebecca Prevots, Max Salfinger, Kevin L. Winthrop, Nadege Charles Toney, Shelley S. Magill
Summary: Surveillance for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections is important for understanding the disease burden and patient characteristics. A pilot surveillance program was conducted in four geographic areas to monitor pulmonary and extrapulmonary NTM infections.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Rachel A. Mercaldo, Julia E. Marshall, Gerard A. Cangelosi, Maura Donohue, Joseph O. Falkinham III, Noah Fierer, Joshua P. French, Matthew J. Gebert, Jennifer R. Honda, Ettie M. Lipner, Theodore K. Marras, Kozo Morimoto, Max Salfinger, Janet Stout, Rachel Thomson, Rebecca Prevots
Summary: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases organized a symposium in June 2022 to discuss the environmental risks of nontuberculous mycobacteria exposure and disease. The experts presented recent studies and identified several research gaps. This report summarizes the discussion and outlines six major areas for future research, including laboratory methods, culture media, standardized methods, sampling strategies, exposure measures validation, and spatiotemporal data availability.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Marie Morimoto, Elena-Raluca Nicoli, Chulaluck Kuptanon, Joseph C. Roney, Jenny Serra-Vinardell, Prashant Sharma, David R. Adams, John Gallin, Steven M. Holland, Sergio D. Rosenzweig, Jose Barbot, Carla Ciccone, Marjan Huizing, Camilo Toro, William A. Gahl, Wendy J. Introne, May Christine Malicdan
Summary: The study identified 11 novel pathogenic LYST variants in patients with CHS, adding to a total of 147 variants in LYST. A genotype-phenotype correlation was observed, indicating that individuals with missense or in-frame variants usually have milder disease compared to those with nonsense or frameshift variants.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ettie M. Lipner, Joshua P. French, Rachel A. Mercaldo, Stephen Nelson, Adrian M. Zelazny, Julia E. Marshall, Michael Strong, Joseph O. Falkinham, D. Rebecca Prevots
Summary: This study investigates the influence of water-quality constituents on the risk of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infection in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The findings suggest that the concentration of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum in surface water is associated with increased risk of infection with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium abscessus.
ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ettie M. Lipner, Joshua P. French, Stephen Nelson, Joseph O. Falkinham, Rachel A. Mercaldo, Rebekah A. Blakney, Yihe G. Daida, Timothy B. Frankland, Kyle P. Messier, Jennifer R. Honda, Stacey Honda, D. Rebecca Prevots
Summary: This study found an association between vanadium concentrations in groundwater and pulmonary infection of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in O'ahu, Hawai'i. These findings suggest that naturally occurring trace metals can influence the presence of NTM in water sources that supply municipal water systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Rebekah A. Blakney, Emily E. Ricotta, Timothy B. Frankland, Stacey Honda, Adrian Zelazny, Katrin D. Mayer-Barber, Samantha G. Dean, Dean Follmann, Kenneth N. Olivier, Yihe G. Daida, D. Rebecca Prevots
Summary: Differences in the risk for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection (NTM-PI) among ethnic populations in Hawaii were examined. The study found that being underweight and self-identifying as Asian were associated with an increased risk for NTM-PI.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)