Article
Microbiology
Anna Nowaczek, Marta Dec, Dagmara Stepien-Pysniak, Renata Urban-Chmiel, Agnieszka Marek, Pawel Rozanski
Summary: Wild birds can be carriers of potentially dangerous E. coli strains and vectors for the spread of resistant bacteria and resistance determinants in the environment.
Article
Microbiology
Yan Zhang, Xu Kuang, Juan Liu, Ruan-Yang Sun, Xing-Ping Li, Jian Sun, Xiao-Ping Liao, Ya-Hong Liu, Yang Yu
Summary: The study revealed the prevalence of mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli in migratory birds from Guangdong, China, highlighting their role in the transmission of antibiotic resistance. The bacteria exhibited diverse sequence types and were phylogenetically related to strains from other sources in China, emphasizing the significance of migratory birds as potential transmitters of antibiotic resistance.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Laura Musa, Valentina Stefanetti, Patrizia Casagrande Proietti, Guido Grilli, Marco Gobbi, Valeria Toppi, Leonardo Brustenga, Chiara Francesca Magistrali, Maria Pia Franciosini
Summary: A study conducted on 100 commensal Escherichia coli strains isolated from wild birds in Italy found significant resistance to ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, which could pose a potential risk to public health.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudia Cobo-Angel, Steven M. Roche, Stephen J. LeBlanc
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing dairy cattle veterinarians' prescribing of antimicrobials and their attitudes towards reducing antimicrobial use in the dairy industry. The study found that veterinarians have to consider various factors and face conflicts when making prescribing decisions. Younger veterinarians showed higher awareness of antimicrobial resistance but also experienced more pressure to comply with farmers' wishes.
Article
Microbiology
Timothy J. Dallman, Saskia Neuert, Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, Michelle Berin, Emily Richardson, Pablo Fuentes-Utrilla, Nicholas Loman, Saheer Gharbia, Claire Jenkins, Ron H. Behrens, Gauri Godbole, Michael Brown
Summary: International travel is a risk factor for acquisition of resistant organisms, as shown by increased abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes in fecal samples post-travel. Resistance genes for macrolides, third-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and sulfonamides were particularly increased. The study also found a significant association between diarrhea or antibiotic use and increased resistome abundance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Timothy Kudinha, Fanrong Kong
Summary: The prevalence of ST131, especially among ciprofloxacin resistant isolates, increased from fecal to clinical samples in women, men, and children. ST131 isolates showed higher virulence potential compared to non-ST131 isolates, particularly in urinary samples. There was a strong association between ST131 prevalence and fluoroquinolone resistance, with FQ resistant ST131 isolates harboring more virulence genes.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
An-Ni Zhang, Jeffry M. Gaston, Chengzhen L. Dai, Shijie Zhao, Mathilde Poyet, Mathieu Groussin, Xiaole Yin, Li-Guan Li, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Edward Topp, Michael R. Gillings, William P. Hanage, James M. Tiedje, Katya Moniz, Eric J. Alm, Tong Zhang
Summary: Antibiotic resistance genes are common among bacteria, but not all pose high risks to human health. Researchers have developed an omics-based framework to rank these genes by risk, taking into account their enrichment in human associated environments, gene mobility, and host pathogenicity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Saleh Afsharikhah, Reza Ghanbarpour, Parvin Mohseni, Nasrin Adib, Mahboube Bagheri, Maziar Jajarmi
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of common beta-lactam resistance genes and phenotypic resistance in urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli isolates. The results showed high prevalence of antibiotic resistance to beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones, suggesting the need for changes in drug resistance diagnosis and antibiotic therapy strategies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tristan Delory, Josselin Le Bel, Sylvie Lariven, Nathan Peiffer-Smadja, Francois-Xavier Lescure, Elisabeth Bouvet, Pauline Jeanmougin, Florence Tubach, Pierre-Yves Boelle
Summary: Online computerized decision support systems (CDSS) provide real-time information on the ecology and surveillance of E. coli resistance in community-acquired UTIs, assisting prescribers in selecting appropriate antimicrobial agents.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eveline Weerdenburg, Todd Davies, Brian Morrow, Aldert L. Zomer, Peter Hermans, Oscar Go, Bart Spiessens, Thijs van den Hoven, Gunter van Geet, Moussa Aitabi, Chitrita DebRoy, Edward G. Dudley, Marc Bonten, Jan Poolman, Jeroen Geurtsen
Summary: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a major cause of bacteremia worldwide, and the dominant O serotype among ExPEC bacteremia isolates is O25B, particularly among multidrug-resistant isolates.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mitkie Tigabie, Sirak Biset, Teshome Belachew, Azanaw Amare, Feleke Moges
Summary: This study investigated multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in chicken droppings from poultry farms. The results showed a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains, which could have adverse implications for public health. Therefore, prudent use of antibiotics should be implemented in poultry production to manage antibiotic resistance.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yihao Li, Huimin Wang, Pingxiao Wu, Lu Jiang, Zubair Ahmed, Bo Ruan, Shanshan Yang
Summary: The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) due to the overuse of antibiotics poses a serious threat to public health. Heavy metals, when present in higher concentrations than antibiotics in the environment, can exert long-term selection pressure on ARGs. The study found that montmorillonite (Mt) can mitigate the antibiotic resistance caused by heavy metals, highlighting its potential role in reducing ecological risks.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sien De Koster, Moniek Ringenier, Christine Lammens, Arjan Stegeman, Tijs Tobias, Francisca Velkers, Hans Vernooij, Marjolein Kluytmans-van den Bergh, Jan Kluytmans, Jeroen Dewulf, Herman Goossens
Summary: This study found marked differences in antibiotic resistance between countries, farms, and within farms in Belgium and the Netherlands. ESBL-E. coli were more prevalent in Belgian samples, while CiproR-E. coli were highly prevalent in broilers of both countries. Multidrug resistance was frequently observed in samples from both countries, with a higher prevalence of ESBL production in combination with ciprofloxacin resistance in samples from Belgium.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily K. Rousham, Muhammad Asaduzzaman, T. I. M. Amin Uddin Mozmader, Mohammed Badrul Amin, Mahdia Rahman, Muhammed Iqbal Hossain, Md Rayhanul Islam, Zahid Hayat Mahmud, Leanne Unicomb, Mohammad Aminul Islam
Summary: The study revealed a high prevalence of ESBL-EC colonization in humans, but it was not significantly associated with poultry exposure. In these community settings, bidirectional transmission of antibiotic resistance between humans, poultry, and the environment is likely to occur, highlighting the importance of One Health mitigation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elaheh Miranzadeh Mahabadi, Majid Gholami-Ahangaran
Summary: A total of 295 cloacal swabs were collected from healthy and enteric pet birds, and E. coli strains were identified. The detection rate of EPE strains in enteric birds was higher than in healthy birds. CTX gene was the most prevalent ESBL gene, while SHV gene was not detected. The study suggests that pet birds may serve as a source of resistance gene transmission to humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Soares, Ines Rodrigues, Paulo Martins da Costa, Luis Gales
Summary: In recent decades, multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a significant global concern, and alternative antibacterial agents are being sought. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity of four dipeptide nanotubes, revealing diverse mechanisms through which they exert their effect against bacteria. Two dipeptides, FF and LS, are identified as pore forming structures that induce membrane permeation and affect cellular hydration and integrity, with FF also showing potential in inhibiting biofilm formation due to its amyloid-like nature and hydrophobicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mariana C. Almeida, Paulo M. da Costa, Emilia Sousa, Diana I. S. P. Resende
Summary: With the increasing drug resistance, it is crucial to develop effective antimicrobial therapies. One promising approach is the conjugation of antibiotics with relevant molecules to enhance their activity through target-directed delivery. By hijacking microorganisms' iron transport systems, siderophore-antibiotic Trojan horses can carry antibiotics into cells. This Perspective examines the potential of these Trojan horses for infection treatment and the role of siderophores in diagnostic techniques. It also discusses other conjugated compounds, such as those involving vitamin B12, carbohydrates, amino acids, protein degradation, and beta-lactamase activated prodrugs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Frederico Alves, Rita Castro, Miguel Pinto, Alexandra Nunes, Constanca Pomba, Manuela Oliveira, Leonor Silveira, Joao Paulo Gomes, Monica Oleastro
Summary: This study investigated the C. difficile strains in canine and feline populations and assessed their genetic overlap with human strains. The results showed that companion animals may be a source of infection for toxigenic and antimicrobial resistant C. difficile isolates associated with humans. This study provides important data on the genetic proximity between C. difficile isolates from animals and humans, contributing to future research on the role of animal reservoirs in the transmission networks and alerting to potential public health risks.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Raquel Abreu, Antonio Martinho, Rute Noiva, Hugo Pissarra, Joao Cota, Eva Cunha, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: This case report describes a 5-year-old dog with Aspergillus terreus infection, which was successfully treated with itraconazole therapy, resulting in significant clinical improvement and resolution of radiographic abnormalities.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fatima P. Machado, Ines C. Rodrigues, Aikaterini Georgopolou, Luis Gales, Jose A. Pereira, Paulo M. Costa, Sharad Mistry, Salar Hafez Ghoran, Artur M. S. Silva, Tida Dethoup, Emilia Sousa, Anake Kijjoa
Summary: An undescribed hybrid phenalenone dimer, an unreported azaphilone, an unreported phthalide dimer, and an undescribed dihydroxy-ergosta-4,6,8(14)-tetraen-3-one were isolated from a marine sponge-derived fungus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various spectral analysis methods. Two of the isolated compounds showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, as well as inhibited biofilm formation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joao Lozano, Mariana Louro, Cristina Almeida, Ana Claudia Victorio, Pedro Melo, Joao Paulo Rodrigues, Manuela Oliveira, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Luis Madeira de Carvalho
Summary: This study isolated seven Mucor isolates from avian fecal samples, which is the first report of native predatory fungi isolated from avian feces and demonstrated their lytic activity against coccidia.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcus Vinicius Canario Viana, Jose Henrique Galdino, Rodrigo Profeta, Manuela Oliveira, Luis Tavares, Siomar de Castro Soares, Paulo Carneiro, Alice Rebecca Wattam, Vasco Azevedo
Summary: Several Corynebacterium silvaticum strains from Portugal show unique genetic diversity and may be able to produce diphtheria toxin, causing caseous lymphadenitis in wild boars, domestic pigs, and roe deer. These findings contribute to the identification and epidemiology of the species.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Patricia G. Cardoso, Odete Goncalves, Thais Cavalheri, Vania E. Amorim, Weiwei Cao, Diogo A. M. Alexandrino, Zhongjun Jia, Maria F. F. Carvalho, Paulo Vaz-Pires, Rodrigo O. A. Ozorio
Summary: A fish trial was conducted to assess the effects of temperature and dietary lipid level on the body composition, growth performance, and freshness profile of the European seabass. The study showed that fish reared at 24 degrees C had lower lipid levels and higher daily growth index compared to fish reared at 20 degrees C. Sensory and microbiological analysis further revealed better freshness conditions in fish reared at 24 degrees C. However, dietary lipid level did not impact fish freshness. These findings suggest that increasing the temperature to 24 degrees C is beneficial for the growth and freshness profile of this particular species in aquaculture.
Review
Microbiology
Raquel Abreu, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek, Eva Cunha, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: The significant increase in the world population has led to higher consumption of poultry products, which must meet demand while maintaining quality and safety. The use and misuse of conventional antimicrobials in livestock production, including poultry, has resulted in the development and dissemination of antimicrobial drug resistance, which is a serious public health concern. This review discusses the consequences of antimicrobial drug resistance in poultry production, focusing on the current status of this sector and describing novel bacterial control strategies under investigation for application in the industry.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rafaela Zina, Eva Cunha, Isa Serrano, Elisabete Silva, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) caused by P. aeruginosa infections are a global public health concern. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of nisin Z on persister cells of P. aeruginosa, which are highly tolerant to antibiotics. Nisin Z showed a high inhibitory effect on persister cells in planktonic suspensions, but could not eradicate them in established biofilms. Transcriptome analysis revealed that persistence was associated with downregulation of genes related to metabolic processes, cell wall synthesis, and dysregulation of stress response and biofilm formation. Nisin Z could be considered as a potential complementary therapy for treating P. aeruginosa DFU, but should be used early or after wound debridement.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mariana C. Almeida, Nikoletta Szemeredi, Fernando Duraes, Solida Long, Diana I. S. P. Resende, Paulo Martins da Costa, Madalena Pinto, Gabriella Spengler, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Drug resistance is becoming a major global health threat, with overexpression of efflux pumps and formation of biofilms being common mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to develop antimicrobial agents that can counteract resistance. Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones have recently been discovered to have relevant antimicrobial properties.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eva Cunha, Ana Filipa Ferreira, Sara Valente, Alice Matos, Luis Miguel Carreira, Marta Videira, Lelia Chambel, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: Periodontal disease is a relevant oral disease in dogs and nisin-biogel has been proposed for its control. Enterococci, as a reliable bacterial model, were used to evaluate the in vivo influence of long-term dental application of nisin-biogel on canine oral enterococci.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Susana A. Dias, Sandra N. Pinto, Ana S. Silva-Herdade, Marco Cavaco, Vera Neves, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira, David Andreu, Ana Coutinho, Miguel A. R. B. Castanho, Ana Salome Veiga
Summary: A polycationic peptide vCPP2319 derived from Torque teno douroucouli virus capsid protein is shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by killing the bacteria embedded in the biofilm. The peptide has low toxicity towards human cells and high stability in human serum, but has limited effect on the biofilm EPS matrix. The combination with the EPS matrix-degrading enzyme α-amylase fails to enhance the antibacterial action of the peptide.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Catarina Raposo, Isa Serrano, Eva Cunha, Maria Patricia Couto, Filipa Lopes, Maria Casero, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: Due to poisoning and food decline, the number of Eurasian vultures needing veterinary care has increased. In captivity, vultures often develop oral and infectious diseases, affecting their survival and reintroduction. Characterizing microbial species, such as Mucor spp., in vulture's oral cavity is crucial.
Review
Microbiology
Manuela Oliveira, Eva Cunha, Luis Tavares, Isa Serrano
Summary: This review discusses the development of biofilms and the interactions between different constituents. Various diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, otitis media, diabetic foot wound infections, and certain cancers, are worsened by polymicrobial biofilms. These biofilms consist of heterogeneous communities of microorganisms protected by a polysaccharide matrix. The interactions between microorganisms lead to increased resistance to antimicrobials and host defense mechanisms, aggravating disease symptoms. Therefore, the role of polymicrobial biofilms in infections affecting different human organs and systems, as well as the interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria, fungi, and viruses, will be discussed. Evaluating the microbes involved in a specific disease is crucial for effective antimicrobial therapy.
