Functional characterization of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica genotypes during tick cell and macrophage infections using a proteogenomic approach
Tularemia is a vector-borne disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Known hosts and vectors in Europe are hare and ticks. F. tularensis is transmitted from ticks and animals, but also from the hydrotelluric environment and the consumption of contaminated water or food. A changing climate expands the range in which ticks can live and consequently might contribute to increasing case numbers of tularemia. Two subspecies of F. tularensis are human pathogenic. Francisella tularensis tularensis (Ftt) is endemic in North America, while Francisella tularensis holarctica (Fth) is the only subspecies ca...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Identifying potential monkeypox virus inhibitors: an in silico study targeting the A42R protein
This study sought to identify potential A42R inhibitors for MPXV treatment using computational approaches. The energy minimized 3D structure of the A42R profilin-like protein (PDB ID: 4QWO) underwent virtual screening using a library of 36,366 compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), AfroDb, and PubChem databases as well as known inhibitor tecovirimat via AutoDock Vina. A total of seven compounds comprising PubChem CID: 11371962, ZINC000000899909, ZINC000001632866, ZINC000015151344, ZINC000013378519, ZINC000000086470, and ZINC000095486204, predicted to have favorable binding were shortlisted. Molecular docking su...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Optimal selection of specimens for metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections
ConclusionmNGS can function as a precise diagnostic tool for identifying pathogens in PJI patients using three types of specimens. Due to its superior ability in pathogen identification, prosthetic sonicate fluid can replace synovial fluid and periprosthetic tissue as the optimal sample choice for mNGS. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Airway necrosis and granulation tissue formation caused by Rhizopus oryzae leading to severe upper airway obstruction: a case report
Pulmonary Mucormycosis is a fatal infectious disease with high mortality rate. The occurrence of Mucormycosis is commonly related to the fungal virulence and the host’s immunological defenses against pathogens. Mucormycosis infection and granulation tissue formation occurred in the upper airway was rarely reported. This patient was a 60-year-old male with diabetes mellitus, who was admitted to hospital due to progressive cough, sputum and dyspnea. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and bronchoscopy revealed extensive tracheal mucosal necrosis, granulation tissue proliferation, and severe airway stenosis. The muco...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Phage P2-71 against multi-drug resistant Proteus mirabilis: isolation, characterization, and non-antibiotic antimicrobial potential
This study not only furthers the understanding of phage therapy as a promising non-antibiotic antimicrobial but also underscores its critical role in combating emerging MDR infections in both veterinary and public health contexts. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Influenza and COVID-19 co-infection and vaccine effectiveness against severe cases: a mathematical modeling study
ConclusionTo minimize the number of severe illnesses arising from co-infection of influenza and COVID-19, in conjunction vaccinations in the population are important, especially priority for the elderly. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Causal relationship between the gut microbiota and insomnia: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
ConclusionThis study can provide a new direction for the causal relationship between the gut microbiota (class.Negativicutes, order.Selenomonadales, genus.Lactococcus) and insomnia and the treatment or prevention strategies of insomnia. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 4, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

The role of sialidases in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis and their use as a promising pharmacological target in bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the genital tract characterized by disturbance of the normally Lactobacilli-dominated vaginal flora due to the overgrowth of Gardnerella and other anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis, an anaerobic pathogen and the major pathogen of BV, produces sialidases that cleave terminal sialic acid residues off of human glycans. By desialylation, sialidases not only alter the function of sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates but also play a vital role in the attachment, colonization and spread of many other vaginal pathogens. With known pathogenic effects, excellent performance of si...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 1, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Cytokine IL-5 and HGF: combined prediction of non-/low immune response to hepatitis B vaccination at birth in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers
ConclusionThe present study provides a theoretical basis on cytokines for developing and implementing effective immunotherapies against non/low immune response in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 1, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Whole genome sequencing identifies novel mutations in malaria parasites resistant to artesunate (ATN) and to ATN + mefloquine combination
IntroductionThe global evolution of resistance to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) by malaria parasites, will severely undermine our ability to control this devastating disease.MethodsHere, we have used whole genome sequencing to characterize the genetic variation in the experimentally evolved Plasmodium chabaudi parasite clone AS-ATNMF1, which is resistant to artesunate + mefloquine.Results and discussionFive novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, one of which was a previously undescribed E738K mutation in a 26S proteasome subunit that was selected for under artesunate pressure (in AS-...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - March 1, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Editorial: Antibiotics overuse as the driving force behind antimicrobial resistance
(Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 29, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

O-Antigen decorations in Salmonella enterica play a key role in eliciting functional immune responses against heterologous serovars in animal models
DiscussionSuch results, if confirmed in humans, could have a great impact on the design of a simplified vaccine composition able to maximize functional immune responses against clinically relevant Salmonella enterica serovars. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 29, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

An overview of anti-Hepatitis B virus flavonoids and their mechanisms of action
Flavonoids, a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in various plant-based foods, have garnered attention for their potential in combating Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. Flavonoids have demonstrated promising anti-HBV activities by interfering with multiple stages of the HBV life cycle, making them promising candidates for novel antiviral agents. Certain plant families, such as Theaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Gentianaceae, are of particular interest for their flavonoid-rich members with anti-HBV activities. Evidences, both in vitro and in vivo, supports the anti-HBV potential of flavonoids. These subsets o...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 29, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Design of a multi-epitope vaccine against goatpox virus using an immunoinformatics approach
ConclusionThe designed GTPV multi-epitope vaccine is structurally stable and can induce robust humoral and cellular immune responses, which may be a promising vaccine candidate against GTPV. (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 29, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Portable, and ultrasensitive HR-HPV tests based on nucleic acid biosensors
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer threatening women’s health globally, and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer worldwide. Given the recurrent nature of HR-HPV infection, accurate screening is essential for its control. Since the commonly used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique is limited by professional equipment and personnel, convenient and ultrasensitive detection methods for HR-HPV are still highly needed. As new molecular detection methods, nucleic acid amplification-based biosensors have the advantages of high sensitivity, rapid operation, and ...
Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology - February 28, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research