Sortase-encoding genes, srtA and srtC, mediate Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF persistence in the Helicoverpa zea gastrointestinal tract
Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal and opportunistic pathogen in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mammals and insects. To investigate mechanisms of bacterial persistence in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), we developed a non-destructive sampling model using Helicoverpa zea, a destructive agricultural pest, as host to study the role of bacterial sortase enzymes in mitigating persistence in the gastrointestinal tract. E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtA and E. faecalis OG1RF ΔsrtC, isogenic E. faecalis OG1RF sortase mutants grew similarly under planktonic growth conditions relative to a streptomycin-resistant E. faecalis OG1RFS W...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 18, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Exploring biodegradative efficiency: a systematic review on the main microplastic-degrading bacteria
DiscussionThe research yielded 68 eligible studies, highlighting bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Rhodococcus as the main organisms involved in MP biodegradation. Additionally, enzymes such as hydrolases and alkane hydroxylases were emphasized for their involvement in this process. Thus, the potential of bacterial biodegradation is emphasized as a promising pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, highlighting the relevance of identifying bacteria with biotechnological potential for large-scale applications in reducing MP pollution. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 18, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Editorial: Viral emerging and re-emerging diseases: basic understanding and future intervention strategies
(Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Enhancing biomass conservation and enzymatic hydrolysis of sweet sorghum bagasse by combining pretreatment with ensiling and NaOH
In this study, a low-cost method using combined ensiling and NaOH was developed for lignocellulosic pretreatment. Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) was ensiled for 21 days and then treated with diluted NaOH (0%, 1%, and 2%) for fermentation. The results showed that the application of Lactobacillus plantarum (L) reduced fermentation losses of the silages, mainly low water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and ammonia nitrogen loss. Meanwhile, the application of Lactobacillus plantarum and ensiling enzyme (LE) promoted lignocellulosic degradation, as evidenced by low neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin (ADL)...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Animal models of Klebsiella pneumoniae mucosal infections
In conclusion, the choice of the animal model of K. pneumoniae infection will depend mainly on the questions being addressed by the study, while a better understanding of the interplay between bacterial virulence factors and animal host responses will provide a deeper comprehension of the disease process and aid in the development of effective preventive/therapeutic strategies. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Multi-omics analyses reveal interactions between the skin microbiota and skin metabolites in atopic dermatitis
DiscussionWe suggest that purine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathway disorders may play a certain role in the pathogenic mechanism of Staphylococcus aureus in AD. We also found that females are more likely to be colonized by the genus Staphylococcus than males. Differentially abundant metabolites involved in purine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathways were more obvious in female. However, we should notice that the metabolites we detected do not necessarily derived from microbes, they may also origin from the host. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Comparative analysis of biofilm characterization of probiotic Escherichia coli
Biofilms are thought to play a vital role in the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria. However, the structure and function of probiotic biofilms are poorly understood. In this work, biofilms of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917 were investigated and compared with those of pathogenic and opportunistic strains (E. coli MG1655, O157:H7) using crystal violet assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR microspectroscopy. The study revealed significant differences in the morphological structure, chemical composition, and spatial heterogeneity of the biofilm formed by the probiotic E....
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Soil microbial community are more sensitive to ecological regions than cropping systems in alpine annual grassland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
DiscussionOur study highlights the variation in soil microbial communities among different in alpine ecological regions and their resilience to cropping systems. Our results also underscore that mixed legume planting is a sustainable and effective forage management practice for the Tibetan Plateau. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Changes in soil oxidase activity induced by microbial life history strategies mediate the soil heterotrophic respiration response to drought and nitrogen enrichment
Drought and nitrogen deposition are two major climate challenges, which can change the soil microbial community composition and ecological strategy and affect soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh). However, the combined effects of microbial community composition, microbial life strategies, and extracellular enzymes on the dynamics of Rh under drought and nitrogen deposition conditions remain unclear. Here, we experimented with an alpine swamp meadow to simulate drought (50% reduction in precipitation) and multilevel addition of nitrogen to determine the interactive effects of microbial community composition, microbial life s...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal two new Penicillium species isolated from the ancient Great Wall loess in Beijing, China
DiscussionPenicillium acidogenicum is characterized by biverticillate conidiophores that produce globose conidia and is distinguished from similar species by its capacity to grow on CYA at 30°C. Penicillium floccosum is typically recognized by its restricted growth and floccose colony texture. The description of these two new species provided additional knowledge and new insights into the ecology and distribution of Penicillium. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

The accumulation of active ingredients of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is associated with soil characteristics and bacterial community
ConclusionThe study demonstrated that bacterial microorganisms were involved in the accumulation of active ingredients of P. cyrtonema together with soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities, which provided a theoretical basis for the scientific and effective artificial cultivation of high-quality P. cyrtonema. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Effects of Liqi Tongbian decoction on gut microbiota, SCFAs production, and 5-HT pathway in STC rats with Qi Stagnation Pattern
This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Liqi Tongbian Decoction (LTD) in the treatment of STC, especially in cases involving the context of Qi stagnation, through a multifaceted approach involving the modulation of intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We employed a rat model of STC with Qi Stagnation Pattern, established using the “loperamide + tail-clamping provocation method,” to explore the effects of LTD on fecal characteristics, intestinal motility, and colonic pathology. Importantly, LTD exhibited the ability to increase the richness, diversity, and homogeneity of intestinal flora wh...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the biofilm-degrading Pseudomonas phage Motto, as a candidate for phage therapy
In this study, we describe the Pseudomonas phage Motto, a T1-like phage that can clear P. aeruginosa infections in an animal model and also exhibits biofilm-degrading properties. The phage has a substantial anti-biofilm activity against strong biofilm-producing isolates (n = 10), with at least a twofold reduction within 24 h. To demonstrate the safety of using phage Motto, cytotoxicity studies were conducted with human cell lines (HEK 293 and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Using a previously established in vivo model, we demonstrated the efficacy of Motto in Caenorhabditis elegans, with a 90% survival rate when treated with...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

A meta-analysis on the role of sonication in the diagnosis of cardiac implantable electronic device-related infections
This study aimed to provide insight into the performance of sonication in the diagnosis of infections associated with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices, to help define a consensus on the algorithm for the microbial diagnosis of these infections.MethodsWe carried out a systematic review with meta-analysis. The PRISMA methodology guidelines were followed, and an advanced search was carried out in PubMed and Web of Science, which enabled 8 articles to be included in the review, in which a meta-analysis was also carried out. QUADAS-2 was used to assess the risk of bias and effect measures were calculated to assess publica...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research

Matrine reverses the resistance of Haemophilus parasuis to cefaclor by inhibiting the mutations in penicillin-binding protein genes (ftsI and mrcA)
DiscussionThe production of β-lactamase, overexpression of AcrAB-TolC system, and formation of biofilm might not be responsible for the resistance of clinical strain C7 to CEC. Fourteen mutation sites were found in four PBP genes (ftsI, pbp1B, mrcA, and prcS) of clinical strain C7, among which the mutation sites located in ftsI (Y103D and L517R) and mrcA (A639V) genes triggered the resistance to CEC. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CEC against clinical strain C7 was reduced by two to eight folds after MT treatment, accompanied by the significant down-regulated expression of mutated ftsI and mrcA genes. Based...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 15, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research