Etiologic Agent Research Articles

Smu_1558c-mediated regulation of growth and biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a key etiological agent in dental caries, owing to its strong ability to form biofilms through carbohydrate fermentation. Protein acetylation, facilitated by GNAT family acetyltransferases, plays a critical regulatory role in bacterial physiology, but its impact on S. mutans remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of the GNAT family acetyltransferase encoded by smu_1558c in regulating the growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans. The deletion of smu_1558c resulted in impaired growth, reduced biofilm formation, and diminished synthesis of water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). Proteomic analysis revealed 166 differentially expressed proteins in the deletion mutant, with significant enrichment in pathways related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and translation. Notably, glucosyltransferases GtfB and GtfC, key enzymes in biofilm formation, were significantly downregulated in the deletion mutant, while ClpL, a Clp-like ATP-dependent protease involved in protein homeostasis under stress conditions, was highly upregulated. These findings highlight that acetyltransferase smu_1558c plays a crucial role in the growth, biofilm formation, and EPS synthesis of S. mutans through its regulation of carbohydrate transport and metabolism pathways, as well as stress response mechanisms. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing S. mutans pathogenicity and suggests potential therapeutic targets for caries prevention.

Detection of Francisellaceae and the differentiation of main European F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains (Clades) by new designed qPCR assays

BackgroundThe zoonotic and highly infectious pathogen Francisella tularensis is the etiological agent of tularemia. Tularemia in humans is mainly caused by F. tularensis subspecies tularensis and holarctica, but Francisella species like F. novicida, F. philomiragia, F. hispaniensis and others are known to cause tularemia-like infections in immunocompromised humans. In addition to these Francisella species, further genera of the family Francisellaceae have been described, such as Allofrancisella, Parafrancisella and Pseudofrancisella, but less is known about the distribution and putative virulence of these genera. The methods currently available were not made for a fast and easy detection of all these strains and genera of Francisellaceae.ResultsWe developed a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR assay that can accurately detect all genera of Francisellaceae, including Francisella, Francisella-like endosymbionts, Allofrancisella, Parafrancisella and Pseudofrancisella. In addition, we developed a qPCR assay to differentiate the major clades (B.4, B.6 and B.12 [B.71 and B.72]) of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains. Both primer sets were shown to work on isolated DNA out of human and tick samples.ConclusionSince the developed qPCRs are able to detect all genera of Francisellaceae tested, an easy and fast identification of opportunistic Francisella strains causing tularemia-like symptoms in humans or animals is possible now. The application of these qPCR assays will thus improve the capability for clinical diagnostics and molecular typing during epidemiological investigations.

Screening Wild Birds for Tick-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens in Portugal

Wild birds may be involved in the transmission of agents of infectious diseases, including zoonoses, a circumstance which raises a number of public and animal health issues. Migratory bird species play a significant role in the introduction of tick-borne pathogens to new geographic areas, contributing to the dissemination of various etiological agents. This preliminary study aimed to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic pathogens (Hepatozoon spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) in the wild birds of Portugal. Blood and tissue samples were taken from 103 birds admitted at wildlife rehabilitation centers. Through the use of conventional PCR, our findings indicate no evidence of the circulation of these pathogens among the studied bird populations in the region. In the One Health context, it is relevant to understand how faraway avian populations play a role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Further molecular studies are needed to deepen the knowledge of avian piroplasmosis, borreliosis and hepatozoonosis.

Naegleria fowleri Infections: Bridging Clinical Observations and Epidemiological Insights

Purpose: Naegleria fowleri is the main etiologic agent implicated in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is also known as the brain-eating amoeba because of the severe brain inflammation following infection, with a survival rate of about 5%. This review aims to identify Naegleria fowleri infections and evaluate patients’ progression. This literature review emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of infected patients because only prompt initiation of appropriate therapy can lead to medical success. Compared to other articles of this kind, this one analyzes a large number of reported cases and all the factors that affected patients’ evolution. Materials and methods: Two independent reviewers used “Naegleria fowleri” and “case report” as keywords in the Clarivate Analytics—Web of Science literature review, obtaining 163 results. The first evaluation step was article title analysis. The two reviewers determined if the title was relevant to the topic. The first stage removed 34 articles, leaving 129 for the second stage. Full-text articles were evaluated after reading the abstract, and 77 were eliminated. This literature review concluded with 52 articles. Key findings: This review included 52 case report articles, 17 from the USA, eight from India, seven from China, four from Pakistan, two from the UK, and one each from Thailand, Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, Norway, Turkey, Costa Rica, Zambia, Australia, Taiwan, and Venezuela, and Mexico. This study included 98 patients, with 17 women (17.4%) and 81 men (82.6%). The cases presented in this study show that waiting to start treatment until a diagnosis is confirmed can lead to rapid worsening and bad outcomes, especially since there is currently no drug that works very well as a treatment and the death rate is around 98%. Limitations: The lack of case presentation standardization may lead to incomplete case information in the review since the cases did not follow a writing protocol. The small number of global cases may also lead to misleading generalizations, especially about these patients’ treatment. Due to the small number of cases, there is no uniform sample of patients, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of infection.

Optimization of a Method for Detecting Single copies of Hepatitis B Virus DNA using CRISPR/Cas systems

Relevance. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the etiologic agent of acute and chronic hepatitis B in humans. WHO recommends the use of sensitive laboratory assays based on nucleic acid amplification methods to detect HBV DNA. A method for detecting single copies of hepatitis B virus DNA using CRISPR/Cas systems was previously developed for ultrasensitive detection of HBV DNA.Aims. The aim of present study was to optimize the method for detecting single copies of hepatitis B virus DNA using CRISPR/Cas systems.Materials and methods. To obtain amplified fragments of the hepatitis B virus genome, 22 oligonucleotides were developed. The preliminary amplification stage was performed by the RPA method using the developed oligonucleotides. The assembly of CRISPR/ Cas ribonucleoprotein complexes specific for fragments of the hepatitis B virus genome was carried out using synthetic guide RNA (oligoribonucleotides). The detection stage was performed in HOLMES 1.Results and discussion. We maintained the sensitivity of the optimized method at the level of the original one (detection of single copies of hepatitis B virus DNA), when optimizing the method for detecting hepatitis B virus DNA. In addition, we reduced the time required for the analysis. Thus, the time required to detect single copies (6 copies per reaction) of hepatitis B virus DNA using the original method is 83 minutes, while for the optimized method it is 32 minutes.Conclusions. The optimized method for detecting single copies of hepatitis B virus DNA using CRISPR/Cas systems described in the article can be used in the future to develop new diagnostic kits, including point-of-care kits and/or kits to use in the field.

Anti-furfurative comparison of Kesh Kanti-Herbal Shampoos and synthetic shampoos against Malassezia furfur for dandruff management

Malassezia furfur is the primary etiological agent of dandruff (Pityriasis capitis). Although herbal shampoos are preferred for their natural, mild ingredients over synthetic counterparts, they are often perceived as less effective in managing flaky scalp conditions or furfuration causing dandruff. The study compares the antifungal efficacy of herbal and synthetic shampoos against M. furfur. Seven shampoos including herbal (HS_Adv, HS_M&P, HS_Aloe), synthetic (SYN_01, SYN_02, SYN_03) and an antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole (KETO) were employed in the study. Experiments were designed to stimulate real-world conditions, utilizing disc-diffusion assay, 3-minute shampoo contact at mild dilutions (1% and 5%), recurrent 3-minute shampoo contact every 24 h with intermittent recovery. Both disc diffusion and 3-minute shampoo contact demonstrated that all shampoos were effectively inhibiting the viability of M. furfur. However, a single 3-minute shampoo contact followed by a prolonged recovery of 72 h revealed SYN_01 and KETO with maximal antifungal action. In contrast, herbal shampoos were as effective as synthetic options when M. furfur was subjected to 3-minute shampoo contact every 24 h with intermittent recovery. Comprehensive ingredient analysis revealed the robust antifungal activity in SYN_01 was probably because of the presence of various surfactants, allergens and a potent synthetic antifungal agent, Piroctone olamine. This study experimentally demonstrates that herbal shampoos are as effective as synthetic options in managing M. furfur-induced dandruff when applied consistently. The findings highlight the importance of regular scalp cleansing for dandruff management and provide valuable insights into the antifungal potential of both herbal and synthetic formulations.

COVID-19: Lessons Learned from Molecular and Clinical Research

SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiological agent of the novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), was first identified in late 2019, following the sudden appearance of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown origin in China [...]

Molecular Characterization of Virulence Genes of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Camel Clinical Mastitis in Egypt

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is well-recognized worldwide as one of the main etiological agents of mastitis in dairy animals. The current investigation was undertaken to determine the prevalence and virulence factors of S. aureus isolated from camels with clinical mastitis in Egypt. Methods: A total of 200 milk samples were collected from camels suffering from clinical mastitis and they were examined for S. aureus. Both conventional culture-based methods as well as a molecular-based approach were used to identify the bacterium. S. aureus isolates were further examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the presence of seven virulence genes namely, clumping factor A (clfA), alpha-hemolysin (hla), beta-hemolysin (hlb), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (tsst-1) staphylococcal enterotoxin A (sea), intercellular adhesion A (icaA) and intercellular adhesion D (icaD). Result: Out of the 200 samples screened, 60 (30%) were confirmed as S. aureus. All S. aureus isolates (100%) were found positive for cIfA, hlb, icaD and tsst-1 genes. The icaA gene was identified in 2 (10%) isolates, sea gene was detected in 3 (15%) isolates whereas, none of the isolates was found positive for the hla gene. The findings of our study reveal a notable prevalence of S. aureus harbouring virulence genes, indicating a crucial role for these factors in the pathogenesis of camel mastitis.

Public Health Evaluation of Prisoners' Demographics and Awareness of Communicable Diseases in Correction Center in South-South Nigeria

Communicable diseases are a significant public health concern in Nigerian custodial centers. This study evaluated the public health implications of prisoners’ demographics and their awareness of communicable diseases in a correctional center in South-South Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on inmates' demographic characteristics and knowledge of six communicable diseases. Two hundred and nine (209) inmates who consented were randomly selected and self-administered the questionnaire. The data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. Demographic data, including age, sex, marital and educational status, pre-incarceration occupation, residence, and duration in prison, aligned with the prison registry. Results indicated that all inmates (100.0%) were aware of communicable diseases. Information sources included hospitals/health workers (48.3%), family/friends/inmates (37.3%), books/magazines/newspapers (11.0%), and radio/TV/internet (3.3%). Inmates demonstrated good knowledge of communicable diseases, with 87.1% identifying causes and 56.6% recognizing modes of transmission. Awareness levels were high for HIV/AIDS (100.0%), hepatitis (81.3%), COVID-19 (100.0%), malaria (100.0%), human intestinal parasite infections (66.0%), and tuberculosis (73.2%). Most respondents correctly identified the etiologic agents, though some incorrectly attributed HIV/AIDS (9.3%) and hepatitis (17.1%) to spiritual causes. Regarding prevention, all inmates (100.0%) knew the methods for HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and malaria. Awareness of hepatitis B prevention was 81.3%, while 66.0% and 73.2% identified preventive methods for human intestinal parasite infections and tuberculosis, respectively. This study highlights commendable awareness of communicable diseases among inmates, however, it revealed some misconceptions about its causes, control, and prevention., offering valuable insights for public health programs in correctional facilities.

Exosome-Mediated Lectin Pathway and Resistin-MIF-AA Metabolism Axis Drive Immune Dysfunction in Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by reduced platelet levels and heightened susceptibility to bleeding resulting from augmented autologous platelet destruction and diminished thrombopoiesis. Although antibody-mediated autoimmune reactions are widely recognized as primary factors, the precise etiological agents that trigger ITP remain unidentified. The pathogenesis of ITP remains unclear owing to the absence of comprehensive high-throughput data, except for the belated emergence of autoreactive antibodies. In this study, using flow cytometry (FCM), proteomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing of samples from patients with ITP, it is shown that exosome-mediated lectin complement pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ITP, which triggers and enlarges the complement activation cascade without effective regulation because of downregulated CD55. The activated complement system enhances the immune response and resistin and further Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) triggers several proinflammatory signaling pathways, which contribute to the survival of hyperactivated immune cells and dysfunctional arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. The resistin and MIF are also identified as potential contributors to resistance to glucocorticoid therapy. Taken together, the findings indicate that the lectin pathway of the complement system, resistin, MIF, and AA metabolism may serve as promising targets for ITP treatment, offering novel perspectives on potential therapeutic interventions.

A Bibliometric Analysis on Multi-epitope Vaccine Development Against SARS-CoV-2: Current Status, Development, and Future Directions.

The etiological agent for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the SARS-CoV-2, caused a global pandemic. Although mRNA, viral-vectored, DNA, and recombinant protein vaccine candidates were effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) reduced the protective efficacies of these vaccines. This necessitates the need for effective and accelerated vaccine development against mutated VOCs. The development of multi-epitope vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on in silico identification of highly conserved and immunogenic epitopes is a promising strategy for future SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. Considering the evolving landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have conducted a bibliometric analysis to consolidate current findings and research trends in multi-epitope vaccine development to provide insights for future vaccine development strategies. Analysis of 102 publications on multi-epitope vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 revealed significant growth and global collaboration, with India leading in the number of publications, along with an identification of the most prolific authors. Key journals included the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, while top collaborations involved Pakistan-China and India-USA. Keyword analysis showed a prominent focus on immunoinformatics, epitope prediction, and spike glycoprotein. Advances in immunoinformatics, including AI-driven epitope prediction, offer promising avenues for the development of safe and effective multi-epitope vaccines. Immunogenicity may be further improved through nanoparticle-based systems or the use of adjuvants along with real-time genomic surveillance to tailor vaccines against emerging variants.

Identification of Anthrax as the Cause of a Cluster of Unexplained Deaths, Uganda, 2023: The Role of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing and Postmortem Specimens.

Between April and November 2023, 27 unexplained human deaths that presented with swelling of the arms, skin sores with black centers, difficulty in breathing, obstructed swallowing, headaches, and other body aches were reported in Kyotera District, Uganda by the Public Health Emergency Operations Center. Subsequently, the death of cattle on farms and the consumption of carcass meat by some residents were also reported. Field response teams collected clinical/epidemiological data and autopsy samples to determine the cause of deaths. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and target enrichment sequencing conducted on postmortem samples confirmed Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax disease, as the cause of the deaths. Applying mNGS to autopsy specimens is useful as a retrospective tool for identifying high-consequence pathogens during suspected outbreaks of unknown etiology.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli-targeting phages for biofilm biocontrol in the poultry industry.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a principal etiologic agent of avian colibacillosis, responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to high mortality and disease treatment with antibiotics. APEC and its ability to form biofilms on food and processing surfaces contributes to its persistence within farms. Bacteriophages are promising antibacterial agents for combating APEC. This study focused on characterization of the newly isolated phages UPWr_E1, UPWr_E2, and UPWr_E4 as well as the UPWr_E124 phage cocktail containing these three phages. Methods included efficiency of plating assay, transmission electron microscopy, and characterization of their resistance to different pH values and temperatures. Moreover, phage genomes were sequenced, annotated and analyzed, and were compared with previously sequenced E. coli phages. All three phages are virulent and devoid of undesirable genes for therapy. Phage UPWr_E1 belongs to the genus Krischvirus within the order Straboviridae and both UPWr_E2 and UPWr_E4 belong to the genus Tequatrovirus within the subfamily Tevenvirinae, sharing over 95 % nucleotide identity between them. For their use on poultry farms, UPWr_E phages and the UPWr_E124 phage cocktail were tested for their anti-biofilm activity on two E. coli strains - 158B (APEC) and the strong biofilm producer NCTC 17848 - on two abiotic surfaces: a 96-well microplate, a stainless steel surface, and one biotic surface, represented by lettuce leaves. The reduction of biofilm formed by both strains in the 96-well microplate, on the stainless steel and lettuce leaf surface for bacteriophage treatment was very efficient, reducing biofilms by ranges of 50.2-83.6, 58.2-88.4 and 53-99.4 %, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that UPWr_E phages and the UPWr_E124 phage cocktail are promising candidates for APEC biocontrol.

8-Hydroxyquinoline derivative as a promising antifungal agent to combat ocular fungal infections.

Introduction. Ocular fungal infections are pathologies of slow progression, occurring mainly in the cornea, but can also affect the entire structure of the eyeball. The main aetiological agents are species of the genera Candida and Fusarium. Both diagnosis and treatment require speed and effectiveness. However, the currently available therapy basically consists of the use of azoles and polyenes, known for their low penetration into the ocular tissue and the associated toxicity.Hypothesis. Thus, new strategies to combat these infections are needed, such as the development of new antifungals or the use of associations.Aim. Thus, the compound PH151, derived from a promising class of 8-hydroxyquinolines, and natamycin, amphotericin B (AMB) and voriconazole (VRC), the main antifungals used in ocular antifungal therapy, were considered against Candida spp. and Fusarium spp.Methodology. The MICs of compound PH151 ranged from 1.0 to 16.0 µg ml-1, according to CLSI protocols.Results. The association of PH151 with AMB and VRC showed a synergistic effect for more than 50% of the strains tested.Conclusion. Both the compound alone and its association (VRC-AMB-PH151) demonstrated promising potential as an antifungal agent in ocular infections, since the evaluated ocular toxicity profile was positive and the compounds presented low toxicity.

Intestinal flow and digestive parameters of Lutzomyia longipalpis larvae.

Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912 (Diptera, Psychodidae), is the primary vector of Leishmania infantum Nicole, 1908, the etiological agent of American visceral leishmaniasis. During their development, sandfly larvae pass through four instars, consuming soil particles enriched with microorganisms and decomposing organic material. In numerous insect species, the intestinal epithelium not only secretes digestive enzymes and absorbs digested nutrients but also carries out additional functions, such as regulating luminal pH and facilitating the absorption or secretion of ions and water. The transport of ions and water plays a crucial role in the establishment of a countercurrent flow responsible for recycling soluble digestive enzymes. This study aimed to explore specific aspects of digestion in L. longipalpis larvae that remain poorly understood. We measured the intestinal flow within the endoperitrophic space, which varied depending on the type of diet offered to the larvae, with an average total time of 191 min. Additionally, we demonstrated the countercurrent flow in L. longipalpis larvae. Finally, we showed that the production of digestive enzymes can be modulated by nutrient availability, particularly by the amino acids in the larval diet. The higher the amino acids concentration, the higher the trypsin activity. On the other hand, the aminopeptidase activity was poorly influenced by the amino acids concentration.

Oral candidiasis: differentiation of Candida spp strains and antifungal treatments

Introduction: Candida spp is one of the most common yeast species within the oral cavity as a habitual commensal, which in turn is frequently found as an etiological agent of superficial infections. Objective: to characterize aspects related to candidiasis, the acquisition of resistance and its treatment. Method: a review of the available bibliography in databases such as SciELO, Scopus and ClinicalKey was carried out, of which a total of 19 related articles were consulted, empirical methods such as logical history and analysis and synthesis were used. Results: resistance is not only given by the Candida species but also by factors inherent to the host such as the existence of prevalent diseases, massive systemic infections, septicemias, such as immunocompromised patients. The Candida spp species is part of the usual microbiota of living beings, they are opportunistic pathogens that have the capacity to cause superficial, skin or mucosal, or systemic infections. Antifungals used in treatment may be fungistatic or fungicidal. C. albicans predominates in the oral cavity to a greater extent. The species mentioned may be found in the oral cavity and pass into the bloodstream due to host immunodeficiency, as well as other predisposing factors. Conclusions: currently, none of the available antifungals have the characteristics of an ideal antifungal: broad spectrum of action, fungicide, zero resistance rate, multiple administration routes, high capacity for tissue penetration, but without toxicity; and also develop a prophylactic and therapeutic action, without producing adverse effects and maintaining a high effectiveness.

Incidence of mycobacteria in pulmonary granulomatous lesions.

Mycobacteria infections are caused by species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) and other species called Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM). Identification of mycobacteria species is very important to define treatment and it can be achieved by direct culture. However, the lack of clear protocols regarding the use of culture or molecular tests on specimens diagnosed with granulomatous lesions causes delays in the diagnosis of the etiological agents and, consequently, the definition of the right treatment. This work aimed to characterize the incidence of mycobacteria species in pulmonary granulomatous lesions and the contribution of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue (FFPE), direct culture, and Ziehl-Neelsen histological stain to the diagnosis. The authors performed an observational, centralized, and retrospective study in a cohort of 336 cases with pulmonary granulomatous lesions. Mycobacteria were detected by ZNS in 54/323 (16.72 %) and by direct culture in 40/198 (20.20 %). MTB DNA was detected by PCR in 10/57 (17.54 %). Mycobacterial culture results revealed MTB in 26/40 (65.00 %), whereas NTM was detected in 13/40 (32.50 %). NTM was represented by M. avium (n = 4), M. intracellulare (n = 3), M. kansasii (n = 3), M. colombiense (n = 1), M. paraffinicum (n = 1), and M. abscessus subsp. massiliense (n = 1). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that mycobacteria are detected in 16.72 % to 20.20 % of pulmonary granulomatous lesions. Moreover, MTB and NTM were detected in these lesions. The use of different methods for mycobacteria detection, in addition to culture, is complementary and contributes to fastening and increasing the detection of mycobacteria in these lesions.

Genetic identification of zoonotic parasite Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing the shortfin squid Illex argentinus under commercial exploitation in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Despite the shortfin squid, Illex argentinus, is one of the most important commercial species for the Argentine fisheries, being the third frozen product exported to Europe, the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic anisakid nematodes is scarcely reported. A total of 712 I. argentinus distributed in 17 samples, corresponding to its three main commercial stocks, caught along its distribution range in Argentine waters were examined for anisakid parasites. In total, 360 nematodes were detected in the viscera, however no infestations in the mantle were observed. According to their morphology, all the larvae (L3) were assigned to the genus Anisakis. Genetic identification was performed by sequence analysis of the mitochondrial (mtDNA cox2) gene loci resulting in the record of only Anisakis pegreffii. Distance-based multiple linear regressions (DistLM) evidenced that dorsal mantle length (ML) and date of capture (as surrogate of cohort) were the most important predictors of parasite abundance across infrapopulations in I. argentinus. At component population, DistLM analysis showed that ML and latitude (indirectly representing a gradient in water temperature) were the most important variables determining the prevalence of parasites, however, its mean abundance was only influenced by ML. Parasite burdens were temporally inestable, due to variability in recruitment to host populations, being associated with changing hydrographic conditions and the opportunistic feeding behaviour and annual life cycle of the hosts. The genetic identification of A. pegreffii is relevant for both human health and the fishery industry, given its importance as an etiological agent of human anisakiosis. Due to the restriction of larvae to internal organs, the risk of anisakiosis by the consumption of edible parts of I. argentinus is low.

An Update of Monkeypox Virus and mpox Characteristics

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the etiological agent of monkeypox (mpox), a zoonotic disease. MPXV is endemic in the forested regions of West and Central Africa, but the virus has recently spread globally, causing outbreaks in multiple non-endemic countries. We review the characteristics of the virus, including its ecology, genomics, infection biology, and evolution. We study the interactions that modulate the virus infection biology, signal transduction, pathogenesis, and host immune responses. And the pathophysiology and epidemiology of MPXV and summarize recent advances in the prevention and treatment of mpox. Probably, the future research directions will be addressing the knowledge gaps, and get a one and only Health approach as an effective strategy to prevent future epidemics of mpox. We’re a team!!! And in these difficult situations, physicians need the most the nurses to get the goal.

Analysis of complete genomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sublineage 2.1 (Proto-Beijing) revealed the presence of three pe_pgrs3-pe_pgrs4-like genes

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), demonstrates considerable genotypic diversity with distinct geographic distributions and variable virulence profiles. The pe-ppe gene family is especially noteworthy for its extensive variability and roles in host immune response modulation and virulence enhancement. We sequenced an Mtb genotype L2.1 isolate from Chiangrai, Northern Thailand, using second and third-generation sequencing technologies. Comparative genomic analysis with two additional L2.1 isolates and two L2.2.AA3 (Asia Ancestral 3 Beijing) isolates revealed significant pe-ppe gene variations. Notably, all L2.1 isolates harbored three copies of pe_pgrs3-pe_pgrs4-like genes (pe_pgrs3*, pe_pgrs4*, and pe_pgrs4), different from L2.2.AA3 and H37Rv strains. Additionally, ppe53 was duplicated in all but H37Rv, and ppe50 was deleted in L2.1 isolates, contrasting with an extended ppe50 in an L2.2 isolate (Mtb 18b), which contains an additional SVP motif. Complete deletion of ppe66 and loss of wag22 were observed in L2.1 isolates. These findings highlight the high structural variability of the pe-ppe gene family, emphasizing its complex roles in Mtb-host immune interactions. This genetic complexity offers potentially critical insights into mycobacterial pathogenesis, with significant implications for vaccine development and diagnostics.