Dangerous Microbes Research Articles

Modeling climate-related global risk maps of rice bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae (Ishiyama 1922) using geographical information system (GIS).

Rice is a critical staple crop that feeds more than half of the world's population. Still, its production confronts various biotic risks, notably the severe bacterial blight disease produced by Xanthomonas oryzae. Understanding the possible effects of climate change on the geographic distribution of this virus is critical to ensuring food security. This work used ecological niche modeling and the Maxent algorithm to create future risk maps for the range of X. oryzae under several climate change scenarios between 2050 and 2070. The model was trained using 93 occurrence records of X. oryzae and five critical bioclimatic variables. It has an excellent predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.889. The results show that X. oryzae's potential geographic range and habitat suitability are expected to increase significantly under low (RCP2.6) and high (RCP8.5) emission scenarios. Key climatic drivers allowing this development include increased yearly precipitation, precipitation during the wettest quarter, and the wettest quarter's mean temperature. These findings are consistent with broader research revealing that climate change is allowing many plant diseases and other dangerous microbes to spread across the globe. Integrating these spatial predictions with data on host susceptibility, agricultural practices, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities can help to improve targeted surveillance, preventative, and management methods for reducing the growing threat of bacterial blight to rice production. Proactive, multidisciplinary efforts to manage the changing disease dynamics caused by climate change will be critical to assuring global food security in the future decades.

Cost-Effective Automatic Portable Air Purifier

Indoor air pollution has become a severe concern on human health due to improper ventilation, pets and fine dust particles. The demand for efficient air purifiers has surged, yet many existing solutions are generally pricey and lack portability. The suggested air purifier uses modern filtration technologies, including activated carbon filters, to remove a wide range of airborne contaminants, such as dust, allergies, pet hair, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By adopting a tiny and lightweight design, the purifier offers outstanding portability, enabling customers to experience clean and fresh air wherever they go. The proposed air purifier possesses a distinctive design that integrates a high electric field generator and UV light source. The high electric field technique effectively accumulates and neutralizes airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and germs. Simultaneously, the UV light component kills dangerous microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, by breaking their DNA structure, offering cleaner and healthier air. To achieve best performance and energy economy the air purifier adopts an automated operation mode. The device operates only upon the detection of motion a human being.

Potential application of carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate aerogels loaded with algal biomass for disinfection of contaminated water

Many developing countries still lack enough credentials for a healthy and safe water supply. To control the circulation of waterborne diseases and ensure consumer safety, a significant problem is eliminating dangerous microbes from water systems using efficacious water disinfection technology. This current research work's objective was to encapsulate the algal biomass inside the porous structures of these sponge materials. Freeze drying technique was used to prepare these sponge materials using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium alginate (SA). The aerogel solution was loaded with different concentrations of algal biomass. The algal biomass was encapsulated owing to the presence of many interstitial pores with these spongy materials. The obtained data depicted that aerogels exhibited lamellar layers with immense porous structures. The mechanical properties of aerogels were enhanced with the addition of algal biomass. Inactivating 100% of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis were achieved within 120 min after treatment by Sp.m-3 @CM-SA aerogel. The biocidal effect of the Sp.m-3 @CM-SA aerogel is thought to be controlled primarily by surface-controlled processes that rely on direct contact between the bacterial cells and the interface of the aerogel. This suggests that the antimicrobial activity of the aerogel is related to the material's surface properties, which may facilitate the release of antimicrobial compounds from the algal biomass loaded in the aerogel.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles-capped chondroitin sulfate nanogel targeting microbial infections and biofilms for biomedical applications

Medical devices are essential for patient care, but they can also serve as havens for dangerous microbes and the development of biofilm, which can lead to serious infections and higher death rates. To meet these issues, it is crucial to develop novel and effective antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. In this context, we have developed a new biofunctionalized nanosilver (ICS-Ag), employing itaconyl-chondroitin sulfate nanogel (ICSNG) as a synergistic reducing and stabilizing agent, to effectively eradicate microbial infections and biofilm formation. The antibacterial investigations showed that ICS-Ag nanocomposite is an intriguing antibiotic with excellent antibacterial indices (MIC/MBC (μg/mL): 2.29/4.58, 1.25/2.50, and 1.36/1.36 against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, respectively), as well as antifungal capacity. Furthermore, ICS-Ag demonstrated efficacy superior to that of the antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, Cipro) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial biofilms. TEM images of untreated and treated bacterial strains demonstrate synergistic actions that harm the bacterial cytomembrane, leading to the release of intracellular contents and bacterial death. Interestingly, ICS-Ag shows excellent biocompatibility, with an IC50 value (71.25 μg/mL) higher than MICs against tested microbes. Overall, the ICS-Ag film may provide multifunctional antimicrobial coatings for medical equipment to reduce microbial contamination and biofilm development.

Preventing the spread of life-threatening gastrointestinal microbes on the surface of a continuously self-disinfecting block polymer

Highly persistent, drug-resistant and transmissible healthcare pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) and Candida auris (C. auris) are responsible for causing antibiotic-associated fatal diarrhea and invasive candidiasis, respectively. In this study, we demonstrate that these potentially lethal gastrointestinal microbes can be rapidly inactivated on the solid surface of a self-disinfecting anionic block polymer that inherently generates a water surface layer that is highly acidic (pH < 1) upon hydration. Due to thermodynamic incompatibility between its chemical sequences, the polymer spontaneously self-organizes into a nanostructure that enables proton migration from the interior of a film to the surface via contiguous nanoscale hydrophilic channels, as discerned here by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, we report that two strains of C. difficile in the vegetative state and two species of Candida, Candida albicans (C. albicans) and C. auris, are, in most cases, inactivated to the limit of minimum detection. Corresponding electron and optical microscopy images reveal that, upon exposure to the hydrated polymer, the outer microbial membranes display evidence of damage and intracellular material is expelled. Combined with our previous studies of rapid bacterial and viral inactivation, these antimicrobial results are highly encouraging and, if translatable to clinical conditions in the form of self-standing polymer films or coatings, are expected to benefit the welfare of patients in healthcare facilities by continuously preventing the spread of such potentially dangerous microbes.

Analysis of coexisting pathogens in nasopharyngeal swabs from COVID-19.

The impact of COVID-19 on the world is still ongoing, and it is currently under regular management. Although most infected people have flu-like symptoms and can cure themselves, coexisting pathogens in COVID-19 patients should not be taken lightly. The present study sought to investigate the coexisting pathogens in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and identify the variety and abundance of dangerous microbes to guide treatment strategies with a better understanding of the untested factors. We extracted total DNA and RNA in COVID-19 patient specimens from nasopharyngeal swabs to construct a metagenomic library and utilize Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to discover chief bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the body of patients. High-throughput sequencing data from Illumina Hiseq 4000 were analyzed using Krona taxonomic methodology for species diversity. We studied 56 samples to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens and analyzed the species diversity and community composition of these samples after sequencing. Our results showed some threatening pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and some previously reported pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 combined with bacterial infection is more common. The results of heat map analysis showed that the abundance of bacteria was mostly more than 1000 and that of viruses was generally less than 500. The pathogens most likely to cause SARS-CoV-2 coinfection or superinfection include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Human gammaherpesvirus 4. The current coinfection and superinfection status is not optimistic. Bacteria are the major threat group that increases the risk of complications and death in COVID-19 patients and attention should be paid to the use and control of antibiotics. Our study investigated the main types of respiratory pathogens prone to coexisting or superinfection in COVID-19 patients, which is valuable for identifying and treating SARS-CoV-2.

Pilgrimage, Precarity, and Pandemics

Pilgrimage, Precarity, and Pandemics

PROBIOTICS: A SIGNIFICANT APPROACH TO HEALTH

This report deals with the study that Probiotics have been with us for as long as people have eaten fermented milks, but their collaboration with health benefits have only come in the century when Metchnikoff gave idea of replacing dangerous microbes by useful ones in order to modify our gut flora. Later based on assumption that colonization of the gut was essential, used intestinal strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus for treatment of constipation, digestive hazards. According to Food and agriculture organisation of United Nations (UN) probiotics are live microorganisms which on administering in proper amount produces useful effects to the host when consumed orally. Probiotics were found to effectively influence the host by enhancing their microbial balance of intestine, thus suppressing pathogens and toxin forming bacteria. Hence, probiotics with boosting the functioning of the immune system also naturally help in fighting bad bacteria by providing the body with sufficient good to keep the body in symbiosis. It doesn't have any risk of overdose too that leads to the need for a prescription or the monitoring of a physician.

Epidemiological surveillance and environmental hygiene, SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community, urban wastewater control in Cyprus, and water reuse

&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt;: Nowadays public health faces many challenges. Epidemiological surveillance and environmental hygiene and infection in community from SARS-CoV-2 along with its control in municipal wastewaters and reuse of water are amongst them. Epidemiology and environmental microbiology considers wastewater release of great importance. The purpose of this study is the detection and classification of COVID-19 infection in community wastewater and their removal by efficient functional processes.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods and materials:&lt;/b&gt; A descriptive review of the published literature over the last 15-years in Greek and English was carried out via Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases with the perspective of creating a research protocol. The study material consists of recent articles on the subject using keywords. Thus, the most effective techniques, wastewater-based epidemiology, and quantitative microbial risk assessment, for virus surveillance in wastewater are further analyzed.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results and contexts: &lt;/b&gt;The process and management of wastewater at a global level, is a high risk and a great challenge due to the huge amount of biomedical waste and wastewater that ends up in wastewater treatment plants. It may be an obstacle to human health, especially in the ongoing pandemic situation that must be evaluated in the operations of the plant in the environment along with the presence of other dangerous pathogenic microbes.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; It is vital the relationship between humanity and environment be reconsidered and more sustainable behavioural choices be encouraged. Scientific evidence pinpoints that the onset of new viral pathogens with a high epidemic-pandemic potential is often the result, complex, interactions among animals, individuals, and environment.

Design, synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation of some novel thiol-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as GlmS inhibitors

The development of novel medications with previously unidentified action mechanisms is required due to the increasing in antibiotic resistance amongst dangerous microbes. The major goal of the research was to develop in silico and in vitro antibacterial methods for designing an active thiol substituted oxadiazole inhibitor targeting gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria's GlmS receptor. 1,3,4-Oxadiazole was proposed as a scaffold, and the possibility of its synthesis was examined. The least amount of free energy in the ligand configurations was chosen. Analyses of the novel molecules' characteristics were done using ADMET studies. There were four distinct reactions used in the synthesis processes. As the first reagent, substituted carboxylic acids were utilized. Synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral studies and minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated by in vitro antibacterial examinations of synthesized compounds. Ciprofloxacin served as the study's reference drug. Based on in vitro studies and in silico molecular docking, ROS1-4 established strong binding energy, while ROS3 revealed significant antibacterial activity. These findings support the hypothesis that the proposed scaffold significantly inhibits the GlmS receptor protein.

Essential oils as valuable feed additive: A narrative review of the state of knowledge about their beneficial health applications and enhancement of production performances in poultry

New research has begun to develop safe and effective alternatives to feed-antibiotics as growth enhancers in response to mounting pressure on the poultry sector to do so. There is a significant demand for poultry products all across the world right now. To achieve this goal, key performance indicators are optimized, such as the rate of chicken growth, the amount of feed used, and the health of the flock as a whole. As a result of this growing need, various alternatives to antibiotics have entered the market. New approaches are desperately needed to keep poultry productivity and efficiency at a high level in the face of mounting pressure to limit the use of antibiotics. Recent years have seen an uptick in interest in the potential of aromatic plant extracts as growth and health boosters in poultry. The great majority of plants' positive effects are accounted for by essential oils (EOs) and other secondary metabolites. EOs have been proven to promote digestive secretion production, improve blood circulation, exert antioxidant qualities, reduce levels of dangerous microbes, and maybe improve the immune status of poultry. EOs are often believed to be safe, non-toxic alternatives because they are all-natural, chemical-free, and devoid of potentially harmful deposits. EOs are extracted from plants, and while there are thousands of them, only approximately 300 have been deemed to have significant commercial value. Many different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are negatively affected by EOs in multiple studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. The review covers the fundamentals of EOs, their anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory capabilities, their growth-promoting benefits, and their effectiveness against numerous diseases in poultry.

Green facile synthesis of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles from Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract and investigation of their Antibacterial activity

The unique characteristics of the green synthesis pathway have opened the way for a new field of scientific investigation. The current study used green chemistry methodologies to produce pure zinc oxide (ZnO) (G1) and silver doped zinc oxide (Ag doped ZnO) (G2) nanoparticles (NPs) using Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) leaf extract as a reducing as well as capping agent. XRD, FESEM, EDAX, and FT-IR investigations were used to investigate the structural characterization of G1 and G2 NPs. The UV–Vis and PL analyses were used to examine the optical characteristics. The results clearly reveal that the leaf extract is the best possible stabilizing agent for the manufacture of G1 and G2 NPs, and that the generated nanoparticles operate as potent microbial agents, inhibiting the growth of a variety of dangerous microbes. Due to their eco–friendly and non–toxic compatibility, the prepared G1 and G2 NPs can be employed for therapeutic and other purposes.

Synthesis of Silver Nano Particles Using Myricetin and the In-Vitro Assessment of Anti-Colorectal Cancer Activity: In-Silico Integration.

The creation of novel anticancer treatments for a variety of human illnesses, including different malignancies and dangerous microbes, also potentially depends on nanoparticles including silver. Recently, it has been successful to biologically synthesize metal nanoparticles using plant extracts. The natural flavonoid 3,3′, 4′, 5,5′, and 7 hexahydroxyflavon (myricetin) has anticancer properties. There is not much known about the regulatory effects of myricetin on the possible cell fate-determination mechanisms (such as apoptosis/proliferation) in colorectal cancer. Because the majority of investigations related to the anticancer activity of myricetin have dominantly focused on the enhancement of tumor cell uncontrolled growth (i.e., apoptosis). Thus, we have decided to explore the potential myricetin interactors and the associated biological functions by using an in-silico approach. Then, we focused on the main goal of the work which involved the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the labeling of myricetin with it. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were examined using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In this study, we have investigated the effects of myricetin on colorectal cancer where numerous techniques were used to show myricetin’s effect on colon cancer cells. Transmission Electron Microscopy was employed to monitor morphological changes. Furthermore, we have combined the results of the colorectal cancer gene expression dataset with those of the myricetin interactors and pathways. Based on the results, we conclude that myricetin is able to efficiently kill human colorectal cancer cell lines. Since, it shares important biological roles and possible route components and this myricetin may be a promising herbal treatment for colorectal cancer as per an in-silico analysis of the TCGA dataset.

The Ability of Entomopathogenic Fungus as Biocontrol of Periplaneta americana

Periplaneta americana (cockroach), are well-known pests that not only contaminate food with feces and germs that can cause food poisoning, but also transfer bacteria, fungus, and other dangerous microbes. Chemical pesticides are harmful to both the environment and individuals when used in excess. The natural balance has been disrupted, resulting in resistant pests, predatory threats, parasitic threats, fish, birds, and other animals. The objective of this research is to see the ability of an entomopathogenic fungus as a cockroach biocontrol agent. This research conducted with experimental research with ten treatments and three repetition. The variation are, K(-) only distilled water, K(+) synthetic pesticides, Botrytis sp., Mucors sp., Acremoniums sp., Rhizopus sp., Moniliella sp., Chaetomium sp., Nigospora sp., and Aspergillus sp. A one-way Completely Randomized Design was used to examine them (CRD). With a cell count of 2.35 x 108 CFU/ml, Rhizopus sp. was able to achieve a mortality rate of cockroach by 66.6 percent.

Solar-Light-Driven Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 for Efficient Photocatalytic Bactericidal Performance

Photocatalytic materials are being investigated as effective bactericides due to their superior ability to inactivate a broad range of dangerous microbes. In this study, the following two types of bacteria were employed for bactericidal purposes: Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The shape, crystal structure, element percentage, and optical properties of Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 were examined after it was successfully synthesized by a standard mixing and grinding processing route. Bactericidal efficiency was recorded at 100% by the following two types of light sources: solar and simulated light, with initial photocatalyst concentration of 2 µg/mL, and 97% and 95% of bactericidal activity in ultra-low photocatalyst concentration of 0.2 µg/mL by solar and simulated light, respectively, after 10 min. The survival rate was studied for 6 min, resulting in 99.8% inhibition at the photocatalyst dose of 2 µg/mL. The mechanism of bactericidal efficiency was found to be that the photocatalyst has high oxidation potential in the valence band. Consequently, holes play a significant part in bactericidal efficiency.

Frequency and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Pathogens from Cases of Urinary Tract Infection: A Prospective Observational Study.

Objectives Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diagnoses in patients visiting urology clinics. Rampant use of empiric and inadequate doses of antibiotics leads to an increase in resistance and poses a huge financial burden. We evaluated UTI in relation to antibiotics used, frequency, susceptibility, and resistance pattern of different pathogens at a tertiary care center and made some important observations. Methods Prospectively 729 patients diagnosed with UTI attending a urology outpatient department from July 2018 to January 2020 were managed accordingly. Antibiotics were started on the basis of urine culture and sensitivity (c/s) or empirically and changed according to subsequent urine c/s. Repeat urine c/s was performed after 5 to 7 days of starting therapy and 10 days after completion of therapy. Results Out of 729 subjects, 417 (57.2%) were males and 312 (42.8%) were females. The most common symptom at diagnosis was dysuria 512 (70.2%), whereas 221 (30.3%) patients presented with fever. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated, 453 (62.1%). Among 729 patients, 239 took antibiotics without c/s report, whereas in 490 patients antibiotics were prescribed after the report. A total of 431 (59.1%) patients required one antibiotic session for clearance of pathogen, whereas 135 (18.5%) required two sessions, and three sessions were required in 66 (9%) cases. Among 239 patients whose culture came out to be positive, 145 (60.6%) were found to be resistant to the previously given antibiotic and the common pathogens isolated were E. coli (61 [42%]), Pseudomonas (28 [19.3%]), Enterococcus (22 [15.1%]), Klebsiella (14 [9.6%]), and others. Conclusion Unchecked, rampant, and inadequate use of antibiotics leads to complicated UTI with the increasing share of Pseudomonas, Klebsiella , or other dangerous microbes, which are difficult to treat as well as pose threat in the future.

Organic Horticulture and Bioherbicides: A Review

Weeds are one of the most problematic, time-consuming, and expensive production issues for organic horticulturists. The need for novel bioherbicides to manage weeds has increased as organic agriculture has risen in importance. Pathogens, cosmetic compounds, and natural material extracts might all be made to produce bio herbicides. Two types of infectious pathogens that can be used as bio-herbicides are dangerous fungus and microbes. Herbicidal activity has been shown in byproducts of accepted birthplaces such as Dried-DistillersGrains with Soluble(DDGS), Corn-Gluten-Meal(CGM), and Mustard-Seed-Meals(MSMs). Bioherbicide potential has also been discovered in certain essential oil extracts. The effectiveness of a bio-herbicide is the primary restraining element in its application, and it may be influenced by variables like as humidity and moisture, application technique, bioherbicide spectrum, and formulation type. In addition to effectiveness, bioherbicide usage is limited by price and worries about possible human health risks. Because incorporating bioherbicide technology into current weed monitoring systems might well help manage resistance mechanisms, benefit from economies of scale, and increase crop yields, continued studies should concentrate on the improvement of more cost-effective and convenient bio-herbicides for pest management, as well as the efficiency of manufacturing techniques and traditional influences with the use of frontrunner bio-herbicides.

Role of Probiotics in Periodontics

While changing microbial ecology may result to oral disease microbiological ecological change as a concept, a strategy to avoid inflamed gums. To eradicate pathogenic members of the microbiota, new treatments probiotic supplements, for instance approaches (i.e. bacterial replacement therapy in its entirety) may could be researched. Bacteriotherapy or the use of harmless bacteria to displace dangerous microbes is an alternate and promising technique to tackle illnesses. Probiotics are one of the newest agents with a wide range of therapeutic applications. Periodontitis is a complicated illness that causes both external and internal tissues, as well as microbial colonization (invasion or non-invasion), inflammatory reactions, and resistant immune reactions. In recent years, periodontal disease treatment has switched to a penicillin disease management paradigm. Despite the lack of scientific proof, probiotics could be a promising therapy option for periodontitis. As a result, more research is required to learn more about probiotic species' interactions with periodontal diseases and their impact on the periodontium.

CRISPR Element Patterns vs. Pathoadaptability of Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from a Medical Center in Moscow, Russia.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a member of the ESKAPE opportunistic pathogen group, which includes six species of the most dangerous microbes. This pathogen is characterized by the rapid acquisition of antimicrobial resistance, thus causing major healthcare concerns. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates based on whole-genome sequencing data. The isolate collection studied was characterized by a variety of clonal lineages with a domination of high-risk epidemic clones and different CRISPR/Cas element patterns. This is the first report on the coexistence of two and even three different types of CRISPR/Cas systems simultaneously in Russian clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. The data include molecular typing and genotypic antibiotic resistance determination, as well as the phylogenetic analysis of the full-length cas gene and anti-CRISPR genes sequences, predicted prophage sequences, and conducted a detailed CRISPR array analysis. The differences between the isolates carrying different types and quantities of CRISPR/Cas systems were investigated. The pattern of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa isolates lacking putative CRISPR/Cas systems significantly differed from that of samples with single or multiple putative CRISPR/Cas systems. We found significant correlations between the numbers of prophage sequences, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence genes in P. aeruginosa isolates with different patterns of CRISPR/Cas-elements. We believe that the data presented will contribute to further investigations in the field of bacterial pathoadaptability, including antimicrobial resistance and the role of CRISPR/Cas systems in the plasticity of the P. aeruginosa genome.

Capture and Electrochemical Detection of Pathogenic E. coli

Pathogenic E. coli are a significant threat both as a foodborne pathogen and a leading cause of urinary tract infections. Conventional methods to detect these microbes require centralized laboratory facilities and specialized equipment, as well as hours to days to complete. We have developed a sensitive electrochemical sensor to covalently capture, detect, and quantify viable pathogenic E. coli from complex matrices with a detection limit of 12 CFU/mL and a linear range of detection up to 107 CFU/mL. The technology enables quantification within two hours on disposable electrodes, even from milk and artificial urine. Endogenous E. coli were successfully detected from commonly-contaminated samples, including eggs, raw chicken, spinach, and romaine lettuce, in addition to an infected urine sample. The E. coli quantification tracked well with the current gold-standard of colony counting. This platform represents a major step in the development of field-deployable sensors to detect these dangerous microbes.