High Infection Research Articles

Identifying gaps in infection prevention and control practice in Australian residential aged care using scenarios

BackgroundOlder people living in residential aged care are vulnerable to infections. High quality infection prevention and control (IPC) practice is therefore vital in this setting. It is important to assess current IPC practice to identify areas where best practice is lacking, and where improvement efforts could most effectively be targeted. The aim of this study was to identify evidence-practice gaps in IPC practice in residential aged care. MethodsThis study used two scenarios to assess use of a range of standard and transmission-based precautions in residential aged care. Systematic methods were used to design the scenarios. Twenty-seven staff from four residential aged care facilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were presented with the scenarios and asked what IPC actions they would take in everyday practice. Individual and team-based practice was explored. Participants reported practices were then compared to evidence-based practice. ResultsResults from both scenarios were combined and a total of 11 evidence-practice gaps identified. These included gaps in performing hand hygiene before touching a resident (for example, when helping a resident transfer) and not donning protective eyewear or face shield before taking a nasal/throat swab on the resident with suspected respiratory viral infection. ConclusionThe use of scenarios provided a practical and acceptable method to rapidly assess a range of IPC practices among a diverse group of participants. The IPC evidence-practice gaps identified will be used in the next phase of work where barriers to uptake of the identified IPC evidence-practice gaps will be explored.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia in adult patients with hematological diseases: clinical characteristics and risk factors for 28-day mortality.

Patients with hematological diseases are at high risk for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) bacteremia. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and risk factors for 28-day mortality among 140 adult hematological patients diagnosed with SM bacteremia from January 2012 to July 2023. he overall 28-day mortality was 31.43% (44/140), with a median age of 44 years. The median hospital stay before SM bacteremia onset was 25 days, and 69.29% of patients had unresolved neutropenia. All patients had received broad-spectrum antibiotics in the past month, and 69.29% developed breakthrough bacteremia during carbapenem therapy. Independent risk factors for mortality included a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥5, tigecycline exposure, age ≥60, and pulmonary infection. Patients with ≥2 risk factors were stratified into the high-risk group, with a significantly higher 28-day mortality compared with the low-risk group (56.52% vs 7.04%, P < 0.001). Treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (P = 0.008) or TMP/SMX combined with cefoperazone/sulbactam (CSL) (P = 0.005) was associated with survival benefits among high-risk patients. Overall, SM bacteremia usually occurs in hematological patients with prolonged hospitalization, unresolved neutropenia, and extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially carbapenems. Patients with high SOFA scores, advanced age, pulmonary infection, or recent tigecycline exposure are at higher risk of mortality. The preferred treatment is TMP/SMX rather than fluoroquinolones, with combination therapy of TMP/SMX and CSL considered a feasible treatment option.IMPORTANCEThis study, representing the largest cohort of adult hematological patients with SM bacteremia to date, strengthens the validity of existing findings and provides new insights into its clinical management. We identify risk factors for 28-day mortality, revealing that patients with two or more risk factors experience particularly high mortality rates. This highlights the importance of early identification and targeted management of high-risk individuals. Our findings also demonstrate that TMP/SMX is superior to fluoroquinolones and suggest that combining TMP/SMX with CSL may offer additional survival benefits.

Monkeypox virus A29L protein as the target for specific diagnosis and serological analysis

The unexpected monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak has been reported in many non-endemic countries and regions since May 2022. The mutant strains of Mpox virus (MPXV) were found with higher infectivity and greater capability for sustained human-to-human transmission, posing a significant public health threat. MPXV A29L, a protein homolog of vaccinia virus (VACV) A27L, plays an important role in viral attachment to host cell membranes. Therefore, MPXV A29L is considered the diagnostic target and the potential vaccine candidate for eliciting neutralizing antibodies and protective immune responses. In response to the escalating Mpox outbreak, three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (2-9B, 3-8G, and 2-5H) targeting the different domains of MPXV A29L have been developed in the study. Among them, 2-5H is highly specific for MPXV A29L without exhibiting cross-reactivity with VACV A27L. The antibody pairing composed of 2-5H and 3-8G has been developed as the lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for specific detection of MPXV A29L. However, these three mAbs were unable to inhibit A29L binding to heparin column or prevent MPXV infection in the neutralization test assays. The results of the serological assays using the truncated A29L fragments as the antigens showed that the Mpox patient sera contained significantly lower levels of antibodies targeting the N-terminal 1–34 residues of A29L, suggesting that the N-terminal portion of A29L is less immunogenic upon natural infection.Key points• MAbs 2-9B, 3-8G, and 2-5H neither interrupted A29L binding to heparin nor neutralized MPXV.• The LFIA composed of 3-8G and 2-5H can specifically distinguish MPXV A29L from VACV A27L.• Mpox patient sera contained lower levels of antibodies targeting the N-terminal portion of A29L.

A Versatile Composite Hydrogel with Spatiotemporal Drug Delivery of Mesoporous ZnO and Recombinant Human Collagen for Diabetic Infected Wound Healing.

Diabetic wounds are increasingly common and challenging to treat due to high infection risks in a high-glucose environment. Effective treatment requires wound dressings that combat infections, while promoting angiogenesis and skin regeneration. This study presents a hydrogel-based drug delivery system made from cellulose designed to accelerate diabetic wound healing by eliminating bacterial infections. The hydrogel, formed by linking phenylboronic acid-grafted oxidized methylcellulose (POMC) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), exhibits self-healing and injectable properties. It is further enhanced by adding type I recombinant human collagen (rhCOL1) to stimulate cell growth and angiogenesis and mesoporous zinc oxide (mZnO) for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Upon application, the hydrogel degrades under pH/ROS stimuli, releasing mZnO and rhCOL1 in a controlled manner that matches the wound healing stages. In vivo tests show that the hydrogel effectively eliminates bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes rapid skin regeneration, making it a promising solution for treating diabetic wounds.

Predicting leishmaniasis outbreaks in Brazil using machine learning models based on disease surveillance and meteorological data

Leishmaniasis poses a significant global health concern due to the absence of vaccines for humans and high infection rates in some countries. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease. In 2022, roughly 85% of global visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported in seven countries: Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Despite Brazil’s advanced medical capabilities compared to other affected regions, certain areas still witness a significant number of cases, prompting increased attention from researchers and raising concerns within the healthcare system. This study explores the application of artificial intelligence algorithms, particularly machine learning (ML) models to predict leishmaniasis outbreaks in selected Brazilian cities based on accumulated cases from 2007 to 2022, leveraging available meteorological data to enhance model accuracy. Our investigation concentrated on the following cities in Brazil: Fortaleza/CE, Teresina/PI, and São Luís/MA were chosen for the study of visceral leishmaniasis, whereas Manaus/AM, Rio Branco/AC, and Macapá/AP were selected for the study of tegumentary leishmaniasis, encompassing both cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms. Several Artificial Neural Network (ANN) architectures were evaluated, including a Simple Feedforward Neural Network (SFNN), a Deep Feedforward Neural Network (DFNN), and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network. Additionally, the Support Vector Machine (SVM), specifically the Support Vector Regression (SVR), was tested. Various metrics were used to identify the most effective models, in which the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) was the primary one. The results highlight the significance of meteorological data as a crucial factor in ML models for predicting leishmaniasis outbreaks, while also emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning these models to achieve greater accuracy. Finally, data and the pseudo-code of the models are accessible through an open repository to encourage further studies in this area.

Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza A Virus (IAV) in Blue-Winged Teal in the Mississippi Flyway Is Following the Historic Seasonal Pattern of Low-Pathogenicity IAV in Ducks.

Highly pathogenic H5N1 (HP H5N1) influenza A virus (IAV) has been detected annually in North American ducks since its introduction during 2021, but it is unknown if this virus will follow the same seasonal and geographic patterns that have been observed with low-pathogenicity (LP) IAV in this reservoir. We monitored blue-winged teal in the Mississippi flyway prior to the detection of HP H5N1 and during two post-introduction migration cycles from spring 2022 to spring 2024, testing birds for infection and antibodies to IAV nucleoprotein (NP), hemagglutinin subtype H5, and neuraminidase subtype N1. Antigens representing clade 2.3.4.4b HP H5 and LP North American H5 were used for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) tests for H5 antibodies. Virologic results were consistent with historic seasonal and geographic patterns reported for LP IAV with peak infections occurring in pre-migration staging areas in Minnesota during fall 2022. However, the high prevalence of the H5 subtype was exceptional compared to historic prevalence estimates at this same site and for the Mississippi flyway. HP H5N1 was detected on wintering areas in Louisiana and Texas during the fall of that same year and this was followed by an increase in estimated antibody prevalence to NP, H5, and N1 with no HP H5N1 detections during the wintering or spring migration periods of 2022/2023. HP H5N1 was not detected in Minnesota during fall 2023 but was detected from a single bird in Louisiana. However, a similar increase in antibody prevalence was observed during the winter and spring period of 2023 and 2024. Over the two migration cycles, there was a temporal shift in observed prevalence and relative titers against the H5 antigens with a higher proportion of ducks testing positive to the 2.3.4.4b H5 antigen and higher relative titer to that antigen compared to the representative LP North American H5 antigen. The seasonal and geographic patterns observed appear to be driven by population immunity during the migration cycle. Results support an initial high infection rate of HP H5N1 in blue-winged teal in the Mississippi flyway followed by a high prevalence of antibodies to NP, H5, and N1. Although prevalence was much reduced in the second migration cycle following introduction, it is not known if this pattern will persist in the longer term or affect historic patterns of subtype diversity in this reservoir.

Construction of engineered probiotic that adhere and display nanobody to neutralize porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Pathogenic blue ear disease caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) bring severe loss to breeding industry due to high infectivity and mortality. L. plantarum serves as the probiotic host strain, known for its beneficial properties in the gut microbiota. E. coli is used as a cloning host for the initial genetic engineering steps, facilitating the construction and amplification of the desired genetic constructs. In this study, using synthetic biology technology, we constructed engineered probiotics which could adhere and display nanobody on the surface to neutralize virus. Firstly, we screen an optimal nanobody to effectively bind with PRRSV by building library, expression and purification. Then, the integration of adhesion protein and nanobody into the genome of probiotics significantly improved its adhesion to IPEC-J2 cells. In addition, this engineered probiotic is almost non-toxic to cells with good safety, which can be used as a daily probiotics to prevent virus fecal transmission. Our study proposed this novel construction strategy of engineering probiotics with both adhesion and neutralization effects, which provided a new therapeutic view for intestinal virus clearance.

The Thermal Stability of Influenza Viruses in Milk.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 subtype (clade 2.3.4.4b) have been detected in raw milk from infected cows. Several studies have examined the time and temperature parameters to ascertain whether influenza viruses in milk can be inactivated completely under commercial pasteurization conditions, yielding conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate whether milk could help protect influenza viruses from heat treatment. After heat treatment at 49 °C for one hour, the titer reduction of the influenza A/WSN/1933 (A/H1) virus in milk was approximately 1.6 log10TCID50/mL, which was significantly lower than that (3 log10TCID50/mL) observed in the Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) control media. The influenza D/bovine/CHN/JY3002/2022 (D/Yama2019) virus in milk retained a high residual infectivity (4.68 × 103 log10TCID50/mL) after treatment at 53 °C; however, the virus in DMEM completely lost its infectivity under the same conditions. Moreover, the influenza A/chicken/CHN/Cangzhou03/2023 (A/H5) virus in DMEM could be inactivated completely using any of the three heat treatment methods: 63 °C for 30 min, 72 °C for 15 s, or 80 °C for 15 s. For the virus present in milk, only heat treatment at 80 °C for 15 s completely inactivated it. These results suggest that milk prevents influenza viruses from pasteurization inactivation.

Inactivation of Pseudovirus Expressing the D614G Spike Protein Mutation using Nitric Oxide-Plasma Activated Water.

Variants of concern (VOCs) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exhibit high infectivity due to mutations, particularly in the spike protein, that facilitate enhanced binding of virus to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). The D614G mutation, situated in S1-domain, promotes the open conformation of spike protein, augmenting its interaction with hACE2. Activated water neutralizes pathogens by damaging biological molecules; however, its effect on mutated SARS-CoV-2 or VOCs requires further exploration. Here, the efficacy of nitric oxide (NOx)-plasma activated water (PAW) in inhibiting infections by SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus expressing D614G-mutated spike protein is investigated, which serves as a model for mutated SARS-CoV-2. Results demonstrated high prevalence of D614G mutation in SARS-CoV-2 and its VOCs. NOx-PAW is non-toxic to cells at high concentration, inhibiting infection by 71%. Moreover, NOx-PAW induced structural changes in S1-domain of spike protein, reducing its binding affinity and lowering clathrin-mediated endocytosis-related gene expression. Additionally, in silico analysis revealed NOx species in NOx-PAW played key role in impairing S1-domain function of the mutated SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus by interacting directly with it. Collectively, these findings reveal the potent inactivation ability of PAW against mutated SARS-CoV-2 and suggest its potential application in combating emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral threats.

Prevalence of surgical site infections in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Goa, India: a cross-sectional study

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major category of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in surgical settings. They lead to extended hospital stays, increased morbidity, and financial burden. The study was conducted in the surgical wards of Goa medical college, a tertiary care hospital, to assess the prevalence of SSIs and identify the key bacterial pathogens and associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study design was employed, involving 378 patients aged over 18 years admitted for surgical procedures. Data collection included daily follow-up for signs of infection, identification of bacterial pathogens, and analysis of potential risk factors such as age, type of surgery, duration of postoperative drain, length of hospital stays, and wound classification. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, with significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The study identified an SSI prevalence of 12.69% among the participants, with Pseudomonas being the most common causative agent. Significant risk factors included extended postoperative drain duration, longer hospital stays, emergency surgical procedures, and surgeries involving contaminated or clean-contaminated wounds. Patients with prolonged postoperative drains had a markedly higher incidence of SSIs (63.63%). Conclusions: The findings reveal a considerable burden of SSIs in the studied setting, with high infection rates in patients undergoing prolonged drain usage, emergency surgeries, and surgeries on contaminated wounds. Strengthening infection prevention measures, particularly in high-risk cases, and enforcing strict adherence to hygiene and sterilization practices are critical. Enhanced infection surveillance programs and targeted interventions could help reduce SSI rates, improve patient outcomes, and minimize healthcare costs.

Cervical precancer screening using self-sampling, HPV DNA testing, and mobile colposcopy in a hard-to-reach community in Ghana: a pilot study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization has set ambitious goals to eliminate cervical cancer, necessitating evidence on increasing coverage and access to screening and treatment in high-burden areas. We implemented a pilot program to assess the feasibility of obtaining self-collected specimens for high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) testing in Nzulezo stilt village, a hard-to-reach community in Ghana, and inviting only hr-HPV-positive women to a central location for colposcopy and possible treatment. Subsequently, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hr-HPV infection and cervical lesions among the women and to explore factors potentially associated with hr-HPV infection among them.MethodsThis pilot community-based cross-sectional study utilized data from screening sessions held from 2 to 20 November 2021 with specimens collected by participants using Evalyn brushes. HPV DNA testing was performed using the Sansure MA-6000 platform, while visual inspection utilized the Enhanced Visual Assessment (EVA) mobile colposcope. Univariate and multivariable nominal logistic regression was employed to explore factors associated with hr-HPV positivity.ResultsAmong 100 women screened (mean age, 43.6 ± 14.5 years), the overall hr-HPV prevalence rate was 39.0% (95% CI, 29.4–49.3). The prevalence rates of hr-HPV genotypes were stratified as follows: HPV16–8.0% (95% CI, 3.5–15.2), HPV18–5.0% (95% CI, 1.6–11.2), and other genotype(s) – 31.0% (95% CI, 22.1–41.0). Single-genotype infections with HPV16 and HPV18 were found in 4.0% (95% CI, 1.1–9.9) and 3.0% (95% CI, 0.6–8.5) of women, respectively. Mixed infections were observed in 1.0% (95% CI, 0.0–5.4) for HPV16 + 18, 3.0% (95% CI, 0.6–8.5) for HPV16 + other type(s), and 1.0% (95% CI, 0.0–5.4) for HPV18 + other type(s). The prevalence of cervical lesions among hr-HPV-positive women screened via colposcopy was 11.4% (95% CI, 3.2–26.7). In the multivariable model, reliance on other sources for medical bill payment was associated with hr-HPV infection (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04–0.93), whereas age was not (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99–1.05).ConclusionsA high hr-HPV infection prevalence was recorded among the women. Utilizing technologies such as self-sampling, HPV DNA testing, and mobile colposcopy enables screening and treatment in remote and hard-to-reach communities where access to cervical cancer screening and treatment would otherwise be limited. Further research is warranted to assess the value and scalability of this approach in similar remote areas and its potential implementation in future programs.

Rhizosphere bacterial community is mainly determined by soil environmental factors, but the active bacterial diversity is mainly shaped by plant selection.

The assembly of the rhizosphere community, even the diazotroph community, is mainly shaped by soil environmental factors (including soil climate and physiochemical characteristics) and plant selection. To better understand the driving forces on the active overall and nitrogen-fixing bacterial community compositions, we characterized the communities of tobacco rhizosphere soil collected from three sampling sites with a large geographic scale (> 600km). The results indicate that the diversity and community composition of the overall bacterial and diazotroph communities are obviously differed according to the sampling sites. Still, no significant difference is found between the communities in rootzone and rhizosphere samples. Climate variables including mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), soil physiochemical characteristics including available nitrogen (AN), available potassium (AK) and pH are main factors that affect the bacterial and diazotroph community structures in the three sampling sites. Furthermore, MAP and MAT, AN and available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN) and organic carbon (OC), AK and electrical conductivity (EC) showed similar effects, but pH showed independent effect on the composition of the overall bacteria and diazotroph communities. However, the alpha diversity indices of active overall and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere are obviously higher than in the rootzone samples, and no significant differences are observed among different sampling sites. Proteobacteria is the predominant active phylum of all samples for overall and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Escherichia-Shigella, Achromobacter, Streptomyces and Sphingomonas are the dominant active bacterial genera, and Bradyrhizobium, Skermanella and Extensimonas are dominant active nitrogen-fixing bacteria genera in rhizosphere. Furthermore, the high active abundance of Escherichia-Shigella but low abundance of Ralstonia in all three sampling sites indicate high root-knot nematode infection and low wilt disease endemic risk. These results indicate that soil environmental factors contribute more to the tobacco rhizosphere bacterial community assemblage, but the rhizosphere contributes more to the diversity of active overall bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the community. Our study provides novel knowledge for the assemble of rhizosphere bacterial and active bacteria communities across a large geographical scale.

Bacterial communities in Asecodes hispinarum (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its host Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with comparison of Wolbachia dominance.

The endoparasitoid Asecodes hispinarum (Bouček) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) serves as an effective biological control agent against Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a notorious palm pest. Endosymbionts found in parasitoids and their hosts have attracted significant attention due to their substantial influence on biocontrol efficacy. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to assess the symbiotic bacteria composition, diversity, phylogeny, and localization in A. hispinarum and its host B. longissima. Our findings showed significant differences in the richness, diversity, and composition of symbiotic bacteria among different life stages of B. longissima. Notably, the bacterial richness, diversity, and composition of A. hispinarum was similar to that of B. longissima. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla, while Wolbachia was the dominant genera across the parasitoid and host. It was discovered for the first time that Wolbachia was present in A. hispinarum with a high infection rate at ≥ 96.67%. Notably, the Wolbachia strain in A. hispinarum was placed in supergroup A, whereas it was categorized under supergroup B in B. longissima. Furthermore, Wolbachia is concentrated in the abdomen of A. hispinarum, with particularly high levels observed in the ovipositors of female adults. These findings highlight the composition and diversity of symbiotic bacteria in both A. hispinarum and its host B. longissima, providing a foundation for the development of population regulation strategies targeting B. longissima.

Strong association between high burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and household transmission among Malaysian Negritos, urging anthelmintic treatment beyond children

The Orang Asli (OA), Malaysia’s indigenous minority, continue to experience ongoing soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections despite efforts including the Resettlement Programme (RPS). This study explores STH epidemiology and associated risks of moderate-to-heavy infections among 259 indigenous Negritos across four states in Peninsular Malaysia. Stool samples, anthropometrics, haemoglobin levels (finger-prick) and sociodemographic and environmental-sanitation factors via pretested questionnaires were collected. Parasitological examinations (direct faecal smear, formol-ether concentration, and Kato-Katz techniques) were thoroughly performed. The study revealed a 63.3% overall STH prevalence, with Trichuris trichiura (57.9%) being the most common, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (35.5%) and hookworm (8.9%). Moderate-to-heavy infections were observed in 39.3% for T. trichiura and 48.9% for A. lumbricoides, with mixed infections of these two species being the most prevalent (50.6%). The risk for moderate-to-heavy infection increased significantly if other household members were infected (P < 0.001). Adults and adolescents also showed high infection rates, with no significant differences with children’s groups. These findings emphasize the need for anthelmintic treatment across all age groups and strategize local policies targeting older groups of the OA community to control ongoing transmission and reduce the STH burden and protect the future well-being of OA children, who deserve a healthier future.

Gender differences in correlation of biochemical parameters with the severity of COVID pneumonia and the need for oxygen/mechanical support

Background:COVID-19 pandemic had caused a global medical, economic and social problems. High infection rate, heterogenous presentation, lack of previous data and no standardized treatment had led to a need for further analysis, in order to be prepared for any potential new pandemics. We analyzed any possible correlation between gender, laboratory findings and severity of disease with need for oxygen or mechanical ventilation support. Methods: 100 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 virus infection enrolled. Baseline characteristics that included age, sex, smoking history, BMI, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation support need were recorded. Type and severity of radiological finding determined by chest CT scan. Results: Majority of our patients were over 61 years old (58.6%), male (57.6%), and had severe radiological finding (bilateral pneumonia 29.3%, ARDS 35.4%), with only 20.2% had not required any oxygen supplementation. Regarding gender and laboratory findings, men have shown statistically significant higher values of CRP, lymphocytes, LDH and ferritin (96.4 vs 87.1, p=0.014; 1.17 vs 0.84, p=0.048; 674.8 vs 609.1, p=0.031; 1263 vs 578.4, p=0.001, respectfully). Severe radiological finding had shown positive correlation with the need for HFNC and/or (N)IMV (p=0.021 and p=0.032. respectfully), as well as with higher values of WBC, LDH and ferritin (p=0.042, p=0.035 and p=0.017. respectfully). Conclusions: There is a difference between presentation of the disease, as well as analyzed laboratory markers between sexes. The difference is most likely multifactorial and should require further research in order to discover other risk and prognostic factors.

Differential impact of Paenibacillus infection on the microbiota of Varroa destructor and Apis mellifera

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a vital agricultural pollinator whose populations are threatened by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and associated pathogens. While the impact of Paenibacillus species on honey bees, particularly Paenibacillus larvae causing American foulbrood, is documented, their effect on the microbiota of Varroa mites remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Paenibacillus sp. on the bacterial communities of Varroa mites and adult honey bees. We hypothesized that Paenibacillus sp. would significantly alter the microbiota of Varroa mites but have minimal effect on that of adult honey bees. Utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing data from a previous study, we reanalyzed samples categorized into four groups based on Paenibacillus sp. infection load: highly infected and lowly infected honey bees (A. mellifera) and mites (V. destructor). Infection status was determined by Paenibacillus sp. read counts, with more than three reads indicating high infection. Microbial diversity was assessed using alpha and beta diversity metrics. Co-occurrence networks were constructed to visualize bacterial community assemblies, and network robustness was evaluated through node addition and removal tests. Keystone taxa were identified based on eigenvector centrality and relative abundance. Highly infected Varroa mites exhibited a significant reduction in alpha diversity and a markedly different bacterial community composition compared to lowly infected mites (p < 0.05). Their bacterial co-occurrence networks showed decreased connectivity and robustness, indicating a disruptive effect of Paenibacillus sp. In contrast, adult honey bees displayed no significant differences in alpha diversity or network structure between highly and lowly infected groups (p > 0.05), suggesting a resilient microbiota. Keystone taxa analysis revealed fewer central species in highly infected Varroa mites, potentially impacting network stability. High Paenibacillus sp. infection is associated with significant alterations in the microbiota of Varroa mites, disrupting bacterial communities and potentially affecting mite physiology. The microbiota of adult honey bees appears more robust against Paenibacillus sp. influence. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interactions within the "honey bee–mite–microorganism" system and may inform future strategies for managing Varroa mite infestations and associated pathogens.

Characterization of the C5H11ORF96 gene in chickens: cloning, tissue distribution and investigation of its potential function in stress response regulation

Chicken is an important economic animal that encounter various stressors including high temperature, high stocking density, bacterial infections and transportation, etc. affecting the poultry production with serious economic loss. To be in response to the varied stimulus, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated through the controlling of the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs). Present study characterized a novel gene C5H11ORF96, that demonstrated significant upregulation after the DEX injection in chicken, which simulates the stress stimulus. Our results showed that: (1) cC5H11ORF96 cDNA encodes a 120 amino acids protein, which shares high sequence identity with that of birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs and fish; (2) cC5H11ORF96 has a fully conserved RFKTQP motif and high proportion of serine, indicating its multiple potential phosphorylation sites; (3) cC5H11ORF96 is widely expressed in various chicken tissues, with high expression levels in the parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pituitary; (4) glucocorticoids (GCs) and stress significantly upregulate C5H11ORF96 mRNA and protein expression in the chicken pituitary and hypothalamus, suggesting its involvement in regulating stress response by influencing the negative feedback of GCs on the HPA axis in chickens. The characterization of the C5H11ORF96 gene in the chicken stress response provides potential targets for stress adaptability and poultry production. Meanwhile, our finding provides essential insights into the physiological functions of C11ORF96 gene in vertebrates.

Efficacy of a gelling-fibre dressing and a gelling-fibre dressing with silver nanoparticles at controlling exudate and infection: a 4-week multicentre clinical evaluation.

Suprasorb Liquacel Pro (standard test dressing) and Suprasorb Liquacel Ag (test dressing with silver nanoparticles) are absorptive gelling-fibre dressings designed to manage wound exudate levels and promote moist wound healing, with the latter having additional antimicrobial properties. To assess the impact of the test dressing on healing, exudate levels and signs of infection. Patients with moderately-to-highly exuding hard-to-heal wounds of any type were dressed with the standard test dressing or the test dressing with silver nanoparticles if they showed covert or overt signs of local infection. Comparative data were collected at baseline and 4-week conclusion. Adverse events and patient and professional opinions were also reported and collated. There were 19 patients with lower-limb wounds of various types present for a mean of 26 months. At baseline, most wounds were deteriorating or static (68%), while at conclusion most were improving or healed (84%), with additional indicators of improved healing. The number of patients with moderate-to-high exudate levels decreased from 84% to 53%. The 15 patients using the test dressing with silver nanoparticles saw reductions in covert signs of infection from 93% to 80%, overt signs of infection from 33% to 13% and antibiotic use from 13% to 7%. On average, the test dressings were effective in managing and reducing the barriers to healing, including high exudate, infection and biofilm, and in restarting stalled healing.

Another tool in the toolbox: Aphid-specific Wolbachia protect against fungal pathogens.

Aphids harbor nine common facultative symbionts, most mediating one or more ecological interactions. Wolbachia pipientis, well-studied in other arthropods, remains poorly characterized in aphids. In Pentalonia nigronervosa and P. caladii, global pests of banana, Wolbachia was initially hypothesized to function as a co-obligate nutritional symbiont alongside the traditional obligate Buchnera. However, genomic analyses failed to support this role. Our sampling across numerous populations revealed that more than 80% of Pentalonia aphids carried an M-supergroup strain of Wolbachia (wPni). The lack of fixation further supports a facultative status for Wolbachia, while high infection frequencies in these entirely asexual aphids strongly suggest Wolbachia confers net fitness benefits. Finding no correlation between Wolbachia presence and food plant use, we challenged Wolbachia-infected aphids with common natural enemies. Bioassays revealed that Wolbachia conferred significant protection against a specialized fungal pathogen (Pandora neoaphidis) but not against generalist pathogens or parasitoids. Wolbachia also improved aphid fitness in the absence of enemy challenge. Thus, we identified the first clear benefits for aphid-associated Wolbachia and M-supergroup strains specifically. Aphid-Wolbachia systems provide unique opportunities to merge key models of symbiosis to better understand infection dynamics and mechanisms underpinning symbiont-mediated phenotypes.

Formulation of Asiatic acid-loaded polymeric chitosan-based hydrogel for effective MRSA infection control and enhanced wound healing in zebrafish models

BackgroundWound healing relies on a controlled inflammatory process vital for tissue regeneration. Chronic wounds, characterized by persistent inflammation and high infection risk, pose significant challenges in healthcare. Hydrogel dressings offer promise in wound care; however, the understanding of their role in managing inflammation and infection remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate these processes and assess the efficacy of Asiatic acid (AA)-infused hydrogels in reducing inflammation and preventing infection. The unique properties of AA suggest its potential to modulate inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and inhibit microbial colonization, thereby paving the way for specialized dressings that optimize healing outcomes. MethodsThe investigation encompassed the antibacterial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant activity, and biocompatibility of AA using a fibroblast cell line. A hydrogel incorporating AA was developed and characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle analysis, tensile testing, swelling capacity, and thermal stability assessments. Biodegradability was evaluated via enzymatic degradation, alongside controlled drug release and antibacterial efficacy against MRSA. In vivo studies using a zebrafish model examined wound healing and immune response. ResultsResults confirmed AA's potent antibacterial activity against MRSA and its effectiveness in disrupting mature biofilms. Additionally, AA exhibited strong antioxidant activity and biocompatibility. Morphological analysis revealed a pore structure conducive to wound healing, and the hydrogel demonstrated enhanced tensile strength, swelling properties, and thermal stability. In vivo, the AA-infused hydrogel accelerated wound closure, re-epithelialization, and immune response, supporting its potential for advanced wound care applications. In conclusion, the AA-infused chitosan hydrogel emerges as a promising candidate for advanced wound care therapies.