Bacterial Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond—A Comprehensive Review

The equine industry holds substantial economic importance not only in the USA but worldwide. The occurrence of various infectious bacterial diseases in horses can lead to severe health issues, economic losses, and restrictions on horse movement and trade. Effective management and control of these diseases are therefore crucial for the growth and sustainability of the equine industry. While antibiotics constitute the primary treatment strategy for any bacterial infections in horses, developing resistance to clinically important antibiotics poses significant challenges to equine health and welfare. The adverse effects of antimicrobial overuse and the escalating threat of resistance underscore the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship within the equine industry. There is limited information on the epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in horses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the history and types of antimicrobials used in horses and provide recommendations for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections in horses. This review also highlights the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horses, emphasizing the public health significance and transmission dynamics between horses and other animals within a One Health framework. By fostering responsible practices and innovative control measures, we can better help the equine industry combat the pressing threat of AMR and thus safeguard equine as well as public health.

Adjusting the microbial ecosystem via a natural “spear and shield” implant coating: Engineering bacterial extracellular vesicles for infection treatment

Bacterial infectious diseases caused by microecological imbalance pose serious threats to human health, while conventional bacteriostatic strategies often suffer from limitations including imprecision and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs), derived specifically from S. aureus, are applied to construct a stable implant coating mediated by poly (tannic acid) (pTA). The resultant EVs coating, functioning akin to a “spear and shield”, possesses the ability to autonomously discriminate between non-parental bacteria (N-bacteria) and parental bacteria (P-bacteria), bestowing implants with accurate and selective adjusting capacities in vitro and in vivo. Within this construct, the EVs coating of gram-positive bacteria alters bacterial metabolism and membrane transport, affecting gene mismatch repair. For N-bacteria, the EVs coating acts like a sharp spear, effectively combating their growth. Conversely, it functions as a protective shield, precisely fostering the growth of P-bacteria. The TA-mediated EVs coating provides a research basis for advancing research in microecological control of infectious diseases and the treatment of other diseases associated with microecological imbalances.

Research advances on the mechanism of immune regulation of interferon in Aspergillus infection

Pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious pulmonary fungal infectious disease. It is difficult to manage and has limited treatment options. Existing anti-aspergillus medications have high rates of treatment failure and increased drug resistance, making it difficult to meet the clinical requirements. Therefore, the development of new, effective treatment programs is critical. According to research, interferons play an important role in the body's immune response to bacterial and viral infectious diseases. Inadequate interferon expression or dysfunction can put the body at risk for certain infectious diseases. Interferon has been used in clinical trials to prevent or treat infectious diseases. In recent years, researchers have focused on the immunological role of interferon in Aspergillus infections and its potential for clinical application. This review summarized the most recent advances in the immunoregulatory mechanisms of interferon and its clinical application in Aspergillus infections.

Comparative safety and efficacy of autogenous vaccine administrated by different routes against furunculosis caused by Aeromonas salmonicida sub. salmonicida in large Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The development and growth of fish farming are hindered by viral and bacterial infectious diseases, which necessitate effective disease control measures. Furunculosis, primarily caused by Aeromonas salmonicida, stands out as a significant bacterial disease affecting salmonid fish farms, particularly rainbow trout. Vaccination has emerged as a crucial tool in combating this disease. The objective of this experiment was to assess and compare the efficacy and duration of different vaccine protocols against furunculosis in large trout under controlled rearing conditions, utilizing single and booster administrations via intraperitoneal, oral, and immersion routes. Among the various vaccination protocols tested, only those involving intraperitoneal injection, administered at least once, proved truly effective in preventing the expression of clinical signs of furunculosis and reducing mortality rates. A single intraperitoneal administration provided protection for up to 2352 degree-days, equivalent to approximately 5 months in water at 16°C. However, intraperitoneal vaccination may lead to reduced growth in the fish due to resultant intraperitoneal adhesions. Additionally, protocols incorporating booster doses via intraperitoneal injection demonstrated efficacy regardless of the administration route of the primary vaccination. Nevertheless, the use of booster vaccinations via the intraperitoneal route did not confer any significant advantage over a single intraperitoneal injection in terms of efficacy.

Differential Serum Phosphate Levels in Pediatric Febrile Syndromes and Their Clinical Significance.

The potential of hypophosphatemia (HP) to differentiate between febrile syndromes and its clinical significance in children without sepsis were not previously described. Data were retrospectively collected of febrile children aged 3 months to 18 years, hospitalized at general pediatric wards during 2010-2019. Phosphate levels were compared between bacterial infection (BI), viral infection (VI), and Kawasaki disease (KD). Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between HP and outcome. Of 3963 febrile children, 559 had BI, 3271 had VI, and 133 had KD. In BI compared to VI and KD, HP was more prevalent (49.2%, 19.7%, and 31.6%, respectively; P<0.001) and more severe [median (interquartile range) phosphate standard deviation score: -1.85 (2.08), -0.56 (2.08), and -1.20 (2.28), respectively; P<0.001]. In the BI group, Pi-SDS level was lower among patients with than without bacteremia (-2.33 ± 1.8 vs. -0.79 ± 1.68; P<0.001). Phosphate levels displayed discriminatory potential between bacterial and viral etiologies, with an area under the curve of 0.719 (95% CI, 0.697-0.742). Minimal phosphate standard deviation score values had a negative weak correlation with the maximal C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell count. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed an association of HP with a more severe disease course, manifested by longer hospital stay [+2.10 (95% CI, 0.75-3.46) days; P=0.003] and a higher rate of intensive care unit admission [odds ratio, 2.63 (95% CI, 1.94-3.56); P<0.001). Hypophosphatemia rates were highest in bacterial etiology, intermediate in KD, and lowest in viral etiology and were associated with poorer outcomes. Phosphate level may serve as a marker for ruling out a bacterial etiology.

Iron/Molybdenum Sulfide Nanozyme Cocatalytic Fenton Reaction for Photothermal/Chemodynamic Efficient Wound Healing.

The issue of bacterial infectious diseases remains a significant concern worldwide, particularly due to the misuse of antibiotics, which has caused the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Fortunately, the rapid development of nanomaterials has propelled significant progress in antimicrobial therapy, offering promising solutions. Among them, the utilization of nanoenzyme-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has become a highly hopeful approach to combating bacterial infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the application of CDT appears to be facing certain constraints for its low efficiency in the Fenton reaction at the infected site. In this study, we have successfully synthesized a versatile nanozyme, which was a composite of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) and iron sulfide (FeS2), through the hydrothermal method. The results showed that iron/molybdenum sulfide nanozymes (Fe/Mo SNZs) with desirable peroxidase (POD) mimic activity can generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) by successfully triggering the Fenton reaction. The presence of MoS2 significantly accelerates the conversion of Fe2+/Fe3+ through a cocatalytic reaction that involves the participation of redox pairs of Mo4+/Mo6+, thereby enhancing the efficiency of CDT. Additionally, based on the excellent photothermal performance of Fe/Mo SNZs, a near-infrared (NIR) laser was used to induce localized temperature elevation for photothermal therapy (PTT) and enhance the POD-like nanoenzymatic activity. Notably, both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that Fe/Mo SNZs with good broad-spectrum antibacterial properties can help eradicate Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli and Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. The most exciting thing is that the synergistic PTT/CDT exhibited astonishing antibacterial ability and can achieve complete elimination of bacteria, which promoted wound healing after infection. Overall, this study presents a synergistic PTT/CDT strategy to address antibiotic resistance, providing avenues and directions for enhancing the efficacy of wound healing treatments and offering promising prospects for further clinical use in the near future.

Antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of carbon quantum dot decorated modified zinc oxide nanoparticles against oral pathogenic bacteria

Caries represents one of the most prevalent bacterial infectious diseases in the oral cavity. Over decades, researchers have been actively seeking nanomaterials capable of inhibiting oral pathogenic bacteria. We utilized a one-pot hydrothermal method to synthesize CQDs with multicolor luminescence and CQD-loaded ZnO composite nanomaterials. FE-SEM revealed that the rod-like structure of CQDs/ZnO becomes finer with increased CQDs content. XRD and XPS confirmed the presence of all components within the nanocomposites. We compared the antimicrobial activities of ZnO, 7.7% and 14.3% CQDs/ZnO against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The 7.7% CQDs/ZnO composite exhibited the most effective antibacterial activity. The 7.7% CQDs/ZnO composite exhibited the most effective antibacterial activity. FE-SEM and ONPG assays demonstrated that 7.7% CQDs/ZnO disrupted the membrane structure and alters membrane permeability. ESR, DPBF and ROS assayed further confirmed that 1O2 produced by 7.7% CQDs/ZnO accumulated at the cell membrane and disrupts its structure.

Public health importance of brucellosis: a review

Members of the genus Brucella are the source of the infectious bacterial disease known as brucellosis which is characterised by abortion, retained fetal membranes, orchitis, infection of the male accessory sex glands, and decreased fertility. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, camels, and occasionally horses are the animals most commonly affected by the disease. It affects sexually mature animals and its preferred site is the reproductive tract of both male and female animals. Animals may acquire the infection by licking the genitalia of infected female animals shortly after parturition or abortion, or by consuming contaminated pastures, feedstuffs, and water. Because there are insufficient domestic animal health programs, adequate diagnostic facilities, and effective public health measures, brucellosis is common and seen as an important public health concern in developing countries. Due to its association with abortion storm in newly infected herds, a high rate of retained placenta, endometritis or metritis which lowers milk production, and infertility, the disease is important economically. Additionally, the contagious nature of the disease has an impact on public health. In humans, brucellosis is an acute or subacute condition that can last for weeks or months. It is typically characterized by an intermittent or remittent fever, malaise, anorexia, and prostration. Humans can become infected by consuming contaminated animal products such as milk. These and control strategies of brucellosis that include good farm management practices, surveillance, culling of infected animals, use of proper vaccination protocols and public awareness were the subject matter of this review.

Public health importance of brucellosis: a review

Members of the genus Brucella are the source of the infectious bacterial disease known as brucellosis which is characterised by abortion, retained fetal membranes, orchitis, infection of the male accessory sex glands, and decreased fertility. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, camels, and occasionally horses are the animals most commonly affected by the disease. It affects sexually mature animals and its preferred site is the reproductive tract of both male and female animals. Animals may acquire the infection by licking the genitalia of infected female animals shortly after parturition or abortion, or by consuming contaminated pastures, feedstuffs, and water. Because there are insufficient domestic animal health programs, adequate diagnostic facilities, and effective public health measures, brucellosis is common and seen as an important public health concern in developing countries. Due to its association with abortion storm in newly infected herds, a high rate of retained placenta, endometritis or metritis which lowers milk production, and infertility, the disease is important economically. Additionally, the contagious nature of the disease has an impact on public health. In humans, brucellosis is an acute or subacute condition that can last for weeks or months. It is typically characterized by an intermittent or remittent fever, malaise, anorexia, and prostration. Humans can become infected by consuming contaminated animal products such as milk. These and control strategies of brucellosis that include good farm management practices, surveillance, culling of infected animals, use of proper vaccination protocols and public awareness were the subject matter of this review.

Acoustofluidic separation of bacteria from platelets using tilted-angle standing surface acoustic wave

Separation of microscale objects, such as cells and bacteria, is an essential sample preparation step in various microfluidic applications in microbiology, chemistry, biology, and biomedicine. Microfluidic separation of bacteria from blood cells is highly in demand to prevent or investigate bacterial infectious diseases. Unlike red and white blood cells, platelets have a similar size distribution to that of bacteria, which makes bacteria separation from platelets technically challenging. Most previous techniques for microfluidic separation rely on size as a separation marker. These size-based separation methods are not applicable to separation of the same or similar-sized samples. Here, we propose an acoustofluidic method using tilted-angle standing surface acoustic wave (taSSAW) for label-free separation of the microscale objects of the same or similar size based on compressibility. From the experimental investigation with polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, and polycaprolactone microparticles of the same size, we found that less compressible objects migrated further when exposed to the taSSAW field formed within a microchannel. Based on the findings, we demonstrated that Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be separated from platelets because the taSSAW-induced acoustic radiation force acting on comparatively less compressible E. coli was greater than that applied to the platelets. Fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscope, hemocytometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction were conducted to confirm the successful positive separation of bacteria from platelets with high purity of exceeding 96 % and recovery rate of exceeding 81 %.

Critical review on analytical detection of first line and second line anti tubercular agent by various modern analytical method

Tuberculosis is a chronic inflammatory, granulomatous bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. About 10 million people worldwide are ill with MTB in 2018, 5.7 million are males, 3.2 million are females and 1.1 million are infants, 1.6 million died from the disease. This article includes epidemiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis. It includes the drug profile of antitubercular agents such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, rifampicin, paraminosalicylic acid, thiacetazone, ethionamide, kanamycin, amikacin. cycloserine, viomycin, morphazinamide and some newer drugs such as ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin and rifabutin. It contains analytical detection methods of antitubercular agents by HPLC.

Aeromonas veronii specific aptamer and peroxidase mimic tyrosine-capped gold NanoZymes enable highly specific sensing of fish pathogenic bacteria

Despite major advances in biosensing, quick, dependable, and effective on-site detection of bacterial infections remains a serious issue, owing to a lack of acceptable or appropriate diagnostic platforms. To address this gap, we presented a new colorimetric gold NanoZyme aptasensor for rapid sensing of Aeromonas veronii, an infectious bacterial disease in fish. The A. veronii-specific aptamer (AVS01) was developed through Cell-SELEX. The sensing mechanism involves inhibition of AuNPs induced peroxidase-mimic catalytic activity through surface adsorption by AVS01 which in the presence of the A. veronii desorb from the AuNPs allowing recovery of the catalytic activity leading to colorimetric response, whereas the sensor is insesnsitive to other nontarget bacterial cells. This method is very specific and sensitive, allowing for the quick and visible sensing of A. veronii with a detection limit of 1281 CFU mL−1 within 15 min. The method has great potential for rapid diagnosis of bacterial infection in fish caused by A. veronii.

Membrane-Anchored Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogens: Accurate Labeling and Efficient Photodynamic Inactivation of Streptococcus mutans in Anticaries Therapy.

Dental caries is a widespread bacterial infectious disease that imposes a significant public health burden globally. The primary culprits in caries development are cariogenic bacteria, notably Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), due to their robust biofilm-forming capabilities. To address this issue, a series of cationic pyridinium-substituted photosensitizers with aggregation-induced emission have been designed. All of these aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) exhibit outstanding microbial visualization and photodynamic killing of S. mutans, thanks to their luminous fluorescence and efficient singlet oxygen generation ability. Notably, one of the membrane-anchored AIEgens (TDTPY) can inactivate planktic S. mutans and its biofilm without causing significant cytotoxicity. Importantly, application of TDTPY-mediated photodynamic treatment on in vivo rodent models has yielded commendable imaging results and effectively slowed down caries progression with assured biosafety. Unlike traditional single-mode anticaries materials, AIEgens integrate the dual functions of detecting and removing S. mutans and are expected to build a new caries management diagnosis and treatment platform. To the best of our knowledge, this is also the first report on the use of AIEgens for anticaries studies both in vitro and in vivo.

Advances of Nanotechnology in Eradication Bacterial Infectious Diseases: A Recent Review

Advances of Nanotechnology in Eradication Bacterial Infectious Diseases: A Recent Review

An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosing Patients Presenting With Orbital Inflammatory Syndromes (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis)

PurposeThe initial management of patients presenting with orbital inflammatory syndromes (OIS) varies – with some pursuing a diagnostic workup while others treat without any testing. The evidence behind this rationale is limited. A review of patients with orbital inflammation is performed with analysis of diagnostic testing to develop a workflow for such patients. DesignA retrospective review of patients presenting with acute orbital inflammation at a single institution from 2011 – 2020 was conducted. MethodsOrbital imaging was required for inclusion. Patients with high suspicion of neoplasm, bacterial infection, vascular malformation, or thyroid eye disease were excluded. Review of presenting clinical findings, laboratory workup, orbital imaging, and biopsy were performed. Statistical analysis was performed identifying statistically significant diagnostic and treatment maneuvers. ResultsIn total, 172 patients met inclusion criteria (66% female, mean age 46 years). The primary clinical presentation was myositis, dacryoadenitis, and infiltrative in 67, 73, and 32 patients (39.0, 43.0, 18.6%, respectively). Laboratory studies were conducted in 145 (84%) while biopsy was performed in 55 (32%). Specific orbital inflammation (SOI) was diagnosed in 29 (16.9%) with most frequent diagnoses being sarcoidosis, IgG4-related disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The majority (147, 85.5%) was initially treated with steroids, but steroid-sparing agent use was statistically higher in patients with SOI. ConclusionsIn patients presenting with OIS, distinguishing myositis, dacryoadenitis, and infiltrative disease has workup and differential diagnosis impacts. Because SOI is relatively common, sequelae of SOI, and potential steroid-sparing therapy needs, diagnosis via an evidence-based systemic approach is critical.

Use of proteomic-based MALDI-TOF mass spectra for identification of bacterial pathogens in aquaculture: a review

Use of proteomic-based MALDI-TOF mass spectra for identification of bacterial pathogens in aquaculture: a review

Impact of inadequate empirical antibiotic treatment on outcome of non-critically ill children with bacterial infections

BackgroundThe impact of inadequate empirical antibiotic treatment on patient outcomes and hospitalization duration for non-life-threatening infections in children remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess the effects of inadequate empirical antibiotic treatment on these factors in pediatric patients.MethodsThe medical records of children admitted for infectious diseases with bacteria isolated from sterile sites between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received adequate empirical treatment were compared with those who received inadequate treatment in terms of demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables.ResultsForty-eight patients who received inadequate empirical antimicrobial treatment were compared to 143 patients who received adequate empirical treatment. Inadequate empirical antimicrobial treatment did not significantly affect the length of hospital stay or the incidence of complications in non-critically ill children with bacterial infections. Younger age and underlying renal abnormalities were identified as risk factors for inadequate antimicrobial treatment, while associated bacteremia was more common in the adequate antimicrobial treatment group.Conclusionsinadequate antibiotic treatment did not affect the outcomes of non-critically ill children with bacterial infectious diseases. Therefore, routine empirical broad-spectrum treatment may not be necessary for these cases, as it can lead to additional costs and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Development and Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibodies against CBPP Antigen with the End Goal of Developing an ELISA Kit.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious and contagious bacterial respiratory disease that affects cattle with significant economic losses to the African animal industry. The use of ELISA kits based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) will aid in quick and precise diagnosis of CBPP, contributing to disease control and prevention in cattle. Thus, this research aims to develop and evaluate monoclonal antibodies against CBPP (T1/44) antigen for use in ELISA kits for CBPP diagnosis. Hybridoma technology was used to develop monoclonal antibodies that recognize and bind to the CBPP (T1/44) antigen. The antibody-secreting hybridomas were produced after immunizing mice with purified CBPP antigens. The hybridomas were screened for high sensitivity, specificity, and liking to the antigen. The selected mAbs were assessed for sensitivity and specificity against CBPP antigen using different immunoassays, dot-blot, ELISA, and mouse mAb isotyping. The monoclonal antibodies were profoundly specific, with a higher hindrance to CBPP antigen (<0.50 OD) while lacking cross-reactivity to other antigens. The monoclonal antibodies could distinguish CBPP antigen at low concentrations, showing their high sensitivity (>80% PI). The isotyped mAbs of intrigued appeared to have a place in the IgG class. These identified monoclonal antibodies can be utilized to develop an ELISA kit for CBPP diagnosis, which would give a fast, precise, and cost-effective strategy for screening and checking CBPP in cattle herds.

Estimation of Total Proteins and Minerals Content of Bovine Brucellosis and Anaplasmosis in Some Local Dairy Farms in Kosti, Sudan

Bovine brucellosis, caused by Brucella abortus, is a significant bacterial infectious zoonotic disease not only poses a threat to animal health but also presents economic challenges and public health concerns due to its potential transmission to humans. Humans can contract the disease through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Bovine anaplasmosis is a haemolytic disease of cattle caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale which can cause adult mortality, abortion, weight loss, and a reduction in performance. This paper described the results obtained from the effects of brucellosis and anaplasmosis on serum proteins and the level of the macro elements (Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium). These minerals play an essential role in animal metabolism. Out of fourteen Bovine serum samples, five samples were found to be positive for Brucella (35.72%) and four samples were found to be positive for Anaplasma (28.57%), the remaining samples were negative. Total protein (Tb) and (Alb) levels were significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) in both brucellosis and anaplasmosis cattle compared with controls. On the other hand Globulin (Glob) was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.01) in brucellosis cattle compared to the controls, also the present study showed that, concentration of Na, Ca, and Mg minerals were significantly increased in case of Brucellosis compared to the controls and significantly low (P&lt;0.05) in potassium level, while animals infected with anaplasmosis showed an increased level of Na and K and decreased level in Mg. In summary, comprehension of laboratory medicine parameters is crucial for monitoring animal health and diagnosing diseases like brucellosis and anaplasmosis. These parameters are essential for implementing effective control measures and ensuring livestock well-being. The objective of this study was to estimate the total proteins and minerals content of Bovine Brucellosis and Anaplasmosis in ...

Antimicrobial Resistance and Genomic Characterization of Salmonella Isolated from Pigeons in China

Salmonellosis is one of the important bacterial infectious diseases affecting the health of pigeons. Heretofore, the epidemiological characteristics of Salmonella in pigeon populations in China remain largely unclear. The present study investigated the antimicrobial resistance and genomic characteristics of Salmonella isolates in pigeons in different regions of China from 2022 to 2023. Thirty-two Salmonella isolates were collected and subjected to 24 different antimicrobial agents, representing nine categories. The results showed that these isolates were highly resistant to cefazolin (100%), gentamicin (100%), tobramycin (100%), and amikacin (100%). Three or more types of antimicrobial resistance were present in 90.62% of the isolates, indicating multidrug resistance. Furthermore, using whole genome sequencing technology, we analyzed the profiles of serotypes, multilocus sequence typing, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance genes, and plasmid replicons and constructed phylogenetic genomics to determine the epidemiological correlation among these isolates. All strains belonged to Salmonella Typhimurium var. Copenhagen and exhibited five antimicrobial resistance genes and more than 150 Salmonella virulence genes. Moreover, each isolate contained both the IncFIB(S) and IncFII(S) plasmids. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates were very close to each other, and isolates from the same region clustered in the same branch. Overall, our findings provide the first evidence for the epidemiological characteristics of Salmonella in pigeons of China, highlighting the importance of preventing salmonellosis in pigeons.