Circulation of Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from eastern Salta Province, Argentina.

Flow cytometry parameters for predicting the successful identification of gram-negative bacilli in urine by MALDI-TOF MS.

Purpose: Arteriovenous fistula or catheter-related bloodstream infection may develop due to catheter use in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. This study aims to guide epidemiological data by evaluating blood cultures in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment and developing catheter-related bloodstream infection. Methods: In the present study, hemodialysis patients who were admitted to the hemodialysis unit, nephrology service and intensive care units of Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2021 and February 29, 2024 and Gaziantep City Hospital between October 6, 2023 and February 29, 2024, who were over 18 years of age and who had microorganism growth in blood culture and/or catheter culture were included in the study. A total of 160 catheter-associated bloodstream infection episodes from 102 patients were retrospectively evaluated.Results: Of the 160 infection episodes included in this study, Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 61.2%, Gram-negative bacteria in 33.8% and Candida species in 5%. Distribution of causative microorganisms was as fallows; Staphylococcus aureus in 45 (28.1%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CNS) in 38 (23.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 18 (11.3%), Acinetobacter baumanni in 11 (6.9%), Escherichia coli in 9 (5.6%). Methicillin resistance was 37.2% in Staphylococcus aureus and 42.1% in CNS. Carbapenem resistance was 54.5% in Acinetobacter baumanni, 33.3% in Klebsiella pneumoniae and 22.2% in Escherichia coli, respectively. Conclusions: Identifying the causative microorganism of catheter-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients and monitoring antibiotic resistance rates may shed light on empirical treatment selection, contributing to the development of better strategies for infection management and optimization of treatment.

Effective immune activation is essential for host defense against pathogenic microorganism infection. However, excessive or uncontrolled immune activation can cause tissue damage. Negative regulatory factors and immune homeostasis regulatory molecules play important roles in immune activation. CircRNAs are known to be involved in a variety of pathological and physiological processes, but their role in the regulation of host immune activation remains unclear. In this study, we identified a novel circRNA, circSlc7a11, in the lung using a Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection model. circSlc7a11 functions as a negative regulator that prevents excessive immune activation in the host response to bacterial infection by regulating the IL-1β signaling axis through PUF60 in macrophages.

: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major cause of postoperative morbidity in low- and middle-income settings, with rising antimicrobial resistance complicating empirical management. Local data on pathogen profiles and resistance patterns are essential to guide effective therapy and infection control strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of surgical site infections and to characterise the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogens isolated from post-operative wound infections at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgical Tower of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January 2025 to July 2025. Consecutive patients with clinically suspected post-operative wound infections were enrolled. Wound swabs or pus aspirates were collected aseptically from 250 patients and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were identified by Gram staining and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and descriptive statistics were used to summarise prevalence, pathogen distribution, and susceptibility patterns. Results: Of 250 post-operative wound samples, 75 were culture-positive, yielding an SSI prevalence of 30.0%. Culture positivity was higher among males (58.6%) and urban residents (61.3%), with the greatest burden observed in patients aged 35–44 years (34.6%). General and orthopaedic surgeries accounted for the highest proportions of culture-positive infections. A total of 93 bacterial isolates were recovered, predominantly Gram-negative organisms, including Escherichia coli (23.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.4%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (17.2%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus constituted 14.0% of isolates. High resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins was observed among Gram-negative pathogens, with reduced fluoroquinolone effectiveness. Carbapenems and amikacin demonstrated the highest activity against Gram-negative isolates, while vancomycin and linezolid remained effective against Gram-positive organisms, including MRSA. Conclusion: Post-operative wound infections at this tertiary care centre were frequent and predominantly caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. The observed resistance patterns limit the utility of commonly used empirical antibiotics and underscore the need for routine culture-based diagnosis, local antibiogram-guided therapy, and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures in surgical settings

Osteomyelitis, an inflammatory disease of bone and bone marrow caused by infectious microorganisms, has long been a major clinical challenge due to the lack of consistently effective treatment strategies. Conventional therapeutic approaches, such as antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, are frequently associated with the development of antibiotic resistance and a high risk of disease recurrence, thereby complicating long-term clinical management. In recent years, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based nanotechnology has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for osteomyelitis, garnering considerable attention for the potential to overcome antibiotic resistance. This review summarizes the epidemiological characteristics, current treatment approaches, and pathogenic mechanisms of osteomyelitis, and comprehensively examines advances in ROS nanotechnologies for osteomyelitis treatment. In addition, the technical advantages and limitations of major ROS-based strategies, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and microwave dynamic therapy (MWDT), are systematically discussed to provide guidance for further optimization of ROS-mediated strategies. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of these strategies in antimicrobial activity, promotion of tissue repair, and immune regulation is analyzed, offering theoretical support for the integration of ROS-based strategies with existing treatment modalities for improved management of osteomyelitis.

ABSTRACTChronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inborn error of immunity caused by defects in components of the NADPH oxidase that impair the elimination of infectious microorganisms. Individuals affected by CGD become more susceptible to recurrent and severe infections. Six male patients from Southern Brazil were clinically and genetically analyzed through data collection from medical records and massively parallel sequencing by a panel for the following genes: CYBB, CYBA, NCF1, NCF2, and NCF4 and whole genome sequencing analysis. The gene‐scan technique was used to identify the GT deletion in NCF1. The most common affected organs were the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes; the most common clinical manifestations were recurrent pneumonia, cutaneous involvement, lymph node manifestations, and failure to thrive. Four patients were identified with variants in CYBB: p.Cys257Ser, which is novel; p.Cys257Arg; p.Arg157Ter; and p.Trp483Ter. Both missense variants damage the loop E in gp91phox, a region with functional and structural relevance for the protein. Functional studies show the expression absence of the protein in patients with the variant p.Arg157Ter. The variant p.Trp483Ter is predicted to undergo nonsense mRNA‐mediated decay. The GT deletion in NCF1 was identified in two siblings from consanguineous parents: one homozygous and the other apparently heterozygous for the deletion, both with a clinical diagnosis of CGD. Variant analysis in this gene is particularly challenging due to the presence of pseudogenes. A hypothesis for this genotypic discrepancy is the occurrence of a second type of pseudogene lacking the GT deletion, which may have arisen in one parent and been transmitted to the patient observed as heterozygous, being misinterpreted in the analyses as a functional NCF1 sequence.

Background: Overuse of antibiotics is worldwide concern. Although, Surgical site infection (SSI) is uncommon following clean surgeries and prophylactic antibiotics aren’t recommended for them, it is still used widely leading to super infection, higher cost, and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of postoperative surgical site infection in inguinal herniotomy with or without peri-operative antibiotic in children. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Chittagong Medical College Hospital from October, 2023 to March, 2025. A total of 176 patients were divided into two groups: Group A received peri-operative antibiotic Cephradine intravenously as single dose preoperatively, after induction and before incision. Then oral Cephradine 50 mg/kg/day orally in 4 divided doses for 7 days) (88 patients) and group B were not given any peri-operative antibiotic (88 patients). Patients were monitored on the 1st, 7th, and 30th post-operative days for SSI evaluation. Infections were assessed through serous discharge culture, and antibiotics were prescribed based on sensitivity results. Result: The mean age was 5.10 ± 2.88 years in Group A and 4.65 ± 3.05 years in Group B, (p>0.05).. 84.1% males in Group A and 83.0% in Group B (p>0.05). Right-sided hernia was more common in both groups (73.9% in Group A vs 67.0% in Group B, p>0.05). At the 1st and 3rd follow-ups, no cases of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) were reported in either group. At the 2nd follow-up, minimal signs of SSI were observed with no significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: Peri-operative antibiotic use in children undergoing inguinal herniotomy did not significantly influence the frequency of postoperative surgical site infections. Routine use of peri-operative antibiotics is unnecessary in uncomplicated pediatric inguinal herniotomy. Journal of Paediatric Surgeons of Bangladesh (2022) Vol. 13 (1 & 2): 25-29

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) represent a severe clinical complication with high mortality and pose a significant public health challenge due to increasing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). This study aimed to systematically analyze the epidemiology, pathogen distribution, and independent predictors of 28-day mortality in CRBSI to support early risk warning and precise intervention. A retrospective cohort study included 172 patients with confirmed CRBSI, defined per CDC criteria. Data were extracted from electronic health records. Blood cultures used the BACT/ALERT® 3D system; pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing utilized the VITEK®2 COMPACT platform. Statistical analysis with SPSS 26.0 employed univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify mortality risk factors, including evaluating a nomogram model for predictive performance. The 28-day mortality rate was 19.77%. Epidemiological surveillance revealed a significant year-by-year decline in CRBSI incidence from 2021 to 2024 (p < 0.01). High-risk wards included Nephrology (34.88%), ICU (22.67%), and Gastroenterology (12.21%), accounting for 69.76% of cases. Gram-positive microorganisms predominated (51.74%, 89/172), with Staphylococcus aureus as the leading pathogen (41.28%, 71/172); Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed significant increasing trends (p < 0.05). Independent predictors of 28-day mortality were APACHE II score (OR = 1.771, 95% CI: 1.328-2.360) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR = 19.426, 95% CI: 1.248-52.270); among microbiological variables/MDROs, only carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB) infection (OR = 3.549) and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-KP) infection (OR = 5.301) remained independently associated with mortality, while Gram-positive microorganism infection was protective (OR = 0.081). The nomogram demonstrated excellent predictive performance (C-index = 0.979), identifying APACHE II score as the most influential predictor; ROC analysis confirmed disease severity as the core mortality determinant. Findings confirm APACHE II score and CVD are strong mortality predictors, while Gram-positive infections correlate with favorable outcomes. Strengthening infection control effectively reduced incidence, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance in high-risk departments and continuous monitoring of pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance, with particular emphasis on carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms. These results support risk stratification and individualized treatment, though multicenter validation remains necessary.

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts global health, primarily due to frequent acute exacerbations caused by respiratory infections. Precise microbial characterization may inform prognostic insights and optimize clinical management.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study from December 2023 to February 2025 involving 1146 patients (259 COPD; 887 non-COPD) with suspected respiratory infections. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) and conventional microbiological testing. Multivariate logistic regression identified COPD predictors, and machine learning modeled prognostic outcomes based on microbial profiles.ResultsDistinct pathogen distributions emerged between COPD and non-COPD groups, with COPD patients exhibiting higher prevalence of gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae, and fungal pathogens. Non-COPD patients demonstrated increased occurrence of atypical pathogens, notably Mycoplasma pneumoniae. COPD patients also presented higher loads of traditionally commensal microorganisms, such as Veillonella parvula and Schaalia odontolytica. Age, dyspnea, smoking duration, elevated leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and decreased lymphocyte levels were significantly associated with COPD presence. Machine learning identified specific microorganisms as strong predictors of adverse outcomes, such as SARS-CoV-2, Veillonella parvula, and Achromobacter xylosoxidans.ConclusionsComprehensive microbial profiling using NGS effectively distinguishes pathogen differences between COPD and non-COPD patients, revealing key associations with clinical prognosis. These insights can inform tailored clinical interventions aimed at mitigating COPD exacerbations and improving patient outcomes.

Introduction. Water pollution with oil products poses a serious threat to human health. When oil and its derivatives enter water bodies, the natural ecosystem is disrupted, rendering the water unsuitable for drinking and household use. Ensuring biological safety is essential due to the ongoing adverse impact of pollution of aquatic components by various chemical factors on the formation of the environment’s microbiome and public health.The aim of this study was to investigate the viability of the aquatic microbiome under conditions of increased oil product loads on water bodies.Materials and methods. The state of microbial communities in the water of water bodies was studied under experimental conditions with the addition of petroleum products to river water: unleaded AI-95 gasoline and M-100 fuel oil. Gasoline was added to twenty eight experimental model reservoirs – at the level of MPC (0.1 mg/dm³), 10 MPC, 100 MPC, 1000 MPC and a suspension of potentially pathogenic test microorganisms Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and pathogenic microorganisms Salmonella typhimurium. Fuel oil was applied to 16 model ponds, creating a 1 cm thick film or suspension of droplets in the water column and suspension of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and pathogenic microorganisms Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype enteritidis. The infectious microorganisms for model reservoirs was 10² CFU/dm³, 10³ CFU/dm³, 10⁴ CFU/dm³. The experiment to study the effect of gasoline on sanitary-indicative and pathogenic microorganisms lasted 14 days, fuel oil – 30 days.Results. Concentrations of petroleum products up to 10 MPC inhibited the growth of total microbial counts and the sanitary indicator microorganisms E. coli and E. faecalis. Maintaining an associative link with pathogenic microorganisms for up to 12 days of exposure when gasoline spilled into water bodies and up to 20–31 day when fuel oil spilled droplets. Gasoline concentrations of 100× and 1000× MPC, as well as a fuel oil spill in water as a film, resulted in 100% mortality of E. coli and E. faecalis after 6 days of exposure. Elevated concentrations of petroleum products in water bodies resulted in a significant increase in the hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa with prolonged contact time.Limitations. The obtained experimental data will be confirmed by in-kind studies of water in reservoirs.Conclusion. When significant concentrations of petroleum products enter a water body during emergency situations or the discharge of insufficiently treated wastewater from oil refineries, it is advisable to monitor the safety of water bodies using the sanitary indicator microorganisms E. coli and E. faecalis. In case of long-term release of high concentrations of petroleum products into water bodies, water safety monitoring should be carried out for the formation of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Compliance with ethical standards. This study does not require the conclusion of a biomedical ethics committee or other documents.Contribution: Trukhina G.M. – concept and design of the study, analysis of obtained data, writing text, editing; Borisova N.A. – concept and design of the study, data collection and analysis, writing text; Sinitsyna O.O. – writing text, editing. All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Funding. The study was conducted as part of the state program “Ensuring Chemical and Biological Safety of the Russian Federation for 2021–2024.Received: November 21, 2025 / Revised: December 15, 2025 / Accepted: December 19, 2025 / Published: January 15, 2026

ABSTRACT: We investigated the microbiological etiology of umbilical infections in clinically scored lambs. A total of 128 lambs showing signs of umbilical infection and 41 showing no umbilical signs were sampled. All microorganisms were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance patterns of bacteria were assessed. Among the diseased animals and those without umbilical signs, 214 and 116 species of microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) were identified, respectively. Escherichia coli (11.21%) was the most prevalent microorganism and showed a significant association (p= 0.0039) with moderate (score 2) and severe (score 3) scores for umbilical infection. In lambs without clinical signs of umbilical infection, a predominance of Desemzia incerta was observed. Diseased lambs that exhibited clinical complications showed a high mortality rate (58%). Additionally, a significant association (p&lt; 0.001) was observed between moderate and severe scores and poor prognosis. Bacterial multidrug resistance was observed in 20% (36/182) of isolates. To our knowledge, some bacteria were identified for the first time as primary agents of umbilical infections in lambs, and clinical scoring was applied for the first time in newborn lambs with omphalopathies. Our findings reveal a high complexity of microorganisms in umbilical infections in lambs, identified by mass spectrometry, with a predominance of E. coli in cases of moderate to severe severity scores, and an association between clinical complications and high mortality.

Prosthetic Joint Infections in Shoulder & Elbow (PRISE) is an epidemiological report of culprit micro-organisms in shoulder and elbow prosthetic joint infection (SE-PJI) across the UK. It also details intra-operative sampling methodology and peri-operative anti-microbial protocols. Retrospective multi-centre review of SE-PJI from 29 UK hospitals was performed. Patients who underwent revision shoulder or elbow arthroplasty between 01/01/2018 and 01/01/2023 with positive intra-operative tissue culture(s) were selected. There were 135 shoulder PJI and 38 elbow PJI. In total, 84% (114) shoulder and 68% (26) elbow PJIs occurred in primary arthroplasties. More than 90% of SE-PJI were diagnosed beyond 2 years after the index procedure. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (n = 83) and total elbow arthroplasty (n = 27) were the most common shoulder and elbow configurations. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS), Cutibacterium acnes and methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) were grown in majority shoulder PJIs. This was CNS and MSSA for elbow PJI. Teicoplanin with gentamicin was the most used peri-operative anti-microbial protocol (35%). In total, 47% cases (81) followed the Oxford sampling method. Majority of revisions for SE-PJI occurred in primary arthroplasties and were late onset. CNS, C. acnes and MSSA were common in shoulder PJI and CNS and MSSA in elbow PJI. Peri-operative antibiotic protocols and intra-operative sampling methods varied.

Background:Civilian fractures resulting from firearm injuries are a challenging clinical entity associated with a high risk of infection. This study aims to characterize rates, associated risk factors, and pathogen profile of infections after low-energy civilian firearm fractures.Methods:This study included 1,508 adults with low-velocity firearm fractures at a Level I trauma center (2018-2022). Demographic, injury, and clinical data were collected with infection status determining stratification. Outcomes of interest in the infection cohort included pathogen, timing of antibiotics, and clinical course.Results:Of 1,508 patients, 140 patients (9.3%) developed an infection. Factors significantly associated with infection included age, male gender, lower extremity fracture, vascular injury, compartment syndrome, visceral injury, retained foreign body, and operative intervention. Polymicrobial infections were found in 67 patients (68%), and the mean time from injury to positive culture was 70.8 ± 129.2 days.Conclusion:Infections after firearm fractures are a challenging complication with a predominance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug resistant Gram-negative organisms, and rare pathogens typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. Our study emphasizes need for further study regarding efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics and suggests utility in targeted treatment for atypical organisms.Level of Evidence:Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cell-surface pattern recognition receptors: Emerging players in plant-oomycete interactions.

Background: Culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are dramatically increasing in prevalence. The success rate of implant-saving procedures in acute PJI cases is closely correlated with prompt diagnosis, rapid isolation/identification of the microorganism, and timely surgical intervention. Methods: A 70-year-old female patient with an acutely infected left total hip arthroplasty (THA) following a routine screening colonoscopy was rapidly treated with debridement, antibiotic pearls, and retention of the implant (DAPRI) after rapid identification of the microorganism using a molecular diagnostics-based algorithm. Results: Molecular diagnostics enabled the identification of Escherichia coli as the causative agent of the transient bacteremia and subsequent seeding of the left hip within less than an hour. Conclusions: This case suggests that endoscopic procedures may increase the risk to joint replacement patients. In acute PJI, the use of molecular diagnostics, which facilitates prompt identification of microorganisms, may increase the success rate of implant-saving surgical procedures.

Existing studies yielded conflicting evidence regarding the associations between genital tract microbial and funisitis, chorioamnionitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to provide additional evidence for their association through systematic investigation. A total of 98 FFPE umbilical cord specimens confirmed as funisitis and chorioamnionitis through histopathological examination were tested for seven genital tract microorganisms using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Electronic medical records of mothers and neonates were retrieved to analyze the risk associations between microorganism-positive cases and chorioamnionitis as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes. The umbilical cord samples with Ureaplasma parvum positive had been sequenced for serovars analysis. Ureaplasma parvum (UP), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Mycoplasma homini s (MH) were all detected in the study with prevalence of 36.5 %, 7.9 %, 18.6 %, and 5.8 %, respectively, while Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) were not detected. Ureaplasma spp. were identified as the predominant microorganisms detected in 98 umbilical cord cases by using qPCR, demonstrating concordance with clinical vaginal swab findings from pregnant women. Genital microorganisms infection was associated with high stage chorioamnionitis (p = 0.0254) and adverse pregnant outcomes (p = 0.0053). In addition, the prevalence of U.parvum demonstrated a strong significant association with neonatal pneumonia (p = 0.0037). Umbilical cord specimens tested positive for U.parvum demonstrated a significant association with adverse perinatal outcomes and neonatal pneumonia. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the determinants enabling commensal U.parvum in the genital tract to ascend and induce intrauterine infection, thereby leading to adverse clinical outcomes.

Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is a rare but severe ocular emergency caused by haematogenous spread of infectious microorganisms. This study analyses clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, microbiological spectrum, and treatment outcomes of EE cases over a 14-year period, comparing findings with published data. A retrospective review was conducted on EE cases diagnosed at a tertiary care centre from 2010 to 2024. Data included demographics, clinical presentation, microbiology, diagnostics, treatment, and visual outcomes. Relevant literature was reviewed to contextualise findings and reflect on similarities and nuances in broader clinical experience. 27 patients with EE were identified. Systemic comorbidities, including malignancies and immunosuppression, were common. Ocular symptoms were present in 77% of cases, while 22% were asymptomatic. The majority exhibited unilateral involvement. Blood cultures (BC) were performed in 77% of cases, with a positivity rate of 66%. Vitreous biopsies were conducted in nine cases, yielding a 66% positivity rate. Treatment included systemic antibiotics or antifungals, topical medications, and intravitreal therapy (81% of cases). Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed in 51% of cases, though only two underwent early PPV. Final BCVA varied widely, with 59% of eyes achieving functional recovery. 21% of cases resulted in phthisis bulbi or evisceration, and 18% of patients died during follow-up due to systemic illness. EE presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with high risk of visual impairment and systemic morbidity. Early recognition, aggressive therapy, and timely surgery may improve outcomes. Further research is needed to establish standardised diagnostic and treatment guidelines for optimal management.

Periodontitis, which owns a significant prevalence rate, is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by the infection of multiple microorganisms. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) serves as a key pathogenic biomarker for periodontitis. However, currently, there is a lack of diagnostic tools that are able to quickly and precisely quantify levels of P. gingivalis. Therefore, developing a quantitative detection method for this pathogenic bacterium is critical for the diagnosis and management of this disease. Herein, based on the petal-like spherical ZnO@ZIF-8 composite substrate, we built an innovative semiconductor surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) platform specifically engineered for the detection of P. gingivalis with high speed, sensitivity, and stability. The detection of P. gingivalis on this SERS platform takes only 30 min. It also has excellent long-term stability for over 60 days. This platform exhibits an extensive linear range from 4 × 103 CFU/mL to 4 × 108 CFU/mL, while also owning a low limit of detection (LOD) of 38 CFU/mL for P. gingivalis. The developed method provides a novel pathway for precise diagnosis and efficient screening of periodontitis, and explores new directions for detecting other disease-related biomolecules, including proteins, small molecules, peptides, and miRNAs at the same time.

Background: Barbershops are high-contact environments where shared grooming tools frequently come into contact with clients’ skin and hair, increasing the risk of transmitting infectious microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus—a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections—poses a significant health concern when hygiene standards are inadequate. The growing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), underscores the urgent need for reliable, non-chemical sterilization methods to ensure public safety. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) sterilization in reducing S. aureus contamination on commonly used barbershop tools, including scissors, trimmers, combs, and blade holders. It also sought to compare microbial loads between UV-sterilized and non-UV-sterilized environments to support the use of UV as a sustainable infection control strategy. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, involving 64 barbershop samples—32 from UV-sterilized and 32 from non-UV-sterilized tools. Swab samples were cultured, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted using a semi-automatic colony counter. The mean CFU counts between groups were statistically analyzed using an independent samples t-test to determine the efficacy of UV sterilization. Results: Tools from non-UV barbershops demonstrated an average of 48.81 CFUs, whereas UV-treated tools showed a markedly lower mean of 7.19 CFUs. The difference was statistically significant (t(33.15) = -9.656, p &lt; 0.001), with a mean reduction of 41.63 CFUs (95% CI: -50.39, -32.86). These findings confirm that UV sterilization significantly minimizes S. aureus contamination on grooming equipment. Conclusion: Ultraviolet sterilization is an efficient, non-chemical, and practical approach for reducing bacterial contamination in barbershops. Its regular implementation can improve hygiene standards, reduce infection risks, and support community-level public health initiatives.