Presence Of Pathogens Research Articles

Geographical variations, prevalence, and molecular dynamics of fastidious phloem-limited pathogens infecting sugar beet across Central Europe.

In Europe, two fastidious phloem-limited pathogens, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (16SrXII-A) and 'Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus', are associated with rubbery taproot disease (RTD) and syndrome basses richesses (SBR) of sugar beet, respectively. Both diseases can significantly reduce yield, especially when accompanied by root rot fungi. This study investigates the presence, geographic distribution and genetic traits of fastidious pathogens and the accompanying fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina, found on sugar beet across four geographically separated plains spanning seven countries in Central Europe. The survey revealed variable incidences of symptoms linked to these fastidious pathogens in the Pannonian and Wallachian Plains, sporadic occurrence in the North European Plain, and no symptomatic sugar beet in the Bohemian Plain. Molecular analyses unveiled the occurrence of both 'Ca. P. solani' and 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus' throughout Central Europe, with a predominance of the phytoplasma. These fastidious pathogens were detected in all six countries surveyed within the Pannonian and Wallachian Plains, with only a limited presence of various phytoplasmas was found in the North European Plain, while no fastidious pathogens were detected in Bohemia, aligning with observed symptoms. While 16S rDNA sequences of 'Ca. P. solani' remained highly conserved, multi-locus characterization of two more variable loci (tuf and stamp) unveiled distinct variability patterns across the plains. Notably, the surprising lack of variability of tuf and stamp loci within Central Europe, particularly the Pannonian Plain, contrasted their high variability in Eastern and Western Europe, corresponding to epidemic and sporadic occurrence, respectively. The current study provides valuable insights into the genetic dynamics of 'Ca. P. solani' in Central Europe, and novel findings of the presence of 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus' in five countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Serbia, and Romania) and M. phaseolina in sugar beet in Slovakia. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation of vector-pathogen(s)-plant host interactions and ecological drivers of disease outbreaks.

Incidence, Characterization and Pathogenicity of Seed-Borne Fungi of Lentil (<em>Lens culinaris</em> L.) in Pakistan

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important protein-rich Rabi pulse crop after chickpea in Pakistan. Its area and production in the country is decreasing drastically due to its susceptibility to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic-stresses, seed-borne fungi are the most imperative issue and the accurate identification and characterization of target pathogen isolates/races is crucial for the management of plant diseases in lentils. Therefore, the current study was performed to identify the fungi associated with lentil seeds, to confirm their pathogenicity and to assess their incidence. For this purpose, isolation of fungal pathogens was made on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA) from 56 Lens culinaris L. genotypes. These pathogens were characterized using morphological and molecular techniques and their pathogenicity was performed following blotter paper and agar plate method. Seven fungi belonging to five genera were isolated from lentil seeds (Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Penicillium citrinum and Bipolaris sorokiniana) of different genotypes. Of these seven fungal species, F. avenaceum, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana are new records for lentil seeds from Pakistan. Aspergillus flavus was found to occur in high frequency followed by A. niger, F. avenaceum, P. citrinum, A. alternata, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana. Under pathogenicity test on blotter paper and on PDA F. avenaceum, A. flavus, A. niger, A. tubingensis were highly pathogenic, while A. alternata, P. citrinum and B. sorokiniana were found to be less pathogenic. The presence of well-known toxigenic fungal pathogens in lentil seeds suggests the possible risk of contamination of the seeds and enhances the possibility of pre- and post-infections of crop. Therefore, the present study will help to devise effective management strategies to reduce contamination in seeds and also to control the further spread of these pathogens to reduce crop losses.

Island hitchhikers: pathogen agents of Madeira and Azores ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that can transmit pathogens to their host. As insular ecosystems can enhance tick-host interactions, this study aimed to understand tick diversity, pathogen presence, and their respective associations in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Unfed or partially engorged ticks (n = 120) were collected from 58 cats and dogs in the Azores (n = 41 specimens) and Madeira (n = 79 specimens) from November 2018 to March 2019. Vector identification was based on morphology and molecular criteria. For pathogen sequencing, 18S gene fragment for Babesia/Hepatozoon and gltA for Rickettsia were performed. Sequence data was explored using BLAST and BLAST and phylogenetic inference tools. In the Azores, Ixodes hexagonus, I. ventalloi, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n = 6; 14.6%, n = 6; 14.6%, and n = 29; 70.7% respectively) were found and in Madeira I. ricinus and R. sanguineus (n = 78, 98.7%; and n = 1, 1.3%; respectively) were identified. Tick COI markers confirmed species highlighting confirmation of R. sanguineus s.s. and genotype A of I. ventalloi. In the Azores Islands, the detected Rickettsia massiliae was linked to R. sanguineus (dogs and cats) and I. hexagonus (dogs), and in Madeira Island, R. monacensis (dogs) and Hepatozoon silvestris (cats) were found associated with I. ricinus. Further, I. ventalloi presence in the Azores expands west its known range, and Hepatozoon silvestris in Madeira may suggest that I. ricinus could have a role as a potential vector. Finally, as R. massiliae and R. monacensis presence underlines public health risks, surveillance by health authorities is crucial as pathogen-tick interactions may drive disease spread, therefore monitoring remains pivotal for disease prevention.

Tick diversity and molecular detection of Anaplasma, Babesia, and Theileria from Khao Kheow open zoo, Chonburi Province, Thailand.

Ticks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites notorious for their role as vectors for various pathogens, posing health risks to pets, livestock, wildlife, and humans. Wildlife also notably serves as reservoir hosts for tick-borne pathogens and plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and dissemination of these pathogenic agents within ecosystems. This study investigated the diversity of ticks and pathogens in wildlife and their habitat by examining ticks collected at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi Province, Thailand. Tick samples were collected for 1 year from March 2021 to March 2022 by vegetation dragging and direct sampling from wildlife. A total of 10,436 ticks or 449 tick pools (1-50 ticks per pool) underwent screening for pathogen presence through conventional PCR and DNA sequencing. Out of the 298 samples (66.37%) where bacteria and protozoa were detected, encompassing 8,144 ticks at all stages, 114 positive samples from the PCR screenings were specifically chosen for detailed nucleotide sequencing and comprehensive analysis. Four species of ticks were conclusively identified through the application of PCR, namely, Rhipicephalus microplus, Dermacentor auratus, Haemaphysalis lagrangei, and Haemaphysalis wellingtoni. The highest infection rate recorded was for Anaplasma spp. at 55.23% (248/449), followed by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. at 29.62% (133/449) and 16.26% (73/449), respectively. Among bacteria identified, three Anaplasma genotypes were closely related to an unidentified Anaplasma spp., A. phagocytophilum, and A. bovis. Among protozoa, only an unidentified Babesia spp. was found, whereas two Theileria genotypes found were closely related to unidentified Theileria spp. and T. equi. Significantly, our findings revealed coinfection with Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp., and Babesia spp. While blood samples from wildlife were not specifically collected to assess infection in this study, the data on the presence of various pathogens in ticks observed can serve as valuable indicators to assess the health status of wildlife populations and to monitor disease dynamics. The findings could be valuable in developing programs for the treatment, prevention, and control of tick-borne illnesses in this area. However, additional research is required to determine the ticks' ability to transmit these pathogens and enhance the current understanding of the relationship among pathogens, ticks, and hosts.

Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Municipal Supply Water in Dhaka South Area, Bangladesh

This project aimed to find out the microbiological quality of municipal supply water in Dhaka South area and if the current regime of microbiological quality testing can determine the risk to public health from supply water satisfactorily. Water samples were collected from six different points of the water distribution network of Dhaka’s south locality, starting from the source (Shitalakhyariver, Narayanganj) to Jagannath University, Dhaka. The dominant taxonomic units were isolated using standard culture techniques, followed by biochemical identification, VITEK2 identification, and biofilm-forming potential of each isolate individually and co-cultured with other isolates. Presumptive identification of isolates from the Shitalakhya River revealed the presence of Citrobacter sp., Alcaligenes sp., and Pseudomonas putida. The sample from Saydabad Water Treatment Plant yielded Vibrio mimicus, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Alcalimonas. The major aerobic bacteria in the water specimen from the community overhead tank included S aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus sp., Enterococcus sp., Lactococcus sp. Tap water revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Lactococcus, Enterobacter, Shigella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as anaerobic bacteria. Biochemical tests and VITEK2 yielded different results. Potential biofilm formers such as Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Enterobacter, and Cronobacter indicated quality deterioration potential inside the piped water supply system. Alteration in the major taxonomic units throughout the municipal water distribution network and the presence of opportunistic pathogens and biofilm-formers indicate the necessity for an updated water treatment, quality control, and in-line maintenance system.

Assessing marine ecosystem health using multi-omic analysis of blue mussel liquid biopsies: A case study within a national marine park

Marine ecosystems are under escalating threats from myriad environmental stressors, necessitating a deeper understanding of their impact on biodiversity and the health of sentinel organisms. In this study, we carried out a spatiotemporal multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsies collected from mussels (Mytilus spp.) in marine ecosystems of a national park. We delved into the epigenomic, transcriptomic, glycomic, proteomic, and microbiomic profiles to unravel the intricate interplay between ecosystem biodiversity and mussels' biological response to their environments. Our analysis revealed temporal fluctuations in the alpha diversity of the circulating microbiome associated with human activities. Analysis of the hemolymphatic circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) provided information on the biodiversity and the presence of potential pathogens. Epigenomic analysis revealed widespread hypomethylation sites within the mitochondrial (mtDNA). Comparative transcriptomic and glycomic analyses highlighted differences in metabolic pathways and genes associated with immune and wound healing functions. This study demonstrates the potential of multi-omic analysis of liquid biopsy in sentinel to provide a holistic view of human activities' environmental impacts on marine coastal ecosystems. Overall, this approach has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of various conservation efforts, leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

Morphogenetic characterization of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infecting white stripe disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is a major cereal crop which ensure food security to more than half of the global population. Several biotic factors impact rice grain quality and its final production. White stripe disease, caused by pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is considered among the major limiting factor for reducing rice yields and quality. Present study was performed to understand the white stripe disease, which has been frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial leaf blight (BLB) due to similar symptoms. A survey was carried out based on accessibility and farmer participation to monitor incidence and sample collection. The survey was conducted in districts Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad, these districts were selected for their importance for rice cultivation in Pakistan. The total sample size was around 500 leaves distributed evenly throughout each study area. The results of study indicated presence of new pathogen of rice. These isolates were biochemically identified and confirmed by gram staining negative, 3% KOH positive, 5% salt tolerance positive, oxidase test negative, catalase test positive, starch hydrolysis test negative, nitrate reductase test positive, indole test negative, lactose test positive, maltose test positive, methyl red test negative, Voges-prokauer test negative and urea hydrolysis test negative. The pathogenicity test was confirmed that pathogen and the Sialkot isolate were the most aggressive isolate among the five isolates collected form the studied areas. The molecular characterization was accomplished by PCR and sequencing. The results of the phylogenetic study indicate that this pathogen belongs to a distinct group, as it is distantly related to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). This study provides important findings into a novel clade of pathogen causing white stripe disease in rice.

The Conservation Implications of the Gut Microbiome for Protecting the Critically Endangered Gray Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi).

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, facilitating nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function, thereby assisting the host in adapting to seasonal dietary changes. Here, we compare the gut microbiome composition of wild gray snub-nosed monkeys during winter (from October to December) and spring (from January to March) to understand differences in seasonal nutrient intake patterns. Snub-nosed monkeys are foregut fermenters and consume difficult-to-digest carbohydrates and lichen. To examine the digestive adaptations of gray snub-nosed monkeys, we collected 14 fresh fecal samples for DNA analysis during the winter and spring. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and functional metagenomic analyses, we identified that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes constitute a keystone bacterial group in the gut microbiota during winter and spring and are responsible for degrading cellulose. Moreover, the transition in dietary composition from winter to spring was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition, demonstrating adaptive responses to varying food sources and availability. In winter, the bacterial species of the genera Streptococcus were found in higher abundance. At the functional level, these bacteria are involved in fructose and mannose metabolism and galactose metabolism c-related pathways, which facilitate the breakdown of glycogen, starch, and fiber found in fruits, seeds, and mature leaves. During spring, there was an increased abundance of bacteria species from the Prevotella and Lactobacillus genera, which aid the digestion of protein-rich buds. Combined, these findings reveal how the gut microbiota adjusts to fluctuations in energy balance and nutrient intake across different seasons in this critically endangered species. Moreover, we also identified Pseudomonas in two samples; the presence of potential pathogens within the gut could pose a risk to other troop members. Our findings highlight the necessity of a conservation plan that focuses on protecting vegetation and implementing measures to prevent disease transmission for this critically endangered species.

The growth-promoting and disease-suppressing mechanisms of Trichoderma inoculation on peanut seedlings.

Trichoderma spp. is known for its ability to enhance plant growth and suppress disease, but the mechanisms for its interaction with host plants and pathogens remain unclear. This study investigated the transcriptomics and metabolomics of peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum QT20045, in the absence and presence of the stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii JN3011. Under the condition without pathogen stress, the peanut seedlings inoculated with QT20045 showed improved root length and plant weight, increased indole acetic acid (IAA) production, and reduced ethylene level, with more active 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO), compared with the non-inoculated control. Under the pathogen stress, the biocontrol efficacy of QT20045 against S. rolfsii was 78.51%, with a similar effect on plant growth, and IAA and ethylene metabolisms to the condition with no biotic stress. Transcriptomic analysis of peanut root revealed that Trichoderma inoculation upregulated the expression of certain genes in the IAA family but downregulated the genes in the ACO family (AhACO1 and AhACO) and ACS family (AhACS3 and AhACS1) consistently in the absence and presence of pathogens. During pathogen stress, QT20045 inoculation leads to the downregulation of the genes in the pectinesterase family to keep the host plant's cell wall stable, along with upregulation of the AhSUMM2 gene to activate plant defense responses. In vitro antagonistic test confirmed that QT20045 suppressed S. rolfsii growth through mechanisms of mycelial entanglement, papillary protrusions, and decomposition. Our findings highlight that Trichoderma inoculation is a promising tool for sustainable agriculture, offering multiple benefits from pathogen control to enhanced plant growth and soil health.

Exploring viral contamination in urban groundwater and runoff

The reliance of the global population on urban aquifers is steadily increasing, and urban aquifers are susceptible to pathogenic contamination through sources such as sewer leakage or urban runoff. However, there is insufficient monitoring of groundwater quality in urban areas. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to evaluate the presence of human fecal viral indicators and viral pathogens in urban wastewater (n = 13) and groundwater (n = 12) samples from four locations in Barcelona with different degrees of urbanization, as well as in runoff samples (n = 2). Additionally, a target enrichment sequencing (TES) approach was utilized to explore the viral diversity within groundwater and runoff samples, offering insights into viral contamination and potential virus transmission routes in urban areas.Human adenovirus (HAdV) was identified in all wastewater samples, 67 % (8/12) of groundwater samples, and one runoff sample by qPCR indicating human viral fecal contamination. The viral pathogen Norovirus genogroup GI (NoV GI) was detected in wastewater and two winter groundwater samples from highly and medium urbanized areas. NoV genogroup GII (NoV GII), Enterovirus (EV) and SARS-CoV-2 were exclusively detected in wastewater. Human and other vertebrate viruses were detected in groundwater and runoff samples using TES. This study gives insights about the virome present in urban water sources, emphasizing the need for thorough monitoring and deeper understanding to address emerging public health concerns.

Diverse sources of fecal contamination in macroalgae wrack-affected environment adjacent to river outflow along the Baltic Sea coast

We investigated the dynamics of feces-associated microorganisms in areas with wrack accumulation in the southeastern part of the Baltic Sea. Our study covered single-day (2021 ) and multi-day (2022) observations during the recreational season. We collected water, sand, and wrack samples and assessed the abundance of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), as well metagenomic analysis was conducted to monitor changes in microbial composition. Based on metagenomic data we identified taxa associated with feces, sewage, and ruminant sources. Human-related fecal pollution based on genetic markers correlated with the presence of Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae and Rickenellacea abundance. Higher abundance and diversity of feces-associated and ruminant-associated taxa and the presence of enteric pathogens were observed when wrack accumulated near the river outflow in 2021, suggesting a potential link with fecal pollution from the river. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to remove the wrack to reduce the risk of exposure to potential enteric pathogens if it is accumulated next to the river outflow.

Potential of nature-based solutions to reduce antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogens in aquatic ecosystems. a critical review

This comprehensive scientific review evaluates the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS) in reducing antibiotics (ABs), combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and controlling pathogens in various aquatic environments at different river catchment levels. It covers conventional and innovative treatment wetland configurations for wastewater treatment to reduce pollutant discharge into the aquatic ecosystems as well as exploring how river restoration and saltmarshes can enhance pollutant removal. Through the analysis of experimental studies and case examples, the review shows NBS's potential for providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to improve the health of aquatic ecosystems. It also evaluates the use of diagnostic indicators to predict NBS effectiveness in removing specific pollutants such as ABs and AMR. The review concludes that NBS are feasible for addressing the new challenges stemming from human activities such as the presence of ABs, AMR and pathogens, contributing to a better understanding of NBS, highlighting success stories, addressing knowledge gaps, and providing recommendations for future research and implementation.

Exploring Pathogen Presence Prediction in Pastured Poultry Farms through Transformer-Based Models and Attention Mechanism Explainability.

In this study, we explore how transformer models, which are known for their attention mechanisms, can improve pathogen prediction in pastured poultry farming. By combining farm management practices with microbiome data, our model outperforms traditional prediction methods in terms of the F1 score-an evaluation metric for model performance-thus fulfilling an essential need in predictive microbiology. Additionally, the emphasis is on making our model's predictions explainable. We introduce a novel approach for identifying feature importance using the model's attention matrix and the PageRank algorithm, offering insights that enhance our comprehension of established techniques such as DeepLIFT. Our results showcase the efficacy of transformer models in pathogen prediction for food safety and mark a noteworthy contribution to the progress of explainable AI within the biomedical sciences. This study sheds light on the impact of effective farm management practices and highlights the importance of technological advancements in ensuring food safety.

Modernization Data Analysis and Visualization for Food Safety Research Outcomes

Appropriate data collection and using reliable and accurate procedures are the first steps in conducting an experiment that will provide trustworthy outcomes. It is key to perform an assertive statistical analysis and data visualization for a correct interpretation and communication of results. A clear statistical summary and presentation of the data is critical for the reader to easily process and comprehend experimental results. Nowadays, there are a series of different tools to perform proper statistical analysis and create elaborate graphs that will help readers to understand the data, identify trends, detect outliers, evaluate statistical outputs, etc. However, researchers that are beginning to navigate experiments do not frequently encounter a guide that can provide basic principal concepts to begin their statistical analysis and data presentation. Therefore, the objective of this article is to provide a guide or manual to analyze and presents results focused on different types of common food safety experiments, including method comparisons, intervention studies, pathogen presence experiments, bio-mapping, statistical process control, and shelf life experiments. This review will provide information about data visualization options and statistical analysis approaches for different food safety experiments. In addition, basic concepts about descriptive statistics and possible solutions for issues related to microbiological measurements will be discussed.

Periodontal inflammation as a potential driver of HIV low level viremia.

HIV can be successfully suppressed to undetectable levels by antiretroviral therapy (ART) in most people with HIV (PWH). However, a small proportion continues to have persistent low-level viremia (LLV) during ART. A presumed source of LLV is production or replication from viral reservoirs, which are maintained in the presence of ART. It is unknown whether the oral cavity can be considered an HIV reservoir. As periodontal inflammation is a common problem in PWH, we hypothesize that periodontal inflammation in the oral cavity activates (latently) infected cells and thus might be associated with LLV. We included 11 individuals with HIV LLV, and compared HIV-RNA levels in saliva and plasma at baseline and at week 24 after switch of ART. We compared the LLV-group at baseline with 11 age-matched controls with suppressed viremia. To investigate the severity of periodontitis we used Periodontal Inflamed Surface Areas (PISA) by measuring probing depth, gingival recession, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment level. Severity of periodontitis was classified according to the CDC-AAP case definition. Additional insights in periodontal inflammation were obtained by comparing immune activation markers and the presence of periodontal pathogens. In four individuals of the LLV group, residual levels of HIV-RNA were detected in saliva at baseline (N = 1) or at week 24 (N = 2) or both (N = 1). Of the four individuals with LLV, three had residual levels of HIV-RNA in saliva. All 22 individuals had moderate to severe periodontitis. PISA was not significantly different between cases with LLV and controls. Similarly, periodontal pathogens were frequently observed in both groups. Total activated HLA-DR+CD38+ CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells were significantly higher in the LLV group than in the control group (p = <0.01). No immune markers were associated with LLV. In conclusion, periodontal inflammation is an unlikely driver of HIV LLV compared to HIV suppressed individuals.

Erythrocytes of the common carp are immune sentinels that sense pathogen molecular patterns, engulf particles and secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines against bacterial infection.

Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are underestimated in their role in the immune system. In mammals, erythrocytes undergo maturation that involves the loss of nuclei, resulting in limited transcription and protein synthesis capabilities. However, the nucleated nature of non-mammalian RBCs is challenging this conventional understanding of RBCs. Notably, in bony fishes, research indicates that RBCs are not only susceptible to pathogen attacks but express immune receptors and effector molecules. However, given the abundance of RBCs and their interaction with every physiological system, we postulate that they act in surveillance as sentinels, rapid responders, and messengers. We performed a series of in vitro experiments with Cyprinus carpio RBCs exposed to Aeromonas hydrophila, as well as in vivo laboratory infections using different concentrations of bacteria. qPCR revealed that RBCs express genes of several inflammatory cytokines. Using cyprinid-specific antibodies, we confirmed that RBCs secreted tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ). In contrast to these indirect immune mechanisms, we observed that RBCs produce reactive oxygen species and, through transmission electron and confocal microscopy, that RBCs can engulf particles. Finally, RBCs expressed and upregulated several putative toll-like receptors, including tlr4 and tlr9, in response to A. hydrophila infection in vivo. Overall, the RBC repertoire of pattern recognition receptors, their secretion of effector molecules, and their swift response make them immune sentinels capable of rapidly detecting and signaling the presence of foreign pathogens. By studying the interaction between a bacterium and erythrocytes, we provide novel insights into how the latter may contribute to overall innate and adaptive immune responses of teleost fishes.

Assessing the impact of positive cultures in preservation fluid on renal transplant outcomes: a scoping review.

Infection following kidney transplantation is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes. While the donor may be a source of infection, microbiological assessment of the preservation fluid (PF) can mitigate potential recipient contamination and help curb unnecessary antibiotic use. This scoping review aimed to describe the available literature on the association between culture-positive preservation fluid, its clinically relevant outcomes, and management. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review recommendations, a comprehensive search in databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and gray literature) was conducted, with data independently extracted by two researchers from selected studies. We analysed 24 articles involving 12,052 samples, predominantly published post-2000, 91%of whichretrospective. The prevalence of culture-positive preservation fluid varied from 0.86 to 77.8%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci emerged as the most frequently isolated pathogen in 14 studies. The presence of ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species), observed in two studies involving 1074 donors, was significantly associated with an increased risk of probable donor-derived infections (p-DDI). Of the reviewed articles, 14 reported on probable donor-derived infections, while 19 addressed the topic of preemptive antibiotic therapy. Routine culturing of preservation fluid is crucial for the identification of pathogenic organisms, facilitates targeted treatment and prevents probable donor-derived infections. Furthermore, this approach helps avoid the treatment of low-virulence contaminants, thereby reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use and the risk of antibiotic resistance. In cases where ESKAPE or Candida species are detected, preemptive therapy appears to be an important strategy. Given that the current evidence primarily stems from retrospective studies, there is a pressing need for large-scale, prospective trials to corroborate these recommendations. This scoping review currently represents the most thorough compilation of evidence on how contamination of preservation fluids affects kidney transplant management.

Bacterial pathogens in Ixodes ricinus collected from lizards Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara in urban areas of Wrocław, SW Poland– preliminary study

The aim of this study was to determine the level of infection of Ixodes ricinus ticks with pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp.) collected from Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara lizards in the urban areas of Wrocław (SW Poland). The study was carried out in July-August 2020. Lizards were caught by a noose attached to a pole or by bare hands, identified by species, and examined for the presence of ticks. Each lizard was then released at the site of capture. Ticks were removed with tweezers, identified by species using keys, and molecular tests were performed for the presence of pathogens. From 28 lizards (17 specimens of Z. vivipara and 11 specimens of L. agilis) a total of 445 ticks, including 321 larvae and 124 nymphs, identified as I. ricinus were collected. A larger number of ticks were obtained from L. agilis compared to Z. vivipara. Molecular tests for the presence of pathogens were performed on 445 specimens of I. ricinus. The nested PCR method for the fla gene allowed the detection of Borrelia spp. in 9.4% of ticks, and it was higher in ticks from L. agilis (12.0%) than from Z. vivipara (1.0%). The RFLP method showed the presence of three species, including two belonging to the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. lusitaniae and B. afzelii), and B. miyamotoi. The overall level of infection of Rickettsia spp. was 19.3%, including 27.2% in ticks collected from Z. vivipara and 17.0% from L. agilis. Sequencing of randomly selected samples confirmed the presence of R. helvetica. DNA of Anaplasma spp. was detected only in one pool of larvae collected from L. agilis, and sample sequencing confirmed the presence of (A) phagocytophilum. The research results indicate the important role of lizards as hosts of ticks and their role in maintaining pathogens in the environment including urban agglomeration as evidenced by the first recorded presence of (B) miyamotoi and (A) phagocytophilum in I. ricinus ticks collected from L. agilis. However, confirmation of the role of sand lizards in maintaining (B) miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum requires more studies and sampling of lizard tissue.

Babesia bigemina (smith and Kilbourne, 1893) detection in Amblyomma sculptum (Berlese, 1888) ticks in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil.

Ticks parasitize various hosts, including humans, and are known to transmit pathogens that can be harmful not only to animals but also to humans. To evaluate the possible presence of pathogens in ticks, we aimed to collect and identify tick fauna specimens in Lagoa Comprida Municipal Natural Park, an anthropogenic urban area located in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 1216 ticks, of which 51.2% were Amblyomma sculptum, 1.2% were Amblyomma dubitatum, and 41% were Amblyomma spp. were collected. These results show that the prevalence of A. sculptum is significantly higher than that of A. dubitatum across all four seasons. Molecular analyses revealed positive samples for the genus Babesia, including the confirmation of Babesia bigemina in an A. sculptum specimen, marking the first record of this relationship. This unexpected finding demands greater attention and deeper analysis in the context of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Variability of Hepatozoon canis in Golden Jackals (Canis aureus L. 1758) in Serbia.

Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne parasite infecting domestic and wild canids, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. It is mainly found in dogs but has also been detected in several wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. Host transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of infected ticks, typically Rhipicephalus sanguineus, with documented instances of transplacental transmission from infected females to cubs. In Serbia, the golden jackal is common throughout the country, and its population has increased in recent years. Previous research has documented the presence of several vector-borne pathogens in the jackal population in Serbia, so we conducted this study to determine the presence, prevalence, and genetic variability of H. canis. Over eleven years (2010-2020), 114 animal samples were collected from 23 localities in Serbia. A total of 90/114 (78.95%) jackals were positive for H. canis, and they came from 22 localities. Among 15 juveniles, almost half (6/15 (40%)) tested positive for H. canis. In addition to the high prevalence, high genetic variability of the pathogen was also found. According to the mutated positions, four sequence types (S4-S7) of H. canis were determined. Based on our earlier research on the grey wolf and on this study, it can be observed that various sequence types of H. canis circulate within wild canid populations in Serbia. The prevalence of H. canis infection in wild carnivores raises significant concerns for wildlife conservation and animal health. Infected animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, posing a potential risk to domestic animals by acting as a source of infection.