Transmission Of Pathogens Research Articles

Insights into malaria vectors–plant interaction in a dryland ecosystem

Improved understanding of mosquito–plant feeding interactions can reveal insights into the ecological dynamics of pathogen transmission. In wild malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. funestus group surveyed in selected dryland ecosystems of Kenya, we found a low level of plant feeding (2.8%) using biochemical cold anthrone test but uncovered 14-fold (41%) higher rate via DNA barcoding targeting the chloroplast rbcL gene. Plasmodium falciparum positivity was associated with either reduced or increased total sugar levels and varied by mosquito species. Gut analysis revealed the mosquitoes to frequently feed on acacia plants (~ 89%) (mainly Vachellia tortilis) in the family Fabaceae. Chemical analysis revealed 1-octen-3-ol (29.9%) as the dominant mosquito attractant, and the sugars glucose, sucrose, fructose, talose and inositol enriched in the vegetative parts, of acacia plants. Nutritional analysis of An. longipalpis C with high plant feeding rates detected fewer sugars (glucose, talose, fructose) compared to acacia plants. These results demonstrate (i) the sensitivity of DNA barcoding to detect plant feeding in malaria vectors, (ii) Plasmodium infection status affects energetic reserves of wild anopheline vectors and (iii) nutrient content and olfactory cues likely represent potent correlates of acacia preferred as a host plant by diverse malaria vectors. The results have relevance in the development of odor-bait control strategies including attractive targeted sugar-baits.

Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Horses Used in Free-Riding Activities during a Countrywide Study in Greece.

The objectives of this study were (a) to detect zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens in faecal samples of horses using the FilmArray® GI Panel and (b) to identify variables potentially associated with their presence. Faecal samples collected from 224 horses obtained during a countrywide study in Greece were tested by means of the BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel, which uses multiplex-PCR technology for the detection of 22 pathogens. Gastrointestinal pathogens were detected in the faecal samples obtained from 97 horses (43.3%). Zoonotic pathogens were detected more frequently in samples from horses in courtyard housing (56.0%) than in samples from horses in other housing types (39.7%) (p = 0.040). The most frequently detected zoonotic pathogens were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (19.2% of horses) and Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli stx1/stx2 (13.8%). During multivariable analysis, two variables emerged as significant predictors for the outcome 'detection of at least one zoonotic pathogen in the faecal sample from an animal': (a) the decreasing age of horses (p = 0.0001) and (b) the presence of livestock at the same premises as the horses (p = 0.013). As a significant predictor for the outcome 'detection of two zoonotic pathogens concurrently in the faecal sample from an animal', only the season of sampling of animals (autumn) emerged as significant in the multivariable analysis (p = 0.049). The results indicated a diversity of gastrointestinal pathogens with zoonotic potential in horses and provided evidence for predictors for the infections; also, they can serve to inform horse owners and handlers regarding the possible risk of transmission of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In addition, our findings highlight the importance of continuous surveillance for zoonotic pathogens in domestic animals.

Distinct microbial community structures formed on the biofilms of PLA and PP, influenced by physicochemical factors of sediment and polymer types in a 60-day indoor study

Microplastics (MPs) are colonized by biofilm-forming microbes. Biodegradable plastics, popular replacements for traditional plastics, still have unknown biofilm formation characteristics. We conducted a 60-day indoor experiment, where sediment was exposed to traditional MPs (polypropylene, PP), biodegradable MPs (polylactic acid, PLA), and glass beads (GLASS). The microbial communities in the MPs-biofilm were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Results indicated that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum on all substrates, followed by Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. At the genus level, the majority of microorganisms colonizing PP possessed nitrification and denitrification capabilities, while the dominant bacteria on PLA were capable of degrading lignin, cellulose and carbon metabolism. The genus Sphingomonas, a promising bacteria capable of degrading biodegradable microplastics, was particularly discovered on the PLA biofilm, meanwhile, bacterial colonization of PLA indirectly increased the potential for human transmission of pathogens. Redundancy analysis revealed that the pH and moisture significantly affected the bacterial communities. Pearson correlation heatmap indicated that the abundance of the majority of dominant bacterial genera of two MPs biofilms is negatively correlated with the physicochemical parameters of sediment (pH, moisture, TN, TP), except for salinity. The microbial communities associated with PP and PLA exhibited distinct differences caused by the combined effects of changes in physicochemical properties of sediment and different material substrates. This study provides further evidence of the significant selective features exhibited by microbial colonization on these two MPs when exposed to the same source community, offering insights into the exploration of promising bacteria for MPs degradation.

Monitoring airborne pathogen transmission for enhanced safety at food processing facilities

AbstractFood manufacturing and processing are part of the nation's critical infrastructure. Due to the recent global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the potential contamination of the food chain and the resulting public health implications are of high consequence to society. The current primary food manufacturing and processing facilities already have various mechanisms such as hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) system in place. However, the widespread microbial infections in these facilities raise concerns that they will not only threaten the welfare of food processing workers, but also have a potentially greater consequence on the public if the food is contaminated with an infectious agent.Despite the increasingly recognised role of the environment in the spread of microbes, the effect of air properties remains poorly understood. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in meat processing facilities not only provide a means of transport for viruses and bacteria but may also deposit them on surfaces where they can survive for days. To maintain a stable and safe food chain supply during the pandemic, the challenges to ensure safe food supply and protect the workers' health must be quickly addressed through sustainable, safe and economic approaches. With these two imminent challenges in mind, the overall goal of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the environment in the impaction and resuspension of bioaerosols, focusing on airborne bacteria and viruses. The review includes the latest results of modeling the spread of microbial aerosols in the airflow and the development of preventive measures to mitigate virus contamination in the unique environment of meat processing operations. By understanding how the environmental factors and seasonality affect the infectivity and spread of airborne pathogens, mitigation measures can be designed to minimise future infections within and beyond these facilities.

Role of Natural Products against the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 by Inhibition of ACE-2 Receptor: A Review.

A unique extreme acute breathing syndrome emerged in China and spread rapidly globally due to a newly diagnosed human coronavirus and declared a pandemic. COVID-19 was formally named by WHO, and the Global Committee on Taxonomy referred to it as extreme Acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently there is no efficient method to control the extent of SARS-CoV-2 other than social distancing and hygiene activities. This study aims to present a simple medicinal strategy for combating fatal viral diseases like COVID-19 with minimum effort and intervention. Different Ayurveda medicines (Curcuma longa, green tea, and Piper nigrum) inhibit virus entrance and pathogen transmission while also enhancing immunity. Piperine (1-piperoylpiperidine), as well as curcumin, combine to create an intermolecular complex (π- π) that improves curcumin bioavailability by inhibiting glucuronidation of curcumin in the liver. The receptor- binding domains of the S-protein and also the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the recipient organism are directly occupied by curcumin and catechin, respectively, thereby preventing viruses from entering the cell. As a result, the infection will be tolerated by the animal host.

Tick Infestation of the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca, Linnaeus, 1758) from Western Regions of Algeria

Abstract The Spur-thighed tortoise has a large geographic distribution and can be infested by several tick species, mainly Hyalomma aegyptium. This tick has recently been confirmed as a natural carrier of numerous pathogenic, including zoonotic agents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of hard tick infestation in Mediterranean tortoises living in some regions of the west of Algeria (Oran, Mostaganem, and Tiaret) during the spring and summer of the year 2019. Among 39 turtles collected from the different study regions, 22 tested positive, which represents an infestation rate of 56.41 %. A total of 224 adult ticks and one nymph were collected, which can display a tick infestation intensity of 10.23 %. All of these ticks belong to a single species, which is Hyalomma aegyptium. In terms of abundance, this study showed 5.78 ticks/tortoise. Regarding sex, we have collected 198 male and 26 female ticks with a sex ratio of 7.62. The preferred attachment sites of Hyalomma aegyptium ticks were the inguinal, the limbs, and to a lesser degree, the neck. A few rare cases have been collected from the carapace. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of the intensity of H. aegyptium infestation on the tortoise’s health status and to assess the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens.

Fipronil and (S)-methoprene can lessen the risk of transmission of Bartonella clarridgeiae among cats with exposure to Ctenocephalides felis.

To cohouse cats experimentally infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae (Bc) with naive cats in a flea-free environment or with Ctenocephalides felis, Bartonella henselae (Bh), Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum to determine which flea could be a vector and to assess whether transmission of the infectious agents could be blocked by fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Specific pathogen-free cats (n = 34). In experiment 1, Bc was inoculated in 1 cat that was housed with 9 naive cats without C felis. In experiment 2, the 2 cats inoculated with Bc were housed with 6 other cats (2 inoculated with Bh, 2 inoculated with M haemofelis, and 2 inoculated with Candidatus M haemominutum) in the center (enclosure 2) of 3 housing enclosures separated by mesh walls that allow passage of fleas but precludes fighting. C felis were placed only on cats in enclosure 2 (5 times). Cats in enclosures 1 (n = 8) and 2 (8) were untreated, and cats in enclosure 3 (8) were administered fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Blood was collected from all cats for PCR assays for the pathogens. None of the cats housed with the cat inoculated with Bc became PCR positive in the absence of C felis. All cats in enclosure 2 became Bc DNA positive. While 2 of 8 cats in enclosure 1 became Bc PCR positive, none of the treated cats in enclosure 3 became infected. The study demonstrated that C felis can be a vector for Bc. The results support the recommendation that flea control products can reduce the risk of transmission of flea-borne pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis – update from 2017 to 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern. A previous systematic review showed that migrants in Europe are at increased risk of AMR. Since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been rapid changes in patterns of antibiotic use, AMR, and migration. We aimed to present an updated evidence synthesis on the current distribution of AMR among migrants in Europe. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022343263). We searched databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Scopus) from 18 January 2017 until 18 January 2023 to identify primary data from observational studies reporting any laboratory-confirmed AMR among migrants in the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union-15 (EU-15) countries using over 7 key search terms for migrants and over 70 terms for AMR and countries in Europe. Outcomes were infection with, or colonisation of AMR bacteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Observational Studies. We meta-analysed the pooled-prevalence of infection and/or colonisation of AMR organisms. Among 630 articles, 21 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The pooled prevalence for any detected AMR was 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-41.0%, I 2 =100%) compared to a 25.4% seen in the previous review; gram-negative bacteria 31.0% (95% CI 20.0%-44.0%, I 2 =100%), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus 10.0% (95% CI 5.0%-16.0%, I 2 =99%). Drug-resistant bacteria were more prevalent in community settings in large migrant populations (pooled prevalence: 41.0%, 95% CI 24.0%-60.0%, I 2 =99%) than in hospitals (21.0%, 95% CI 12.0%-32.0%, I 2 =99%). AMR estimates in 'other' migrants were 32.0%, (95% CI 12.0%-57.0%, I 2 =100%) and 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-38.0%, I 2=100%) in forced migrants. No firm evidence of AMR acquisition with arrival time or length of stay in the host country was found. Studies investigating AMR in migrants are highly heterogenous. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants may be at higher risk of acquiring resistant bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria, within community settings such as refugee camps and detention centres in Europe. Our study highlights the importance of infrastructure and hygiene measures within these settings, to mitigate transmission of resistant pathogens. Policy-makers should screen for AMR in migrants prior to departure from countries of origin, where feasible, and upon arrival to a new country to ensure optimal health screening, infection control and effective treatment. There was no funding source for this study.

Curcumin-mediated photodynamic disinfection strategy with specific spectral range for mucoid Pseudomonas Aeruginosa from hospital water

BackgroundHospital water systems represent critical environments for the transmission of pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains like mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa (M-PA). Conventional disinfection methods often struggle to eradicate these pathogens effectively, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop an enhanced photodynamic disinfection strategy targeting M-PA from hospital water systems, using curcumin-mediated photodynamic inactivation (PDI) with specific spectral range. MethodsAn M-PA strain isolated from hospital water was subjected to photodynamic treatment using curcumin as the photosensitizer. The efficacy of different wavelengths of light and varying concentrations of curcumin, with and without Tris-EDTA adjuvants, was evaluated through bacterial enumeration, ROS level measurements, transcriptome analysis, and assessment of virulence factors and biofilm formation. In vivo experiments utilizing a DSS-induced colitis mouse model assessed the protective effects of the photodynamic treatment against M-PA infection. ResultsOur findings demonstrated that the combination of curcumin-mediated PDI with specific spectral range effectively reduced M-PA counts in water, particularly when supplemented with Tris-EDTA. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant downregulation of virulence-related genes under sublethal photodynamic conditions. Furthermore, photodynamic treatment inhibited pyocyanin production and biofilm formation in M-PA, highlighting its potential to disrupt pathogenicity mechanisms. In vivo experiments showed that PDI attenuated M-PA-induced colitis in mice, indicating its protective efficacy. ConclusionThis study presents a promising photodynamic disinfection strategy for combating M-PA from hospital water. By optimizing curcumin-mediated PDI with specific spectral range and adjuvants, our approach demonstrates substantial efficacy in reducing bacterial counts, inhibiting virulence factors, and preventing M-PA-associated colitis.

A cholera model coupling within-host and between-host with age-dependent and asymptomatic infections

In this paper, a coupling cholera epidemic model is proposed, in which the pathogens could both spread within-host and between-host, meanwhile, there exist age-dependent infection between the asymptomatic and symptomatic infected people. For the fast-time subsystem, the infection-free and endemic equilibria are both globally asymptotically stable. For the slow-time subsystem, the basic reproduction number R0 is determined, by which we observe that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable (the absence of pathogens in environment) if R0<1, while the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable (the presence of pathogens in environment) when R0>1. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical simulations, by which we find that age-dependent and asymptomatic infections may further promote cholera spread. Besides, the linking of pathogen transmission at the individual level with infection at the population level could result in forward or backward bifurcation.

One Health: Urban birds peck up resistant pathogens

A spatial-genomic analysis reveals that bird species living closer to humans have higher diversity of the pathogen Campylobacter and its antimicrobial resistance genes. This suggests that urbanization could promote pathogen transmission among wild animals and, potentially, humans.

Size and velocity of jet drops produced by bursting bubbles at the interface of a water jet

Bursting bubbles at the free surface of aerated faucet water jets may spread pathogens through the released droplets. Many studies focused on the production of jet drops from bursting bubbles at a planar interface, particularly for the first jet drop. The extent to which previous findings apply to bubbles in aerated jets remains unknown. In this study, we produce a wide range of bubble size distributions within different jet diameters and characterize the diameter and velocity of jet drops released from individually bursting bubbles. Several similarities with the planar case are recovered, such as the overall dependence of the jet drop diameter and bursting dynamics on the bubble diameters and the formation of secondary jet drops. However, we observe asymmetries in the ejection of the droplets, and droplets ejected horizontally appear to have the highest ejection velocity among all jet drops. By modeling the evolution of the ejected drops for the different bubble size distributions, we find that for a mean Laplace number Labub=ρwσwRbubμw2≲6×104, a fraction of the drops ejected can become airborne. Droplets deposit within 9 cm for a mean Labub≲2.1×104 and within 33 cm for a mean 2.1×104≲Labub≲1.8×105 from a faucet jet, assuming a countertop situated 20 cm below the faucet outlet. A bubble size distribution with a mean Labub of 6×104 would minimize both the risk of airborne pathogen transmission and that resulting from surface contamination.

Zoonotic potential of urban wildlife faeces, assessed through metabarcoding

Monitoring zoonoses in urban environments is of great relevance, where the incidence of certain pathogens may be higher and where population density makes the spread of any contagious disease more likely. In this study we applied a metabarcoding approach to study potentially zoonotic pathogens in faecal samples of 9 urban vertebrate species. We applied this methodology with two objectives. Firstly, to obtain information on potential pathogens present in the urban fauna of a large European city (Madrid, Spain) and to determine which are their main reservoirs. In addition, we tested for differences in the prevalence of these potential pathogens between urban and rural European rabbits, used as ubiquitous species. Additionally, based on the results obtained, we evaluated the effectiveness of metabarcoding as a tool for monitoring potential pathogen. Our results revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic bacterial genera in all studied host species, 10 of these genera with zoonotic species of mandatory monitoring in the European Union. Based on these results, urban birds (especially house sparrows and pigeons) and bats are the species posing the greatest potential risk, with Campylobacter and Listeria genera in birds and of Chlamydia and Vibrio cholerae in bats as most relevant pathogens. This information highlights the risk associated with fresh faeces from urban wildlife. In addition, we detected Campylobacter in >50 % of the urban rabbit samples, while we only detected it in 11 % of the rural rabbit samples. We found that urban rabbits have a higher prevalence of some pathogens relative to rural rabbits, which could indicate increased risk of pathogen transmission to humans. Finally, our results showed that metabarcoding can be an useful tool to quickly obtain a first screening of potentially zoonotic organisms, necessary information to target the monitoring efforts on the most relevant pathogens and host species.

Towards a Comprehensive Definition of Pandemics and Strategies for Prevention: A Historical Review and Future Perspectives.

The lack of a universally accepted definition of a pandemic hinders a comprehensive understanding of and effective response to these global health crises. Current definitions often lack quantitative criteria, rendering them vague and limiting their utility. Here, we propose a refined definition that considers the likelihood of susceptible individuals contracting an infectious disease that culminates in widespread global transmission, increased morbidity and mortality, and profound societal, economic, and political consequences. Applying this definition retrospectively, we identify 22 pandemics that occurred between 165 and 2024 AD and were caused by a variety of diseases, including smallpox (Antonine and American), plague (Justinian, Black Death, and Third Plague), cholera (seven pandemics), influenza (two Russian, Spanish, Asian, Hong Kong, and swine), AIDS, and coronaviruses (SARS, MERS, and COVID-19). This work presents a comprehensive analysis of past pandemics caused by both emerging and re-emerging pathogens, along with their epidemiological characteristics, societal impact, and evolution of public health responses. We also highlight the need for proactive measures to reduce the risk of future pandemics. These strategies include prioritizing surveillance of emerging zoonotic pathogens, conserving biodiversity to counter wildlife trafficking, and minimizing the potential for zoonotic spillover events. In addition, interventions such as promoting alternative protein sources, enforcing the closure of live animal markets in biodiversity-rich regions, and fostering global collaboration among diverse stakeholders are critical to preventing future pandemics. Crucially, improving wildlife surveillance systems will require the concerted efforts of local, national and international entities, including laboratories, field researchers, wildlife conservationists, government agencies and other stakeholders. By fostering collaborative networks and establishing robust biorepositories, we can strengthen our collective capacity to detect, monitor, and mitigate the emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens.

Host attraction and host feeding patterns indicate generalist feeding of Culex pipiens s.s. and Cx. torrentium

BackgroundMosquito host feeding patterns are an important factor of the species-specific vector capacity determining pathogen transmission routes. Culex pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium are competent vectors of several arboviruses, such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus. However, studies on host feeding patterns rarely differentiate the morphologically indistinguishable females.MethodsWe analyzed the host feeding attraction of Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium in host-choice studies for bird, mouse, and a human lure. In addition, we summarized published and unpublished data on host feeding patterns of field-collected specimens from Germany, Iran, and Moldova from 2012 to 2022, genetically identified as Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. pipiens hybrid biotype pipiens × molestus, and Cx. torrentium, and finally put the data in context with similar data found in a systematic literature search.ResultsIn the host-choice experiments, we did not find a significant attraction to bird, mouse, and human lure for Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. torrentium. Hosts of 992 field-collected specimens were identified for Germany, Iran, and Moldova, with the majority determined as Cx. pipiens pipiens, increasing the data available from studies known from the literature by two-thirds. All four Culex pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium taxa had fed with significant proportions on birds, humans, and nonhuman mammals. Merged with the data from the literature from 23 different studies showing a high prevalence of blood meals from birds, more than 50% of the blood meals of Cx. pipiens s.s. were identified as birds, while up to 39% were human and nonhuman mammalian hosts. Culex torrentium fed half on birds and half on mammals. However, there were considerable geographical differences in the host feeding patterns.ConclusionsIn the light of these results, the clear characterization of the Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium taxa as ornithophilic/-phagic or mammalophilic/-phagic needs to be reconsidered. Given their broad host ranges, all four Culex taxa could potentially serve as enzootic and bridge vectors.Graphical

Nestling sex and behaviour determine the host preference of insect vectors in avian nests.

Sexual differences in pathogen prevalence in wildlife often arise from varying susceptibility influenced by factors such as sex hormones and exposure to pathogens. In the case of vector-borne pathogens, host selection by insect vectors determines the exposure of hosts to infections, largely affecting the transmission of these infectious diseases. We identify the blood-feeding patterns of insect vectors in Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) nestlings in a 3-year study. Blood from both nestlings and insect vectors (Culicoides spp. and Simuliidae) captured inside nest-boxes were used to molecularly determine the sex of the host. We then compared the sex-ratios of the nestlings that had been bitten and those of the complete brood in each nest. We found that males were bitten more frequently than females in 2021, when males weighed less in comparison to other years. Additionally, we molecularly identified bitten nestlings individually by genotyping the DNA of blood obtained from both, the vector's abdomen and nestlings of each brood in 2022. Nestlings more frequently bitten by vectors were males, weighed less and were closest to the nest entrance. To our knowledge this is the first study identifying the nestling selection by insect vectors in bird nests under natural conditions. These results contribute to understanding the mechanisms of host selection by insect vectors, shedding light on pathogen transmission and offering insights into the observed sex-biased infections in wildlife populations.

3D-printed devices for optimized generation of cold atmospheric plasma to improve decontamination of surfaces from respiratory pathogens

Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is instrumental in creating devices for biological applications, including the exploitation of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). CAP, a partially ionized gas that functions at ambient temperatures, serves as a safe, inexpensive, and effective tool for the inactivation of various pathogens on different surfaces. In this study, we compared three different 3D-printed devices with respect to their ability to provide optimized CAP compositions effective against select respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus) and the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is associated with serious lung diseases. The transmission of respiratory pathogens via surface contamination may pose a serious health threat, thus highlighting the biological importance of the current study. The properties of a prototype 3D-printed CAP-generating device and two optimized versions were characterized by detecting reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in a gaseous environment via infrared spectroscopy and analyzing the composition of the reactive compounds. The virucidal effects of CAP were examined by determining virus infectivity and particle integrity. The bactericidal effect was documented by viability testing and visualization via transmission electron microscopy. The findings indicate that optimization of the 3D-printed devices for CAP production yielded an environment with relatively high amounts of RONS (O3, N2O, NO2, and H2O2), reducing the exposure time required for inactivation of respiratory pathogens by approximately 50%. In addition to reducing infectivity and viability, CAP treatment led to the destruction of viral nucleic acids and physical damage to bacterial cells. Owing to its flexibility and easy implementation, optimized CAP generated by 3D-printed devices provides an attractive inactivation method adaptable for different biological applications, including surface decontamination from viral and bacterial pathogens. &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;

Public health case for microbiome-sparing antibiotics and new opportunities for drug development.

Although antibiotics remain a cornerstone of modern medicine, the issues of widespread antibiotic resistance and collateral damage to the microbiome from antibiotic use are driving a need for drug developers to consider more tailored, patient-directed products to avoid antibiotic-induced perturbations of the structure and function of the indigenous microbiota. This perspective summarizes a cascade of microbiome health effects that is initiated by antibiotic-mediated microbiome disruption at an individual level and ultimately leads to infection and transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens across patient populations. The scientific evidence behind each of the key steps of this cascade is presented. The interruption of this cascade through the use of highly targeted, microbiome-sparing antibiotics aiming to improve health outcomes is discussed. Further, this perspective reflects on some key clinical trial design and reimbursement considerations to be addressed as part of the drug development path.

Black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae reduce cyathostomin (Nematoda: Strongylidae) eggs but develop poorly on horse manure.

Cyathostomins are common digestive tract parasites of grazing horses that spread through contact with horse feces. Horse feces are colonized by a variety of organisms, some of which could serve to reduce parasite loads in horse pastures. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL) could be an ideal candidate for biological control of cyathostomins, due to their near-global distribution, low risk of pathogen transmission, ability to develop on a variety of nutrient-poor substrates (including horse manure), and dramatic effect on microbial communities that cyathostomins depend on. Here, using controlled feeding bioassays, we evaluated the effect of BSFL on cyathostomin egg densities in horse manure while also tracking BSFL performance on manure relative to standard grain-based diets. We found that BSFL consumed less substrate, were slower to reach the prepupal stage, and ultimately yielded less biomass when reared on horse manure compared to grain-based diets. However, BSFL reduced average cyathostomin egg densities in horse manure by over 3-fold. Overall, our results suggest that despite horse manure being a poor substrate for BSFL growth, BSFL effectively reduce cyathostomin egg loads in infected horse manure, though the mechanisms by which they do this are uncertain. While BSFL are known to transform the microbial communities within a diversity of rearing substrates, their effect on larger, parasitic organisms in animal manures may be underappreciated. Promoting the decomposition of infected horse manure with BSFL might be a promising approach to managing parasite populations among grazing horses.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Botryosphaeria dothidea and Neofusicoccum parvum on English walnut (Juglans regia L.) in France

Botryosphaeriaceae species are the major causal agents of walnut dieback worldwide, along with Diaporthe species. Botryosphaeria dothidea and Neofusicoccum parvum are the only two Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with this recently emergent disease in France, and little is known about their diversity, structure, origin and dispersion in French walnut orchards. A total of 381 isolates of both species were genetically typed using a sequence-based microsatellite genotyping (SSR-seq) method. This analysis revealed a low genetic diversity and a high clonality of these populations, in agreement with their clonal mode of reproduction. The genetic similarity among populations, regardless of the tissue type and the presence of symptoms, supports the hypothesis that these pathogens can move between fruits and twigs and display latent pathogen lifestyles. Contrasting genetic patterns between N. parvum populations from Californian and Spanish walnut orchards and the French ones suggested no conclusive evidence for pathogen transmission from infected materials. The high genetic similarity with French vineyards populations suggested instead putative transmission between these hosts, which was also observed with B. dothidea populations. Overall, this study provides critical insight into the epidemiology of two important pathogens involved in the emerging dieback of French walnut orchards, including their distribution, potential to mate, putative origin and disease pathways.