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PubMed1976

[The immunofluorescence technique detecting antibody-coated bacteria for diagnosis of site of UTI (author's transl)].

The immunofluorescente technique detecting antibody-coated bacteria for diagnosis of site of UTI has been applied to 52 urine samples coming from : 11 patients with clinical diagnosis of pylonephritis, 21 infections of the lower urinary tract, 8 asymptomatic bacteriurias and 2 samples of urine obtained directly by pyelocentesis. The technique confirmed to be specific and sensible: strongly fluorescent germs were observed only in samples coming from pyelonephritis or urine from pyelocentesis. Repeatedly, from single samples were isolated more bacterial strains; only one of them was present in significant quantity. The some observation has been made also in 5 patients clinically affected with P.N., where 2 strains were isolated from each sample. In only one sample both strains were fluorescent, white in the remaining 4 samples the strain present in insignificative quantity was fluorescent. These observations, rather than a double localization (pyelo-renal and lower urinary tract) with different aetiologic agents, were interpreted to be the outcome of repeated antibiotic treatments. It is possible that they could have reduced the fluorescent "bacterial load" of the pyelo-renal region under significant number, simultaneously facilitating the emergence of superinfecting germs at the level of the lower urinary tract. We discuss the therapeutic involvements for a proper antibiotic treatment and the usefulness of flanking the test at the quantitative urine culture.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed2026

A posttranslational modification of fimbriae drives pathogenicity in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Antimicrobial resistance is a severe public health burden. Especially concerning are multidrug resistant (MDR) infections, which restrict treatment options and significantly increase mortality risk. A major cause of MDR infections worldwide is carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKp). The predominant CRKp sequence type worldwide is ST258. However, the factors underlying ST258's epidemic success are not well defined. Genomic analyses of clinical isolates of CRKp have found that the two-component regulatory system CrrAB is a genomic feature of ST258, suggesting that it may contribute to its global dominance. Despite this, the molecular details underpinning CrrAB's contribution to ST258 Kp biology and pathogenicity are poorly understood. We used RNA-sequencing to identify the regulon of CrrA and found that CrrAB induces the expression of a gene, encoding Crr-regulated fimbriae modifying protein (CfmP), that is essential for pathogenesis driven by this two-component system. We performed mass spectrometry analyses of fimbriae purified from Kp expressing or lacking cfmP and found that CfmP induces a novel oxidation to a histidine residue in the major pilin subunit of fimbriae, FimA. We demonstrate that this oxidation significantly increases host cell adhesion and high bacterial loads within the host. CrrAB also drives high antibiotic resistance in CRKp. Thus, our results place CrrAB at the intersection of pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance supporting its function as an important regulatory system driving the global dominance of ST258.

Klebsiella pneumoniae↗
PubMed2026

Chimeric vaccine based on Iraqi HLA alleles against a predominant local Escherichia coli phylogroup.

INTRODUCTION: Escherichia coli remains amongst the most globally important pathogens implicated in severe clinical manifestations. The progressive rise in multidrug-resistant strains highlights the urgent need for new vaccines. Therefore, this study was designed to develop a new multi-epitope vaccine containing the most conserved epitopes across E. coli pathotypes. Consequently, the study aimed to investigate the immunoadjuvant role of faecal microbiota transplantation in enhancing vaccine efficacy. METHODS: Eighteen of the most conserved B-cell and T-cell epitopes of FimH, LptD, and BamA proteins were selected and included in a single construct. During the epitope selection process, HLA alleles predominant in the Iraqi population, as reported in previous studies, were used as criteria for selecting T-cell epitopes. The chimeric protein was expressed in BL21 E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography. Vaccine cross-protective immunity and protection were tested in in vivo experiments. Different formulations were used in the experimental evaluation: three doses of 100 μg of purified chimeric protein, injected intraperitoneally alone or encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles, after faecal microbiota transplantation with and without gut microbiota modulation mediated by a cocktail of antibiotics. IgG1, IL-4, INF-γ, and NLRP3 levels were measured at 30 and 75 days after the first immunisation dose. Immunised mice were challenged with the local B2 UPEC phylogroup, and protection efficacy was considered 48 h later. Finally, the histological effects of the different chimeric protein formulations on the liver were assessed. RESULTS: All vaccine formulations except those after faecal microbiota transplantation without gut microbiota modulation induce significant increases in IgG1, IL-4, and INF-γ levels at different times. Only vaccination after faecal microbiota transplantation with gut microbiota modulation elicited robust NLRP3 levels at 30 and 75 days after, and this was linked to the highest reduction in bladder bacterial load by 813-fold compared to the other formulations, as well as the mildest effect on liver histological changes. DISCUSSION: These results demonstrated that the chimeric vaccine provides preliminary protection against a local B2 UPEC isolate. Furthermore, modulating gut microbiota via faecal transplantation markedly enhances the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of vaccination, suggesting its adjuvanticity.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

The immunological consequences of antigen overload in experimental mycobacterial infections of mice.

Mice infected in the tail with M. ulcerans developed transient cell-mediated immunity which disappeared as the bacterial load increased. Lymph node cells from animals in this late phase of the disease transformed spontaneously in vitro. This transformation was inhibited by mycobacterial antigen. Lymph node cells from mice injected intravenously with 10(8) or 10(9) BCG also transformed spontaneously in vitro. Such animals did not become foot pad test-positive. Evidence is presented that the spontaneous transformation may represent an accumulation of specifically sensitized cells due to trapping in nodes overloaded with persistent antigen. The relevance of such a phenomenon to 'desensitization' in human and animal disease is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Association Between the Root Canal Microbiome and Apical Lesion Size: An Observational Shotgun Metagenomic Study.

AIM: The aim was to characterize the taxonomic and functional composition of the microbiome involved in primary endodontic infections and to evaluate their association with the periapical lesion size using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. METHODOLOGY: Samples from primary root canal infections diagnosed with apical periodontitis were analysed with shotgun sequencing. Samples were classified according to the lesion size as small (<&#x2009;3&#x2009;mm) or large (>&#x2009;7&#x2009;mm). The bacterial DNA copies in each group were quantified by qPCR. Taxonomic and functional annotations were made using Bracken/Kraken2 and HUMAnN3 software. Species richness, Shannon, Simpson and Pielou indices were used to measure alpha diversity. The similarity of the bacterial communities between study groups was evaluated by Principal Coordinate Analysis based on Bray-Curtis distances. The ALDEx2 package was used to infer the differences between species, and the edgeR package for KEGG pathways. For all statistical analyses, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A total of 49 samples were analysed, 27 with small lesions and 22 with large lesions. Species richness and Shannon indices showed differences between both groups, whereas no differences were seen according to Simpson and Pielou indices. A different community composition (PERMANOVA, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0019) was observed between the two groups. Three species were significantly enriched in the large lesion samples, Filifactor alocis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium oral taxon 500 and Olsenella uli, while three others were enriched in small lesion samples, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter pittii and Cutibacterium acnes. Functionally, benzoate, flavonoid and steroid degradation, the sphingolipid signalling pathway and proteasome function were enriched in samples with large lesions. Monoterpenoid biosynthesis, phospholipase D signalling, the sulphur relay system and staurosporine biosynthesis were enriched in small lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth with large periapical lesions harbour greater bacterial loads and exhibit a more diverse microbial community than those with small lesions. Differences in species-level taxonomic composition were observed between both groups. Functionally, large lesions are enriched in pathways associated with immune evasion and pro-inflammatory activity, whereas small lesions are characterized by pathways related to apoptosis, metabolic adaptation and anti-inflammatory processes. These findings suggest that lesion severity is also shaped by the functional potential of the microbiome to modulate host inflammation.

Humans↗
PubMed2025

ABCD-type phage cocktail targeting distinct LPS receptor sites demonstrates superior efficacy against multidrug-resistant Salmonella.

The narrow host range of phages poses a limitation in addressing multidrug-resistant bacteria, whereas phage cocktail therapy, targeting multiple bacterial receptors, broadens the phage host spectrum. This study establishes a comprehensive Salmonella phages repository through nationwide surveillance in China, isolating 242 phages classified into 29 genera, with genome sizes ranging from 5.4 to 350.3 Kb. Based on LPS specificity, phages were categorized into four types A-D. Here, we developed an ABCD-Type phage cocktail targeting four distinct LPS recognition sites, demonstrating superior efficacy versus single phages or phage cocktail with different receptors (CCR-Type). In vitro, ABCD-Type phage cocktail treatment sustained bactericidal activity >&#x202f;36&#x202f;h versus CCR's 8&#x202f;h, effectively controlling Salmonella in lettuce, milk, and Galleria mellonella infection models. Moreover, ABCD-Type phage cocktail effectively cleared Salmonella biofilms and showed promising results in the treatment of animal infections, significantly reducing bacterial loads in infected chicks and improving their survival rates. Resistant mutants predominantly harbored mutations in the btuB gene and LPS biosynthesis genes. These mutants showed increased antibiotic sensitivity and attenuated virulence. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Salmonella phages, specifically ABCD-Type phage cocktail formulations which contain the phages PJNS014, PJNS023, PJNS036, and PJNS038, for controlling Salmonella infections. This work provides a foundation for developing advanced phage-based therapeutics.

Salmonella Phages↗
PubMed2026

Genomic characterization and pathogenicity of ruminant Listeria monocytogenes isolates in a murine oral infection model.

Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen; its ruminant isolates display zoonotic characteristics, causing similar clinical signs in humans, including abortion and encephalitis. However, data on whole genome sequencing and pathogenicity of ruminant L. monocytogenes isolates remain sparse. This study aimed to analyze the genotypic characteristics of L. monocytogenes isolates from ruminants with listeriosis. Furthermore, we assessed the in vivo pathogenicity of four ruminant L. monocytogenes isolates, characterized via whole-genome sequencing-based genetic clustering, in orogastrically inoculated mice. The isolate LM18 (serotype 1/2b, ST224, SL6178) had the lowest lethal dose compared to the other three isolates including previous hypervirulence type (serotype 4b, ST1, SL1) and caused secondary bacteremia in lungs, with sustained bacterial loads in the spleen and liver. Genomic (listeria pathogenicity island -1 and -3) and virulence gene (actA and llsX) mutation analyses associated with virulence suggested from well-recognized studies could not elucidate the virulence of the isolates. SSI-1, which only exists in the isolate LM18 (serotype 1/2b, ST224, SL6178), may help L. monocytogenes survive in the gastrointestinal environment, thereby affecting its virulence. Further research should investigate the role of SSI-1 in the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes. Moreover, additional studies utilizing larger datasets of ruminant isolates are required to validate our genotypic characterization and to obtain a comprehensive picture of further genotypic differences crucial for L. monocytogenes pathogenicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2025

Isolation and characterization of strictly lytic bacteriophages against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex.

UNLABELLED: The global surge of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (CR-ECC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to limited treatment options. This study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophages (phages) targeting CR-ECC. CR-ECC CYEBC080 was used as the bacterial host for isolating lytic phages, and a comprehensive evaluation was conducted on isolated phages, including phage stability under various pH and temperature conditions, host range analysis, killing curves, and therapeutic efficacy in Galleria mellonella larvae and a murine bacteremia model. Twelve lytic phages with distinct random amplified polymorphic DNA patterns were isolated, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed their classification under the Straboviridae family within the Caudoviricetes class. All phages remained stable across pH 3-11 for up to 90 minutes, with an optimal temperature range of 25&#xb0;C-37&#xb0;C. Among them, CYPEBC012 exhibited the broadest host range, lysing 93.75% of 80 CR-ECC isolates, while CYPEBC006 displayed the narrowest, lysing only 65%. Whole-genome sequencing revealed 12 phages with linear double-stranded DNA genomes ranging from 177,624 to 180,648 bp. Phage treatment administered at a multiplicity of infection of 10, 1 hour post-infection, significantly improved larval survival at day 7, reaching &#x2265;80% in most groups, except CYPEBC001 (50%) and CYPEBC004 (60%) treatment groups. In CYEBC080-infected mice, CYPEBC012 treatment resulted in 100% survival by day 3 and 80% survival through day 7. Additionally, phage-treated mice exhibited significantly reduced bacterial loads and high phage titers in blood and liver. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of CYPEBC012 as a promising strategy against CR-ECC infections, offering an alternative to conventional antimicrobial treatments. IMPORTANCE: This study identified and characterized lytic bacteriophages targeting carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex, with CYPEBC012 exhibiting the broadest host range and significantly improving survival in a murine bacteremia model. Its stability and efficacy highlight its potential for clinical application. Our findings demonstrate that phage therapy offers a promising alternative to conventional treatments to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Animals↗
PubMed2024

Role of the Pseudomonas plecoglossicida fliL gene in immune response of infected hybrid groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus &#x2640; &#xd7; Epinephelus lanceolatus &#x2642;).

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, a gram-negative bacterium, is the main pathogen of visceral white-point disease in marine fish, responsible for substantial economic losses in the aquaculture industry. The FliL protein, involved in torque production of the bacterial flagella motor, is essential for the pathogenicity of a variety of bacteria. In the current study, the fliL gene deletion strain (&#x394;fliL), fliL gene complement strain (C-&#x394;fliL), and wild-type strain (NZBD9) were compared to explore the influence of the fliL gene on P. plecoglossicida pathogenicity and its role in host immune response. Results showed that fliL gene deletion increased the survival rate (50%) and reduced white spot disease progression in the hybrid groupers. Moreover, compared to the NZBD9 strain, the &#x394;fliL strain was consistently associated with lower bacterial loads in the grouper spleen, head kidney, liver, and intestine, coupled with reduced tissue damage. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2 238 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleens of fish infected with the &#x394;fliL strain compared to the NZBD9 strain. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the DEGs were significantly enriched in seven immune system-associated pathways and three signaling molecule and interaction pathways. Upon infection with the &#x394;fliL strain, the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was activated in the hybrid groupers, leading to the activation of transcription factors (NF-&#x3ba;B and AP1) and cytokines. The expression levels of proinflammatory cytokine-related genes IL-1&#x3b2;, IL-12B, and IL-6 and chemokine-related genes CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL4 were significantly up-regulated. In conclusion, the fliL gene markedly influenced the pathogenicity of P. plecoglossicida infection in the hybrid groupers. Notably, deletion of fliL gene in P. plecoglossicida induced a robust immune response in the groupers, promoting defense against and elimination of pathogens via an inflammatory response involving multiple cytokines.

Animals↗
PubMed2025

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of vancomycin against Elizabethkingia species and the impact of increased vancomycin MICs.

UNLABELLED: This study aimed to evaluate the concordance of vancomycin susceptibility testing methods, its in vivo and in vitro efficacy, and the mechanisms underlying elevated MICs in Elizabethkingia spp. Vancomycin susceptibilities of 18 E. anophelis isolates were determined using multiple assays. The efficacy of vancomycin against five clinical isolates and one laboratory-induced mutant with an elevated vancomycin MIC was evaluated using time-kill assays and Galleria mellonella and murine models. Vancomycin MICs (16-32 mg/L) determined by broth microdilution were consistent with agar dilution, Etest, and MBC assay results. All isolates had zone diameters < 17 mm and were, thus, categorized as non-susceptible according to the CLSI criteria for Enterococcus spp. Time-kill assays of five clinical isolates demonstrated that vancomycin at a clinically relevant concentration (4 mg/L) exhibited poor bactericidal activity similar to that of teicoplanin. Vancomycin improved Galleria mellonella survival in a dose-dependent manner, whereas teicoplanin, dalbavancin, oritavancin, and daptomycin were ineffective. Murine models revealed that vancomycin at a human-equivalent dose (25 mg/kg twice daily) prolonged survival in most infections and modestly reduced bacterial load, while teicoplanin remained ineffective. Vancomycin efficacy was significantly reduced in G. mellonella and mice infected with a mutant strain exhibiting an elevated MIC (128 mg/L), which was attributable to spontaneous mutations in pbp4. In conclusion, E. anophelis were consistently non-susceptible to vancomycin as determined by multiple in vitro assays. However, vancomycin demonstrated unique in vivo activity among glycopeptides although this effect was abrogated by spontaneous mutations leading to elevated MICs. IMPORTANCE: Elizabethkingia anophelis is a multidrug-resistant pathogen associated with limited treatment options and high mortality. Most commonly considered agents, including fluoroquinolones, piperacillin/tazobactam, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, are increasingly compromised by resistance, toxicity, or inconsistent efficacy. Although vancomycin is not routinely used for Gram-negative infections due to limited outer membrane permeability, case reports have suggested potential benefit in Elizabethkingia infections under critical conditions. In this study, we show that E. anophelis isolates are uniformly non-susceptible to vancomycin in vitro and exhibit minimal bactericidal activity. However, vancomycin conferred a modest but statistically significant survival benefit in two independent animal models. Importantly, this effect was lost in strains with vancomycin-induced MIC elevation, and genome analysis identified pbp4 mutations as a potential underlying mechanism. These findings suggest vancomycin may offer therapeutic benefit when no preferred options are available. They support cautious use in selected cases and highlight the need for continued monitoring of susceptibility and resistance development.

Vancomycin↗
PubMed2026

Therapeutic potential of a novel virulent bacteriophage XQ-1 against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection in broiler chickens.

Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) represents a significant subgroup within extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains and constitutes a substantial threat to the global poultry industry. Although the negative impacts of APEC have been mitigated considerably through antibiotic use, this practice has concurrently facilitated the widespread emergence and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant APEC strains worldwide. Consequently, bacteriophage has emerged as a promising alternative to antibiotics. In the current study, a novel virulent bacteriophage, designated XQ-1, was isolated from a sewage sample collected at a broiler chickens farm in Hubei Province, China. Notably, this bacteriophage exhibited the capability to lyse multiple APEC strains, including O1, O2, and O78 serotypes. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for bacteriophage XQ-1 was determined to be 0.001, yielding a maximum viral titer of 4.73 &#xb1; 0.31 &#xd7; 1011 plaque-forming units (PFU) per milliliter. This bacteriophage displayed a latent period of 30 min, and a burst period of 80 minutes, corresponding to a burst size of 348 PFU per infected cell. Additionally, bacteriophage XQ-1 retained high lytic activity across a temperature range of 4-50 &#xb0;C and maintained tolerance with a pH range of 3-11. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that bacteriophage XQ-1 holds potential as an effective disinfectant capable of directly lysing APEC strain JZ-1. In chick models subjected to intraperitoneal injection, exposure to APEC resulted in 100% mortality in chicks. However, treatment with bacteriophage XQ-1 significantly improved the survival rates of infected broiler chickens, reduced organ indexes, decreased bacterial loads in the liver and heart organs, and mitigated intestinal damage caused by APEC infection. Collectively, these findings suggest that bacteriophage XQ-1 represents a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of APEC infections in poultry.

APEC↗
PubMed2026

Isolation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of a novel Pasteurella multocida bacteriophage.

Pasteurella multocida is the main pathogen causing fowl cholera and poses a serious threat to the poultry industry. Current clinical control relies on antibiotics, but the prevalence of drug-resistant strains makes it urgent to develop new antibacterial strategies. In this study, a P. multocida-specific bacteriophage vB_PmuS_ZP41 was isolated and identified as a member of the family Siphoviridae by transmission electron microscopy. This phage showed lytic activity against 13 out of 19 clinical isolates of P. multocida (68.4%) and remained stable at 4-50&#xb0;C and pH 3-9. The optimal multiplicity of infection was 0.01, with a latent period of 10 min and a burst size of approximately 56 PFU/cell. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the phage genome is a double-stranded DNA of 38,592 bp, containing no virulence genes or antibiotic resistance genes, indicating good safety. In a chick infection model, phage treatment significantly improved the survival rate of infected chicks from 40% to 80%, significantly reduced bacterial loads in blood, lung, liver, and spleen, and decreased serum levels of TNF-&#x3b1; and IL-1&#x3b2; while alleviating histopathological damage. This study systematically characterized the biological properties of phage vB_PmuS_ZP41 and its antibacterial efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, providing an experimental basis and a candidate strain for the future development of phage therapy against avian pasteurellosis.

Biological characteristics↗
PubMed1978

Beads of a dextran polymer for the local treatment of cutaneous ulcers.

A new polymer of dextran in the form of beads, 0.1 to 0.3 mm in diameter, was applied topically to 39 cutaneous ulcers of various causes. The material, which is powerfully hydrophilic, promptly absorbed serous and purulent exudate from the surfaces of the ulcers. This action decreased the bacterial load and prevented crust formation. Healthy granulation tissue then developed quickly in many ulcers and healing time seemed to be shorter in some cases. The exudate-absorbing capability of the beads of dextran was particularly beneficial in ulcers that had uneven surfaces, undercut margins, and sinus tracts. Complete healing was achieved in some of these cases that had previously resisted many kinds of treatment. The most important undesirable effect of the beads of dextran is their tendency to dehydrate the bases of ulcers too much, which slows or stops healing in some cases. This effect may be overcome by alternating applications of the material with hydrating forms of treatment or changing entirely to such treatment when applications of the beads has removed all exudate from the ulcers. No allergic, irritant, or toxic reaction from the dextran was encountered.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Phenotypic expression of genetically controlled host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes.

Several inbred mouse strains, all of them derived from the C57BL background, have genetically determined increased resistance to infection with Listeria monocytogenes, whereas a variety of other strains are relatively sensitive to this infection. Comparison of the host response to L. monocytogenes in the sensitive A strain and the resistant C57BL/6 (B6) strain revealed that the B6 mice were superior to A mice both in the T-cell-independent and in the T-cell-dependent phase of the response. Although animals of both strains had equal ability to clear their circulation of intravenously administered Listeria and to take up comparable amounts of bacteria in their livers and spleens, already 24 to 48 h after infection the genetic advantage of B6 strain mice to suppress bacterial proliferation was apparent. Both the primary (early and late) and the secondary responses as well as the ability to inactivate the bacterial load after adoptive protection by syngeneic immune lymphocytes were more efficient in the B6 animals, suggesting that the common effector macrophage arm of the antilisterial resistance rather than the lymphocyte arm (mediating the T-cell-dependent phase of response) is genetically controlled.

Animals↗
PubMed2025

Characterization and purification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages for the treatment of canine infections.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in both human and veterinary medicine, presenting significant challenges in treatment because of biofilm production and its intrinsic resistance. This problem is exacerbated by the increase in acquired antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for treating infection classically treated with antibiotics, offering a targeted approach to combat this infection. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of 7 phages, focusing on their suitability for treating canine infections, as well as their purification and safety analysis for therapeutic use. RESULTS: Two self-isolated phages and five provided phages were analysed. All tested phages reduced bacterial load in vitro; however, their efficacy varied across different concentrations. The host range analysis revealed a spectrum between 9.8 and 68.6% of canine clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. In our in vitro tests 3 out of 7 phages were able to significantly reduce the biofilm biomass, achieving reductions up to 93.38%. The sequence analysis did not discover known virulence factors and genes connected to antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The self-isolated phages were classified as lysogenic, whereas the other phages had a lytic infection cycle. Through the purification of the phages, high-titre phage preparations (>&#x2009;1011 PFU/ml) were generated with high stability for at least 1.5 years. The tested endotoxin units are below the regulatory limits. CONCLUSION: Investigating phages as alternative treatment option seems promising with lytic phages covering a broad host range and a genomic potential for biofilm degradation. These findings support the development of phage cocktails as a targeted alternative for treating canine P. aeruginosa infections, particularly in cases of antibiotic resistance, and highlight the importance of selecting well-characterized lytic phages for therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa↗
PubMed2025

A novel genus of virulent phage targeting Acinetobacter baumannii: Efficacy and safety in a murine model of pulmonary infection.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a notable opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe hospital-acquired infections, with multidrug-resistant strains posing significant treatment challenges. Phage therapy, which employs bacteriophages as natural bacterial antagonists, has gained renewed attention as a promising solution to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel virulent phage, vB_AbaS_qsb1, which specifically lyses A.baumannii. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses indicate that vB_AbaS_qsb1 is the founding member of a previously unreported genus, which we propose to name Acinibactriovirus, with Acinibactriovirus lysinus as the type species. vB_AbaS_qsb1 demonstrated robust stability across diverse temperature and pH ranges, a short latent period, and no known virulence or antibiotic resistance genes within its 54,713&#x2009;bp dsDNA genome. Safety assessments showed that high-dose vB_AbaS_qsb1 induced no adverse effects in mice, with histopathology confirming its safety profile. Therapeutic experiments further indicated that vB_AbaS_qsb1 provided at least 50% protection against A.baumannii-induced pneumonia, significantly reducing bacterial loads and inflammation markers, while maintaining high phage titers in lung tissue.This study introduces vB_AbaS_qsb1 as a promising candidate for phage therapy against A.baumannii, offering both innovative insights and a valuable framework for future isolation, genomic characterization, and efficacy evaluation of phages targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Haematological profile in leprosy. Part II--Relationship to severity of disease and treament status.

321 adult male lepromatous leprosy patients were studied for relationship between haematological findings, severity of disease and duration of treatment. Significant changes were noticed in relation in haemoglobin concentration, serum vitamin B12 and serum folate levels, serum albumin and globulin. No significant changes were observed in serum iron levels in relation to disease and treatment status. With rising bacterial load, there was a trend towards lower haemoglobin concentration, higher vitamin B12 level and lowered serum folate levels. Serum albumin showed a significant decline, while serum globulin showed a significant rise. The findings are discussed in relation to replacement of bone marrow by lepromatous tissue as well as possible interference in the metabolism of haematinics by M. leprae. The exact mechanism of neurlogical deficit in leprosy in relation to deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid need to be further elucidated.

Folic Acid↗