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602500.9295Phenotypic and Genomic Insights into Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis WU01, a Candidate Probiotic with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity Against ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter) Pathogens. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly ESKAPE bacteria, necessitates alternative antimicrobial strategies. Probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria, protect against pathogenic infections. This study aimed to characterize Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis WU01, isolated from fermented palm sap, and evaluate its probiotic potential and antimicrobial activity. Its probiotic characteristics were assessed based on low-pH and bile tolerance, auto-aggregation, hydrophobicity, and adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens was evaluated using the agar well diffusion assay. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and in silico analysis were performed to identify bacteriocin-related genes, virulence factors, and antibiotic-resistance genes. WU01 exhibited a strong tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, with high survival rates under acidic and bile-salt environments. S. harbinensis WU01 demonstrated significant auto-aggregation, high hydrophobicity, and strong adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Antimicrobial assays revealed inhibitory activity against MDR ESKAPE pathogens, which correlated with the presence of bacteriocin-related genes, including those homologous to Carnocin_CP52. Molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations confirmed the interaction of Carnocin_CP52 with bacterial membranes, suggesting a mechanism for pathogen disruption. WGS confirmed the absence of virulence and antimicrobial-resistance genes, confirming its safety for probiotic applications. These findings suggest that S. harbinensis WU01 possesses probiotic properties and antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens. The combined results highlight its potential application in functional foods and therapeutic interventions.202540238333
538010.9250In Vitro Screening of a 1280 FDA-Approved Drugs Library against Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Alternative strategies against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections are suggested to clinicians, such as drug repurposing, which uses rapidly available and marketed drugs. We gathered a collection of MDR bacteria from our hospital and performed a phenotypic high-throughput screening with a 1280 FDA-approved drug library. We used two Gram positive (Enterococcus faecium P5014 and Staphylococcus aureus P1943) and six Gram negative (Acinetobacter baumannii P1887, Klebsiella pneumoniae P9495, Pseudomonas aeruginosa P6540, Burkholderia multivorans P6539, Pandoraea nosoerga P8103, and Escherichia coli DSM105182 as the reference and control strain). The selected MDR strain panel carried resistance genes or displayed phenotypic resistance to last-line therapies such as carbapenems, vancomycin, or colistin. A total of 107 compounds from nine therapeutic classes inhibited >90% of the growth of the selected Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria at a drug concentration set at 10 µmol/L, and 7.5% were anticancer drugs. The common hit was the antiseptic chlorhexidine. The activity of niclosamide, carmofur, and auranofin was found against the selected methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Zidovudine was effective against colistin-resistant E. coli and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. Trifluridine, an antiviral, was effective against E. faecium. Deferoxamine mesylate inhibited the growth of XDR P. nosoerga. Drug repurposing by an in vitro screening of a drug library is a promising approach to identify effective drugs for specific bacteria.202235326755
608120.9238In vitro probiotic characteristics and whole-genome sequence analysis of lactic acid bacteria isolated from monkey faeces. This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria from monkey faeces and evaluate their safety and probiotic properties through a combination of in vitro assays and complete genomic sequencing. The results revealed that two Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains (LDHa and LSHe) exhibited promising probiotic attributes: no hemolytic activity, remarkable antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogens, high bile salt tolerance (77.46% survival rate for LDHa at 0.3% bile salt concentration), excellent gastrointestinal resistance (survival rate > 40%), and favorable surface characteristics (63.92-66.00% auto-aggregation; 91.33-93.80% hydrophobicity). The whole genome sequencing results revealed that strain LDHa has a total length of 2,031,794 bp with a GC content of 39.02% and contains (Strompfová et al. 2014) coding genes. The LSHe strain has a total length of 2,031,507 bp with a GC content of 39.02% and contains 1954 coding genes. Genomic analysis revealed that both strains possess four CRISPR sequences and one secondary metabolic gene cluster, with functional annotations from the EGGNOG, KEGG, and CAZy databases demonstrating genome stability; the absence of horizontally transferable antibiotic resistance genes; the enrichment of metabolic pathway-related genes, and probiotic-associated functional potential including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities. This study demonstrated that L. reuteri LDHa and LSHe exhibit favorable safety profiles and probiotic potential at both physiological and genomic levels, positioning them as promising candidates for probiotic formulations in captive primate populations.202540852645
306930.9219The hospital sink drain biofilm resistome is independent of the corresponding microbiota, the environment and disinfection measures. In hospitals, the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) may occur via biofilms present in sink drains, which can lead to infections. Despite the potential role of sink drains in the transmission of ARB in nosocomial infections, routine surveillance of these drains is lacking in most hospitals. As a result, there is currently no comprehensive understanding of the transmission of ARB and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs) via sink drains. This study employed a multifaceted approach to monitor the total aerobic bacteria as well as the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPEs), the microbiota and the resistome of sink drain biofilms (SDBs) and hospital wastewater (WW) of two separate intensive care units (ICUs) in the same healthcare facility in France. Samples of SDB and WW were collected on a monthly basis, from January to April 2023, in the neonatal (NICU) and the adult (AICU) ICUs of Grenoble Alpes University Hospital. In the NICU, sink drain disinfection with surfactants was performed routinely. In the AICU, routine disinfection is not carried out. Culturable aerobic bacteria were quantified on non-selective media, and CPEs were screened using two selective agars. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was performed on Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. The resistome was analyzed by high-throughput qPCR targeting >80 ARGs and MGEs. The overall bacterial microbiota was assessed via full-length 16S rRNA sequencing. No CPEs were isolated from SDBs in either ICU by bacterial culture. Culture-independent approaches revealed an overall distinct microbiota composition of the SDBs in the two ICUs. The AICU SDBs were dominated by pathogens containing Gram-negative bacterial genera including Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomona, Klebsiella, and Gram-positive Staphylococcus, while the NICU SDBs were dominated by the Gram-negative genera Achromobacter, Serratia, and Acidovorax, as well as the Gram-positive genera Weisella and Lactiplantibacillus. In contrast, the resistome of the SDBs exhibited no significant differences between the two ICUs, indicating that the abundance of ARGs and MGEs is independent of microbiota composition and disinfection practices. The AICU WW exhibited more distinct aerobic bacteria than the NICU WW. In addition, the AICU WW yielded 15 CPEs, whereas the NICU WW yielded a single CPE. All the CPEs were characterized at the species level. The microbiota of the NICU and AICU WW samples differed from their respective SDBs and exhibited distinct variations over the four-month period:the AICU WW contained a greater number of genes conferring resistance to quinolones and integron integrase genes, whereas the NICU WW exhibited a higher abundance of streptogramin resistance genes. Our study demonstrated that the resistome of the hospital SDBs in the two ICUs of the investigated healthcare institute is independent of the microbiota, the environment, and the local disinfection measures. However, the prevalence of CPEs in the WW pipes collecting the waste from the investigated drains differed. These findings offer valuable insights into the resilience of resistance genes in SDBs in ICUs, underscoring the necessity for innovative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in clinical environments.202540483807
601540.9218Integrative genome analysis of bacteriocin-producing Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LNP1-39 and its synbiotic role in suppressing food-borne pathogens. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from traditional Thai-fermented foods. Among these, the strain LNP1-39, closely related to Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, was selected for further study because of its non-pathogenic profile. The bacteriocins produced by L. pentosus LNP1-39 were proteinaceous substances that exhibited strong antimicrobial activity across a wide pH range (pH 2-11; 6400-2400 AU/mL) and thermal stability at 100 °C for 40 min (400 AU/mL). These bacteriocins showed a narrow antimicrobial spectrum, effectively targeting Gram-positive pathogens, such as Kocuria rhizophila MIII, Enterococcus faecalis JCM 5803( T), and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115. Comprehensive safety assessments, including whole-genome analysis and in vitro tests, confirmed a low risk of antibiotic resistance and the absence of virulence factors. Strain LNP1-39 was confirmed to be closely related to L. pentosus DSM 20314( T) via digital DNA‒DNA hybridization (dDDH; 75.4%), with average nucleotide identity (ANI) at 96.56% ANIb and 97.22% ANIm values. Additionally, LNP1-39 produces pediocin with notable similarity (76.29% identity to pediocin) and presents low risks for antibiotic-resistance genes or transfer genes while providing antioxidant properties. Strain LNP1-39 survived harsh gastrointestinal tract conditions and exhibited a favorable prebiotic index and positive prebiotic activity score when paired with polydextrose or isomalto-oligosaccharide. These findings support L. pentosus LNP1-39 as potential bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria for further application in food preservation and pathogen control or as a synbiotic.202540622670
637750.9214Comparative metagenomics and characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in pasteurized and homemade fermented Arabian laban. The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial diversity and function in a fermented milk drink called laban, which is traditionally served in the Middle East, Africa, and Indian subcontinent. Pasteurized laban (LBP) and unpasteurized, homemade, raw laban (LBR) underwent 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun sequencing to analyze their bacterial community, presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and metabolic pathways. This study highlighted relatively greater diversity in LBR bacterial populations compared to LBP, despite containing similar major taxa that consisted primarily of Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The dominant species, Streptococcus thermophilus, was relatively more abundant in LBP (80.7%) compared to LBR (47.9%). LBR had increased diversity and higher relative abundance of several known probiotic bacteria, such as Streptococcus salivarius and Lactococcus lactis, whereas Lactobacillus acidophilus was detected at a higher abundance in LBP. Pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli had lower abundance in LBP compared to LBR. Thirty-three ARGs were detected in LBR compared to nine in LBP and are responsible for resistance to 11 classes of antibiotics. A significant proportion of the metagenomes from both types of laban were assigned to housekeeping functions, such as amino acid metabolism, translation, membrane transport, and carbohydrate metabolism. LBR demonstrated increased diversity in probiotics and metabolic functions compared to LBP. However, the relatively high diversity of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria and ARGs in LBR raises safety concerns and highlights the need for a more hygienic environment for the processing of homemade fermented dairy foods.202033233218
513460.9208Genomic analysis and antibiotic resistance of a multidrug-resistant bacterium isolated from pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plant sludge. Pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plants (PWWTPs) serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, a multiantibiotic-resistant strain of Acinetobacter lwoffii (named N4) was isolated from the dewatered sludge of a PWWTP. N4 exhibited high resistance to both antibiotics and metals, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chloramphenicol and cefazolin reaching 1024 mg·L(-1) and MICs of Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) reaching 512 mg·L(-1). Co-sensitization experiments revealed that when antibiotics are co-existing with heavy metal ions (such as TET and Cd(2+), AMP and Cu(2+)) could enhance the resistance of N4 to them. Whole-genome sequencing of N4 revealed a genome size of 0.37 Mb encoding 3359 genes. Among these, 23 ARGs were identified, including dfrA26, bl2be(CTXM), catB3, qnrB, rosB, tlrC, smeD, smeE, mexE, ceoB, oprN, acrB, adeF, ykkC, ksgA and sul2, which confer resistance through mechanisms such as efflux pumps, enzyme modification and target bypass. Additionally, the N4 genome contained 187 genes associated with human disease and 249 virulence factors, underscoring its potential pathogenicity. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into ARBs in PWWTPs and highlights the potential risks posed by multidrug-resistant strains such as N4.202539626482
316670.9208Sludge amended soil induced multidrug and heavy metal resistance in endophytic Exiguobacterium sp. E21L: genomics evidences. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in agro-environments poses serious risks to public health and ecological balance. In this study, Exiguobacterium sp. E21L, an endophytic strain, was isolated from carrot leaves cultivated in soil amended with sewage treatment plant-derived sludge. The strain exhibited resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics, including beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and macrolides, with a high Multi-Antibiotic Resistance Index of 0.88. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome of 3.06 Mb, encoding 3894 protein-coding genes, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) such as blaNDM, ermF, tetW, and sul1, along with heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) like czcD, copB, and nikA. Genomic islands carrying ARGs and stress-related genes suggested potential horizontal gene transfer. The strain demonstrated robust biofilm formation, high cell hydrophobicity (> 80%), and significant auto-aggregation (90% at 48 h), correlating with genes associated with motility, quorum sensing, and stress adaptation. Notably, phenotypic assays confirmed survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, emphasizing its resilience in host-associated environments. Comparative genomics positioned Exiguobacterium sp. E21L near Exiguobacterium chiriqhucha RW-2, with a core genome of 2716 conserved genes. Functional annotations revealed genes involved in xenobiotic degradation, multidrug efflux pumps, and ABC-type transporters, indicating versatile resistance mechanisms and metabolic capabilities. The presence of ARGs, HMRGs, and MGEs (mobile genetic elements) highlights the potential role of Exiguobacterium sp. E21L as a reservoir for resistance determinants in agricultural ecosystems. These findings emphasized the need for stringent regulations on sludge-based fertilizers and advanced sludge treatment strategies to mitigate AMR risks in agro-environments.202540148599
637980.9207Shotgun metagenome guided exploration of anthropogenically driven resistomic hotspots within Lonar soda lake of India. Anthropogenic activities mediated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the pristine aquatic bodies (lakes) is raising concern worldwide. Long read shotgun sequencing was used to assess taxonomic diversity, distribution of ARGs and metal resistance genes (MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in six sites within hypersaline Lonar soda lake (India) prone to various anthropogenic activities. Proteobacteria and Euryarchaeota were dominant phyla under domain Bacteria and Archaea respectively. Higher abundance of Bacteroidetes was pragmatic at sites 18LN5 and 18LN6. Functional analysis indicated 26 broad-spectrum ARGs types, not reported earlier in this ecosystem. Abundant ARG types identified were multidrug efflux, glycopepetide, bacitracin, tetracycline and aminogylcoside resistance. Sites 18LN1 and 18LN5 depicted 167 and 160 different ARGs subtypes respectively and rpoB2, bcrA, tetA(48), mupA, ompR, patA, vanR and multidrug ABC transporter genes were present in all samples. The rpoB2 gene was dominant in 18LN1, whereas bcrA gene in 18LN2-18LN6 sites. Around 24 MRGs types were detected with higher abundance of arsenic in 18LN1 and copper in 18LN2-18LN6, signifying metal contamination linked to MRGs. The bacterial taxa Pseudomonas, Thioalkalivibrio, Burkholderia, Clostridium, Paenibacillus, Bacillus and Streptomyces were significantly associated with ARGs. This study highlights the resistomic hotspots in the lake for deploying policies for conservation efforts.202032155479
537990.9203Membrane-Targeting Triphenylphosphonium Functionalized Ciprofloxacin for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have become a severe problem for public health. Developing new antibiotics for MDR bacteria is difficult, from inception to the clinically approved stage. Here, we have used a new approach, modification of an antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (CFX), with triphenylphosphonium (TPP, PPh(3)) moiety via ester- (CFX-ester-PPh(3)) and amide-coupling (CFX-amide-PPh(3)) to target bacterial membranes. In this study, we have evaluated the antibacterial activities of CFX and its derivatives against 16 species of bacteria, including MDR bacteria, using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, morphological monitoring, and expression of resistance-related genes. TPP-conjugated CFX, CFX-ester-PPh(3), and CFX-amide-PPh(3) showed significantly improved antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, including MDR S. aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) strains. The MRSA ST5 5016 strain showed high antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 11.12 µg/mL for CFX-ester-PPh(3) and 2.78 µg/mL for CFX-amide-PPh(3). The CFX derivatives inhibited biofilm formation in MRSA by more than 74.9% of CFX-amide-PPh(3). In the sub-MIC, CFX derivatives induced significant morphological changes in MRSA, including irregular deformation and membrane disruption, accompanied by a decrease in the level of resistance-related gene expression. With these promising results, this method is very likely to combat MDR bacteria through a simple TPP moiety modification of known antibiotics, which can be readily prepared at clinical sites.202033143023
9054100.9202Clinically Relevant Concentrations of Polymyxin B and Meropenem Synergistically Kill Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Minimize Biofilm Formation. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has severely impaired the treatment of chronic respiratory infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since the reintroduction of polymyxins as a last-line therapy against MDR Gram-negative bacteria, resistance to its monotherapy and recurrent infections continue to be reported and synergistic antibiotic combinations have been investigated. In this study, comprehensive in vitro microbiological evaluations including synergy panel screening, population analysis profiling, time-kill kinetics, anti-biofilm formation and membrane damage analysis studies were conducted to evaluate the combination of polymyxin B and meropenem against biofilm-producing, polymyxin-resistant MDR P. aeruginosa. Two phylogenetically unrelated MDR P. aeruginosa strains, FADDI-PA060 (MIC of polymyxin B [MIC(polymyxin B)], 64 mg/L; MIC(meropenem), 64 mg/L) and FADDI-PA107 (MIC(polymyxin B), 32 mg/L; MIC(meropenem), 4 mg/L) were investigated. Genome sequencing identified 57 (FADDI-PA060) and 50 (FADDI-PA107) genes predicted to confer resistance to a variety of antimicrobials, as well as multiple virulence factors in each strain. The presence of resistance genes to a particular antibiotic class generally aligned with MIC results. For both strains, all monotherapies of polymyxin B failed with substantial regrowth and biofilm formation. The combination of polymyxin B (16 mg/L)/meropenem (16 mg/L) was most effective, enhancing initial bacterial killing of FADDI-PA060 by ~3 log(10) CFU/mL, followed by a prolonged inhibition of regrowth for up to 24 h with a significant reduction in biofilm formation (* p < 0.05). Membrane integrity studies revealed a substantial increase in membrane depolarization and membrane permeability in the surviving cells. Against FADDI-PA107, planktonic and biofilm bacteria were completely eradicated. In summary, the combination of polymyxin B and meropenem demonstrated synergistic bacterial killing while reinstating the efficacy of two previously ineffective antibiotics against difficult-to-treat polymyxin-resistant MDR P. aeruginosa.202133918040
5237110.9201Phenotypic and genomic analysis of Enterococcus avium MC09 pathogenicity isolated from Scylla spp. (mud crab) in a Thai market. Enterococcus avium is a Gram-positive pathogenic bacterium classified under the Enterococcaceae family. E. avium has been isolated from diverse environmental sources, raising concerns about its potential role in the spread of antibiotic resistance. E. avium MC09, isolated from a mud crab in a Thai market, was analyzed for its antibiotic resistance and pathogenic potential in this study. The isolation of E. avium from mud crab is significant as it highlights the potential role of seafood as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which may pose risks to public health throughout the food chain. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method revealed that E. avium MC09 is resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, and exhibits alpha hemolysis on blood agar, indicating its potential virulence. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform, revealing the presence of resistance genes for macrolides (ermB) and tetracyclines (tetL and tetM). Furthermore, several virulence-associated genes were detected, such as srtC, ecbA, efaA, dltA, cpsA/uppS, cpsB/cdsA, cylR2, icps4I, cpsY, epsE, vctC, mgtB, ndk, lisR, and lgt suggesting a pathogenic potential. Additionally, the study identified several insertion sequences (ISs), including (IS1216, IS1216E, IS1216V, IS6770, ISEfa7, ISEfa8, and ISS1W which are commonly found in pathogenic Enterococcus strains. The presence of these IS elements further emphasizes the strain's potential for virulence and genetic adaptability. This study provides comprehensive insights into both the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of E. avium MC09, highlighting its antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic mechanisms, and underlines the importance of monitoring antibiotic resistance in seafood-associated bacteria.202540015576
3068120.9200Metagenomic profiling of pigeon faecal microbiota: insights into microbial diversity, pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance genes. Rock pigeon (Columba livia) droppings harbour diverse microorganisms, including potential pathogens. This study utilised shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyse pigeon faecal microbiota and identify potential pathogens. Fresh faecal samples (273) were collected within Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Kampar campus, Malaysia. Total genome and viral genomes were extracted and sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Taxonomic assignment, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene detection, and viral genome assembly were conducted using the CZ ID platform. The microbial diversity was predominated by bacteria, followed by eukaryotic viruses and fungi, with no archaea were detected. Pseudomonadota (84.44%) and Bacillota (15.26%) were the predominant bacterial phyla, with Pseudomonadota being 5.5 times more abundant, indicating potential enteric-like issues within the pigeon flocks. Approximately 5.11% of the bacterial community (comprising 38 species), was identified as potential pathogens, could primarily cause human enteric and respiratory infections. Nineteen AMR genes were detected, primarily associated with pathogenic Shigella, Salmonella, and Klebsiella. The presence of AMR genes and possible co-circulation among pathogenic bacteria impose the risk of emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nine avian virus species were detected. The predominant DNA virus, pigeon circovirus (73.23%) could cause immunosuppression, predisposing pigeons to secondary infections by E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and rotaviruses. The predominant RNA virus, rotaviruses (80.43%) could cause enteric diseases in both humans and birds. The fungal community comprised Kazachstania (94.11%) and Trichosporon (3.56%), with K. bovina and T. asahii identified as human pathogens. This study highlights the compelling need for effective pigeon control in dining areas, ventilation systems, and healthcare facilities.202540833454
6027130.9199Comprehensive Genomic Profiling and In Vitro Probiotic and Safety Assessments of Enterococcus faecium UFAS147 Isolated from Moroccan Goat Feces. Enterococci are beneficial commensal bacteria recognized for their probiotic effects and are commonly utilized as adjunct cultures in dairy product fermentation. However, their ability to acquire antibiotic resistance and contribute to infections raises significant safety concerns. In this study, both in vitro assays and genome sequencing were conducted to evaluate the safety, functionality, and probiotic potential of Enterococcus faecium UFAS147, isolated from Moroccan goat feces. The strain tolerated acidic conditions (96.79% survival at pH 1.5) and bile salt (1-4%), with notable autoaggregation (33.66%), coaggregation with Salmonella typhymurium ATCC14028 (72.78%), and Staphylococcus aureus B1 (65.55%). Safety assays confirmed the absence of hemolytic activity, mucin degradation, and biogenic amine production. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed sensitivity to six antibiotics. PCR analysis further confirmed the absence of vanA and vanB genes associated with vancomycin resistance. Genome analysis revealed a length of 2,606,111 bp with a GC content of 38.11% and the absence of genes linked to acquired antimicrobial resistance, cytolysins, and biogenic amine production. Genes supporting probiotic traits, such as Enterocin A, Enterocin P, and Enterolysin A, acid and bile resistance, adhesion, and colonization were identified. These findings highlight E. faecium UFAS147 as a promising candidate for probiotic applications.202540608139
3070140.9199Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Water Reservoirs and Related Wastewater from Animal Farms in Central China. This study aimed to explore the phenotype and relationship of drug resistance genes in livestock and poultry farm wastewater and drinking water reservoirs to provide evidence for the transmission mechanisms of drug resistance genes, in order to reveal the spread of drug resistance genes in wastewater from intensive farms in Central China to urban reservoirs that serve as drinking water sources and provide preliminary data for the treatment of wastewater from animal farms to reduce the threat to human beings. DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing were performed on eight groups of samples collected from four water reservoirs and four related wastewaters from animal farms in Central China. Metagenomic sequencing showed that the top 20 AROs with the highest abundance were vanT_gene, vanY_gene, adeF, qacG, Mtub_rpsL_STR, vanY_gene_, vanW_gene, Mtub_murA_FOF, vanY_gene, vanH_gene, FosG, rsmA, qacJ, RbpA, vanW_gene, aadA6, vanY_gene, sul4, sul1, and InuF. The resistance genes mentioned above belong to the following categories of drug resistance mechanisms: antibiotic target replacement, antibiotic target protection, antibiotic inactivation, and antibiotic efflux. The resistomes that match the top 20 genes are Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus anginosus; Enterococcus faecalis; Enterococcus faecium; Actinomyces viscosus and Bacillus cereus. Enterococcus faecium; Clostridium tetani; Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus anginosus; Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus anginosus; Acinetobacter baumannii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Corynebacterium urealyticum, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Schaalia odontolytica, and Trueperella pyogenes; Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Aeromonas caviae, Enterobacter hormaechei, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio metoecus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens; Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus equorum; M. avium, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Acinetobacter baumannii; Sphingobium yanoikuyae, Acinetobacter indicus, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, and Providencia stuartii. Unreported drug resistance genes and drug-resistant bacteria in Central China were identified in 2023. In the transmission path of drug resistance genes, the transmission path from aquaculture wastewater to human drinking water sources cannot be ignored. For the sake of human health and ecological balance, the treatment of aquaculture wastewater needs to be further strengthened, and the effective blocking of drug resistance gene transmission needs to be considered.202438399800
9747150.9199A Novel Enterococcus Phage Endolysin Lys22 with a Wide Host Range Against Mixed Biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The global surge in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens has created an urgent imperative for innovative antimicrobial strategies. Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii demonstrate remarkable antibiotic resistance and dominate hospital-acquired infections. These bacteria often form biofilms, a complex community structure that shields them from immune system phagocytosis, resists antibiotic penetration, and enhances their survival in hostile environments. In clinical cases, these bacteria often form mixed biofilms and lead to treatment failures. Phages and their derivatives have emerged as promising candidates in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria. Lys22, an endolysin derived from an enterococcus phage, has been cloned and demonstrated to possess a broad host range, effectively targeting E. faecalis, various Staphylococcus species, and A. baumannii. When applied to the biofilms formed by these bacteria, Lys22 was found to significantly inhibit both simple and complex biofilms in vitro. Virulent genes, including agrA, sarA, and icaA in S. aureus; asa1, cylA, and gelE in E. faecalis; and OmpA and lpsB in A. baumannii were also downregulated by Lys22. Notably, Lys22 also exhibited a robust protective effect against dual or triple infections involving E. faecalis, S. aureus, and A. baumannii in a zebrafish embryos model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent in combatting multi-bacterial infections.202541156670
3165160.9197Metagenomic and Recombination Analyses of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes from Recreational Waters of Black Sea Coastal Areas and Other Marine Environments Unveil Extensive Evidence for Their both Intrageneric and Intergeneric Transmission across Genetically Very Diverse Microbial Communities. Microbial communities of marine coastal recreation waters have become large reservoirs of AMR genes (ARGs), contributing to the emergence and transmission of various zoonotic, foodborne and other infections that exhibit resistance to various antibiotics. Thus, it is highly imperative to determine ARGs assemblages as well as mechanisms and trajectories of their transmission across these microbial communities for our better understanding of the evolutionary trends of AMR (AMR). In this study, using metagenomics approaches, we screened for ARGs in recreation waters of the Black Sea coastal areas of the Batumi City (Georgia). Also, a large array of the recombination detection algorithms of the SplitsTree, RDP4, and GARD was applied to elucidate genetic recombination of ARGs and trajectories of their transmission across various marine microbial communities. The metagenomics analyses of sea water samples, obtained from across the above marine sites, could identify putative ARGs encoding for multidrug resistance efflux transporters mainly from the Major Facilitator and Resistance Nodulation Division superfamilies. The data, generated by SplitsTree (fit ≥95.619; bootstrap values ≥ 95; Phi p ≤ 0.0494), RDP4 (p ≤ 0.0490), and GARD, provided strong statistical evidence not only for intrageneric recombination of these ARGs, but also for their intergeneric recombination across fairly large and diverse microbial communities of marine environment. These bacteria included both human pathogenic and nonpathogenic species, exhibiting collectively the genera of Vibrio, Aeromonas, Synechococcus, Citromicrobium, Rhodobacteraceae, Pseudoalteromonas, Altererythrobacter, Erythrobacter, Altererythrobacter, Marivivens, Xuhuaishuia, and Loktanella. The above nonpathogenic bacteria are strongly suggested to contribute to ARGs transmission in marine ecosystems.202234922301
5205170.9196Antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, the novel sequence types (ST) 7979 and 7980 from Indonesia. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a human pathogen of global concern. The more recently described pathogen, K. quasipneumoniae, shares similar morphological characteristics with K. pneumoniae and is commonly misidentified as this species using conventional laboratory techniques. This study investigates the molecular characteristics of four phenotype-identified K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from hospital wastewater in Jakarta, Indonesia. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and the Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) showed that these isolates were eventually identified as K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae, a closely related species of K. pneumoniae. These isolates of novel ST7979 and ST7980 strains are classified as multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and harbor many antibiotic-resistance genes. Interestingly, the novel ST7980 strain is carbapenem non-susceptible and harbors the sul1 gene and the heat-stable enterotoxin gene, astA. The ST7979 strains have KL55 capsular type and O3b type, whereas the ST7980 strains have KL107 and O12 types. Our finding highlights the significance of identifying the K. quasipneumoniae strain utilizing a genomic platform. Additionally, routine surveillance is needed to monitor the hospital wastewater and avoid the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.202540609771
5215180.9196Draft genome sequence of Bacillus safensis 2T-2, isolated from drinking water. Bacillus safensis 2T-2 was isolated from potable water at a municipal water treatment facility in the North West province of South Africa, representing the first report of this species in treated drinking water systems. Whole genome sequencing revealed a 3.78 Mb genome with 41.3 % GC content and 4000 coding sequences distributed across 126 contigs. Genome analysis identified six antibiotic resistance genes, including vancomycin resistance genes (vanT, vanY), fosfomycin resistance (fosBx1), chloramphenicol resistance (cat86), and two disinfectant resistance genes (qacG, qacJ). Despite the presence of resistance genes, PathogenFinder analysis confirmed low pathogenic potential (0.168 probability). The strain demonstrated significant biosynthetic capabilities with 12 secondary metabolite gene clusters, including antimicrobial compound production (plantazolicin), biosurfactants (lichenysin), siderophores (bacillibactin, schizokinen), and the lipopeptide fengycin. Five bacteriocin gene clusters were identified, containing three core peptide genes (UviB, plantazolicin, pumilarin) with associated modification and transport genes. Phylogenetic analysis positioned strain 2T-2 closest to B. safensis F0-36b, confirming species identification. These findings highlight the dual nature of environmental bacteria in water systems, possessing both concerning antibiotic resistance traits and beneficial biotechnological potential, emphasizing the need for enhanced water treatment strategies while revealing opportunities for bioactive compound discovery.202540727027
4690190.9194Bacteriophage-Mediated Risk Pathways Underlying the Emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance via Intrageneric and Intergeneric Recombination of Antibiotic Efflux Genes Across Natural populations of Human Pathogenic Bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a significant and growing threat to global public health, being driven by the emerging drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of human and animal bacterial pathogens. While bacteriophages are generally known to be one of the vehicles of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), it remains largely unclear how these organisms contribute to the dissemination of the genetic loci encoding for antibiotic efflux pumps, especially those that confer multidrug resistance, in bacteria. In this study, the in-silico recombination analyses provided strong statistical evidence for bacteriophage-mediated intra-species recombination of ARGs, encoding mainly for the antibiotic efflux proteins from the MF superfamily, as well as from the ABC and RND families, in Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus suis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Burkholderia pseudomallei. Events of bacteriophage-driven intrageneric recombination of some of these genes could be also elucidated among Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus tropicus natural populations. Moreover, we could also reveal the patterns of intergeneric recombination, involving the MF superfamily transporter-encoding genetic loci, induced by a Mycobacterium smegmatis phage, in natural populations of Streptomyces harbinensis and Streptomyces chartreusis. The SplitsTree- (fit: 100; bootstrap values: 92.7-100; Phi p ≤ 0.2414), RDP4- (p ≤ 0.0361), and GARD-generated data strongly supported the above genetic recombination inferences in these in-silico analyses. Thus, based on this pilot study, it can be suggested that the above mode of bacteriophage-mediated recombination plays at least some role in the emergence and transmission of multidrug resistance across a fairly broad spectrum of bacterial species and genera including human pathogens.202234467445