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Topic Review

Types of Bacterial Movement

Skin and wound infections are serious medical problems, and the diversity of bacteria makes such infections difficult to treat. Bacteria possess many virulence factors, among which motility plays a key role in skin infections. This feature allows for movement over the skin surface and relocation into the wound. The aim is to review the type of bacterial movement and to indicate the underlying mechanisms than can serve as a target for developing or modifying antibacterial therapies applied in wound infection treatment. Five types of bacterial movement are distinguished: appendage-dependent (swimming, swarming, and twitching) and appendage-independent (gliding and sliding). All of them allow bacteria to relocate and aid bacteria during infection. Swimming motility allows bacteria to spread from ‘persister cells’ in biofilm microcolonies and colonise other tissues. Twitching motility enables bacteria to press through the tissues during infection, whereas sliding motility allows cocci (defined as non-motile) to migrate over surfaces. Bacteria during swarming display greater resistance to antimicrobials. Molecular motors generating the focal adhesion complexes in the bacterial cell leaflet generate a ‘wave’, which pushes bacterial cells lacking appendages, thereby enabling movement.

3.5K
06 Jul 2023

Topic Review

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are the additional opportunistic pathogenic mycobacterial complex groups that consists of M. avium, M. marinum, M. hemophilum, M. kansasii, M. scrofulaceum, M. gordonae, M. abscessus, M. fortuitum and M. chelonae. They do not cause TB; however, they can produce pulmonary infections, lymphadenitis, skin disease, endometritis and disseminated disease. Thus, NTM are denoted by other names such as environmental mycobacteria or mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) and atypical mycobacteria (ATM) [1–4].

3.4K
06 Nov 2020

Topic Review

Biosurfactants can play a significant role in the prevention, control and treatment of diseases caused by a range of pathogenic agents through various therapeutic, pharmaceutical, environmental and hygiene approaches.

3.4K
28 Jan 2021

Topic Review

Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB)

The salinization of soils is the main threat of agriculture, it affects a large area every year. thus, instead of chemical buffers, bacteria are suggested as an effective solution. In addition, bacteria promoting plant growth are in fact known as a potential alternative to restore, promote and protect crops.

3.4K
27 Oct 2020

Topic Review

Glutamate Decarboxylase

Glutamate decarboxylase (l-glutamate-1-carboxylase, GAD; EC 4.1.1.15) is a pyridoxal-5’-phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the irreversible α-decarboxylation of l-glutamic acid to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and CO2. The enzyme is widely distributed in eukaryotes as well as prokaryotes, where it—together with its reaction product GABA—fulfils very different physiological functions. The occurrence of gad genes encoding GAD has been shown for many microorganisms, and GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been a focus of research during recent years. A wide range of traditional foods produced by fermentation based on LAB offer the potential of providing new functional food products enriched with GABA that may offer certain health-benefits. Different GAD enzymes and genes from several strains of LAB have been isolated and characterized recently.

3.4K
23 Dec 2020

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Multifaceted Applications in One Health and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), a yeast with an extensive history in food and beverage fermentations, is increasingly acknowledged for its multifaceted application in promoting and benefiting all aspects of a ‘One Health’ approach, including the prevention and control of zoonoses. For instance, SC contributes to environmentally sustainable agricultural practices through the reduced use of toxic agents, thus minimizing air and soil pollution while enhancing crop quality. Additionally, this versatile yeast can improve the health of domestic and farm animals, leading to more efficient and sustainable food production, while fostering synergistic impacts across environmental, animal, and human health spheres. Moreover, SC directly applies benefits to human health by promoting improved nutrition, improving gut health through probiotics, as an alternative to antibiotics, and treating gastric disorders. By aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SC is vital in advancing global health and well-being, environmental sustainability, and responsible consumption and production. This entry illustrates the numerous benefits of SC and highlights its significant impact on a global ‘One Health’ scale, promoting the achievement of SDGs through its unique characteristics and deeper understanding of its contribution to the One Health concept.

3.4K
16 May 2023

Topic Review

Bioevaluation of Artemisia judaica L. Plant’s Essential Oil

Artemisia judaica (ArJ) is a Mediterranean aromatic plant used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal ailments, skin diseases, atherosclerosis, and as an immuno-stimulant. Researches validate the curative role of ArJ in the treatment of skin wounds, which is attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its high proportion of oxygenated monoterpenes and cinnamate derivatives.

3.4K
21 Feb 2022

Topic Review

Erysipelas (/ˌɛrəˈsɪpələs/) is a relatively common bacterial infection of the superficial layer of the skin (upper dermis), extending to the superficial lymphatic vessels within the skin, characterized by a raised, well-defined, tender, bright red rash, typically on the face or legs, but which can occur anywhere on the skin. It is a form of cellulitis and is potentially serious. Erysipelas is usually caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A β-hemolytic streptococci, through a break in the skin such as from scratches or an insect bite. It is more superficial than cellulitis, and is typically more raised and demarcated. The term is from Greek ἐρυσίπελας (erysípelas), meaning "red skin". In animals, erysipelas is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The disease caused in animals is called Diamond Skin Disease, which occurs especially in pigs. Heart valves and skin are affected. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae can also infect humans, but in that case, the infection is known as erysipeloid.

3.4K
23 Nov 2022

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Fungal Spores and Plant Bioactive Compounds

Fungi, and their spores, are responsible for the spoilage of several foods and plants and are susceptible to contamination with mycotoxins, which have associated health hazards. In this context, proper methodologies for inactivating such fungi and controlling mycotoxin production are critical. High-pressure processing (HPP) has recently become popular as a nonthermal alternative to conventional thermal pasteurization processes. Even though HPP can effectively eliminate some fungal spores, some species, such as those from the genera Byssochlamys, Talaromyces, and Aspergillus, are quite resistant to this treatment. Additionally, high pressure can also be used as a cold extraction technique for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and other matrices (termed high pressure-assisted extraction, HPE). With this method, safe use for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications is guaranteed. This method simultaneously works (depending on the applied pressure level) as an extraction technique and induces the pasteurization effect on the extracts. This encyclopedia entry aims to highlight the effects of nonthermal HPP on fungal spores, the prevalence of mycotoxins in plant materials and how high pressure can be used as an extraction technique to produce high-value cold pasteurized extracts with biological activity.

3.3K
18 Oct 2022

Topic Review

Bacteriophage Tail Fiber Interaction with Host Surface Receptor

Bacteriophages (phages), as natural antibacterial agents, are being rediscovered because of the growing threat of multi- and pan-drug-resistant bacterial pathogens globally. Most phages package their genome in the proteinaceous capsid (or head) and have a tail attached to the capsid. Tailed double-stranded DNA bacteriophages belonging to the class Caudoviricetes (Cauda means “tail” in Latin) are the most prevalent (~96% of all known phages). Based on tail morphology, they are further classified into three morphotypes: myovirus, siphovirus, and podovirus. Myophages (e.g., T4, T2, Mu, S16, and φKZ) have long, rigid, contractile tails with a sheath around a central tube; siphophages (e.g., λ, T5, HK97, and SPP1) possess long, flexible, non-contractile tails; and podophages (e.g., T7, T3, P22, and φ29) have short, non-contractile tails. Of these, myophages possess the most complex tail architectures with the greatest number of proteins involved in tail assembly and function.

3.3K
20 Oct 2022

Topic Review

The phylum "Bacteroidetes" is composed of three large classes of Gram-negative, nonsporeforming, anaerobic or aerobic, and rod-shaped bacteria that are widely distributed in the environment, including in soil, sediments, and sea water, as well as in the guts and on the skin of animals. Although some Bacteroides spp. can be opportunistic pathogens, many "Bacteroidetes" are symbiotic species highly adjusted to the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteroides are highly abundant in intestines, reaching up to 1011 cells g−1 of intestinal material. They perform metabolic conversions that are essential for the host, such as degradation of proteins or complex sugar polymers. "Bacteroidetes" colonize the gastrointestinal tract already in infants, as non-digestible oligosaccharides in mother milk support the growth of both Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium spp. Bacteroides spp. are selectively recognized by the immune system of the host through specific interactions.

3.3K
21 Jul 2025

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Prototheca spp. in Bovine Infections

Prototheca microalgae, although still considered uncommon etiologic agents, represent an insidious intruder, threatening cattle herd health and determining productive losses. Increasing numbers of clinical cases globally identified would indicate these microalgae as emerging pathogens. They can be isolated from a wide variety of environmental and non-environmental sources, due also to their ability to produce biofilm. This ability to spread and contaminate a huge variety of substrates, as well as the high resistance to elevated temperatures, renders Prototheca prevention a very hard task. In addition, early infection signs are subtle and difficult to detect. The poor response to conventional antimycotic drugs represents an additional challenge when facing this infection. Although it would seem unrealistic to completely eradicate the exposure risk of cows to these microalgae, the adoption of proper on-farm protocols and management, with the highest attention to hygiene measures, would be beneficial in reducing the magnitude of this problem. Keeping the attention focused on early diagnosis, together with the development of new, alternative, and effective agents and formulations, would be strongly advised to prevent, treat, and control Prototheca infections.

3.3K
11 Sep 2023

Topic Review

Structure and Function of Microbial Lipases

Lipases or triacylglycerol acyl hydrolases (EC 3.1.1.3) are ubiquitous in all realms of life. In nature, they are mainly characterized by catalyzing the hydrolysis of triglycerides and long-chain partial glycerides, releasing fatty acids, monoglycerides and glycerol. These enzymes constitute a key link in the cellular processes related to the absorption, release and metabolism of fats, since its substrates and derivatives are the most abundant lipids in cells. On the other hand, some lipases have also been attributed functions as defense enzymes or as virulence factors. The main aspects of the structure–function of microbial lipases, reviewed more extensively in other articles, will be summarized in a general way, but, here, emphasis will be placed on aspects to be discussed in later sections such as their immobilization and applications in reactions of interest in the production of compounds related to APIs.

3.2K
21 Sep 2022

Topic Review

Yarrowia lipolytica

After having drawn some industrialists’ attention as early as the 1950s, the non-conventional oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been recognized since several decades, as a powerful host for heterologous protein expression, secretion and surface display. The development of sequencing and genetic engineering tools, combined with an increasing knowledge of its metabolism, have then facilitated the complex engineering of the metabolic pathways of this yeast for various applications. Since nearly two decades, numerous laboratories throughout the world have chosen Y. lipolytica as a chassis for designing microbial cell factories. White biotechnology applications of this yeast include notably single cell oil production, whole cell bioconversion and upgrading of industrial wastes.

3.2K
19 Jul 2021

Topic Review

Malaria is a severe disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans by a bite of an infected female mosquito of the species Anopheles. Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality around the world, and early diagnosis and fast-acting treatment prevent unwanted outcomes. It is the most common disease in Africa and some countries of Asia, while in the developed world malaria occurs as imported from endemic areas. The sweet sagewort plant was used as early as the second century BC to treat malaria fever in China. Much later, quinine started being used as an antimalaria drug. A global battle against malaria started in 1955. The World Health Organization carries out a malaria control program on a global scale, focusing on local strengthening of primary health care, early diagnosis of the disease, timely treatment, and disease prevention. Globally, the burden of malaria is lower than ten years ago. However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of malaria cases around the world. It is moving towards targets established by the WHO, but that progress has slowed down.

3.2K
17 Feb 2021

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Fungal Metabolites in Human Health and Diseases—An Overview

Fungi produce a wide range of secondary metabolites. Some of these metabolites are toxic to humans and cause various health disorders, ranging from acute poisoning to chronic diseases. Contrary to this, some fungal metabolites are valuable sources in therapeutics, such as penicillin. Herein, researchers briefly highlight the role played by different fungal metabolites in human health and diseases and give an overview of the most common fungal genera.

3.2K
24 Oct 2022

Topic Review

MALDI–TOF Mass Spectrometry in Microbiology

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique that has emerged as a powerful tool in clinical microbiology for identifying peptides and proteins, which makes it a promising tool for microbial identification. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight MS (MALDI–TOF MS) offers a cost- and time-effective alternative to conventional methods, such as bacterial culture and even 16S rRNA gene sequencing, for identifying viruses, bacteria and fungi and detecting virulence factors and mechanisms of resistance.

3.2K
24 Nov 2021

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Fungal Endophytes: An Alternative Biocontrol Agent against Phytopathogenic Fungi

There has been renewed interest in the application of endophytic fungi to control phytopathogenic fungi, which cause significant damage to crop health, ultimately leading to losses in agricultural productivity. Endophytic fungi inhibit pathogens via different modes of action—mycoparasitism, competition (for nutrients and ecological niches), antibiosis, and induction of plant defense—thus demonstrating the ability to control a wide range of phytopathogenic fungi in different growth phases and habitats. However, many studies have been conducted under laboratory conditions, and there is a huge lack of studies in which real field testing was performed. Aspergillus, Clonostachys, Coniothyrium, Trichoderma, and Verticillium have been proven to be the most effective fungal biocontrol agents. Trichoderma is regarded as the most promising group in commercial formulations. This study attempted to emphasize the significance of fungal endophytes in controlling phytopathogenic fungi, while reporting recent advances in endophytic biology and application.

3.2K
21 Jun 2023

Topic Review

Pyocyanin is a blue pigment synthesized by about 95% of the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

3.1K
02 Mar 2021

Topic Review Peer Reviewed

Fungi in a One Health Perspective

Fungi constitute a diverse group with highly positive and negative impacts in different environments, having several natural roles and beneficial applications in human life, but also causing several concerns. Fungi can affect human health directly, but also indirectly by being detrimental for animal and plant health, influencing food safety and security. Climate changes are also affecting fungal distribution, prevalence, and their impact on different settings. Searching for sustainable solutions to deal with these issues is challenging due to the complex interactions among fungi and agricultural and forestry plants, animal production, environment, and human and animal health. In this way, the “One Health” approach may be useful to obtain some answers since it recognizes that human health is closely connected to animal and plant health, as well as to the shared environment. This review aims to explore and correlate each of those factors influencing human health in this “One Health” perspective. Thus, the impact of fungi on plants, human, and animal health, and the role of the environment as an influencing factor on these elements are discussed.

3.1K
24 Jul 2023

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