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Topic Review
Current Detection Methods in Complex Samples
Several detection methods of microorganisms are routinely used in industry. The choice of method or combination of methods depends on the characteristics of the medium of interest. Indeed, its composition can physically hinder some methods. Similarly, culture medium and incubation times must be chosen accordingly to promote the growth of specific microorganisms (molds, yeasts, or bacteria). The most commonly used technique for detection of microorganisms in complex biological samples is microbiological growth, either on solid agar plate or in liquid medium, i.e., blood culture, which refers to automated methods based on the growth of microorganisms in liquid media. This historical model tends to be replaced by faster methods.
  • 591
  • 22 Jun 2022
Topic Review
β-Lactams
Ceftaroline fosamil is an N-phosphono prodrug of the fifth generation cephalosporin derivative ceftaroline, presenting two amino side groups located at positions 3 and 7, respectively.
  • 590
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
The Evolution of the Shigella Pathovar
Shigella spp. cause hundreds of millions of intestinal infections each year. They target the mucosa of the human colon and are an important model of intracellular bacterial pathogenesis. Shigella is a pathovar of Escherichia coli that is characterized by the presence of a large invasion plasmid, pINV, which encodes the characteristic type III secretion system and icsA used for cytosol invasion and cell-to-cell spread, respectively. 
  • 589
  • 13 Jul 2023
Topic Review
STEC-HUS Therapeutic Strategies
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is a clinical syndrome involving hemolytic anemia (with fragmented red blood cells), low levels of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia), and acute kidney injury (AKI). It is the major infectious cause of AKI in children. In severe cases, neurological complications and even death may occur. Treating STEC-HUS is challenging, as patients often already have organ injuries when they seek medical treatment.
  • 585
  • 13 Mar 2023
Topic Review
The Microbiota in Long COVID
Long COVID has emerged as a huge threat to human health and economy globally. The human microbiota plays an important role in health and disease, participating in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, multiple studies have found that the nasopharyngeal microbiota is altered in COVID-19 patients, with these changes associated with the onset and/or severity of the disease. However, little is known about the involvement of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of long COVID.
  • 585
  • 21 Mar 2024
Topic Review
International Society for NeuroVirology
The International Society for NeuroVirology (ISNV) was founded to promote research into disease-causing viruses that infect the human brain and nervous system. The ISNV membership includes scientists and clinicians from around the world who work in the fields of basic, translational, and clinical neurovirology.
  • 580
  • 29 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Impact of Antibiotic Resistance on Gastrointestinal Tract Environment
The spread of antibiotic resistance represents one of the major global health care concerns. Antibiotics severely affect the diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiome. This can lead to the loss of essential taxa and changes in the host’s metabolism.
  • 579
  • 04 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Exopolysaccharides Synthesized by Rhizospheric Bacteria
Plants are constantly exposed to a wide range of environmental factors that cause different kinds of stress, such as drought, salinity, heat, frost, and low nutrient availability. There are also biotic sources of stress, which include pathogens (bacteria, viruses, pests), herbivores, and plant competitors. These various types of stress affect normal plant physiology and development, and may lead to significantly lower yields. However, certain microorganisms (MOs), known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), can interact with and benefit plants in stressful environments. They do so through a series of mechanisms which contribute to minimizing the negative effects of plants’ responses to stress. 
  • 579
  • 23 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Photosynthetic Function of Phycobilisomes
The phycobilisome (PBS) is the major light-harvesting apparatus in cyanobacteria and red algae. It is a large multi-subunit protein complex of several megadaltons that is found on the stromal side of thylakoid membranes in orderly arrays. Chromophore lyases catalyse the thioether bond between apoproteins and phycobilins of PBSs.
  • 570
  • 14 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Role of Phage Particles in Chronic Liver Diseases
The gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea, all of which are closely related with human health. As the main component of enterovirus, the role of bacteriophages (phages) in chronic liver disease has been gradually recognized. Chronic liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, exhibit alterations of the enteric phages. Phages shape the intestinal bacterial colonization and regulate bacterial metabolism. Phages adjoining to intestinal epithelial cells prevents bacteria from invading the intestinal barrier, and mediate intestinal inflammatory response. Phages are also observed increasing intestinal permeability and migrating to peripheral blood and organs, likely contributing to inflammatory injury in chronic liver diseases. By preying on harmful bacteria, phages can improve the gut microbiome of patients with chronic liver disease and thus act as an effective treatment method.
  • 569
  • 09 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Natural History of Influenza B Virus
Influenza B virus (IBV) significantly impacts the health and the economy of the global population. WHO global health estimates project 1 billion flu cases annually, with 3 to 5 million resulting in severe disease and 0.3 to 0.5 million influenza-related deaths worldwide. Influenza B virus epidemics result in significant economic losses due to healthcare expenses, reduced workforce productivity, and strain on healthcare systems. 
  • 569
  • 05 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Rhamnolipids and Trichosporon cutaneum Biofilm
Rhamnolipids are a class of glycolipids, and their molecule is formed by one or two (l)-rhamnose molecules, with a glycosidic linkage to the hydrophobic group made up of one or two β-hydroxy fatty acids. These amphiphilic compounds belong to biosurfactants, produced mainly by microorganisms. The best-studied producer of rhamnolipids is the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa .
  • 565
  • 08 Dec 2021
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 S Conserved Regions for Vaccine Development
Several distinct pathogenic coronaviruses have emerged, including the pandemic SARS-CoV-2, which is difficult to curtail despite the availability of licensed vaccines. The difficulty in managing SARS-CoV-2 is linked to changes in the variants’ proteins, especially in the spike protein (SP) used for viral entry. These mutations, especially in the SP, enable the virus to evade immune responses induced by natural infection or vaccination. However, some parts of the SP in the S1 subunit and the S2 subunit are considered conserved among coronaviruses. 
  • 563
  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Intestinal Microbes and Hematological Malignancies
Human gut microbes make up the most complex and essential micro-ecosystem in the body. Leukemia arises from clonal proliferation of abnormal hematopoietic stem cells, leading to disruption of normal marrow function and marrow failure, with an incidence of 0.97%, which is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of the malignant clone and marrow failure. An anaplastic disease originating in lymph nodes or lymphoid tissue, lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of neoplastic diseases. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a terminally differentiated malignant clonal disease of plasma cells with an incidence of 0.41% of all human tumors, manifested by bone marrow clonal plasma cell infiltration and the presence of monoclonal M protein in peripheral blood and (or) urine. Gut microbes are closely related to the initiation and progression of hematological malignancies. Direct and indirect mechanisms influence the initiation and progression of hematological malignancies by intestinal microbes.
  • 562
  • 04 May 2023
Topic Review
Human Papillomavirus Impact on Sperm
Increasing attention has been paid to understanding the causes of infertility, which is being recognized as a growing health problem affecting large numbers of couples worldwide. Male infertility is a contributing factor in approximately 30–40% of cases, and one of its etiological causes is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Among sexually transmitted pathogens, human papillomavirus (HPV) can contribute in various ways to the failure of spontaneous and assisted reproduction, acting in the different phases of conception, especially in the early ones. In particular, HPV infection can affect sperm DNA integrity, sperm motility, count, viability, and morphology and can induce the production of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs).
  • 562
  • 19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global problem for public health, and focusing on biofilms has provided further insights into resistance evolution in bacteria.poorly treated bacterial infections can lead to failures of different organ systems, particularly in fragile patients, and excessive immune-mediated inflammatory responses during sepsis may occur more frequently. Is it possible that nature can help control AMR diffusion? An analysis of resistance mechanisms is summarized, and an excursus of the different approaches to challenging resistance spread based on natural processes is presented as “lessons from Nature”. On the “host side”, immunotherapy strategies for bacterial infections have a long history before antibiotics, but continuous new inputs through biotechnology advances are enlarging their applications, efficacy, and safety. Antimicrobial peptides and monoclonal antibodies are considered for controlling antibiotic resistance. Understanding the biology of natural predators is providing new, effective, and safe ways to combat resistant bacteria. As natural enemies, bacteriophages were used to treat severe infections before the discovery of antibiotics, marginalized during the antibiotic era, and revitalized upon the diffusion of multi-resistance. Finally, sociopolitical aspects such as education, global action, and climate change control are also considered as important tools for tackling antibiotic resistance from the One Health perspective.
  • 561
  • 06 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Emerging Pollutants in Grey Wastewater
Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential to prevent infectious diseases from occurring and spreading. Everyday practices such as cleaning objects used often, washing face and hair, and brushing teeth, require using appropriate synthetic chemicals (personal health care products, PCP). Emerging micropollutants (EMPs) are compounds that have recently been classified as harmful to the environment and, consequently, the health of human beings. One specific group is micro-pollutants (M.P.s): contaminants found in trace concentrations (microgram to nanogram per litter or kg). The most detected micropollutants in greywater are Triclosan (biocide), Methylparaben, and Propylparaben (preservatives), Galaxolide and Tonalide (fragrances), as well as Oxybenzone and Octocrylene (U.V. filters) and Benzalkonium chloride. Biocides are active chemicals that control the growth of bacteria or kill them. Preservatives are compounds that inhibit the growth of any infectious microorganisms that may be present. Fragrance ingredients are extensively used in PCPs. Ultraviolet (UV) filters are compounds that block or absorb ultraviolet light. Benzalkonium chloride is used primarily as a disinfectant and is a common ingredient in domestic applications like personal hygiene products or fabric softeners.
  • 560
  • 27 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Herbal Medicines for Gut Microbiota in Obesity
Herbal medicine is a low-cost treatment and has been increasingly applied in obesity treatment. Gut microbiota (GM) is strongly associated with obesity pathogenesis. Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis had significant effects on weight loss herbal intervention therapy composed by five Chinese herbal medicines Ganoderma lucidum, Coptis chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Nelumbo nucifera gaertn, and Fructus aurantii (W-LHIT) and white common bean extract (WCBE) on GM, but no significant changes in anthropometry and laboratory biomarkers.
  • 560
  • 19 May 2023
Topic Review
Hallmarks and Antimicrobic Therapy Management of Sepsis Pathogenesis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Despite significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world, its pathogenesis and mechanisms are not clearly understood. 
  • 557
  • 07 Feb 2022
Topic Review
The Human Microbiome in Brief
The human microbiome is an intricate and diverse ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. This hidden universe thrives within us, with approximately 100 trillion microorganisms coexisting in harmony with our human cells. While the gut microbiome is the most extensively studied, other regions of the body, including the skin, mouth, vagina, and even the respiratory tract, host unique microbial communities. These microscopic inhabitants are not mere passengers but active participants in our bodily functions. They aid in digestion, regulate metabolism, educate our immune systems, and even influence our mental health through the gut-brain axis. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in these microbial communities, has been linked to various health conditions, from gastrointestinal disorders to autoimmune diseases and mental health disorders. As research in this field advances, the potential for personalized medicine and innovative treatments becomes increasingly promising, opening doors to a new era of healthcare and well-being.
  • 556
  • 28 Sep 2023
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