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Topic Review
Bacterial Opportunistic Infections via the Dietary Route
Different bacterial groups present in food or drinking water, other than the major pathogens which are objects of specific surveillance and control measures according to food legislation norms, may behave as opportunistic pathogens in people with underlying conditions or predisposing factors. These belong to bacterial genera or species that cause mild or no illness in immunocompetent persons but can cause life-threatening infections in vulnerable subjects. As an example, lactobacilli, which are essential for food fermentation and probiotics with in vivo proven beneficial effects, were the cause of bacteremia, endocarditis, and other localized infections most often in immunocompromised, diabetic persons, or patients with a history of predisposing events such as medical interventions, diseases, or oral infections and dental procedures. The bacterial groups involved in opportunistic infections, the illnesses caused and sources of infection are described below.
  • 610
  • 10 Jan 2024
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. 
  • 609
  • 13 Jul 2023
Topic Review
DnaA and Hyperstructure Dynamics in the Cell Cycle
The DnaA protein has long been considered to play the key role in the initiation of chromosome replication in modern bacteria.
  • 609
  • 26 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Impacts of Nasal Microbiome on Childhood Asthma
Childhood asthma is a major chronic non-communicable disease in infants and children, often triggered by respiratory tract infections. The nasal cavity is a reservoir for a broad variety of commensal microbes and potential pathogens associated with respiratory illnesses including asthma. A healthy nasal microenvironment has protective effects against respiratory tract infections. The first microbial colonisation in the nasal region is initiated immediately after birth. Subsequently, colonisation by nasal microbiota during infancy plays important roles in rapidly establishing immune homeostasis and the development and maturation of the immune system. Dysbiosis of microbiota residing in the mucosal surfaces, such as the nasopharynx and guts, triggers immune modulation, severe infection, and exacerbation events. Nasal microbiome dysbiosis is related to the onset of symptomatic infections. Dynamic interactions between viral infections and the nasal microbiota in early life affect the later development of respiratory infections.
  • 608
  • 14 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Virulence Factors of UPEC-Associated Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, especially among women and older adults, leading to a significant global healthcare cost burden. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the most common cause and accounts for the majority of community-acquired UTIs. Infection by UPEC can cause discomfort, polyuria, and fever. More serious clinical consequences can result in urosepsis, kidney damage, and death. UPEC is a highly adaptive pathogen which presents significant treatment challenges rooted in a complex interplay of molecular factors that allow UPEC to evade host defences, persist within the urinary tract, and resist antibiotic therapy. 
  • 608
  • 15 Sep 2023
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.
  • 607
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Therapeutic Potential of Marine Probiotics
Due to the increasing limitations and negative impacts of the current options for preventing and managing diseases, including chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation, alternative therapies are needed, especially ones utilizing and maximizing natural products (NPs). NPs abound with diverse bioactive primary and secondary metabolites and compounds with therapeutic properties.
  • 606
  • 10 Aug 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.
  • 599
  • 06 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Influenza Pathology
Influenza virus infections occur in people and animals worldwide and cause variable disease outcomes depending on the species affected and strain of the virus. Influenza viruses can be transmitted between animals, persons, or from animals to humans and can cause severe disease pathology or death.
  • 598
  • 12 Jan 2024
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.
  • 597
  • 27 Feb 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.
  • 597
  • 09 Jun 2023
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.
  • 595
  • 04 Aug 2022
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).
  • 595
  • 19 Dec 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.
  • 594
  • 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.
  • 594
  • 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.
  • 591
  • 29 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Encystation and Stress Responses in Pathogenic Amoebae
Amoebae found in aquatic and terrestrial environments encompass various pathogenic species, including the parasite Entamoeba histolytica and the free-living Acanthamoeba castellanii. Both microorganisms pose significant threats to public health, capable of inducing life-threatening effects on humans. These amoebae exist in two cellular forms: trophozoites and cysts. The trophozoite stage is the form used for growth and reproduction while the cyst stage is the resistant and disseminating form. Cysts occur after cellular metabolism slowdown due to nutritional deprivation or the appearance of environmental conditions unfavourable to the amoebae’s growth and division. The initiation of encystation is accompanied by the activation of stress responses, and scarce data indicate that encystation shares factors and mechanisms identified in stress responses occurring in trophozoites exposed to toxic compounds derived from human immune defence. 
  • 591
  • 21 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Biology and Regulation of Staphylococcal Biofilm
Despite continuing progress in medical and surgical procedures, staphylococci remain the major Gram-positive bacterial pathogens that cause a wide spectrum of diseases, especially in patients requiring the utilization of indwelling catheters and prosthetic devices implanted temporarily or for prolonged periods of time. Within the genus, if Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis are prevalent species responsible for infections, several coagulase-negative species which are normal components of the microflora also constitute opportunistic pathogens that are able to infect patients. In such a clinical context, staphylococci producing biofilms show an increased resistance to antimicrobials and host immune defenses. Although the biochemical composition of the biofilm matrix has been extensively studied, the regulation of biofilm formation and the factors contributing to its stability and release are currently still being discovered. 
  • 590
  • 29 Mar 2023
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. 
  • 589
  • 29 Jan 2024
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. 
  • 586
  • 05 Jan 2024
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