Characterization of the oral and faecal microbiota associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs selected from a purebred Shiba Inu colony

Posted on 16 November 2022 by

Significance and Impact of the Study: The authors investigated the oral and gut microbiota of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in dogs selected from a purebred Shiba Inu colony. The analysis of the microbial diversity, differential abundance and microbial co-occurrence patterns suggested that atopic dermatitis can alter the oral and gut microbiota in dogs.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing multifactorial inflammatory skin disease that also affects dogs. The oral and gut microbiota are associated with many disorders, including allergy. Few studies have addressed the oral and gut microbiota in dogs, although the skin microbiota has been studied relatively well in these animals. Here, we studied the AD-associated oral and gut microbiota in 16 healthy and 9 AD dogs from a purebred Shiba Inu colony. We found that the diversity of the oral microbiota was significantly different among the dogs, whereas no significant difference was observed in the gut microbiota. Moreover, a differential abundance analysis detected the Family_XIII_AD3011_group (Anaerovoracaceae) in the gut microbiota of AD dogs; however, no bacterial taxa were detected in the oral microbiota. Third, the comparison of the microbial co-occurrence patterns between AD and healthy dogs identified differential networks in which the bacteria in the oral microbiota that were most strongly associated with AD were related to human periodontitis, whereas those in the gut microbiota were related to dysbiosis and gut inflammation. These results suggest that AD can alter the oral and gut microbiota in dogs.

Effect of maifan stone on the growth of probiotics and regulation of gut microbiota

Posted on 16 November 2022 by nZ. Li, nQ. Zhou, nQ. Qu, nY. Liao, nF. Yang, nM. Sheng, nL. Feng, nX. Shin

Significance and Impact of the Study: This study explored the influence of Maifan stone-Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG-fermented product in rats with diarrhoea. We found that Maifan stone and the fermented product can reduce the degree of colon pathology in rats to a certain extent, and significantly improve intestinal inflammatory factors and gut microbiota. Therefore, we can reasonably infer that the fermented products are expected to be developed as feed additives, which can replace antibiotics to prevent and treat livestock and poultry intestinal diseases, improve their resistance, reduce feed coefficient, increase feed conversion ratio and improve production performance.

Abstract

Maifan stone is a kind of mineral medicine in Chinese medicine, which has good adsorption, dissolution, mineralization and biological activity. It has an excellent therapeutic effect on livestock, poultry and aquatic animals suffering from intestinal diseases. This study explored the effect of Maifan stone on the growth ability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG) and the effect of Maifan stone-L. rhamnosus GG-fermented product on the intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota. We find that Maifan stone can adsorb L. rhamnosus GG to form a carrier bacteria. Maifan stone has the characteristics of acid tolerance and bile salt tolerance and can also improve the activity of L. rhamnosus GG in artificial gastrointestinal juice. The fermented product can reduce the degree of diarrhoea and colon pathology in rats to a certain extent and significantly improve intestinal inflammatory factors and gut microbiota. This study improves the application effect of L. rhamnosus GG in the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea animals and provides a scientific basis for the rational development of Maifan stone resources.

Uncovering the structure and function of specialist bacterial lineages in environments routinely exposed to explosives

Posted on 16 November 2022 by nY. Pal, nS. Mayilraj, nS. Krishnamurthin

Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is the first to provide an overall view of bacterial community structure and associated metabolic pathways in geographically distinct explosives-contaminated sites. In contrast to the previous reports, our findings showed the predominance of Planctomycetes in explosives-contaminated sites. We hypothesized that RDX and HMX concentrations could impart a notable impact on the bacterial community along with the associated metabolic genes.

Abstract

Environmental contamination by hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), the two most widely used compounds for military operations, is a long-standing problem at the manufacturing and decommissioning plants. Since explosives contamination has previously been shown to favour the growth of specific bacterial communities, the present study attempts to identify the specialist bacterial communities and their potential functional and metabolic roles by using amplicon targeted and whole-metagenome sequencing approaches in samples collected from two distinct explosives manufacturing sites. We hypothesize that the community structure and functional attributes of bacterial population are substantially altered by the concentration of explosives and physicochemical conditions. The results highlight the predominance of Planctomycetes in contrast to previous reports from similar habitats. The detailed phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of operational taxonomic units related to bacterial members known for their explosives degradation. Further, the functional and metabolic analyses highlighted the abundance of putative genes and unidentified taxa possibly associated with xenobiotic biodegradation. Our findings suggest that microbial species capable of utilizing explosives as a carbon, energy or electron source are favoured by certain selective pressures based on the prevailing physicochemical and geographical conditions.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of fosfomycin combined with rifampin against carbapenem‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Posted on 16 November 2022 by nY. Liu, nW. Ma, nM. Li, nJ. Wu, nL. Sun, nW. Zhao, nS. Sunn

Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrated for the first time that fosfomycin combined with rifampin showed strong synergistic effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with 100% synergistic rates. Furthermore, we confirmed the antibiofilm activity of fosfomycin combined with rifampin against carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. This study provides new insights that fosfomycin + rifampin may be a promising option for clinical treatment.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) strains in the hospital setting represents an emerging challenge to clinical treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections, as the range of therapeutic agents active against these pathogens becomes increasingly constrained. This study demonstrated for the first time that fosfomycin (FOS) combined with rifampin (RIF) showed strong synergistic effects against CRPA and carbapenem-susceptible PA, with 100% synergistic rates. Additionally, the time-killing curve further proves the dynamic antibacterial activity of FOS + RIF against CRPA. Further experiments determined that antibacterial mechanisms of FOS + RIF might be inhibition of biofilm formation and eradication of preformed biofilm. The results of the inhibition biofilm formation assay demonstrated that RIF and FOS at 1/8MIC, 1/16MIC and 1/32MIC have better inhibitory effects on CRPA biofilm formation VS FOS alone (96, 90 and 78% vs 29, 24 and 22%) (P < 0·0001) or RIF alone (96, 90 and 78% vs 86, 67 and 29%) (P < 0·01). The rates of eradicating preformed biofilm with combination therapy at 1/2MIC, 1/4MIC and 1/8MIC of both antibiotics, increased 46, 61 and 55% compared with FOS alone (P < 0·001) and 37, 33 and 46% compared with RIF alone (P < 0·01). This finding will provide new insights into the treatment of bacterial infections caused by CRPA, which can be further explored in clinical practice.

The diversity of rhizospheric bacterial communities associated with Trichoderma‐treated rice fields

Posted on 16 November 2022 by

Significance and Impact of The Study: This research will provide new insights into the effects of microbial-based biofertilizers on the rhizospheric microbiota. Through this research, it will help the research community to further understand the usage of biofertilizer as a healthier option to the conventional chemical fertilizers. Using biofertilizer as a more sustainable alternative must be studied thoroughly up to the microbial community level that subsequently contributes to the soil health status. A better understanding allows the scientists and farmers to maximize the usage of the microbe-based products without harming surrounding environments. Moreover, the results that are presented, will convey valuable early information for future research.

Abstract

Microbial-based fertilizer has been widely used as a healthier and better alternative to agrochemical products. However, the effects of biofertilizers on the rhizospheric microbiota has rarely been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of symbiotic fungus Trichoderma asperellum SL2-based inoculant on the soil bacterial population through next generation sequencing using a metabarcoding approach. The treatment plots were treated with T. asperellum SL2 spore suspension, while the control plots were treated with sterilized distilled water. The results showed similar bacterial microbiome profiles in the soil of control and T. asperellum SL2-treated plots. In conclusion, the application of the T. asperellum SL2 inoculant had not exerted a negative impact towards the bacterial population as similar observation was reflected in control plots. Nonetheless, future research should be conducted to investigate the effects of repeated application of T. asperellum SL2 over a longer period on the rice microbiota communities.

Dynamic changes of bacteria communities in Moutai‐flavour Daqu during storage analysed by next generation sequencing

Posted on 16 November 2022 by nX. Xi, nF. Yang, nL. Chen, nJ. Lu, nL. Wangn

Significance and Impact of the Study: Micro-organism is one of the main factors of Moutai-flavour Daqu as a starter. Studying the dynamic changes and differences of micro-organisms in the storage process of Moutai-flavour Daqu in different seasons (spring, summer and autumn) can understand the impact of season and storage time on the micro-organisms in Daqu, which can more scientifically guide the production of Daqu (clarify the storage time in different season), and finally improve the production capacity and quality of Daqu.

Abstract

The quality of Moutai-flavour Baijiu is highly dependent on Moutai-flavour Daqu (MTDQ), which needs to be stored for 6 months before using. It brings abundant bacterium, which can metabolize various enzymes and favour compounds. But the reasonable storage time of MTDQ prepared in different seasons is still uncertain. To this end, the study revealed a detailed bacterial profile of storage MTDQ prepared in three different seasons (specifically, they were stored start from spring, summer and autumn) by using high-throughput sequencing approach (next generation sequencing). Results showed that major phyla of storage MTDQ were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria. The advantages of Firmicutes were Thermoactinomyces and Bacillaceae. Significant differences in bacterial community structures of MTDQ from different seasons and storage time were observed. Compared with summer and autumn MTDQ, the decrease of Thermoactinomyces and increase of Desmospora in spring MTDQ were the main differences and bacterial community structures of summer and autumn MTDQ were more similar. The variation trends of the bacteria community indicated that the effective time of storage period was appropriately 6 months for spring MTDQ, 2 months for summer MTDQ and more than 6 months for autumn MTDQ. These results showed that the length of storage time was associated with the season and it is reasonable to adjust the storage time of MTDQ with the season.

Survival of Clostridioides difficile spores in thermal and chemo‐thermal laundering processes and influence of the exosporium on their adherence to cotton bed sheets

Posted on 16 November 2022 by nJ. Tarrant, nL. Owen, nR. Jenkins, nL.J. Smith, nK. Lairdn

Significance and Impact of the Study: Clostridioides difficile spores survive on healthcare linens during industrial laundering. This study demonstrates that C. difficile spores are resistant to thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection parameters recommended for healthcare laundry in the UK. The interactions between soiling, heat and disinfectants on C. difficile spore inactivation were established, which may aid in optimization of healthcare laundry processes. Clostridioides difficile spores attached to cotton over time, with the exosporium playing a role in adherence. These findings may inform novel strategies to prevent attachment to textiles, improving spore removal from linen by detergents during laundering.

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile spores were previously demonstrated to survive industrial laundering. Understanding interactions between heat, disinfectants and soiling (e.g. bodily fluids) affecting C. difficile spore survival could inform the optimization of healthcare laundry processes. Reducing spore attachment to linen could also enhance laundering efficacy. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of C. difficile spores to heat and detergent, with and without soiling and to investigate adherence to cotton. Survival of C. difficile spores exposed to industrial laundering temperatures (71–90°C), reference detergent and industrial detergent was quantified with and without soiling. The adherence to cotton after 0 and 24 h air drying was determined with the exosporium of C. difficile spores partially or fully removed. Clostridioides difficile spores were stable at 71°C for 20 min (≤0·37 log₁₀ reduction) while 90°C was sporicidal (3 log₁₀ reduction); soiling exerted a protective effect. Industrial detergent was more effective at 71°C compared to 25°C (2·81 vs 0·84 log₁₀ reductions), however, specifications for sporicidal activity (>3 log₁₀ reduction) were not met. Clostridioides difficile spores increasingly adhered to cotton over time, with 49% adherence after 24 h. Removal of the exosporium increased adherence by 19–23% compared to untreated spores. Further understanding of the role of the exosporium in attachment to cotton could enhance spore removal and aid decontamination of linen.

Genetic heterogeneity and predominance of blaCTX‐M‐15 in cefotaxime‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates colonizing hospitalized children in Tunisia

Posted on 16 November 2022 by

Significance and Impact of the Study: Our study showed that extended-spectrum β-lactamase-, plasmidic-AmpC- and carbapenemases-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonized hospitalized children at a rather high incidence and some of them belonged to high-risk clonal lineages. Therefore, it is important to implement and reinforce preventative measures to restrict the selection and spread of such strains.

Abstract

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens. Community infections by these organisms have been also reported and were associated with previous intestinal colonization. We aimed to characterize cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CTX-R-En) isolated from hospitalized children in a Tunisian paediatric ward. Seventy CTX-R-En isolates were collected from 227 rectal swabs from hospitalized children in a paediatric ward. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined according to the EUCAST guidelines. Isolates were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR, genes encoding: ESBLs, pAmpC, carbapenemases, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance, virulence factors in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, occurrence of classes 1 and 2 integrons, phylogenetic groups of E. coli isolates, ERIC-PCR and PCR-based replicon typing) and conjugal transfer experiments. In total, 65 out of 227 (28·6%) hospitalized children were colonized with CTX-M-R-En, and 70 isolates were identified. Isolates were 59 ESBL-, 7 plasmidic-AmpC (pAmpC)-, 3 ESBL+pAmpC-, and one ESBL+carbapenemase producers. The following bla genes were identified: bla _CTX-M-15 (n = 54), bla _CTX-M-1 (n = 5), bla _CTX-M-9 (n = 2), bla _CTX-M-13 (n = 1) and bla _CTX-M-14 (n = 1), bla _CMY-2 (n = 5), bla _CMY-4 (n = 4), bla _ACC-1 (n = 1) and bla _OXA-48 (n = 1). Our results showed that hospitalized children were colonized with various CTX-R-En-producing several beta-lactamase enzymes.

Detection of optrA and poxtA genes in linezolid‐resistant Enterococcus isolates from fur animals in China

Posted on 16 November 2022 by nW. Sun, nH. Liu, nJ. Liu, nQ. Jiang, nY. Pan, nY. Yang, nX. Zhu, nJ. Gen

Significance and Impact of the Study: In this study, we first reported linezolid-resistant (LR) Enterococcus isolates from foxes and minks in the north of China and explored the resistance mechanism. Notably, linezolid is not allowed for treatment of fur animals in China. Resistance genes may come from the environment or other species. What's more, we found a LR Enterococcus faecium isolate and carrying the optrA gene represented a novel ST type ST2010, indicating an involvement of fur animals in the spread of LR bacteria.

Abstract

The emergence of linezolid-resistant (LR) enterococci found in food of animal origin arouses attention, but little is known about LR enterococci in fur animals. A total of 342 Enterococcus faecalis and 265 E. faecium strains isolated from fur animals in China from 2015 to 2017 were investigated to determine if LR enterococci (≥16 μg ml⁻¹) are present. Overall, two E. faecalis and 12 E. faecium among these isolates were resistant to linezolid. In addition, all LR isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant isolates. We further explore the resistance genes of the LR enterococci, four E. faecalis and two E. faecium isolates contained optrA gene. Two of them co-harboured optrA and poxtA genes. We detected virulence genes in LR enterococci were the following: asa1, cylA, esp, gelE and hyl, among which the highest carrying rate gene was asa1. Besides, all of the LR enterococci we tested had the biofilm-forming ability. It is worth noting that we detected a novel ST type ST2010 from E. faecium 82-2. These data show LR enterococci exist in fur animals and have unique characteristics.

Efficacy of hydrogen peroxide wipes for decontamination of AZD1222 adenovirus COVID‐19 vaccine strain on pharmaceutical industry materials

Posted on 16 November 2022 by

Significance and Impact of Study: The disinfection procedure with hydrogen peroxide® wipes (HPW) resulted in complete decontamination of AZD1222 chimpanzee adenovirus strain in formulated recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (≥7·46 and ≥7·49 log₁₀ infectious unit [IFU] ml⁻¹ for stainless steel [SS] and low-density-polyethylene [LDP] carriers respectively) and active pharmaceutical ingredient (≥8·79 and ≥8·78 log₁₀ IFU ml⁻¹ for SS and LDP carriers respectively). HPW can be a good option for disinfection processes in pharmaceutical industry facilities during recombinant COVID-19 vaccine production. This procedure is simple and can be also applied on safety unit cabins and sampling bags made of LDP as well.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of accelerated hydrogen peroxide® wipes (HPW) for decontamination of the chimpanzee adenovirus AZD1222 vaccine strain used in the production of recombinant COVID-19 vaccine in a pharmaceutical industry. Two matrices were tested on stainless-steel (SS) and low-density-polyethylene (LDP) surfaces: formulated recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (FCV) and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The samples were spiked, dried and the initial inoculum, possible residue effect (RE) and titre reduction after disinfection with HPW were determined. No RE was observed. The disinfection procedure with HPW resulted in complete decontamination the of AZD1222 adenovirus strain in FCV (≥7·46 and ≥7·49 log₁₀ infectious unit [IFU] ml⁻¹ for SS and LDP carriers respectively) and API (≥8·79 and ≥8·78 log₁₀ IFU ml⁻¹ for SS and LDP carriers respectively). In conclusion, virucidal activity of HPW was satisfactory against the AZD1222 adenovirus strain and can be a good option for disinfection processes of SS and LPD surfaces in pharmaceutical industry facilities during recombinant COVID-19 vaccine production. This procedure is simple and can be also applied on safety unit cabins and sampling bags made of LDP as well.