Endophytic bacteria are essential for promoting plant growth and increasing plant resilience to various environmental stresses. Although it is well-documented that several endophytic Bacillus species exhibit plant growth-promoting properties, this is the first report on the genome study of Bacillus cereus EMS1, isolated from Musa acuminata G9 in India. This study analyzed the genomics, plant growth traits, and fusarium wilt mitigation potential of Bacillus cereus EMS1. This analysis identified specific genomic features, including potential mechanisms contributing to plant growth promotion, which were also submitted to NCBI (Bioproject ID: PRJNA784269). The in vivo study showed that EMS1 mitigated the impact of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on banana plants. Although it did not affect the number of leaves, other parameters influenced by pathogen infection and EMS1 treatment showed notable differences, including fresh weight (Fusarium oxysporum only: 15 g; EMS1 + Fusarium oxysporum: 21 g), dry weight (Fusarium oxysporum only: 1 g; EMS1 + Fusarium oxysporum: 4.7 g), and root length (Fusarium oxysporum only: 6.5 cm; EMS1 + Fusarium oxysporum: 9 cm). Additionally, genomic analysis revealed that the EMS1 genome contains distinctive genes linked to plant growth and antimicrobial activity. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of endophytic Bacillus cereus EMS1 in promoting plant growth and enhancing banana plant resistance against Fusarium oxysporum.

This study evaluates for the first time the modifications in the microbial communities and sensory attributes caused by Self-Induced Anaerobiosis Fermentation (SIAF) compared to the Conventional processing of Coffea canephora var. Conilon. Microorganisms were identified through high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3/V4 region for bacteria and the ITS region for fungi. Sensory attributes of roasted coffee were evaluated by Q-Graders. The relationship between microbial population, processing methods, and sensory attributes was investigated using principal component analysis. Before fermentation, 74 bacterial and 21 fungal species were identified in the natural coffee, whereas 44 bacterial and 15 fungal species were found in the pulped coffee. Torulaspora, Wickerhamomyces, and Meyerozyma exhibited more ITS region sequences, while Acetobacter, Enterobacter, and Lysinibacillus were predominant in the 16S region. In the natural coffee, Wickerhamomyces showed the highest relative abundance (45%) at 0 h. After 72 h, Meyerozyma (45%) and Torulaspora (75%) prevailed in Conventional processing and SIAF, respectively. In the pulped coffee, Torulaspora was the most abundant in the SIAF method, before (92%) and after (81%) fermentation, while Wickerhamomyces (39%) dominated after 72 h in the Conventional method. Enterobacteriaceae levels decreased, while Lactobacillaceae levels increased in SIAF natural coffee during the fermentation process. SIAF favored the presence of yeast and LAB while inhibiting mycotoxigenic fungi and Enterobacteriaceae. Torulaspora, Lactiplantibacillus, and Lactococcus showed the highest Pearson correlation coefficient with flavor (0.92), aftertaste (0.99), and bitterness/sweetness (0.89), respectively. Changes in coffee microbiota during SIAF improved sensory attributes, resulting in better-quality beverages.

Transition state regulators from Bacillus can control diverse physiological responses such as growth, metabolism, motility, virulence, and sporulation. The AbrB protein is a transcriptional regulator involved in multiple functions during exponential phase and intricated regulatory pathways that control adaptive states differentially. Despite its importance, the AbrB role has not been well characterized during the growth cycle, and its implication in metabolic functions remains elusive, especially in the Bacillus cereus group. In this work, we characterized the role of AbrB on phenotypes such as spreading motility, growth profiles, sporulation, and on activity of core metabolic pathways of Bacillus thuringiensis. For this, a strain with inducible abrB expression was generated in the wild type Bt HD73 background. In vitro evaluations of phenotypic traits demonstrated differences in sporulation and motility, where induction of abrB presumably affected these functions under nutrient-limited media. In addition, AbrB induction during bioreactor fermentations led to higher biomass production and changes dissolved oxygen (DO) profile, which was also accompanied with a delay in sporulation. Based on these results, metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the Krebs cycle were explored to address the effect of AbrB overproduction on transcription of genes coding for pyruvate dehydrogenase (pdHA), lactate dehydrogenase (ldH), citrate synthase (citZ) and aconitase (citB). Our findings suggest variations in the carbon-flux in the central carbon metabolism due to abrB overexpression. This work contributes to the elucidation of AbrB involvement in regulatory networks of B. thuringiensis, to develop engineering-based strategies to use these bacteria in other biotechnological applications besides as biological control agent.

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a chemolithoautotrophic acidophilic bacterium belonging to microbial communities involved in sulfide ore bioleaching. This microorganism possesses redundancy of genes encoding ATP-independent chaperone holdases like Hsp20 (hps20.1, hsp20.2, and hsp20.3), Hsp31, Hsp33, RidA (ridA.1 and ridA.2), and Lon (lon.1, lon.2, and lon.3), and single copy genes encoding SlyD and CnoX. We evaluated the response of these holdases to short and long-term stresses induced by changes in temperature (30° to 37 °C), pH (1.6 to 1.2 or 2.0), and oxidative status (1 mM HO) as well as to different energy sources (iron, sulfur, pyrite, sphalerite or chalcopyrite). Cells adapted under thermal and oxidative stress conditions showed a generalized upregulation of holdase genes, while short-term stress led to more discrete increases in transcript levels, with only hsp20.2 and hsp31 showing higher mRNA levels. hsp31 was also upregulated under acidic stresses, sulfur and sulfides. hsp20 variants showed different mRNA levels under different conditions, and cnoX was induced under oxidative conditions. Cells cultured on chalcopyrite had similar responses to those grown with peroxide. With some exceptions, stresses led to significant increases in intracellular ROS content, and decreases in ATP. These results pave the way to understanding proteostasis systems in extreme acidophilic bacteria.

Two separate ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizing bacterial communities were developed to operate in a low temperature closed recirculating aquaculture system. These communities were cultivated via batch culture using an inorganic nutrient medium containing ammonia or nitrite. Subsequently, a unique closed recirculating culture system was developed, and enrichment culture was performed in an inorganic nutrient medium containing 1 mM ammonia. Through this approach, a bacterial community was developed that can efficiently nitrify 1 mM ammonia within 1 day at 15 °C. Amplicon sequencing revealed Nitrosomonadaceae and Nitrospirales, were the key groups responsible for ammonia and nitrite oxidation. The bacterial community was introduced into microbial tanks for the rearing of Oryzias latipes var. himedaka and Lefua echigonia (Hotokedojo) at 15 °C, where regular measurements confirmed the effective removal of ammonia and nitrite. However, nitrate accumulation occurred, which was mitigated by the introduction of Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) into the tank. This system provides a sustainable solution for the closed recirculating aquaculture of cold-water fish species.

Mycobacterium species show distinctive characteristics with significant medical implications. Mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria, can form biofilms that facilitate their survival in hostile environments and contribute to development of antibiotic resistance and responses by the host immune system. Mycobacterial biofilm development is a complex process involving multiple genetic determinants, notably mmpL genes, which regulate lipid transport and support cell wall integrity, and the groEL gene, which is essential for biofilm maturation. Sliding motility, a passive form of surface movement observed across various mycobacterial species, is closely associated with biofilm formation and colony morphology. The unique sliding motility and biofilm-forming capabilities of Mycobacterium spp. are pivotal for their pathogenicity and persistence in diverse environments. A comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing these processes is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against mycobacterial infections. This review provides a detailed examination of our current knowledge regarding mycobacterial biofilm formation and motility, with a focus on regulation of these processes, their impact on pathogenicity, and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. To this end, the potential of natural and synthetic compounds, including nanomaterials, in combating mycobacterial biofilms and inhibiting sliding motility are discussed as well. These compounds offer new avenues for the treatment of drug-resistant mycobacterial infections.

Dichomitus squalens, a promising white-rot basidiomycete for industrial enzyme production, necessitates efficient genetic manipulation systems to fully leverage its biotechnological potential. Although established methods such as protoplast-mediated and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformations are effective in D. squalens, they are complex and time-consuming. This study introduces the electroporation transformation system for D. squalens, which is simpler and timesaving. By optimizing electroporation parameters, we obtained 77 ± 11 transformants per μg of DNA. Furthermore, we validated the suitability of the Nourseothricin N-acetyl transferase gene as a selectable marker and the NanoLuciferase gene as a bioluminescent reporter in D. squalens using our refined electroporation protocol. This study expands the toolkit for genetic engineering in D. squalens, offering greater flexibility for future molecular investigations. The development of this electroporation system not only enhances the ease of genetic manipulation in D. squalens but also provides a foundation for further exploration of its enzymatic capabilities and potential applications in biotechnology. The streamlined protocol allows for more efficient and rapid genetic engineering, facilitating the study of gene function and the development of improved strains for industrial purposes.

Vanillin, often referred to as the 'Queen of Spices', is extensively utilized in the food industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cosmetic formulations, agricultural crop protection, and tobacco processing owing to its distinctive flavor properties. In recent years, the biosynthesis of vanillin from suitable substrates through microbial transformation technology has emerged as a prominent research topic, driven by the increasing global demand for "green and natural" products and the growing awareness of environmental protection. In this review, we examine the three primary synthesis methods of vanillin: natural extraction, chemical synthesis, and biosynthesis, and elucidate the principles, developmental history, and current technological advancements of each approach. Building on this foundation, the review emphasizes recent advancements in vanillin biosynthesis, analyzes the specific applications, technological innovations, and potential advantages of microbial conversion strategies in vanillin production, and addresses the challenges of low conversion efficiency and weak strain tolerance in microbial synthesis. Furthermore, this review offers insights into the future development trends of vanillin biosynthesis. It proposes research recommendations for optimizing microbial strains, enhancing bioconversion efficiency, and achieving industrial-scale production, aiming to serve as a valuable reference for the continued advancement of vanillin biosynthesis technology.

Industrial agar extraction waste (AEW), which consists of resistant K-rich perlite and agar-dominated seaweed residues, poses environmental challenges. In this study, we isolated K-solubilizing bacteria from an AEW storage yard and identified the adaptively evolved strain, ZK03-Aga1, with efficient K-solubilizing and agar-utilizing properties. Co-fermentation of ZK03-Aga1 with AEW significantly enhanced the production of oligosaccharides, K, and soluble solids. These products, combined with a commercial soilless matrix, form a composite matrix that has been validated for fertility through bok choy planting experiments. The results showed increased bok choy yield, energy, protein, trace element, and chlorophyll content. Bacterial community composition analysis indicated an increase in nitrogen-fixing and organic matter-degrading bacteria. This suggests that AEW nutrients, via ZK03-Aga1 fermentation, directly benefit crops, improving yield, quality, and microbial structure for sustainable fertility. This study presents an efficient method for reusing AEW and mitigating its environmental impacts.

Biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a three dimensional microbial matrix that confers multidrug resistance properties along with the proficiency to evade the host immune system. The present study aims to determine the combinatorial effects of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with two already reported antibiofilm agents: streptomycin and thymoquinone separately against P. aeruginosa biofilms. The minimum inhibitory concentration of streptomycin, thymoquinone and D3 was found to be 20, 10 and 100 μg/mL respectively. The inhibition of biofilm formation and pre-formed biofilm disintegration properties of streptomycin and thymoquinone alone or in combination with D3 at their sub-MIC concentration was determined by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. A significant inhibition of metabolic activities like oxygen consumption rate and reduction in quorum sensing related cellular activities like swarming motilities, pyocyanin production and extracellular protease secretion by P. aeruginosa were also observed as a result of this combinatorial effect. Both of these combinatorial applications were found to accumulate ROS in bacterial cells, which has been proved to be one of the main causes of their antibiofilm activity. Effect of these two drug combinations on bacterial lettuce leaf infection was also evaluated. Molecular docking analysis indicated that thymoquinone combined D3 can interact more efficiently with the quorum sensing proteins LasI and LasR. The host cell cytotoxicity of these two combinations was found to be negligible on the murine macrophage cell line. These findings suggest that D3 potentiates the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of both streptomycin and thymoquinone against P. aeruginosa. Although both combinations have shown significant antibiofilm and antimicrobial potential, combinatorial performances of D3 combined thymoquinone were found to be more promising.

Oleaginous yeasts have emerged as promising microbial cell factories for lipid production, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional sources of biodiesel and nutraceuticals. In this study, the lipid accumulation potential of yeast strains isolated from two freshwater aquatic ecosystems in Cali, Colombia, was evaluated to identify novel candidates for biotechnological applications. A total of 56 strains were tested for their oleaginous nature using a gravimetric lipid assay with glucose as a carbon source. Of the assessed strains, 46.15% exceeded 20% lipid yields relative to the dry biomass. Seven strains were selected using glycerol as a carbon source, but only five yeasts were further characterized for their lipid profiles. Molecular identification revealed diverse species, including Aureobasidium sp., Papiliotrema rajashtanensis, Rhodotorula spp., and Clavispora lusitaniae. The selected strains demonstrated unique lipid profiles, with high proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2). In particular, Aureobasidium sp. accumulated uncommon fatty acids such as petroselinic acid under conditions induced by glycerol. This fatty acid, which has a double bond in position 6,7 and a melting point of 33 °C, highlights its potential as an alternative to margarine production, as well as a precursor to sophorolipids, estolide esters, soaps, and plastics. Rhodotorula sp. exhibited very long-chain fatty acids such as docosadienoic and docosatrienoic acids in its lipid profile. These findings underscore the biotechnological value of yeasts from lentic aquatic systems as sustainable lipid producers, paving the way for innovations in biofuels, nutraceuticals, and oleochemicals.

Enantiopure (S)-2-methylbutanoic acid [(S)-2-MBA] is a high-value chiral compound with applications in fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. However, conventional chemical synthesis lacks stereoselectivity, while existing biosynthetic methods suffer from low yield and purity. Here, we report a novel microbial process using Bacillus spizizenii ATCC 6633 for efficient (S)-2-MBA production via L-isoleucine catabolism. Through targeted screening of rhizospheric soil isolates and Bacillaceae strains, ATCC 6633 demonstrated superior performance, producing 3.67 g/L (S)-2-MBA with 99.32% enantiomeric excess (ee) under optimized conditions (45 °C, 8% inoculation, 5 g/L glucose, and 8 g/L L-isoleucine). A 58.92% conversion efficiency was achieved, and a simplified purification process recovered 63.90% product with 97.32% purity. Mechanistic studies suggested glucose depletion triggered (S)-2-MBA accumulation, aligning with starvation-induced secondary metabolism. This cost-effective, eco-friendly approach eliminates racemic separation steps and harsh reagents, positioning ATCC 6633 as a promising biocatalyst for sustainable (S)-2-MBA production.

We studied the morphology, molecular phylogeny, growth, and carotenogenesis of three Scenedesmaceae strains (IBSS-12, IBSS-109 and IBSS-112), grown in two-stage batch culture for 18 days. During the "green" stage, cells grew in favorable conditions, whereas during the "red" stage they were exposed to abiotic stresses. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that strains IBSS-12 and IBSS-109 belong to the genus Coelastrella, and strain IBSS-112 was identified as Desmodesmus. At the "green" stage, the maximum cell number was recorded in Desmodesmus (IBSS-112) on day 7, and was twice as high compared to that of Coelastrella strains. All strains showed an almost twofold increase in cell volume and significant dry biomass accumulation (1.5-1.8 g L). An increase in the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio (by 1.5-2 times) on day 9, was a signal for switching to the "red" stage. Stress conditions caused massive cell death in Desmodesmus IBSS-112, while Coelastrella strains showed a threefold increase in cell number to the end of the experiment. The dry weight increased by 4 and 2.5 times in IBSS-12 and IBSS-109, respectively. The dry biomass productivity for the entire experimental period was 0.32 and 0.25 g L day in IBSS-12 and IBSS-109, respectively. Pigment analysis revealed typical patterns in green carotenogenic microalgae, with both Coelastrella strains acquiring a bright orange colour and increasing their carotenoid content. IBSS-12 had twice the amount of carotenoids as IBSS-109 did. Carotenoid profiles of Coelastrella strains included valuable ketocarotenoids with a predominance of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonixanthin (19-26, 14-15 and 12-14% in total carotenoids, respectively). The obtained morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of the studied strains can serve as additional taxonomic criteria.

Keratin is an important bioresource primarily found in feathers, hair, wool, nails, claws, hooves, horns, and beaks. These crucial protein sources are utilized in many ways for diverse applications. The peptides of keratin develop hierarchical complexity, which leads to the formation of these recalcitrant biomasses. Therefore, microbial breakdown of keratin is a complex process and involves important proteolytic enzymes and inorganic factors. Disulfide bond reduction is the key step in keratin degradation that is mainly facilitated by disulfide-reducing agents or disulfide reductases. Notably, α- and β-keratinous substrates exhibit different structural features; as a result, their disintegration processes make a diversity among keratinous biomass. Various studies have suggested that pretreatment can improve degradation yield following microbial processes. Keratin hydrolysates have been investigated for various uses that contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of these solid wastes. Furthermore, keratin peptides possess bioactive properties, including antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anticancer effects, making them potential candidates for biomedical and nutritional sectors. Microbial keratinases are known for a wide range of substrate specificity that significantly contributes to areas like prion decontamination, carcass processing, antimicrobial functions, and skin exfoliation. This review aims to examine keratin bioresources, their structure, and microbial mechanisms for keratin degradation, along with current insights and future applications of keratin hydrolysates and keratinases.

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.

Antibiotics have the potential to affect the health of humans and other living organisms even at slight concentrations. Therefore, there has been a growing global awareness of the environmental impacts associated with antibiotics as emerging pollutants. Cephalexin (CPX) is classified as a first-generation cephalosporin and exhibits a significant efficacy in combating bacterial infections. The current work was conducted to examine the capability of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris to mitigate CPX contamination in aquatic environments. The results indicated that the growth of microalgae diminished in a dose-dependent manner after a 6-day exposure to concentrations of 200-800 mg L CPX. The analysis conducted through scanning electron microscopy revealed alterations in cell morphology, specifically shrinkage and wrinkling, following the application of CPX. These effects became more significant as the concentration of CPX increased. The results from flow cytometry revealed a notable decrease in cell viability for all concentrations of CPX used, with the highest concentration yielding a viability rate of less than 30%. In addition, CPX caused a decrease in levels of photosynthetic pigments and non-enzymatic antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids. However, the activity levels of the main antioxidant enzymes considerably increased, achieving their peak at 800 mg L⁻¹. Moreover, the algal cells demonstrated the capability to decrease the concentration of CPX present in the contaminated media, with the most effective reduction observed at 400 mg L. The data obtained confirmed the significant toxicity of CPX on Chlorella vulgaris, while also emphasizing the ability of microalgal cells to withstand antibiotic contamination.

Sugar alcohols are a common class of low-calorie sweeteners. The advancement of technologies utilizing renewable resources has heightened interest in synthesizing sugar alcohols from biomass-derived xylose for cost down of process and sustainability. This review focuses on the potential of biomass-derived xylose and its effective conversion into sugar alcohols, underscoring the significance of this process in sustainable industrial applications. The two main approaches for producing sugar alcohols which include enzyme catalysis and microbial fermentation are thoroughly discussed. The microbial fermentation pathway relies on genetically engineered strains, which are modified to efficiently convert xylose into target sugar alcohols. Enzyme catalysis, on the other hand, directly converts xylose to sugar alcohols through specific reactions. In addition, strategies to improve product selectivity and reduce by-products are discussed in the paper, which are crucial for improving the economic viability and environmental sustainability of sugar alcohol production. Overall, utilizing xylose from biomass to produce sugar alcohols manifests environmental and economic benefits, indicating its substantial potential in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Future studies may further explore cutting edge technologies to maximize the utilization of biomass-derived xylose and the sustainable production of sugar alcohols.

Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota imbalances may influence the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), yet conclusive evidence establishing causation remains limited. This study investigates the causal relationship between gut microbiota and a range of MSDs, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets. Using data on 211 gut microbiome taxa from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and summary statistics for 26 MSDs from the Finnish Biobank, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) with inverse-variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical approach, complemented by Bayesian model validation to ensure robust results. Our MR analyses revealed significant causal associations between gut microbiota and nine MSDs within four categories, including osteoporosis (IVW-Beta = 0.011, P = 0.025), rheumatoid arthritis (IVW-Beta = - 0.016, P < 0.001), rotator cuff syndrome (IVW-Beta = - 0.007, P = 0.022), and calcific tendonitis of the shoulder (IVW-Beta = - 0.021, P = 0.034). Bayesian validation underscored the plausibility of these relationships, supporting the potential causal role of gut microbiota in the development of these disorders. Our findings present a library of causal associations that underscore the gut microbiome's role in MSD pathogenesis, providing genetic evidence that highlights specific gut microbiota taxa as prospective therapeutic targets. This research offers novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying MSDs and points toward new directions for future investigation into microbiome-based therapies.

The development of leishmaniasis depends on the ability of Leishmania to invade and survive within macrophages. Macrophages can either promote parasite elimination or support its survival, depending on whether they are classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated. Mice chronically infected with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci (TC) develop a predominantly Th2 immune response, which leads to an increased number of M2 macrophages. In this study, we assessed the susceptibility of BALB/c mice previously infected with TC to Leishmania (V.) braziliensis or Leishmania (L.) major. Mice were first inoculated intraperitoneally with TC and after eight weeks infected either L. (V.) braziliensis or L. (L.) major in the paw. We evaluated footpad swelling and parasite load in different organs. We also assessed parasite load in vitro at 3 h, 3, 6, and 9 days; nitric oxide (NO) production, and arginase activity. Macrophages obtained from TC-infected mice (TcMΦ) were more susceptible to L. (V.) braziliensis infection, maintaining a stable parasite load without significant proliferation, while the parasite was killed in thioglycolate-elicited macrophages (TgMΦ). In contrast, L. (L.) major proliferated intensely in TcMΦ, leading to a higher parasite load compared to TgMΦ. In vivo, infection with L. (V.) braziliensis in TC-coinfected mice did not alter the parasite load compared to the group without cysticerci. However, mice infected with L. (L.) major exhibited greater swelling and higher parasite burdens. These findings suggest that infection with TC modulates the immune response of mice but is unable to render resistant mice susceptible to L. (V.) braziliensis.

Bacterial elicitors are recognized for their ecological role in stimulating plant defenses and enhancing the production of beneficial metabolites. This study explores the antibiotic potential of endophytic Bacillus velezensis VTRNT 01, isolated from Adenosma bracteosum Bonati, under co-cultivation with bacterial elicitors (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aeromonas hydrophila). By leveraging these interactions, we aim to unlock the full potential of endophytic bacteria for sustainable applications in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, we identified a total of 42 distinct chemical compounds produced under these conditions. Notably, 15 of these compounds were exclusively induced by the elicitor treatment, suggesting a strong interactive effect between Bacillus velezensis and the elicitors. Among the identified compounds, several have well-documented antimicrobial properties, including benzaldehyde, benzeneacetic acid, and tetradecanoic acid, which were shown to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-elicitor strategies to enhance the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds, paving the way for innovative solutions in crop protection and the development of new therapeutic agents.

Various studies reported the existence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa in environmental samples, including hospital wastewater, municipal wastewater, and surface water. In this study, we investigated the impact of untreated municipal wastewater transmitting antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains in wastewater networks of Chattogram City, Bangladesh, through antibiotic susceptibility profiles and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the MDR P. aeruginosa bcsir_p4_s20. Forty-two P. aeruginosa isolates were identified from eight locations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the oprI and oprL genes, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined against 11 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method. Resistant isolates were identified at all locations, with the highest resistance frequency displayed towards meropenem, cefepime, and colistin. The WGS of bcsir_p4_s20 was performed using the NextSeq 2000 platform. Several bioinformatics tools, like FastQC, Trimmomatic, SPAdes, and Prokka, were used for quality evaluation, low-quality read and adapter filtration, de novo assembly, and functional annotation. Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD), AMRFinderPlus, and virulence factor database (VFDB) were employed to determine resistance genes and virulence factors. The strain belongs to the O7 serogroup and sequence type ST357. The analysis identified antibiotic resistance genes (blaPDC-11, sul1, and others) that cause resistance through efflux pump and inactivation mechanisms, and virulent genes responsible for adherence (flagella, type IV pili), enzyme (phospholipase C), iron uptake (pyoverdine), secretion system (exoT, exoU), and toxin (toxA) secretion. Therefore, municipal wastewater is a potential reservoir for MDR P. aeruginosa, and establishing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at the primary source points before discharging it to the wastewater network is suggested to mitigate the risk of outbreaks.