Future Microbiology

Statement of Retraction: Effectiveness of Ivermectin-Based Multidrug Therapy in Severely Hypoxic, Ambulatory COVID-19 Patients
Evaluation of the antibacterial properties of four bioactive biomaterials for chronic wound management
Fakher S and Westenberg D
Chronic wound infections present a prevalent medical issue and a multifaceted problem that significantly impacts healthcare systems worldwide. Biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria are fundamental virulence factors implicated in the complexity and persistence of bacterial-associated wound infections, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased risk of infection. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial effectiveness of commonly employed bioactive wound healing compositions with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness against common bacterial pathogens encountered in chronic wounds - , , and to identify optimal wound product composition for managing chronic wound infections.
Causal associations between gut and transplant failure: a Mendelian randomization study
Yan H, Lan G, Peng Q, Zhang W, Wang Y and Li X
Transplant rejection and failure are the primary causes of shortened lifespan in transplant patients and are closely associated with the status of the human immune system. Gut microbiota have the capacity to modulate the human immune system. However, it remains unclear whether any gut microbiota can influence the risk of transplant failure. A Mendelian randomization study was conducted to explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and transplant failure. This study utilized three Genome-Wide Association Study results focusing on the gut microbiome, transplant failure and transplantation status. Single nucleotide polymorphisms that were strongly associated with gut microbiota abundance were selected as instrumental variables. The abundance of demonstrated a significant causal relationship with transplant failure (inverse variance weighted [IVW]  = 0.049, OR = 0.658, 95% CI: 0.433-0.998), but was not related to the risk of transplantation status (IVW  > 0.200). Notably, a higher intestinal abundance of corresponded to a decreased risk of transplant failure. instrumental variables were enriched in pathways related to synapses and membranes. The may play a crucial role in the mechanism of transplant failure. These study results contribute to elucidating the mechanisms underlying transplant failure.
: emerging challenges in pathogenesis and drug resistance
Zhang H and Zhang J
() is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that often causes severe infections in immunosuppressed patients. Among species, is the most pathogenic and lethal species. Current research faces challenges related to unknown pathogenic mechanisms, complex resistance mechanisms, insufficiently rapid and accurate diagnostic methods, and insufficient research on susceptibility to infection. These issues need to be explored in depth. This review summarizes research progress on the origin and classification of , its virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiological characteristics, infection modes, diagnostic methods, drug treatment options, and drug resistance mechanisms. Traditional culture combined with molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing, has improved the accuracy and speed of detection. Treatment relies mainly on azole antifungal drugs and amphotericin B; however, patients are facing the problem of drug resistance. New techniques, such as gene knockout and gene sequencing, have identified resistance mechanisms, thus supporting the development of novel antifungal drugs. In summary, an in-depth study of will aid in developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods and improve patient prognosis.
Targeted enzymes delivered by liposomes could address an unmet need in mycobacterial respiratory infections
Holder JW and Slayden RA
Rethinking natural product discovery to unblock the antibiotic pipeline
Barry SM
Peptides from against spp: toxicity in three-dimensional cell cultures and
De Lima Gualque MW, Vaso CO, Dos Santos KS, Galeane MC, Gomes PC, Palma MS, Soares Mendes Giannini MJ, Moroz A and Fusco Almeida AM
This work aimed to test peptides against the planktonic and biofilm form of spp. and toxicity using three-dimensional (3D) cells characterized and evaluate toxicity in . Susceptibility tests were conducted on the planktonic form and biofilm formation. The toxicity of the peptides was evaluated in lung and brain cells in monolayer (2D) and 3D mono- and co-culture, in addition to analysis with . Susceptibility values ranged from 31.25 to over 250 µg/ml with a fungicidal profile. Regarding toxicity, the PepM2 peptide was not toxic in 3D culture (500 µg/ml). , showed a survival rate of more than 85% In assays with brain and lung cell lines, concentrations ranged from 4 × 10 to 4 × 10 cells/well for brain cells and 1 × 10 cells/well for lung cells. Cocultures used 1 × 10 brain and 1 × 10 lung cells. This study shows that the peptides have great potential against cryptococcosis, and all spheroids were characterized as having a spheroidal and compact structure.
Activity of extracts and isolated compounds against clinically relevant species
Ritter MR, Faria DR, Rodrigues FAV, Lazarin-Bidóia D, de Medeiros Araújo DC, Seixas FAV, Kioshima ÉS and de Mello JCP
To evaluate the antifungal activity of extracts and compounds from against clinically relevant species, notably , and investigate possible mechanisms of action using electron microscopy and techniques.
A plain language summary of the STRIVE and ReSTORE studies, which tested if rezafungin is effective and as safe as caspofungin at treating people with candidaemia and invasive candidiasis
Thompson GR, Soriano A, Cornely OA, Aram JA and Pappas PG
Sex and gender in rhinosinusitis: a review
Thornton CS, Radu L, Boechler N, Clark J and Somayaji R
Rhinosinusitis is a highly prevalent, inflammatory condition affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses, impacting an individual's quality of life with significant health care burden. Sinusitis is more frequent in females, and they typically present with more severe symptoms and worse quality of life scores. Males are more likely to present with nasal polyps and have higher objective scores on imaging studies. Differences in sinus microbiota by sex may play a role in understanding differences in clinical presentations between them, but additional research is required. An improved understanding of sex and gender-based differences in pathophysiology and clinical presentations will help to decrease inequities in accessing healthcare and optimizing long-term personalized patient outcomes.
A novel inhibitory strategy of using and killer toxins
Zolfaghari A, Beheshti-Maal K, Ahadi AM and Monajemi R
Leishmaniasis is a globally prevalent parasitic disease that has drawn significant attention. Killer yeasts offer a novel biological control method, presenting a potential alternative for treating leishmaniasis. This study evaluates the antileishmanial activity of and killer toxins against .
First case report of septic arthritis associated with an indwelling device
Akkaya S, Ozdemir YE, Ensaroglu E, Cetin E and Kumbasar Karaosmanoglu H
usually presents with erythrasma, a macular rash, but rarely it can cause extracutaneous infections such as endocarditis, peritonitis, pyelonephritis, and catheter-related bloodstream infections. Here, we present the first case of septic arthritis caused by and a literature review of invasive infections. The diagnosis was confirmed by the patient's clinical findings and microbiological examination of the joint fluid. Considering the patients hemodialysis catheter and the pathogenic nature of the , we strongly suspected a catheter-related infection. Clinical and laboratory follow-ups showed consistent improvement with treatment, characterized by reduced pain, swelling, and localized warmth in the left knee, along with a significant decline in acute-phase reactants. The patient achieved full recovery following a four-week course of antibiotics and catheter removal. Our report emphasizes the importance of not disregarding the isolation of non-diphtheria from appropriately collected sterile samples in symptomatic patients, particularly those with indwelling devices. Based on this case report, clinicians should consider the rare possibility of this microorganism being the cause of septic arthritis.
The dual role of microbes in food safety and human health: from pathogens to probiotics
Onyeaka H and Odeyemi O
Changes in the gut microbiota and derived fecal metabolites may play a role in tacrolimus-induced diabetes in mice
Qian M, Jiang Z, Xu C, Wang L and Hu N
A notable scarcity of research has focused on examining alterations in gut microbiota and its metabolites within tacrolimus (TAC)-induced diabetes models.
: an underestimated pathogen in brain infection?
Gil E, Hatcher J, Saram S, Guy RL, Lamagni T and Brown JS
is an oral commensal organism belonging to the group (SAG). causes periodontitis as well as invasive, pyogenic infection of the central nervous system, pleural space or liver. Compared with other SAG organisms, has a higher mortality as well as a predilection for intracranial infection, suggesting it is likely to possess virulence factors that mediate specific interactions with the host resulting in bacteria reaching the brain. The mechanisms involved are not well described. Intracranial suppuration (ICS) due to infection can manifest as an abscess within the brain parenchyma, or a collection of pus (empyema) in the sub- or extra-dural space. These infections necessitate neurosurgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment and are associated with a considerable burden of morbidity and mortality. The incidence of ICS is increasing in several settings, with SAG species accounting for an increasing proportion of cases. There is a paucity of published literature regarding pathogenesis as well as few published genomes, hampering molecular epidemiological research. This perspective evaluates what is known about the clinical features and pathogenesis of ICS due to and explores hypothetical explanations why the incidence of these infections may be increasing.
Detection of MPT-64 protein in pleural tuberculosis cases by magnetic bead-gold nanoparticle-PCR amplified immunoassay
Soni A, Nehra K, Dahiya B, Rais A, Prasad T, Gahlaut A, Raj V, Sheoran R, Parmar A and Mehta PK
Diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) is challenging; thus, an efficient method is urgently needed.
Multidrug-resistant keratinolytic dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes causing onychomycosis in outpatients
Akter S, Chowdhury PA, Marufatuzzahan , Hakim A, Nurunnahar M, Jahan MA, Uddin MS and Azad AK
This study identified and determined antibiograms of keratinolytic dermatophytes (DM), non-dermatophytic molds (NDM), and yeasts causing onychomycosis.
Economic evaluation of treating invasive aspergillosis with isavuconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole in China
Liu Q, Chen P, Xiao D, Wei J, Lin Y, Tao T and Li X
To assess the cost-effectiveness of treating invasive aspergillosis with isavuconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole in China. A cost-consequence analysis (CCA) was conducted, considering both healthcare system and patient out-of-pocket perspectives. We considered the costs of medications, diagnostics and hospitalization and the consequences of mortality, response rate and adverse events. From the healthcare system perspective, compared with voriconazole, isavuconazole saved 967.39 Chinese Yuan (CNY) and posaconazole saved 8624.82 CNY. From the patient out-of-pocket perspective, compared with voriconazole, isavuconazole saved 1056.00 CNY, posaconazole increased 3153.83 CNY. The CCA demonstrated that isavuconazole exhibited higher medical costs but lower out-of-pocket costs compared with posaconazole, while there were no significant differences in consequences. Isavuconazole is potentially the most economical option.
Parasite-microbiota interactions: a pathway to innovative interventions for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and ascariasis
Ramírez JD, Castañeda S, Weatherhead J and Poveda C
Parasitic infections are a major global health challenge, driven in part by complex interactions between parasites, host microbiota, and immune responses. Recent advances in microbiome research highlight the critical role of microbiota in influencing disease outcomes and treatment effectiveness. This review examines how changes in the microbiota impact parasite transmission, disease progression, and responses to treatment, focusing on key parasitic diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and ascariasis. The microbiota can either exacerbate or mitigate disease severity, depending on its composition, providing critical insights for novel therapeutic strategies. Emerging approaches discussed include the use of targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota-modulating drugs to influence parasite dynamics and enhance conventional therapies. The review also explores the potential of integrating microbiota knowledge into vaccine design and immunotherapy, aiming to develop vaccines that elicit stronger immune responses and identify new therapeutic targets. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for translating these findings into effective clinical solutions, with future research focusing on validating microbiota-based interventions in clinical settings. In conclusion, the interaction between microbiota and parasitic infections presents a promising avenue for innovative therapies, with the potential to significantly improve global health outcomes.
Photoinactivation mechanism of hypericin nanoencapsulated in P123 against
Galinari CB, Bergmann EV, Malacarne LC, Oliveira AC, Caetano W, Kioshima Cotica ES, Estivalet Svidzinski TI and de Souza Bonfim-Mendonça P
To evaluate the photodynamic mechanism of hypericin nanoencapsulated in P123 copolymer micelles against . Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed, including the determination of the minimum fungicidal concentration and time-kill curve. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the internalization of P123-Hyp in conidia and the activation of PDT type I and II mechanisms via the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as to assess changes in the cell membrane using propidium iodide (PI) and cell morphology. P123-Hyp-PDT exerted a fungistatic action on fungus, maintaining this action up to 24 h after exposure, corroborating the PS internalization results, which showed satisfactory uptake of P123-Hyp from a concentration of 3.125 μmol/l. Among the ROS studied, singlet oxygen was detected. Furthermore, the increased fluorescence intensity of PI in treated cells indicated necrotic cell death, while the size and granularity of the cells were also altered. Our results show, for the first time, a proposal for the mechanism of action of P123-Hyp-mediated PDT against , proving that it has a prolonged action on the fungus through activation of the type II photodynamic pathway, which resulted in disruption of the plasma membrane and cellular alterations.
Next-generation microbiome therapeutics: why it is important to consider the space left in the wake of antibiotic treatment
King OG, Horrocks V, G Yip AY and K McDonald JA