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        <title>Frontiers in Bacteriology | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bacteriology</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Bacteriology | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
        <generator>Frontiers Feed Generator,version:1</generator>
        <pubDate>2026-08-10T05:18:06.627+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1892950</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1892950</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Rethinking antivirulence therapies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: translational challenges and future directions through a state-control framework]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Gaurav Moudgil</author><author>Lavanya Khullar</author><author>Jatin Chadha</author>
        <description><![CDATA[With the emergence of post-antibiotic era, antivirulence therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was conceived as a rational escape from the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. Built on the foundation of virulence attenuation/disarmament rather than pathogen elimination, antivirulence therapy has not achieved any tangible clinical translation. This misfortune shows a reproducible pattern rooted in a series of compounding conceptual limitations. This perspective argues that the translational challenges of antivirulence strategies reflect not pharmacological inadequacy, but a fundamental misalignment between therapeutic design and infection biology. We dissect four structurally-interconnected explanations driving this impasse. First, antivirulence agents have been evaluated using defined endpoints that are engineered for bactericidal drugs, rendering precision disarmament strategies invisible by design. Second, P. aeruginosa itself outsmarts and resists single-node perturbations of virulence pathways not through conventional resistance mechanisms but by deploying intricately connected networks that rewire bacterial virulence in response to therapeutic pressure. Thirdly, the aspiration for broad-spectrum antivirulence therapy negates that pseudomonal virulence is neither fixed nor universal, but a shifting, niche-sculpted, and strain-variable phenomenon that defies a universal target. Finally, antivirulence therapies rely heavily on host immunity-mediated bacterial clearance, which is grossly eroded/compromised in patients infected with P. aeruginosa. We argue that clinical translation of antivirulence therapy requires abandoning the reductionist, target-centric paradigm and adopting a state-control framework that treats pseudomonal infections as dynamic, multifactorial, and coupled host-pathogen interactions. This strategic shift, from targeting molecules to redirecting biological trajectories, can potentially reposition antivirulence agents as precision tools for destabilising pathological states and combating P. aeruginosa infections.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1945651</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1945651</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Problems bring along their solutions: characterization of a carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter braakii strain and its lytic phage both isolated from sewage water]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Frontiers Production Office </author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1921131</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1921131</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Bacteria’s role in soil health and microbiomes]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Anil Raghavendra</author><author>Samuel Bickel</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1863255</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1863255</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Analysis of 16S rRNA to evaluate taxonomic differences between salivary and intratumoral microbiota in patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center pilot study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Edoardo Mandalà</author><author>Martina Coppini</author><author>Rodolfo Mauceri</author><author>Mariangela Pizzo</author><author>Giovanni M. Giammanco</author><author>Giuseppina Campisi</author><author>Celestino Bonura</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundAdvancements in DNA sequencing technology have facilitated the assessment of the connection between the oral microbiome and various diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences between salivary and intratumoral microbiota composition in patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsUnstimulated saliva and intratumoral fresh biopsy samples were collected. DNA was extracted using the QIAamp PowerFecal Pro, and next-generation sequencing was performed using the MiSeq Illumina device.ResultsA total of 12 patients were enrolled, of whom 7 were diagnosed with OSCC and five were OSCC-free, comprising the control group, including healthy patients and those affected by oral potentially malignant diseases (OPMDs). In the OSCC group, four were male and three were female, with a mean age of 58.4 ± 11.5 years; in the control OSCC-free group, four were male and one was female, with a mean age of 59.4 ± 18.3 years. The masticatory mucosa was the most affected OSCC site (42.8%), followed by the floor of the mouth (28.6%), the border of the tongue (14.3%), and the palate (14.3%). Compared to controls, the OSCC group exhibited an enrichment of bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum in the tumor tissue, alongside a distinct salivary profile characterized by the enrichment of the Neisseria genus and a consequent depletion of Streptococcus.ConclusionsDespite the limited sample size of this pilot study, we observed that the oral microbiota differs significantly depending on both the patient’s clinical status (OSCC vs. OSCC-free) and the specific sampling site (tumor tissue vs. saliva). A potential association between oral dysbiosis and OSCC onset may provide a new target for future validation and early diagnosis.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1874938</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1874938</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from companion animals and horses: associations with host, clinical origin, antimicrobial resistance, and clonal lineage]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Johanna Rühl-Teichner</author><author>Ursula Leidner</author><author>Torsten Semmler</author><author>Christa Ewers</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Acinetobacter baumannii is a major nosocomial pathogen in both human and veterinary medicine, in which biofilm formation (BF), multidrug resistance (MDR), and specific international clones (ICs) contribute to persistence and spread. In this study, 507 clinical A. baumannii isolates from cats, dogs, and horses, collected between 2008 and 2024, were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), BF capacity, and genomic characteristics. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the VITEK® 2 system, BF was quantified after 24 and 48 h by crystal violet assay, and genomic analyses included multilocus sequence typing, assignment to ICs, and detection of AMR and biofilm-associated genes (BAGs). Overall, 79.5% of isolates were classified as MDR, with significantly higher rates in cats and dogs than in horses. BF was widespread and showed host-specific dynamics: canine isolates exhibited progressive biofilm maturation over time, feline isolates remained largely stable, and equine isolates showed delayed but pronounced BF. BF also varied by clinical origin, with isolates from wounds/abscesses, urinary tract infections, and medical devices showing the strongest BF, compared, for example, with isolates from respiratory or genital tract infections. Among all clonal lineages, IC1 and IC2 were characterized by the strongest BF and the highest proportion of MDR isolates. Among the BAGs analyzed, blp1 was positively associated with BF, whereas bap showed an inverse association. These findings indicate that biofilm formation is a central feature of A. baumannii epidemiology in companion animals and is closely linked to clinical origin, MDR phenotype and clonal lineage. Improved understanding of these relationships may support the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies in veterinary medicine.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1892414</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1892414</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Comparative RNA-Seq reveals conserved and species-specific biofilm-associated pathways across clinically relevant airway bacteria]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>David Broderick</author><author>Arne Koefoed</author><author>Steffen Albrecht</author><author>Richard Douglas</author><author>Kristi Biswas</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionBiofilms are structured microbial communities associated with chronic airway disease and increased tolerance to antimicrobial treatments. While biofilm-associated physiology has been studied in individual species, the extent to which transcriptional responses are conserved across diverse airway pathogens remains poorly defined.MethodsWe performed comparative RNA sequencing across eight clinically relevant bacterial species under three conditions: planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and perturbation of established biofilms using doxycycline or a biocidal agent (Zoono GermFree24). Ortholog clustering and fold-change–based prioritisation were integrated to identify conserved transcriptional responses across species. Directional conservation was quantified to assess the extent of shared regulation within orthologous gene clusters.ResultsBiofilm formation induced widespread but modest transcriptional changes across species, with partial conservation observed in functional categories related to metabolism, transport and stress response. However, gene-level conservation was limited, with only a subset of ortholog clusters showing consistent directional change. In contrast, transcriptional responses to perturbation were highly heterogeneous, with substantial variation in both magnitude and direction across species. While doxycycline preferentially affected information processing pathways and Zoono induced broader functional shifts, both perturbations exhibited limited cross-species conservation. Quantitative analysis confirmed that most ortholog clusters displayed intermediate or inconsistent directional agreement, with strongly conserved responses representing a minority.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that biofilm formation is associated with partially conserved functional adaptation across airway pathogens, whereas responses to antimicrobial perturbation are largely species-specific. This distinction highlights the importance of functional constraints during biofilm establishment and regulatory flexibility under stress, with implications for the development of broadly effective strategies to target biofilm-associated infections.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1825225</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1825225</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Diversity and identification methods of non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars in West Africa: a scoping review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Esther Deguenon</author><author>Beau-Gard Hougbenou</author><author>Manoir Hounkanrin</author><author>Gildas Hounmanou</author><author>Victorien Dougnon</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundNon-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) represents a predominant group of zoonotic pathogens responsible for a significant global burden of human infections. These infections have garnered increasing attention due to asymptomatic carriage in livestock and subsequent dissemination through the food chain. This review aims to investigate the diversity of NTS serovars isolated in West Africa and to evaluate the diagnostic methods used for their identification.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases, covering the period from 2000 to 2025. Study selection and reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines. For the included articles, data on serovar distribution, sample origin, and both phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles were extracted and organized in Microsoft Excel. Statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software, version 4.5.2.ResultsA total of 1,202 isolates were identified from animal, environmental, food, and human sources. Salmonella Kentucky, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium were the most frequently reported serovars. Notably, several isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to between 8 and 10 antimicrobial agents. Identification and characterization of these NTS serovars were primarily achieved through molecular, serological, and mass spectrometry methods (particularly MALDI-TOF MS).ConclusionOverall, the findings highlight the predominance of poultry-associated NTS, the circulation of key zoonotic serovars, widespread antimicrobial resistance, and the growing adoption of molecular diagnostics. However, the absence of integrated One Health surveillance across studies underscores critical gaps in regional monitoring systems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1876999</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1876999</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Microbiological and genomic surveillance of WHO critical priority pathogens along the oyster supply chain: water quality as a driver of persistence and depuration as a mitigating strategy in a One Health context]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Gustavo Rocha</author><author>Mateus Rocha Ribas</author><author>Izadora Borgmann Frizzo de Assunção</author><author>Juliana Lemos Dal Pizzol</author><author>Victor Felipe Wolleck</author><author>Julia Raimundo de Jesus</author><author>Gabriel Sanabria da Silva</author><author>Jussara Kasuko Palmeiro</author><author>Thais Cristine Marques Sincero</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionOysters are widely consumed worldwide, often raw, which raises food safety concerns. These filter-feeding bivalves can accumulate contaminants, including antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB), posing a public health risk. This study aimed to investigate the presence of ARB in the oyster supply chain, evaluating the impact of production, commercialization and depuration processes on ARB contamination.MethodsSamples were collected from six oyster farms and commercial establishments supplied by them in the North and South Bays of Florianópolis, Brazil. Seawater, farmed oysters, commercially available oysters, depurated oysters, and larval-stage oysters were analyzed.ResultsA total of 167 antimicrobial-resistant isolates were identified, with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most prevalent, many of which are classified as WHO critical-priority pathogens. Whole genome sequencing of selected isolates revealed a high diversity of sequence types, including globally distributed lineages, and the presence of shared clones across seawater and oysters, indicating bacterial circulation along the supply chain. Genomic analysis also identified a wide range of resistance genes, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), as well as determinants conferring resistance to quinolones, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and trimethoprim, many of which were associated with plasmids. A similarity was observed between the antimicrobial resistance profiles of oysters collected from the marine environment and those commercially available. Sites with higher ARB contamination in the seawater showed increased resistance levels in oysters sold for human consumption. In some cases, identical resistance profiles and sequence types were detected across different stages of the supply chain, indicating persistence and dissemination along the supply chain. Additionally, the depuration process effectively reduced resistant bacteria and the prevalence of resistance genes in oysters.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that contaminated seawater is a key driver of ARB dissemination throughout the oyster supply chain, while depuration is an effective microbiological control measure that reduces resistant bacteria and resistance genes, thereby contributing to improved food safety.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1864514</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1864514</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Problems bring along their solutions: characterization of a carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter braakii strain and its lytic phage both isolated from sewage water]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-16T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Johanna Pukall</author><author>Wencke Rode</author><author>Johanna Albrecht</author><author>Simon Oerters</author><author>Aygun Ganbarzade</author><author>Jonas Krombholz</author><author>Katharina Schaufler</author><author>Elias Eger</author><author>Rabea Schlüter</author><author>Tjorven Hinzke</author><author>Daniela Zühlke</author><author>Susanne Sievers</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionCitrobacter spp. are facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria that have been known to cause infections in the urinary tract and bloodstream. These infections can be either nosocomial or community-acquired. Hospitals are considered to be reservoirs for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria; as such, hospital sewage is expected to contain MDR bacteria as well. In the present study, we characterized the carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter braakii strain GW-Imi-1b1 and its lytic phage vB_CbrP_HGW_001, both isolated from sewage water.MethodsWe conducted comprehensive proteogenomic, phenotypic, and physiological characterizations of GW-Imi-1b1. This included antimicrobial susceptibility testing, microscopy and motility assays. The newly isolated phage was analyzed via sequencing and electron microscopy. Its environmental stability was evaluated with respect to pH and temperature. Furthermore, phage adsorption and burst size was characterized. ResultsC. braakii GW-Imi-1b1 exhibits a broad resistance spectrum, including resistance to chloramphenicol and ertapenem. Proteomic analyses identified a plasmid-encoded GES-5 β-lactamase at constitutively high abundance independent of varying meropenem concentrations. Microscopy and motility assays revealed that GW-Imi-1b1 is a non-motile strain that produces outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Its phage vB_CbrP_HGW_001 was identified as a Kayfunavirus within the Caudoviricetes with podovirus morphology. It displayed high host specificity, broad pH and temperature stability, an infection cycle of approximately 20 min, and a burst size of 12 PFU/cell. DiscussionThe observed resistance phenotype of GW-Imi-1b1 is associated with the constitutively present GES-5 β-lactamase. Due to its localization on a plasmid, this resistance mechanism may be transferable within the wastewater microbiota. The OMVs could contribute to the virulence of GW-Imi-1b1; however, further identification of their cargo is necessary. Although phage vB_CbrP_HGW_001 is characterized by a narrow host specificity and a small burst size, it proved to efficiently lyze its host. This fact and its broad stability against environmentally factors turn vB_CbrP_HGW_001 into a potential treatment option in C. braakii infections and proves phage therapy as a valuable tool to combat infections caused by MDR bacteria.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1891783</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1891783</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Virulence and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in dogs and cats: a review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Inês Chambino</author><author>Juliana Menezes</author><author>Adriana Belas</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen in companion animal medicine, because it is associated with chronic, recurrent, and treatment-refractory infections. In dogs and cats, it has been identified in a range of clinical conditions, most notably otitis externa (OE), but also urinary tract, ocular, skin and soft tissue, and less frequently, respiratory infections, usually as opportunistic secondary pathogens. The pathogenic success of P. aeruginosa is related to its broad virulence repertoire, including adhesion factors, extracellular enzymes, exotoxins, secretion systems, quorum sensing regulation, and a marked capacity for biofilm formation. These virulence factors contribute to tissue damage, persistence, and treatment failure. In parallel, its intrinsic resistance and ability to acquire additional resistance determinants frequently result in multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes, while the detection of internationally recognises high-risk clones in companion animals raises concern from both clinical and One Health perspectives. This review summarises current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, virulence traits, biofilm-associated persistence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular epidemiology of P. aeruginosa in companion animals. Emphasis is placed on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by chronic and resistant infections, as well as on the growing pertinence of genomic tools for surveillance and characterisation of high-risk lineages. Overall, this review aims to better define the role of companion animals in the maintenance and dissemination of clinically important lineages.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1868676</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1868676</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Global variations and implications of microbiome communities in Ixodidae ticks: a systematic review and quality assessment]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-07-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Tapiwanashe Annamary Mhlanga</author><author>Alicia Pillay</author><author>Samson Mukaratirwa</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionTicks are blood-feeding arthropods that infest a wide range of terrestrial vertebrates and serve as important vectors of disease. While primary pathogens have received substantial attention, the broader microbial communities harbored by ticks remain comparatively understudied.MethodsThis systematic review synthesizes global literature on bacterial communities associated with Ixodidae tick species, focusing on studies utilizing Illumina-based sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable region. A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases for articles published between January 2011 to July 2024, yielding 68 eligible selected articles.ResultsThe included studies covered tick genera Amblyomma, Bothriocroton, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus across 23 countries. Overall, Ixodidae ticks exhibited a limited core microbiota dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria independent of tick species, sex, host, geographic region and tissue type. Taxonomic composition varied across studies, with Coxiella and Rickettsia consistently reported as dominant endosymbionts. DiscussionMicrobial diversity differed according to tick species, sex, developmental stage, feeding status and tick organ, whereas the effects of geographic location and pathogen infection status were inconsistent across studies. Interpretation of temporal changes remains limited due to the paucity of longitudinal studies. We herein integrated global findings of Ixodidae microbial composition and the key factors influencing bacterial richness and diversity.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1869638</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1869638</link>
        <title><![CDATA[ESKAPE pathogen alert: resistance trends in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from clinical isolates in Johannesburg (2019–2023)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sonalli Chaggan</author><author>Sumayya I. K. Mieta</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a critical ESKAPE pathogen known for causing nosocomial infections in healthcare settings. There is limited research available on changes in susceptibility patterns of P. aeruginosa in Gauteng. This study aimed to determine and describe the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of P. aeruginosa isolates, in addition to identifying shifts and trends in antimicrobial resistance amongst isolates from various clinical samples in Johannesburg, and to evaluate variations in susceptibility.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive study was conducted using secondary laboratory data from a private laboratory servicing private clinics across all regions within Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2019 to 2023. Data were captured in an Excel spreadsheet. Samples included respiratory, urine, blood culture, pus swab, pus fluid, tissue, and ear swab samples.ResultsA total of 16,167 samples positive for P. aeruginosa isolates were included in the analysis. P. aeruginosa was predominantly isolated from urine samples (30.7%), respiratory samples (28.7%), and tissue samples (21.1%). There was an overall increase in resistance across all antipseudomonal drug categories, with carbapenems presenting with a continuously high percentage of resistance throughout the study period. A chi-square result of 184.704 and a p-value of <0.001 supported the growing antimicrobial resistance over the 5-year period. Respiratory samples showed the highest prevalence of resistance to carbapenems (42.1%) and beta-lactams (37.7%).ConclusionAntibiotic stewardship, together with infection control, plays a role in preventing the development and spread of resistant strains. Further investigations should be conducted to expand knowledge of the patterns of P. aeruginosa and other ESKAPE pathogens in the clinical setting. This study provides insight into the antimicrobial patterns of the WHO ESKAPE pathogen P. aeruginosa in Johannesburg, South Africa.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1833038</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1833038</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Updated functional annotation of the Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor str. N16961 reference genome]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Ravipaul Singh</author><author>Jeffrey H. Withey</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The ubiquitous aquatic bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, is the causative agent of the human diarrheal disease cholera, which occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water and can lead to potentially fatal outcomes. The V. cholerae genome contains two nonhomologous chromosomes that are ~2.96 Mbp and ~1.07 Mbp, respectively. Here we report a complete, updated comparative analysis of the functional annotations for the V. cholerae genome. Available genomic sequencing data from the original analysis in 2000 was compared to the updated genomic sequence in 2026 for the O1 El Tor str. N16961. The classification of genes as ‘hypothetical protein’ or ‘conserved hypothetical protein’ has dropped from over 40% in 2000 to ~5.7% as of 2026. Additional protein-protein blast comparisons performed for this study provide potential roles for ~38.5% of the remaining hypothetical proteins as of 2026. In combination, these changes highlight the progress made over the past quarter century. We present this analysis as an easily usable resource that allows the user to search for and compare the changes, if any, to the functional annotations of the over 3500 protein-coding genes present in the V. cholerae O1 El Tor str. N16961 genome.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1815759</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1815759</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Detection of AMR and identification of Salmonella enterica in indigenous, broiler and layers poultry in some major markets of Morogoro Municipal, Tanzania]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Brenda Peter</author><author>Alexanda Mzula</author><author>Abubakar S. Hoza</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundSalmonella enterica is a major global cause of food-borne illness, with poultry products being a primary route of transmission to humans. The rise of antimicrobial-resistant strains in poultry significantly heightens public health risks, especially in low-and-middle income countries such as Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from January to July 2025 in three live-bird markets in Morogoro Municipality, namely Bigwa, Mawenzi, and Kingalu. Cloacal swabs were collected from broiler, layer, and indigenous chickens. Samples were processed using selective enrichment, standard bacteriological culture, and biochemical tests, with confirmation by VITEK-MS (bioMérieux), and PCR targeting the invA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2025 guidelines.ResultsSalmonella enterica was detected in 1% (3/300) of the samples, all from broiler chickens in Bigwa market. VITEK-MS identified all isolates as Salmonella enterica with confidence scores of 99.9%. PCR confirmed the invA gene in all three isolates, producing a 796 bp amplicon. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed 100% resistance to tetracycline and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, 66.7% resistance to ampicillin and azithromycin, and 33.3% resistance to ciprofloxacin, while all isolates remained susceptible to ceftriaxone. All isolates (3/3, 100%) exhibited multidrug resistance.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica in broiler chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania. Despite the limited number of isolates in this research, the detection of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica highlights a potential public health concern. Enhanced surveillance, responsible antimicrobial stewardship in poultry systems, and coordinated One Health interventions are recommended.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1757036</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1757036</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Offense-defense in bone infection: interferon regulation and the immune evasion of Staphylococcus aureus]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Jinrong Qian</author><author>Weiwei Qian</author><author>Xiaoyu Tang</author><author>Yin Yang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Bone infection is a severe disease caused by microbial invasion of bone tissue, characterized by inflammatory responses, bone destruction, and impaired repair. Its high recurrence rate and refractory nature have posed significant challenges in clinical treatments. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) establish a highly immune-evasive microenvironment by intracellular latency, biofilm formation, and secretion of multiple virulence factors, which interfere with complement activation, phagocytic clearance, and T-cell responses. Host immune responses in bone infections exhibit multidimensional, multi-cell synergistic characteristics. During this process, interferons (IFNs), particularly type I (IFN-I) and type II (IFN-γ), play a central regulatory role through signaling pathways. They not only directly activate the bactericidal functions of innate immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils but also precisely coordinate antigen presentation by dendritic cells, cytotoxic activity of NK cells, adaptive immunity of T cells, and antibody responses of B cells, collectively constructing an anti-infective defense network. In the early stages, timely activation of these factors is crucial for controlling infection. However, their sustained or excessive expression during chronic phases may lead to immune dysregulation, excessive inflammation, and exacerbated osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. This review focuses on the primary pathogen spectrum and immunological characteristics of bone infections, emphasizing the hierarchical regulatory roles of IFN-I and IFN-γ in neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, and T/B cells. Key escape strategies employed by S. aureus against the interferon network are summarized, providing theoretical foundations and potential approaches for immune intervention and targeted therapies in chronic, refractory bone infections.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1825369</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1825369</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Unraveling mechanistic differences and similarities in resistance profiles to antimicrobial peptides and conventional antibiotics]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Lívia Veiga Luchi</author><author>João Pedro Farias Pimentel</author><author>Raquel Marcela Quigua Orozco</author><author>Marlon Henrique Cardoso</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Antimicrobial resistance represents a major global health challenge, particularly in the context of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Although conventional antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) both exert selective pressure on bacterial populations, they differ substantially in their modes of action and in the adaptive responses they elicit. This mini review compares bacterial evasion mechanisms against antibiotics and AMPs, highlighting how differences and similarities in molecular targets, cellular responses, and evolutionary trajectories influence resistance emergence and persistence. Resistance to antibiotics is often driven by specific genetic alterations, including target modification, enzymatic degradation, and active efflux, frequently resulting in stable and heritable phenotypes. By contrast, reduced susceptibility to AMPs commonly involves broader physiological adaptations, such as surface charge modification, membrane remodeling, and activation of regulatory networks, which may impose higher metabolic costs and exhibit partial reversibility. By contrasting these adaptive landscapes, this mini review underscores how mechanistic differences and similarities between antibiotic and AMP resistance can inform the interpretation of susceptibility profiles beyond binary classifications. This conceptual perspective contributes to ongoing discussions on strategies aimed at controlling the emergence and persistence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1822309</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1822309</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Efflux-dominated resistome architecture and phylogeny-resistance decoupling in pharmaceutical effluent-associated Acinetobacter isolates]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Aswetha Iyer</author><author>Riddhi Upadhyay</author><author>Periyasamy Ashokkumar</author><author>Murugan Sevanan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[AimThis study aimed to characterise the resistome of Acinetobacter isolates from pharmaceutical effluents and assess its association with phylogeny.MethodologyIn this study, Whole-genome sequences were assembled and screened for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) genes using CARD. Core and accessory resistomes were defined, and phylogeny was inferred using 16S rRNA analysis.ResultsIsolates carried 13–35 AMR genes despite shared origin. Efflux systems (AdeIJK, AdeABC) formed a conserved intrinsic core, while accessory genes, including OXA-type carbapenemases, ESBLs, aminoglycoside- and sulfonamide-resistance genes, and qacEΔ1, were variably distributed. Resistome patterns did not strictly follow phylogeny.InterpretationPharmaceutical effluents select for a conserved efflux-based resistance backbone while enabling dynamic acquisition of accessory genes via Horizontal Gene Transfer, highlighting the role of environmental pressure in multidrug resistance evolution.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1735351</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1735351</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The epidemiological burden and trends of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance at the Atua Government Hospital, Ghana: a 12-year retrospective analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lydia Konadu Donkor</author><author>John Gameli Deku</author><author>Israel Bedzina</author><author>Ebenezer Ametsimey</author><author>Kenneth Ablordey</author><author>Ofoe Mathew</author><author>Innocent Afeke</author><author>Kwabena Obeng Duedu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionTuberculosis, a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a global public health threat. The problem is compounded by the development of resistance to antimicrobial agents, especially, rifampicin resistance. This 12-year retrospective study was conducted to determine the trends of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance at Atua Government Hospital in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted at Atua Government Hospital in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study population included archived records of suspected patients whose sputum samples were tested between 2013 and 2024 using the Gene Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Rifampicin (MTB/RIF) version 5.0 assay on the Gene Xpert platform (Cepheid, USA). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 365, cleaned, and analysed using R version 4.5.0.ResultThe study included 3,976 participants, of which 610 (15.3%) tested positive for tuberculosis. Positivity was highest in the 41–60 years (17.1%). MTB was significantly higher in males (18.6%) compared to females (12.6%) (p<0.001). The highest prevalence of the infection was observed in 2021 (24.4%) and 2024 (21.7%), while the lowest occurred in 2023 (5.3%) (p<0.001). The prevalence of rifampicin resistance was 21.5% (131/610), with higher prevalence in females (26.3%) compared to males (17.6%).ConclusionThe study reported Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance prevalence of 15.3% and 21.5% respectively. This high prevalence underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat the growing public health concern. There is therefore the need for enhancing surveillance systems and prioritising early detection strategies.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1736243</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2026.1736243</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Seasonal assessment of microbial indicators, antibiotic resistance, and heavy metal tolerance in water, sediment, and edible fish from an urban tropical coastal lagoon (Jansen Lagoon, São Luís, Brazil)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Luciano Rodrigues Júnior</author><author>Adenilde Mouchereck</author><author>Marco Cutrim</author><author>Andrea Azevedo-Cutrim</author><author>Pâmela Baima</author><author>Amanda Teles</author><author>Walter José Martínez-Burgos</author><author>Roberta Pozzan</author><author>Ceci Sales-Campos</author><author>Josilene Serra Pereira</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionUrban coastal lagoons frequently receive untreated sewage and stormwater runoff, favoring fecal contamination and the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study evaluated seasonal patterns of microbial indicators, antibiotic resistance, and heavy metal tolerance in different environmental compartments of Jansen Lagoon (São Luís, Brazil).MethodsFive sampling campaigns were conducted in 2018 during rainy (February–April) and dry (July–November) seasons. Surface water (n = 25), sediment (n = 15), and fish (n = 10) were collected at five sites. Thermotolerant coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. were enumerated by MPN; presumptive Clostridium perfringens was detected on SPS agar; and Enterobacterales were identified by biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion following CLSI guidelines. Heavy metal tolerance (Pb and Cu) and physicochemical parameters were also evaluated.ResultsPhysicochemical parameters varied seasonally, with higher TDS during the rainy season and consistently alkaline pH (8.4–8.7). Thermotolerant coliforms peaked in rainy-season water samples (up to 1,600 MPN/100 mL), while sediments showed higher counts during the dry season. A total of 130 gram-negative strains (19 species) were isolated, predominantly Escherichia coli. High resistance was observed to cephalothin (70%) and tetracycline (41%), while chloramphenicol susceptibility was high (91%); five species met MDR criteria. Pseudomonas spp. were more abundant in fish and largely susceptible to gentamicin (92.5%). Presumptive C. perfringens was detected only in the dry season. Most isolates tolerated high Pb concentrations (3500 ppm), and Cu tolerance was dose-dependent.DiscussionJansen Lagoon shows recurrent fecal contamination and significant levels of antibiotic resistance across environmental compartments, with seasonal variation. These findings highlight potential co-selection mechanisms and reinforce the need for improved sewage management to mitigate human exposure risks within a One Health framework.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2025.1718905</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbrio.2025.1718905</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bathing in resistance: evidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in recreational coastal waters in Niterói City, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sofia Lessa Costa</author><author>Laura Brandão Martins</author><author>Milena Conceição Amorim</author><author>Marcos Tavares Carneiro</author><author>Viviane Zahner</author><author>Thiago Pavoni Gomes Chagas</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionAntibiotic resistance is a critical One Health issue, necessitating continuous investigation of bacterial diversity and resistance, particularly in non-clinical environments. This study investigated the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in waters collected from four sampling points of a recreational beach in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro state.MethodologyWater samples were collected from four points along the beach, and after serial dilutions, the samples were plated onto selective media for bacterial isolation. Bacterial identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method and interpreted according to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. DNA from Gram-negative bacteria with detected phenotypic resistance was extracted, and PCR was used to investigate the presence of β-lactamase resistance genes. The blaGES gene was sequenced and deposited in GenBank. The multiple antibiotic resistance phenotype (MARP) and multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) were calculated based on the number of antibiotics each isolate was resistant to.ResultsThe presence of the genes blaGES, blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaCTX-M, which confer resistance to clinically relevant β-lactams, was detected in four members of the order Enterobacterales. A blaGESS determinant was detected in an isolate of Citrobacter freundii in combination with phenotypic resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and tetracycline, characterizing a multidrug-resistant phenotype. This observation, when combined with findings from previous surveys of Guanabara Bay, indicated that the blaGES determinants are either established or continually introduced into this important ecosystem. The multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.19 to 0.62, with a strain of Klebsiella variicola showing the highest value, based on resistance to 11 of the 16 antimicrobials examined.DiscussionThe data presented herein demonstrated the presence of an abundant diversity of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in waters used for bathing, sailing, and fishing by a large population of humans and emphasizes the requirement for enhanced monitoring of recreational waters along the Guanabara Bay coastline.]]></description>
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