Antimicrobials from endophytes as novel therapeutics to counter drug-resistant pathogens
This comprehensive review highlights the critical need for new antimicrobials to combat the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It emphasizes endophytes—microorganisms living symbiotically within plants—as an underexplored yet promising source of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The authors detail how synthetic biology can enhance endophyte-derived compound production, and call for accelerating research […]
Lysin and Lytic Phages Reduce Vibrio Counts in Live Feed and Fish Larvae
Both bacteriophage CH20 and endolysin LysVPp1 were tested for their effectiveness against pathogenic Vibrio species in rotifers and fish larvae. LysVPp1 exhibited strong lytic activity against Vibrio alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. splendidus, while phage CH20 demonstrated a narrower host range, targeting only V. alginolyticus GV09. In controlled bioassays, LysVPp1 reduced Vibrio loads in larvae […]
Orf, a Human Parapoxvirus Infection
This chapter highlights orf as a globally common yet underrecognized zoonotic infection caused by the parapoxvirus genus. Orf primarily affects small ruminants—such as sheep, goats, and wild deer—and spreads to humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. Clinical presentation includes pustular skin lesions, often resolving in immunocompetent individuals over several weeks; however, […]
Hunting Dynamics and Identification of Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria in European Fallow Deer (Dama dama) across Three Hunting Reserves in Western Romania
This study analyzed hunting records and screened bacterial pathogens from 120 fallow deer carcasses sampled across three hunting reserves in western Romania over a five-year period. A total of 1,881 deer were harvested and 240 swab samples (rectal and nasal) were collected. Bacteriological culture and identification using the Vitek 2 Compact system revealed potentially pathogenic […]
Evaluation of cholera surveillance systems in Africa: a systematic review
This systematic review assessed surveillance evaluation frameworks and their application for cholera across the 55 African Union Member States from 2012 to 2023. Thirteen records were included comprising five adaptable communicable disease frameworks and eight country assessments. No study evaluated cross border surveillance capacities, multisectoral one health coordination, or linkage of public health laboratory networks […]
Isolation of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Avium from a Wild Eurasian Otter (Lutra Lutra)
This first-ever report of multidrug-resistant M. avium subsp. avium in a wild Eurasian otter was detected following a postmortem examination of a female otter struck by a vehicle. Acid-fast bacilli were isolated from lymph nodes and molecularly confirmed as M. avium subsp. avium. The strain was susceptible only to clarithromycin and amikacin but resistant to […]
Enhanced Diversifying Selection on Polymerase Genes in H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b: A Key Driver of Altered Species Tropism and Host Range Expansion
Despite overall purifying selection characterizing H5N1 evolution, episodic diversifying selection is notably elevated in clade 2.3.4.4b’s polymerase genes—PB2, PB1, and PA—relative to earlier H5N1 clades. These polymerases are essential for viral fitness, interspecies transmission, and virulence. The heightened selection pressure likely underpins the clade’s expanded host range and altered species tropism, including infections in species […]
Anaerobic digestates in agricultural soils: A systematic review of their effects on antibiotic resistance genes
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of animal manure can substantially reduce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in treated waste, yet residual ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) frequently remain in digestate. When applied to agricultural soils, these digestates cause varying trajectories: while some ARGs decline over time post-application, others persist or even increase, failing to return to pre-treatment […]
Harnessing the potential of Achromobacter sp. M1 to remediate heavy metals from wastewater: Genomic insights and environmental applications
This study evaluated Achromobacter sp. M1 for its efficiency in removing lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd)—the CDC’s “toxic trio”—from wastewater. Within 24 hours, removal efficiencies were 68.8 ± 0.9% for Pb, 82.7 ± 1.9% for Hg, and 94.9 ± 1.2% for Cd. Lab-scale wastewater treatment with M1 also reduced total suspended solids (TSS […]
Initial Health Outcomes of a Community-Based Collaboration for Children in Foster Care
This evaluation of the Missoula Foster Child Health Program—a collaborative initiative involving community agencies in Montana—revealed substantial improvements in health outcomes among foster youth. Among 485 participants (evenly split by gender, ages 0–18), initial assessments identified major gaps: 30% lacked a primary care provider, 58% had no dental provider, and 33% were missing required vaccinations. […]