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Bastidas-Caldes C, Vasco-Julio D, Huilca-Ibarra M, Guerrero-Freire S, Ledesma-Bravo Y, de Waard JH. Addressing the Concern of Orange-Yellow Fungus Growth on Palm Kernel Cake: Safeguarding Dairy Cattle Diets for Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi. Microorganisms 2024; 12:937. [PMID: 38792767 PMCID: PMC11124023 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Palm kernel cake (PKC), a byproduct of palm oil extraction, serves an important role in Ecuador's animal feed industry. The emergence of yellow-orange fungal growth in PKC on some cattle farms in Ecuador sparked concerns within the cattle industry regarding a potential mycotoxin-producing fungus on this substrate. Due to the limited availability of analytical chemistry techniques in Ecuador for mycotoxin detection, we chose to isolate and identify the fungus to determine its association with mycotoxin-producing genera. Through molecular identification via ITS region sequencing, we identified the yellow-orange fungus as the yeast Candida ethanolica. Furthermore, we isolated two other fungi-the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii, and the fungus Geotrichum candidum. Molecular identification confirmed that all three species are not classified as mycotoxin-producing fungi but in contrast, the literature indicates that all three have demonstrated antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Penicillium species, genera associated with mycotoxin production. This suggests their potential use in biocontrol to counter the colonization of harmful fungi. We discuss preventive measures against the fungal invasion of PKC and emphasize the importance of promptly identifying fungi on this substrate. Rapid recognition of mycotoxin-producing and pathogenic genera holds the promise of mitigating cattle intoxication and the dissemination of mycotoxins throughout the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Bastidas-Caldes
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (C.B.-C.); (M.H.-I.); or (S.G.-F.); (Y.L.-B.)
| | - David Vasco-Julio
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca 62050, Mexico
| | - Maria Huilca-Ibarra
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (C.B.-C.); (M.H.-I.); or (S.G.-F.); (Y.L.-B.)
| | - Salomé Guerrero-Freire
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (C.B.-C.); (M.H.-I.); or (S.G.-F.); (Y.L.-B.)
- Programa de Doctorado, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1063ACV, Argentina
| | - Yanua Ledesma-Bravo
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (C.B.-C.); (M.H.-I.); or (S.G.-F.); (Y.L.-B.)
| | - Jacobus H. de Waard
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Biotecnología, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170530, Ecuador; (C.B.-C.); (M.H.-I.); or (S.G.-F.); (Y.L.-B.)
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Zeb U, Aziz T, Azizullah A, Zan XY, Khan AA, Bacha SAS, Cui FJ. Complete mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms: features, evolution, and phylogeny. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14363. [PMID: 38837786 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Edible mushrooms are an important food source with high nutritional and medicinal value. They are a useful source for studying phylogenetic evolution and species divergence. The exploration of the evolutionary relationships among these species conventionally involves analyzing sequence variations within their complete mitochondrial genomes, which range from 31,854 bp (Cordyceps militaris) to 197,486 bp (Grifolia frondosa). The study of the complete mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms has emerged as a critical field of research, providing important insights into fungal genetic makeup, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships. This review explores the mitochondrial genome structures of various edible mushroom species, highlighting their unique features and evolutionary adaptations. By analyzing these genomes, robust phylogenetic frameworks are constructed to elucidate mushrooms lineage relationships. Furthermore, the exploration of different variations of mitochondrial DNA presents novel opportunities for enhancing mushroom cultivation biotechnology and medicinal applications. The mitochondrial genomic features are essential for improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security through improved crop productivity, disease resistance, and nutritional qualities. The current knowledge about the mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms is summarized in this review, emphasising their significance in both scientific research and practical applications in bioinformatics and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umar Zeb
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
- Faculty of Biological and Biomedical Science, Department of Biology, The University of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Azizullah Azizullah
- Faculty of Biological and Biomedical Science, Department of Biology, The University of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Xin-Yi Zan
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Asif Ali Khan
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Syed Asim Shah Bacha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
| | - Feng-Jie Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China
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Zhang X, Zhang L, Li Y, Wang N, Zhang Y. Clinical performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of invasive fungal disease after hematopoietic cell transplant. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1210857. [PMID: 38590441 PMCID: PMC11000502 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1210857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Timely diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are critical for improving the prognosis of patients with invasive fungal disease (IFD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We evaluated the performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and conventional microbiological testing (CMT), as well as the diagnosis, therapeutic management, and outcomes of IFD after HSCT. Methods We retrospectively studied 189 patients who underwent HSCT and were considered at risk for IFD. In total, 46 patients with IFD were enrolled in this study. The IFD consensus was followed for classifying IFD incidents. Results Forty-six patients were diagnosed with proven/probable (n = 12), possible (n = 27), and undefined (n = 7) IFD. Aspergillus was the most commonly detected fungal genus. Mucormycosis was found in 15 patients; two had Aspergillus, and one had Candida infections. Compared to CMT, mNGS significantly reduced the time required to identify pathogens (P = 0.0016). mNGS had a much higher sensitivity than CMT (84.78% vs. 36.96%; P < 0.0001). A total of 76.09% of patients received antifungal prophylaxis during fungal infections. All Pneumocystis infections occurred later than 100 days after transplantation. Among patients with Pneumocystis infection, 71.43% occurred following sulfonamide withdrawal, and subsequent treatment with sulfonamide alone or in combination with other drugs was effective. Based on the empirical antifungal treatment, the dosages, modes of administration, frequency of administration, or antifungal of 55.26% of the patients were changed according to the mNGS results. The 4-year overall survival rate of patients diagnosed with IFD after transplantation was 71.55% (95% CI, 55.18%-85.82%). Hypoproteinemia and corticosteroid use are independent risk factors for IFD. Conclusion mNGS, which has a high sensitivity and a short detection time, aids in the diagnosis and prognosis of pathogenic fungi. As a powerful technology, mNGS can influence treatment decisions in patients with IFD following HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lingfeng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yicheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Immunotherapy Research Center for Hematologic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Nafea AM, Wang Y, Wang D, Salama AM, Aziz MA, Xu S, Tong Y. Application of next-generation sequencing to identify different pathogens. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1329330. [PMID: 38348304 PMCID: PMC10859930 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1329330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Early and precise detection and identification of various pathogens are essential for epidemiological monitoring, disease management, and reducing the prevalence of clinical infectious diseases. Traditional pathogen detection techniques, which include mass spectrometry, biochemical tests, molecular testing, and culture-based methods, are limited in application and are time-consuming. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as an essential technology for identifying pathogens. NGS is a cutting-edge sequencing method with high throughput that can create massive volumes of sequences with a broad application prospects in the field of pathogen identification and diagnosis. In this review, we introduce NGS technology in detail, summarizes the application of NGS in that identification of different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and analyze the challenges and outlook for using NGS to identify clinical pathogens. Thus, this work provides a theoretical basis for NGS studies and provides evidence to support the application of NGS in distinguishing various clinical pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljuboori M. Nafea
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Ibn Sina University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Yuer Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Duanyang Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ahmed M. Salama
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Medical Laboratory at Sharkia Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Manal A. Aziz
- College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Ibn Sina University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Shan Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
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Ghenciu LA, Faur AC, Bolintineanu SL, Salavat MC, Maghiari AL. Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches in Fungal Keratitis: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:161. [PMID: 38257986 PMCID: PMC10820712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis represents a potentially sight-threatening infection associated with poor prognosis, as well as financial burden. Novel diagnostic methods include polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based approaches, metagenomic deep sequences, in vivo confocal microscopy, and antifungal susceptibility testing. The ideal therapeutic approaches and outcomes have been widely discussed in recent times, with early therapy being of the utmost importance for the preservation of visual acuity, minimizing corneal damage and reducing the scar size. However, combination therapy can be more efficacious compared to monotherapy. Understanding the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and prevention strategies can be of great importance. In this narrative, we discuss the recent progress that may aid our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mycotic keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreea Ghenciu
- Department III Functional Sciences, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department IX Surgery, Discipline of Ophtalmology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Corina Faur
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.L.B.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Sorin Lucian Bolintineanu
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.L.B.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Madalina Casiana Salavat
- Department IX Surgery, Discipline of Ophtalmology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Anca Laura Maghiari
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.L.B.); (A.L.M.)
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Jain A, Meshram RJ, Lohiya S, Patel A, Kaplish D. Exploring the Microbial Landscape of Neonatal Skin Flora: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e52972. [PMID: 38406113 PMCID: PMC10894447 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the intricate landscape of the neonatal skin microbiome, shedding light on its dynamic composition, developmental nuances, and influential factors. The neonatal period represents a critical window during which microbial colonization significantly impacts local skin health and the foundational development of the immune system. Factors such as mode of delivery and gestational age underscore the vulnerability of neonates to disruptions in microbial establishment. Key findings emphasize the broader systemic implications of the neonatal skin microbiome, extending beyond immediate health outcomes to influence susceptibility to infections, allergies, and immune-related disorders. This review advocates for a paradigm shift in neonatal care, proposing strategies to preserve and promote a healthy skin microbiome for long-term health benefits. The implications of this research extend to public health, where interventions targeting the neonatal skin microbiome could potentially mitigate diseases originating in early life. As we navigate the intersection of research and practical applications, bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation becomes imperative for translating these findings into evidence-based practices and improving neonatal well-being on a broader scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Jain
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Revat J Meshram
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sham Lohiya
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Ankita Patel
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Divyanshi Kaplish
- Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Shi Y, Peng JM, Hu XY, Yang QW, Wang Y. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for detecting Aspergillosis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients: a retrospective study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1209724. [PMID: 38188627 PMCID: PMC10770824 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1209724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The identification of Aspergillus by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) remains a challenging task due to the difficulty of nucleic acid extraction. The objective of this study was to determine whether mNGS could provide an accurate and efficient method for detecting invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in immunocompromised patients (ICP). Methods A total of 133 ICP admitted to the ICU between January 2020 and September 2022 were enrolled in the study, of which 46 were diagnosed with IPA and 87 were non-IPA cases. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for the presence of Aspergillosis and other co-pathogens using mNGS, and its diagnostic performance was compared to conventional microbial tests (CMTs) that included smear, cultures, serum and BALF galactomannan (GM) test. Clinical composite diagnosis was used as the reference standard. Results mNGS had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 82.6%, 97.7%, and 92.5%, respectively, in diagnosing IPA. These findings were comparable to those of the combination of multiple CMTs. Interestingly, the sensitivity of mNGS was superior to that of any single CMT method, as demonstrated by comparisons with smears (8.7%, P < 0.001), culture (39.1%, P < 0.001), serum GM (23.9%, P < 0.001) and BALF GM (69.6%, P = 0.031). mNGS was capable of accurately distinguish strains of Aspergillus genus, with a consistency of 77.8% with culture. Furthermore, mNGS also identified A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terrestris, A. oryzae and Mucor spp. in culture-negative cases. The sequencing reads of Aspergillus by mNGS exhibited extensive variation, ranging from 11 to1702. A positive correlation was observed between the optical density index of BALF GM and unique reads by mNGS (r = 0.607, P = 0.001) in BALF-GM positive patients. Notably, mNGS was able to diagnose 35 out of 37 cases with mixed infection, with P. jirovecii and cytomegalovirus being the most common co-pathogens. Conclusions mNGS presents a feasible and remarkably sensitive approach for detecting Aspergillus in ICP, thereby serving as a valuable adjunctive tool to CMT. Furthermore, mNGS's ability to accurately identify fungal species and co-pathogens can assist in guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Medical ICU, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Min Peng
- Department of Medical ICU, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Hu
- Department of Medical ICU, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Wen Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Govindasamy T, Bhassu S, Raju CS. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei Infection in Shrimp: Diagnosis, Interventions, and Food Safety Guidelines. Microorganisms 2023; 12:21. [PMID: 38257848 PMCID: PMC10820212 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of disease in shrimp has governed much concern in food safety and security among consumers with the recent reports on hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). The microsporidians present in shrimp remain a silent pathogen that prevents optimal shrimp growth. However, the biggest threat is in its food safety concerns, which is the primary focus in ensuring food biosecurity and biosafety. Hence, the objective of this review is to summarise the current knowledge of EHP and its infection in shrimp with food safety concerns. This paper provides an analysis of the diagnostic methods for detecting EHP infections in shrimp aquaculture. Interventions with current molecular biology and biotechnology would be the second approach to addressing EHP diseases. Finally, a systematic guideline for shrimp food safety using diagnostic and intervention is proposed. Thus, this review was aimed to shed light on effective methods for the diagnosis and prevention of EHP infection in shrimp. We also include information on molecular and genomics tools as well as innate immune biomolecules as future targets in the intervention strategies on the microsporidsosis life cycle in shrimp and its environment. Overall, this will result in reduced disease outbreaks in shrimp aquaculture, ensuring the shrimp food safety in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thenmoli Govindasamy
- Animal Genetics and Genome Evolutionary Laboratory (AGAGEL), Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Subha Bhassu
- Animal Genetics and Genome Evolutionary Laboratory (AGAGEL), Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Terra Aqua Laboratory, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Research Management and Innovation Complex, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Samudi Raju
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
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Becker AAMJ, Freeman MA, Dennis MM. A combined diagnostic approach for the investigation of lesions resembling aspergillosis in Caribbean sea fans ( Gorgonia spp.). Vet Pathol 2023; 60:640-651. [PMID: 37218467 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231173355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillosis of gorgonian sea fans is a Caribbean-wide disease characterized by focal, annular purple pigmentation with central tissue loss. We applied a holistic diagnostic approach including histopathology and a combination of culture and direct molecular identification of fungi to evaluate these lesions with the goal of determining the diversity of associated micro-organisms and pathology. Biopsies were collected from 14 sea fans without gross lesions and 44 sea fans with lesions grossly consistent with aspergillosis in shallow fringing reefs of St. Kitts. Histologically, the tissue loss margin had exposure of the axis and amoebocyte encapsulation with abundant mixed micro-organisms. Polyp loss, gastrodermal necrosis, and coenenchymal amoebocytosis were at the lesion interface (purpled area transitioning to grossly normal tissue) with algae (n = 21), fungus-like hyphae (n = 20), ciliate protists (n = 16), cyanobacteria (n = 15), labyrinthulomycetes (n = 5), or no micro-organisms (n = 8). Slender, septate hyaline hyphae predominated over other morphological categories, but were confined to the axis with little host response other than periaxial melanization. Hyphae were absent in 6 lesioned sea fans and present in 5 control biopsies, questioning their pathogenicity and necessary role in lesion causation. From cultivation, different fungi were isolated and identified by sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region. In addition, 2 primer pairs were used in a nested format to increase the sensitivity for direct amplification and identification of fungi from lesions, thereby circumventing cultivation. Results suggest mixed and opportunistic infections in sea fans with these lesions, requiring longitudinal or experimental studies to better determine the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A M J Becker
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts, West Indies
| | - Mark A Freeman
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts, West Indies
| | - Michelle M Dennis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts, West Indies
- The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Adenaike O, Olabanjo OE, Adedeji AA. Integrating computational skills in undergraduate Microbiology curricula in developing countries. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad008. [PMID: 37396465 PMCID: PMC10310463 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The employability of young graduates has gained increasing significance in the labour market of the 21st century. Universities turn out millions of graduates annually, but at the same time, employers highlight their lack of the requisite skills for sustainable employment. We live today in a world of data, and therefore courses that feature numerical and computational tools to gather and analyse data are to be sourced for and integrated into life sciences' curricula as they provide a number of benefits for both the students and faculty members that are engaged in teaching the courses. The lack of this teaching in undergraduate Microbiology curricula is devastating and leaves a knowledge gap in the graduates that are turned out. This results in an inability of the emerging graduates to compete favourably with their counterparts from other parts of the world. There is a necessity on the part of life science educators to adapt their teaching strategies to best support students' curricula that prepare them for careers in science. Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming are key computational skills to embrace by life scientists and the need for training beginning at undergraduate level cannot be overemphasized. This article reviews the need to integrate computational skills in undergraduate Microbiology curricula in developing countries with emphasis on Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omolara Adenaike
- Correspondence address. Department of Biological Sciences (Microbiology Unit), Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Nigeria. Tel: +2348061278100; E-mail:
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Aladhadh M. A Review of Modern Methods for the Detection of Foodborne Pathogens. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1111. [PMID: 37317085 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in food preservation techniques and food safety, significant disease outbreaks linked to foodborne pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses still occur worldwide indicating that these pathogens still constitute significant risks to public health. Although extensive reviews of methods for foodborne pathogens detection exist, most are skewed towards bacteria despite the increasing relevance of other pathogens such as viruses. Therefore, this review of foodborne pathogen detection methods is holistic, focusing on pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review has shown that culture-based methods allied with new approaches are beneficial for the detection of foodborne pathogens. The current application of immunoassay methods, especially for bacterial and fungal toxins detection in foods, are reviewed. The use and benefits of nucleic acid-based PCR methods and next-generation sequencing-based methods for bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens' detection and their toxins in foods are also reviewed. This review has, therefore, shown that different modern methods exist for the detection of current and emerging foodborne bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. It provides further evidence that the full utilization of these tools can lead to early detection and control of foodborne diseases, enhancing public health and reducing the frequency of disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Aladhadh
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
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