1
|
Maruri-Aransolo A, de Dios Caballero J, Michelena M, Medina-Pascual MJ, Carrasco G, Asensio O, Cols M, Cantón R. Evaluation of CHROMagar™ B. cepacia agar for the detection of Burkholderia cepacia complex species from sputum samples of patients with cystic fibrosis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024:10.1007/s10096-024-04845-4. [PMID: 38780755 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04845-4] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) are non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria that can chronically colonize the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), causing a severe and progressive respiratory failure, post-transplant complications and epidemic outbreaks. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of these bacteria is relevant for pwCF, in order to facilitate early eradication and prevent chronic colonization. However, BCCs are often quite difficult to detect on culture media as they have a slow growth rate and can be hidden by other fast-growing microorganisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and filamentous fungi. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated the sensitivity of CHROMagar™ B. cepacia agar using 11 isolates from a well-characterized BCC collection, using BCA agar (Oxoid, UK) as a gold standard. We also studied 180 clinical sputum samples to calculate positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values. Furthermore, we used three of the well-characterized BCC isolates to determine the limit of detection (LOD). RESULTS Eleven isolates grew on CHROMagar™ B. cepacia at 37ºC after 48 h. The NPV and PPV of CHROMagar™ B. cepacia were 100% and 87.5%, respectively. The LOD of CHROMagar™ B. cepacia was around 1 × 103 CFU/ml, requiring a ten-fold dilution lower bacterial load than BCA for BCC detection. CONCLUSION CHROMagar™ B. cepacia agar proved to have a very good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of clinical BCCs. Moreover, the chromogenic nature of the medium allowed us to clearly differentiate BCC from other Gram-negative species, filamentous fungi and yeasts, thereby facilitating the identification of contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ainhize Maruri-Aransolo
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan de Dios Caballero
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Malkoa Michelena
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Medina-Pascual
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Taxonomía, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Carrasco
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Taxonomía, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Asensio
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Consorci Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Maria Cols
- Pediatric Pulmonology Department and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Cantón
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alsowayeh N, Albutti A, Al-Shouli ST. Reverse Vaccinology and Immunoinformatic Assisted Designing of a Multi-Epitopes Based Vaccine Against Nosocomial Burkholderia cepacia. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:929400. [PMID: 35875518 PMCID: PMC9297367 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.929400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia cepacia is a Gram-negative nosocomial pathogen and is considered as a troublesome bacterium due to its resistance to many common antibiotics. There is no licensed vaccine available to prevent the pathogen infections, thus making the condition more alarming and warrant the search for novel therapeutic and prophylactic approaches. In order to identify protective antigens from pathogen proteome, substantial efforts are put forth to prioritized potential vaccine targets and antigens that can be easily evaluated experimentally. In this vaccine design investigation, it was found that B. cepacia completely sequenced proteomes available in NCBI genome database has a total of 28,966 core proteins. Out of total, 25,282 proteins were found redundant while 3,684 were non-redundant. Subcellular localization revealed that 18 proteins were extracellular, 31 were part of the outer membrane, 75 proteins were localized in the periplasm, and 23 were virulent proteins. Five proteins namely flagellar hook protein (FlgE), fimbria biogenesis outer membrane usher protein, Type IV pilus secretin (PilQ), cytochrome c4, flagellar hook basal body complex protein (FliE) were tested for positive for antigenic, non-toxic, and soluble epitopes during predication of B-cell derived T-cell epitopes. A vaccine peptide of 14 epitopes (joined together via GPGPG linkers) and cholera toxin B subunit (CTBS) adjuvant (joined to epitopes peptide via EAAAK linker) was constructed. Binding interaction of the modeled vaccine with MHC-I, MHC-II, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) immune receptors was studied using molecular docking studies and further analyzed in molecular dynamics simulations that affirms strong intermolecular binding and stable dynamics. The maximum root mean square deviation (RMSD) score of complexes in the simulation time touches to 2 Å. Additionally, complexes binding free energies were determined that concluded robust interaction energies dominated by van der Waals. The total energy of each complex is < -190 kcal/mol. In summary, the designed vaccine showed promising protective immunity against B. cepacia and needs to be examined in experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noorah Alsowayeh
- Department of Biology, College of Education (Majmaah), Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aqel Albutti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samia T. Al-Shouli
- Immunology Unit, Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Paulitsch F, Dos Reis FB, Hungria M. Twenty years of paradigm-breaking studies of taxonomy and symbiotic nitrogen fixation by beta-rhizobia, and indication of Brazil as a hotspot of Paraburkholderia diversity. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:4785-4803. [PMID: 34245357 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02466-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the first members of the genus Burkholderia capable of nodulating and fixing N2 during symbiosis with leguminous plants were reported. The discovery that β-proteobacteria could nodulate legumes represented a breakthrough event because, for over 100 years, it was thought that all rhizobia belonged exclusively to the α-Proteobacteria class. Over the past 20 years, efforts toward robust characterization of these bacteria with large-scale phylogenomic and taxonomic studies have led to the separation of clinically important and phytopathogenic members of Burkholderia from environmental ones, and the symbiotic nodulating species are now included in the genera Paraburkholderia and Trinickia. Paraburkholderia encompasses the vast majority of β-rhizobia and has been mostly found in South America and South Africa, presenting greater symbiotic affinity with native members of the families Mimosoideae and Papilionoideae, respectively. Being the main center of Mimosa spp. diversity, Brazil is also known as the center of symbiotic Paraburkholderia diversity. Of the 21 symbiotic Paraburkholderia species described to date, 11 have been isolated in Brazil, and others first isolated in different countries have also been found in this country. Additionally, besides the symbiotic N2-fixation capacity of some of its members, Paraburkholderia is considered rich in other beneficial interactions with plants and can promote growth through several direct and indirect mechanisms. Therefore, these bacteria can be considered biological resources employed as environmentally friendly alternatives that could reduce the agricultural dependence on agrochemical inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane Paulitsch
- Embrapa Soja, C.P. 231, Londrina, Paraná, 86001-970, Brazil.,Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, C.P. 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.,Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, SBN, Quadra 2, Bloco L, Lote 06, Edifício Capes, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70040-020, Brazil
| | | | - Mariangela Hungria
- Embrapa Soja, C.P. 231, Londrina, Paraná, 86001-970, Brazil. .,Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, C.P. 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Burkholderia species in human infections in Mexico: Identification of B. cepacia, B. contaminans, B. multivorans, B. vietnamiensis,B. pseudomallei and a new Burkholderia species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009541. [PMID: 34185783 PMCID: PMC8274841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burkholderia sensu stricto is comprised mainly of opportunistic pathogens. This group is widely distributed in the environment but is especially important in clinical settings. In Mexico, few species have been correctly identified among patients, most often B. cepacia is described. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, approximately 90 strains identified as B. cepacia with the VITEK2 system were isolated from two medical centers in Mexico City and analyzed by MLSA, BOX-PCR and genome analysis. The initial identification of B. cepacia was confirmed for many strains, but B. contaminans, B. multivorans and B. vietnamiensis were also identified among clinical strains for the first time in hospitals in Mexico. Additionally, the presence of B. pseudomallei was confirmed, and a novel species within the B. cepacia complex was documented. Several strains misidentified as B. cepacia actually belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Providencia. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The presence of different Burkholderia species in Mexico was confirmed. Correct identification of Burkholderia species is important to provide accurate treatment for immunosuppressed patients.
Collapse
|
5
|
Córdoba-Castro LA, Salgado-Morales R, Torres M, Martínez-Aguilar L, Lozano L, Vences-Guzmán MÁ, Guan Z, Dantán-González E, Serrano M, Sohlenkamp C. Ornithine Lipids in Burkholderia spp. Pathogenicity. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:610932. [PMID: 33469548 PMCID: PMC7814305 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.610932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Burkholderia sensu lato is composed of a diverse and metabolically versatile group of bacterial species. One characteristic thought to be unique for the genus Burkholderia is the presence of two forms each (with and without 2-hydroxylation) of the membrane lipids phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and ornithine lipids (OLs). Here, we show that only Burkholderia sensu stricto strains constitutively form OLs, whereas all other analyzed strains belonging to the Burkholderia sensu lato group constitutively form the two forms of PE, but no OLs. We selected two model bacteria to study the function of OL in Burkholderia sensu lato: (1) Burkholderia cenocepacia wild-type which constitutively forms OLs and its mutant deficient in the formation of OLs and (2) Robbsia andropogonis (formerly Burkholderia andropogonis) which does not form OL constitutively, and a derived strain constitutively forming OLs. Both were characterized under free-living conditions and during pathogenic interactions with their respective hosts. The absence of OLs in B. cenocepacia slightly affected bacterial growth under specific abiotic stress conditions such as high temperature and low pH. B. cenocepacia lacking OLs caused lower mortality in Galleria mellonella larvae while R. andropogonis constitutively forming OLs triggers an increased formation of reactive oxygen species immediately after infection of maize leaves, suggesting that OLs can have an important role during the activation of the innate immune response of eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luz América Córdoba-Castro
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Rosalba Salgado-Morales
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Martha Torres
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Luis Lozano
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Ziqiang Guan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Edgar Dantán-González
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Mario Serrano
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Christian Sohlenkamp
- Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Knowledge of the agricultural soil microbiota, of the microbial consortia that comprise it, and the promotion of agricultural practices that maintain and encourage them, is a promising way to improve soil quality for sustainable agriculture and to provide food security. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of beneficial soil microorganisms on crop yields and quality, the use of microbial consortia in agriculture remains low. Microbial consortia have more properties than an individual microbial inoculum, due to the synergy of the microorganisms that populate them. This review describes the main characteristics, ecosystem functions, crop benefits, and biotechnological applications of microbial consortia composed of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and Actinobacteria, to promote the restoration of agricultural soils and, consequently, the quality and health of agricultural crops. The aim is to provide knowledge that will contribute to the development of sustainable and sufficiently productive agriculture, which will adapt in a good way to the pace of the growing human population and to climate change.
Collapse
|
7
|
De Volder AL, Teves S, Isasmendi A, Pinheiro JL, Ibarra L, Breglia N, Herrera T, Vazquez M, Hernandez C, Degrossi J. Distribution of Burkholderia cepacia complex species isolated from industrial processes and contaminated products in Argentina. Int Microbiol 2020; 24:157-167. [PMID: 33184776 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-020-00151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) members have clinical relevance as opportunistic pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis and are responsible of numerous nosocomial infections. These closely related bacteria are also reported as frequent contaminants of industrial products. In this retrospective study, we use PCR and recA gene sequence analysis to identify at species level Bcc isolates recovered from massive consumption products and industrial processes in Argentina during the last 25 years. The sequences obtained were also compared with recA sequences from clinical Bcc isolates deposited in GenBank database. We detected Bcc in purified water and preserved products from pharmaceutics, cosmetics, household cleaning articles, and beverages industries. B. contaminans (which is prevalent among people with cystic fibrosis in Argentina) was the most frequent Bcc species identified (42% of the Bcc isolates studied). B. cepacia (10%), B. cenocepacia (5%), B. vietnamiensis (16%), B. arboris (3%), and the recently defined B. aenigmatica (24%) were also detected. Rec A sequences from all B. cepacia and most B. contaminans industrial isolates obtained in this study displayed 100% identity with recA sequences from isolates infecting Argentinean patients. This information brings evidence for considering industrial massive consumption products as a potential source of Bcc infections. In addition, identification at species level in industrial microbiological laboratories is necessary for a better epidemiological surveillance. Particularly in Argentina, more studies are required in order to reveal the role of these products in the acquisition of B. contaminans infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A López De Volder
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Teves
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Isasmendi
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J L Pinheiro
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Ibarra
- Servicio de Bacteriología Clínica, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Breglia
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - T Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Vazquez
- Servicio de Bacteriología Clínica, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Hernandez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Degrossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Cátedra de Salud Pública e Higiene Ambiental, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4° Floor, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tan KY, Dutta A, Tan TK, Hari R, Othman RY, Choo SW. Comprehensive genome analysis of a pangolin-associated Paraburkholderia fungorum provides new insights into its secretion systems and virulence. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9733. [PMID: 32953261 PMCID: PMC7474880 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paraburkholderia fungorum (P. fungorum) is a Gram-negative environmental species that has been commonly used as a beneficial microorganism in agriculture as an agent for biocontrol and bioremediation. Its use in agriculture is controversial as many people believe that it could harm human health; however, there is no clear evidence to support. Methodology The pangolin P. fungorum (pangolin Pf) genome has a genomic size of approximately 7.7 Mbps with N50 of 69,666 bps. Our study showed that pangolin Pf is a Paraburkholderia fungorum supported by evidence from the core genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis and the ANI analysis. Functional analysis has shown that the presence of a considerably large number of genes related to stress response, virulence, disease, and defence. Interestingly, we identified different types of secretion systems in the genome of pangolin Pf, which are highly specialized and responsible for a bacterium’s response to its environment and in physiological processes such as survival, adhesion, and adaptation. The pangolin Pf also shared some common virulence genes with the known pathogenic member of the Burkholderiales. These genes play important roles in adhesion, motility, and invasion. Conclusion This study may provide better insights into the functions, secretion systems and virulence of this pangolin-associated bacterial strain. The addition of this genome sequence is also important for future comparative analysis and functional work of P. fungorum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yun Tan
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Genome Informatics Research Laboratory, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), High Impact Research Building, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Avirup Dutta
- Genome Informatics Research Laboratory, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), High Impact Research Building, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Current affiliation: The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Human Genomics and Metagenomics in Metabolism, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tze King Tan
- Genome Informatics Research Laboratory, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), High Impact Research Building, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Current affiliation: Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ranjeev Hari
- Genome Informatics Research Laboratory, Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), High Impact Research Building, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rofina Y Othman
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Level 3, Research Management & Innovation Complex, Universiti Malaya, Copenhagen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siew Woh Choo
- College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Santos MS, Nogueira MA, Hungria M. Microbial inoculants: reviewing the past, discussing the present and previewing an outstanding future for the use of beneficial bacteria in agriculture. AMB Express 2019; 9:205. [PMID: 31865554 PMCID: PMC6925611 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-019-0932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More than one hundred years have passed since the development of the first microbial inoculant for plants. Nowadays, the use of microbial inoculants in agriculture is spread worldwide for different crops and carrying different microorganisms. In the last decades, impressive progress has been achieved in the production, commercialization and use of inoculants. Nowadays, farmers are more receptive to the use of inoculants mainly because high-quality products and multi-purpose elite strains are available at the market, improving yields at low cost in comparison to chemical fertilizers. In the context of a more sustainable agriculture, microbial inoculants also help to mitigate environmental impacts caused by agrochemicals. Challenges rely on the production of microbial inoculants for a broader range of crops, and the expansion of the inoculated area worldwide, in addition to the search for innovative microbial solutions in areas subjected to increasing episodes of environmental stresses. In this review, we explore the world market for inoculants, showing which bacteria are prominent as inoculants in different countries, and we discuss the main research strategies that might contribute to improve the use of microbial inoculants in agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Sanches Santos
- Embrapa Soja, Cx. Postal 231, Londrina, Paraná 86001-970 Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, C.P. 60001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
| | | | - Mariangela Hungria
- Embrapa Soja, Cx. Postal 231, Londrina, Paraná 86001-970 Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, C.P. 60001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|