Intestinal bacteria-a powerful weapon for fungal infections treatment

Microbiome Integrity Enhances the Efficacy and Safety of Anticancer Drug

The intricate relationship between anticancer drugs and the gut microbiome influences cancer treatment outcomes. This review paper focuses on the role of microbiome integrity in enhancing the efficacy and safety of anticancer drug therapy, emphasizing the pharmacokinetic interactions between anticancer drugs and the gut microbiota. It explores how disruptions to microbiome composition, or dysbiosis, can alter drug metabolism, immune responses, and treatment side effects. By examining the mechanisms of microbiome disruption caused by anticancer drugs, this paper highlights specific case studies of drugs like cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan, and their impact on microbial diversity and clinical outcomes. The review also discusses microbiome-targeted strategies, including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), as promising interventions to enhance cancer treatment. Furthermore, the potential of microbiome profiling in personalizing therapy and integrating these interventions into clinical practice is explored. Finally, this paper proposes future research directions, including developing novel biomarkers and a deeper comprehension of drug-microbiome interactions, to respond to current gaps in knowledge and improve patient outcomes in cancer care.

The legacy of endophytes for the formation of bioactive agents, pigments, biofertilizers, nanoparticles and bioremediation of environment

Endophytes have significant prospects for applications beyond their existing utilization in agriculture and the natural sciences. They form an endosymbiotic relationship with plants by colonizing the root tissues without detrimental effects. These endophytes comprise several microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. They act as repositories of compounds of medicinal importance. They are considered sources of pigments besides synthetic dyes and assist with soil fertility and plant growth as bio-fertilizers. They also have immense potential for advanced technology using endophyte-synthesized nanoparticles. In assisting bioremediation, they facilitate detoxification of pollutants in all spheres of the environment. Studies on the potential of endophytic microbes in drug discovery and biotic stress management are underway. In this review, published databases on endophytes and their diverse roles and applications in various fields, such as bio-fertilizers and nanoparticles, as well as bioremediation, are critically discussed while exploring unanswered questions. In addition, future perspectives on endosymbiotic microorganisms and their prospective use in plants, environmental management, and medicine are discussed in this review.

Environmental microbiome, human fungal pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance

Traditionally, antifungal resistance (AFR) has received much less attention compared with bacterial resistance to antibiotics. However, global changes, pandemics, and emerging new fungal infections have highlighted global health consequences of AFR. The recent report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified fungal priority pathogens, and recognised AFR among the greatest global health threats. This is particularly important given the significant increase in fungal infections linked to climate change and pandemics. Environmental factors play critical roles in AFR and fungal infections, as many clinically relevant fungal pathogens and AFR originate from the environment (mainly soil). In addition, the environment serves as a potential rich source for the discovery of new antifungal agents, including mycoviruses and bacterial probiotics, which hold promise for effective therapies. In this article, we summarise the environmental pathways of AFR development and spread among high priority fungal pathogens, and propose potential mechanisms of AFR development and spread. We identify a research priority list to address key knowledge gaps in our understanding of environmental AFR. Further, we propose an integrated roadmap for predictive risk management of AFR that is critical for effective surveillance and forecasting of public health outcomes under current and future climatic conditions.

Mechanistic characterization of fast dissolving PVP-I powder with multipolymer approaches and investigation on their molecular interaction

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is widely used as an antiseptic in medical applications. However, its effectiveness is limited by certain drawbacks, such as low solubility in water and high volatility. Therefore, a formulation of a stable solid PVP-I is desirable. In this study, complexes of molecular PVP-I with polyethylene glycol-polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (PEG-PVA copolymer) were considered water-soluble iodophors. Two different methods were used to prepare the solids: physical mixtures and kneading. The physical characteristics of the obtained solids were evaluated using several spectroscopic methods. The presence of iodine was confirmed by a potentiometric titration and antimicrobial activity was tested. The results showed that the PEG-PVA copolymer interacted with povidone primarily through hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl part of the PEG-PVA copolymer and the amide part of povidone with an estimated binding energy of 3.2 kcal/mol. The amide groups polarity in povidone made them more likely to form hydrogen bonds with the PEG-PVA copolymer. Also, the protonated pyrrolidone bonded to the triiodide anions by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which increased PVP-I solubility in water. The kneading method provided a faster dissolution rate than physical mixing and pure PVP-I. The iodine contents were within an acceptable range (10-12%), and the antimicrobial activity proved effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus mutans.

The microbiota: a crucial mediator in gut homeostasis and colonization resistance

The gut microbiota is a complex and diverse community of microorganisms that colonizes the human gastrointestinal tract and influences various aspects of human health. These microbes are closely related to enteric infections. As a foreign entity for the host, commensal microbiota is restricted and regulated by the barrier and immune system in the gut and contributes to gut homeostasis. Commensals also effectively resist the colonization of pathogens and the overgrowth of indigenous pathobionts by utilizing a variety of mechanisms, while pathogens have developed strategies to subvert colonization resistance. Dysbiosis of the microbial community can lead to enteric infections. The microbiota acts as a pivotal mediator in establishing a harmonious mutualistic symbiosis with the host and shielding the host against pathogens. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying host-microbiome and microbiome-pathogen interactions, highlighting the multi-faceted roles of the gut microbiota in preventing enteric infections. We also discuss the applications of manipulating the microbiota to treat infectious diseases in the gut.

Invasive Candida Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Risk Factors and New Insights in Prevention

Invasive Candida infections represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with a particular impact on preterm and low-birth-weight neonates. In addition to prematurity, several predisposing factors for Candida colonization and dissemination during NICU hospitalization have been identified, including prolonged exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, central venous catheters, parenteral nutrition, corticosteroids, H2 antagonist administration, and poor adherence to infection control measures. According to the literature, the implementation of antifungal prophylaxis, mainly fluconazole, in high-risk populations has proven to be an effective strategy in reducing the incidence of fungal infections. This review aims to provide an overview of risk factors for invasive Candida infections and current perspectives regarding antifungal prophylaxis use. Recognizing and reducing people's exposure to these modifiable risk factors, in conjunction with the administration of antifungal prophylaxis, has been demonstrated to be an effective method for preventing invasive candidiasis in susceptible neonatal populations.

Poultry Gastrointestinal-derived Lactic Acid Bacteria (pGIT-d-LAB) Inhibit Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens

Background

To develop a probiotic formulation for poultry feed, a few poultry gastrointestinal derived lactic acid bacteria (pGIT-d-LAB) were isolated from chicken intestinal specimens and in vitro experiment was performed to evaluate their efficacy as potential probiotic candidate.

Methods

A total of 6 strains of LAB: Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), Pediococci spp, Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) were isolated and cultured for collection of Cell Free Supernatant (CFS). CFS collected was tested against pathogenic bacterial isolated from chicken feces as well as prevalent fungal pathogens, utilizing agar-well diffusion techniques. A preliminary investigation into the susceptibility of the pathogens to diverse antibiotics and antifungal drugs was conducted. Bacterial pathogens exhibiting resistance to a minimum of three classes of antibiotics were subsequently identified for pGIT-d-LAB CFS screening.

Results

The observed results revealed that the CFS derived from the isolates exhibited varying degrees of growth inhibition against different pathogens. Among the tested pGIT-d-LAB isolates, L. acidophilus demonstrated the most prominent zone of inhibition, measuring 18 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae ZTAC 1233. Notably, Citrobacter diversus ZTAC 1255 showed resistance to all tested pGIT-d-LAB. Quantification of the metabolites produced was performed, and peak production levels was determined. L. acidophilus produced the highest amount of lactic acid (1.789g/l), Pediococci spp. produced the highest amount of diacetyl and H202 (1.918g/l) (0.0025g/l) at 48 hr peak values respectively.

Conclusion

The test isolates are potential probiotic candidates for controlling pathogens in poultry.

Connecting Cryptococcal Meningitis and Gut Microbiome

Fungal pathogens of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (C. neoformans SC) are a major cause of fungal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. As with other melanotic microorganisms associated with human diseases, the cell-wall-associated melanin of C. neoformans SC is a major virulence factor that contributes to its ability to evade host immune responses. The levels of melanin substrate and the regulation of melanin formation could be influenced by the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Moreover, recent studies show that C. neoformans infections cause dysbiosis in the human gut microbiome. In this review, we discuss the potential association between cryptococcal meningitis and the gut microbiome. Additionally, the significant potential of targeting the gut microbiome in the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disease is emphasized.