Unsustainable agricultural practices as the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals to increase crop yield eventually have an impact on soil conditions and their microbiological diversity. To regain balance and improve the efficient use of the natural resources, ecologically sound strategies as those microbe-based can be an alternative. In this work, a collection of bacteria was isolated from agricultural soil and characterized to evaluate their properties for biotechnological and/or biocontrol applications, mainly capacity for phosphorus, nitrogen and iron biofertilization, exoenzyme production, and biological control of several species of phytopathogenic fungi. Bacterial identification pointed out to a majority of Bacillus spp. along with other several minority genera. Isolates globally displayed a high proportion of the biological activities tested, especially concerning production of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, lipases, amylases, gelatinases and DNases but, also production of siderophores, and other activities like solubilization of phosphates and fixation of nitrogen. Inhibition on fungal growth was also displayed with variable results among the soil bacterial isolates by production of diffusible compounds and/or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) against the phytopathogenic Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium pseudograminearum, F. oxysporum, Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata. One of the isolates also displayed capacity for plant-growth promotion of tomato plants. Evidence from this work provides promise for the application of soil bacterial isolates to improve agricultural soil management and crop production as well as to control diseases and promote plant growth.

Introduction/objective: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the healthcare settings. Candida infections are the most frequent IFDs and are associated with high mortality rates. To date, few studies have been conducted on candidemia in Algeria. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, species distribution and antifungal susceptibility for Candida bloodstream infections.

Materiels/methods: This prospective, monocentric study covered all episodes of candidemia diagnosed in the intensive care unit at CHU Setif in Algeria over a one-year period. Blood samples were incubated in a BacT/ALERT 480 (bioMérieux, Marcy-l’Étoile, France). Yeasts isolates were identified using MALDI TOF (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Antifungal susceptibility testing for caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin, amphorericin B, 5FC, fluconazol, itraconazol, posaconazol and voriconazol was performed using sensititre yeast one (Thermo Fisher Scientific).

Results: During the study period, fourteen episodes of candidemia were recorded. The incidence rate was 7.03 cases per admission in the ICU and 1.15 cases per 1000 patient-days. The mean age of the patients was 30.82 ± 24.87 years (range: 44 days to 81 years) and 57.14% were male. C. albicans was the most common species (42.3%), followed by C. glabrata (21.4%), C.parapsilosis (21.4%), C.tropicalis (7.14%) and C.pelliculosa (7.14%). Overall, 78.6 % of isolates were sensitive to all antifungals. One isolate of C.glabrata was resistant to posaconazole. Resistance to itraconazol was observed in C.tropicalis, C.glabrata, and C.pelliculosa.

Conclusion: C.albicans was the most frequently isolated species in candidemia episodes. Most species were sensitive to antifungals tested.

Fermented dairy products may play a key role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within the food chain. Cheeses contain complex mixtures of bacterial populations, among which that of Staphylococcus equorum has been detected as a majority in traditional blue-veined cheeses made of raw milk. Antibiotic resistance in S. equorum has been scarcely studied, even though strains of this species could have a technological role in cheese ripening. In the present work, the antibiotic resistance-susceptibility profile of 30 S. equorum strains to 16 antibiotics was tested by broth microdilution. To link phenotypic resistance with a genetic basis, 13 strains were then subjected to genome sequencing and analysis. In general, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for all antibiotics was low, although some strains displayed MICs compatible with acquired resistances. MICs of this study (and others from the literature) were used to propose S. equorum species-specific cut-offs. Genome analysis revealed the presence of several ARGs, but these were not always associated with phenotypic resistance. As such, a plasmid-located cat gene (mobilizable to Staphylococcus aureus by electroporation) was identified in a chloramphenicol-resistant strain, and variants of msr(A) and fosB/fosD genes were detected in erythromycin and fosfomycin resistant strains. In contrast, lnu(A) and nor(A) genes, and the blaR1-blaZI operon were detected, respectively, in strains susceptible to clindamycin, quinolone, and ampicillin/penicillin. Either silent or expressed, the presence of acquired ARGs in food bacteria is considered a hazard. Therefore, the antibiotic resistance status of starter and adjunct culture candidates should be thoroughly examined.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious, deadly vaccine preventable bacterial infection that affect a person's nose, throat, and occasionally skin. Diptheria is fatal in 5-10% of cases, however, the Case fatality Rate (CFR) can be as high as 20% - 40% among children and unvaccinated adults. Currently the number of diptheria cases reported globally has being increasing gradually. Nigeria ranks number 6 in the list of countries by population with about 42.54% of its population below 14 years of age. Despite the availability of antitoxing vaccine in the country only 41.7% of children under 15 years of age were fully vaccinated, thereby making the country more vulnerable to the disease. The study therefore was aimed at examining the spread and trend of diphtheria disease in Nigeria from the onset of the major outbreak of the disease in December 2022. Data for the study were sourced from secondary sources. From December 2022 to January 2023 Nigeria recorded a total of 111 (42.1%) confirmed cases and 22 deaths with a case fatality rate for confirmed/probable cases of 19.8% in four States. Out of the 111 confirmed cases only a small percentage (10.8%) were vaccinated with diphtheria toxin-containing vaccine. Also majority (91.9%) of the confirmed cases occurred in children aged 2-14 years. Since then, there has been constant number of reported cases. As of 31 July 2023, the country recorded a total 1534 confirmed cases in 11 states and 137 death with a case fatality rate of 8.9%. Majority (66.4%) of the confirmed cases occurred among children aged 1-14 years with only 18.1% of the 1534 confirmed cases previously vaccinated. In this era of globalization if prompt action is not taken, diphtheria will become a major threat not only to Nigeria but also globally.

The occurrence of neurological illness in an HIV-positive individual is the result of a series of circumstances, such as the host immune response. C-C Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) is the primary receptor for HIV-1 entry in cells when combined with the viral glycoprotein 120 (gp120). It orientates the functions of chemokines from the C-C class, including C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5/RANTES), which participates in defense against HIV-1. This research sought to review and build a didactic model about the immunopathological relationship between the CCL5/CCR5 axis and neuroAIDS progression. This is a systematic review, according to PRISMA 2020, using articles and reviews published between January 1990 and June 2023 in PUBMED, LILACS, MEDLINE, and SCIELO databases through the descriptors: “HIV-1”; “CCR5”; “CCL5” and “Neurological Manifestations”. The methodological quality assessment was done through JBI Checklists. The scheme construction was performed in Adobe Photoshop CS6 software. The sampling resulted in 36 articles. Through the release of gp120 mediated by CCR5 activation in Central Nervous System-CNS cells, there is an increased secretion of CCL5/RANTES mRNA, which can oligomerize on the cell surface and act as a powerful modulator of neuroinflammation. The release of viral proteins, such as Tat, induced by the CCL5/CCR5 pathway causes reactivity in astrocytes, altering the porosity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Oligodendrocytes and neurons are directly affected by Tat, resulting in increased neuronal injury and mortality. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), neurotoxins, and proinflammatory mediators are all increased by chronic stimulation of activated microglia and these elements in macrophages cause apoptosis and damage to neuronal cells. Therefore, when high concentrations of CCL5/RANTES are present in the body of HIV-1 infected ones, there is production of more intense inflammatory responses in certain regions of the body, culminating, for example, in the onset of dementia in these patients.

Over the years, foodborne pathogens have caused countless health problems and massive financial losses. Therefore, a key goal for the food industry is to prevent food contamination and related foodborne illnesses as microbial contamination of food products during their acquisition and distribution processes is still a hygienic issue. Moreover, current trends lead to pursuing more natural and safer food supplies and ingredients emphasized by the vegan and vegetarian community. As a result, there is a resurgence in demand for natural and eco-friendly products to replace synthetic ingredients.

In this context, and due to their active substances, macroalgae stand out as they are known for possessing antibacterial qualities, among other abilities. Because of this, the current study updates our understanding of microbial pollutants in the food industry and compiles the last updates on the scientific reports on the antimicrobial activity of the edible brown algae species with attention to the algae Bifurcaria bifurcata, Fucus spiralis and Ascophyllum nodosum. These species belong to the Phaeophyceae class, Fucales order, are reported as rich in active compounds, and are still an undervalued resource. So, the ability of algal extracts to stop the growth of various significant food pathogens was reviewed while considering their advantageous effects on food safety and quality issues.

Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a psychrophilic fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging disease in North America. This fungus has caused unprecedented population declines. It has been described also in Europe and Asia, where has not caused significant mortality. The first evidence of WNS in North America is from a photograph of a hibernating bat taken during the winter of 2005-2006 in a cave near Albany, New York. P. destructans develops when body temperature decreases during winter hibernation. This fungus thrives in humid and cold conditions characteristic of caves. Infected bats can develop visible white fungal growth on the nose, ear, and wings, and awaken more frequently from torpor. It leads to physiologic changes that result in weight loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the death of bats. The fungi can persist in the environments of underground bat hibernation sites and are believed to spread primarily by the natural movements of infected bats. Also, there is a strong possibility that it may also be transmitted by humans inadvertently carrying the fungus from cave to cave on their clothing and gear. WNS has a big impact on bat populations with high levels of mortality, particularly endangered species. Some populations will take many years to recover. The decline of bats also has an impact on the spread of diseases, since many species of bat feed on insects carriers of several pathogens.

Between Fall 2021- Spring 2023 soil metabarcoding samples and soil bacterial isolates were collected from Los Angeles Pierce College farm and local farms, and sequenced on Illumina MiSeq and Sanger platforms. Soil physical properties from the sites were also measured including pH, EC, TDS, organic matter by dry combustion, texture by touch, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by spectrophotometry. These data were compared with reference measurements from the USDA NRCS soil surveys. Comparisons between fields were carried out in the R stats package.

Preliminary data showed that the conditions between the fields differed significantly in values for organic matter, N, K, and pH (p<0.05); this offered a diverse panel of substrates for discovery. The cultivated bacteria were isolated on Nutrient Agar, Luria Broth Agar, or ISP-6 medium. Barcoding isolate DNA was extracted using 10% chelex solution heated for 10 minutes at 100 C. Quality control was achieved through electrophoresis using the E-gel system. DNA extraction from soil samples used the Qiagen DNEasy Power Soil Kit. Quality control was achieved with spectrophotometry using the ThermoFisher MultiSkan SkyHigh Microplate Spectrophotometer. Barcoding data analysis was performed on the DNA Subway Blue Line and EZBioCloud; metabarcoding data analysis was carried out using the DNA Subway Purple Line.

Initial metabarcoding results from Tulare fall 2021 hemp fields versus recently harvested fields or fallow ground suggested a difference in alpha diversity between hemp ground and the two other fields. In spring 2021 and fall 2022, 137 bacterial isolates from Pierce College, Rodale Institute for Organic Agriculture in Camarillo, and Tulare, CA were screened; this investigation revealed up to 30 potentially novel species based on the partial 16S sequences. The soil samples from fall 2022 were taken from pasture, fallow, cover crop, and hemp plantings. The purpose of the cover crop trial was to test replacement of plastic mulch with living mulch and cover crops in strawberry and artichoke production.

Some of the more notable genera discovered from the isolates were Lysobacter, Streptomyces, and Bacillus, which include antibiotic producers. Some of the bacterial isolates were challenged with crude ethanolic extracts of tea tree and lemon balm. Percent transmittance was measured at 600 nm. The growth was similar between replicated treatments for putative Bacillus mojavensis, Curvibacter lanceolatus, Streptomyces bobili. Both tea tree and lemon balm were effective at controlling Bacillus pumilus compared with the control, whereas putative Pseudomonas segetis grew more when treated with either lemon balm or tea tree extracts, and Paracoccus marcusii grew more when treated with tea tree oil versus the control.

Additional work is needed to characterize the plant terpenes and soil properties. More investigation into the taxonomic composition and predicted functions of the soil bacteria is necessary. Further research will focus on identification of the main terpene components of the plant extracts by gas chromatography.

The present work aims to evaluate the salt content and spoilage microorganisms of meat preparations obtained in small and large commercial areas of the city of Vila Real, Portugal
Fifty-one samples of meat preparations were collected from hypermarkets and small local traditional trade establishments and analysed. Samples were evaluated for pH value, salt content and microbiological examination. Mesophilic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Moulds and Yeasts were quantified, according to ISO standards. About half of the meat samples provided from hypermarkets and the other half from small local businesses.
Hamburgers and meatballs were the products with the highest amount of salt, with no significant differences compared to the other types of products.
Portuguese legislation (Decree-Law No 147/2006) defines a salt limit of 1% for minced meat. This value was used as a term of comparison and reference for the salt concentration in the samples in this work.
Twenty per cent of the samples had a salt content higher than 1%. All these samples were from small local shops.
All products showed higher levels of microbiological contamination in small local establishments compared to hypermarkets.
It is important to implement the necessary measures in the quality control of products from small local businesses, namely through the obligation to carry out training actions for improving hygiene and safety habits in the production, transport, storage and exposition of this type of product.

Soil yeasts are an obligatory component of the microbial communities of undisturbed soils in natural ecosystems and of degraded soils in urban ecosystems. Changes in the taxonomic structure of yeast complexes in urban soils largely depend on the intensity of the prevailing anthropogenic stress.
Yeasts in urban soils near playgrounds are poorly studied. Yet the presence of opportunistic and pathogenic yeasts here can pose a serious threat to children whose immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed and to people with reduced immune status.

We examined topsoil from playgrounds in Moscow for the presence of opportunistic and pathogenic Candida species and evaluated the susceptibility profiles of isolates to antifungal drugs. Samples were collected in September 2022. CandiSelect 4 chromogenic medium was used for preliminary identification of yeasts of the Candida genus. Strains were identified based on the nucleotide sequence of the ITS region of the rDNA. Mueller-Hinton agar and the disk diffusion method were used to determine drug susceptibility.

The opportunistic yeast Candida parapsilosis was found in the soils near all playgrounds studied. Evaluation of the susceptibility profiles showed that, of the isolated strains, more than 45% were resistant to fluconazole, more than 20% were resistant to voriconazole, and slightly more than we 3% were resistant to amphotericin B. Thus, urban soils near playgrounds may be considered a reservoir for the maintenance and spread of yeast strains with potential health risks for children and adults.