Our investigation into the presence of human-related microsporidia in lizard feces is not only a scientific endeavour, but a crucial study with potential implications for public health. While these species have been found in various vertebrates, their zoonotic potential remains poorly understood. Thus, previous studies have detected spores related to Encephalitozoon spp. in lizards' feces from Baltimore Zoo (the US), specifically in the lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus. Although they did not develop systemic infections, the presence of spores of Encephalitozoon may represent a source of infection. To determine the presence of opportunistic microsporidia species (Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. [E. intestinalis, E. hellem, and E. cuniculi]) in lizard feces from different urban/rural areas in Bombali District, Sierra Leone, we undertook a rigorous process of investigation. DNA was extracted from nineteen lizard fecal droppings collected in 2019 from different locations, including built-up areas in Makeni city and a rural/leisure area in the village of Mankneh, using the Fast-Prep for Soil^® kit. A SYBR Green real-time PCR revealed that none of the samples monitored were positive for any of the four human-related microsporidia species studied. Although this finding implies a low risk for humans from direct/indirect exposure to microsporidian spores that are potentially present in lizards’ feces, the carrier state and potential environmental contamination, as well as human exposure, cannot be excluded. Owing to the fact that lizards are very common in Sierra Leone, such as the species of Tarentola parvicarinata (a wall gecko), we recommend further molecular analysis for the detection of other important microsporidian species that have previously been detected in reptiles, such as Pleistophora spp., which could also affect humans. The need for further studies is also highlighted by the fact that we have reported some circulation of these microsporidia species in wild and domestic animals in Sierra Leone.

Introduction: Mangrove ecosystems are renowned for their rich fungal diversity, housing a plethora of multicellular fungi and yeasts.

Methods: In this investigation, we examined the yeast diversity associated with various compartments (rhizospheric soil, stems, roots, leaves, barks, and flowers) of the widely distributed mangrove tree, Avicennia officinalis, from the Kumbalam and Puthuvype mangroves.

Results: Our survey revealed a diverse distribution of yeast strains, with the highest abundance found in leaves (42%), followed by sediment (21%), and the lowest in flowers (5%). Among the 45 isolates identified, approximately 27% comprised red yeasts. Dominant genera included Rhodotorula (27.5%), Debaryomyces (17.6%), Kluyveromyces (5.9%), Cryptococcus (9.8%), and Candida (7.8%), while genera such as Geotrichum, Lodderomyces, Ogataea, Galactomyces, and Saitozyma were represented by single isolates. Certain yeast species, such as C. tropicalis and Rhodotorula paludegina, exhibited cosmopolitan distribution across various plant compartments of A. officinalis. Analysis of the proximate composition of different plant compartments of A. officinalis revealed variations in C, Na, and Ca content and in C/N and C/K ratios. Interestingly, these variations were positively correlated with the yeast community composition, suggesting a potential role of the elemental composition of plants in shaping the yeast biome of A. officinalis. Furthermore, we observed substantial variation in the hydrolytic potentials of yeast isolates from rhizospheric soil samples and plant compartments, indicating it to be a possible basis of this interaction.

Conclusion: Our understanding of the inter-relationships among yeast communities in different plant compartments remains limited, highlighting the need for further comprehensive investigations in this field.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs that form close associations with the roots of host plants, extending their root system and affecting plant physiology and communities. The extraradical hyphae of AMF produce glomalin, an adhesive and stable glycoprotein that is extracted from the soil in fractions such as TG (total glomalin) or EEG (easily extractable glomalin). Since the extraction process of glomalin also extracts other types of compounds, the term GRSP (glomalin-related soil protein) is used. When GRSP is quantified using the Bradford method, it is referred to as BRSP (Bradford-reactive soil protein). In the semi-arid subregion of Caldenal, Argentina, the conversion of native forests to agricultural grazing plots has been significant, with few studies on soil microbiology. This study evaluated the influence of seasonality and land use on BRSP concentration. The selected land uses were native forest (dominated by Neltuma caldenia), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), and soybean (Glycine max). The analyses showed no significant differences in BRSP concentration between seasons (winter vs. summer). However, there were significant differences in BRSP concentrations across different land uses during the summer. Soybean plots had the lowest BRSP concentration, with significant differences compared to weeping lovegrass and forest, with the forest showing the highest BRSP values. Additionally, no significant differences were found between alfalfa and the other land uses. The main factors influencing BRSP concentration are vegetation diversity, intensity of agricultural activity, and differences in AMF diversity, as different AMF taxa vary in their allocation of resources to glomalin production. The results suggest that land use change affects BRSP concentration in the Caldenal subregion, highlighting the importance of this protein in soil stability and erosion prevention.

Rhizospheres commonly harbor a great diversity of microorganisms, many of which interact with the plants and soil, favouring plant nutrient acquisition and/or contributing to the recycling of organic compounds and/or taking part in symbiotic associations and therefore having global benefits to plant ecosystems. However, when it comes to agriculture, frequently, there is a tendency to remove any plant different from that of the species being cultivated. This work aimed to display the microbial communities associated with the roots of native vegetation wildly growing in soil devoted to agricultural crops. Thus, high-throughput sequencing of culture-independent marker genes was performed for bacteria and fungi from these habitats. Rhizospheres were collected from several sampling sites within the same agricultural area in dry land after a period of prolonged environmental high temperatures.

With respect to bacteria, results revealed a number of OTUs ranging from 3,210 to 3,266, with the relatively most abundant identified families and/or genera being Bacillus, Caulobacter, Domibacillus, Erwiniaceae, Glycomyces, Lechevalieria, Massilia, Micrococcaceae, Paenarthrobacter, Promicromonospora, Pseudomonas, Rhizobiaceae, Sphingomonas, Streptomyces, and Terribacillus. With respect to fungi, the results revealed a number of OTUs ranging from 963 to 973, with the relatively most abundant identified families and/or genera being Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Coniothyrium, Didymellaceae, Entoloma, Fusarium, Macrophomina, Monosporascus, Poculum, and Sclerostagonospora. All of them, along with the totality of the substantial minority species, can contribute with their activity to the sustainability of the agricultural soil. Information on the composition of the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities allows for a deeper understanding of their potential functions and, eventually, of their beneficial effects on plant growth under challenging environmental conditions.

The microbial communities inhabiting the reproductive tract play an important role in reproductive health. During unprotected sexual intercourse, the microorganisms present in the semen and vagina of heterosexual couples interact closely with each other. The concept of the "seminovaginal microbiome" has recently emerged to refer to all microorganisms present in both environments. Each partner influences the microbial composition of the other, even sharing several bacterial taxa. Therefore, to improve the understanding of this interaction, we aimed to analyse the microbial composition of semen and vagina samples from heterosexual couples and to assess their similarity in terms of composition and diversity. The selected cohort consisted of 50 infertile couples before entering infertility treatment from whom semen and vaginal samples were collected. Bacterial genomic material was extracted from the samples, followed by amplification and sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene to allow for the taxonomic assignment of the microorganisms at the genus level. A total of 443 bacterial genera were identified in the semen samples and 107 genera in the vaginal samples. α-diversity analysis revealed that the semen samples had higher bacterial diversity and richness than the vaginal samples. In addition, ß-diversity analysis showed significant dissimilarities in bacterial genus composition between the semen and vaginal samples of the couples. However, 39 bacterial genera were shared by both niches, supporting an active exchange of microorganisms during unprotected sexual intercourse. Focusing research on couples' microbiomes from a holistic view may provide a better understanding of their interactions, which could help to develop more effective strategies to improve reproductive success.

S. aureus is a versatile pathogen capable of colonizing various hosts. Studying S. aureus in wildlife provides crucial insights into its ecology and evolution. Understanding the genetic diversity and distribution of these strains is essential for comprehending transmission dynamics, potential zoonotic risks, and the overall impact of wildlife reservoirs on public health and animal populations. This study compares different clonal lineages of S. aureus in wild animals, including owls, hares, rodents, and hedgehogs.

Mouth and rectal swab samples were collected from 204 wild rodents, 114 wild owls, 83 wild hares, and 110 wild hedgehogs. The samples were incubated in Brain Heart Infusion broth with 6.5% NaCl for 24 hours at 37°C. Subsequently, the inoculum was seeded onto Baird-Parker agar and CHROMagar MRSA. Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and spa-typing were performed to investigate the genetic diversity of S. aureus isolates.

Three mecA-MRSA isolates were identified from hares, three from rodents, and two from hedgehogs. Additionally, one mecC-MRSA was isolated from owls, three from rodents, and three from hedgehogs. For MSSA, 22 isolates were found in owls, 28 in rodents, and 17 in hedgehogs. Regarding MLST and spa-typing, two mecC isolates from hedgehogs were ST130 (CC130) and spa-type t843, while another was ST49. The three mecC isolates from rodents were ST1945, and the owl isolate was ST1245; all belonged to CC130 and spa-types t1535 and t843. Most mecA-MRSA isolates were associated with human-related clonal lineages like CC8 (hedgehogs) and CC22 (rodents). The isolates from hares belonged to clonal lineages associated with rabbits for consumption (ST2855-t1190). The MSSA isolates showed high clonal diversity, including over 30 STs and 40 different spa-types.

These findings highlight the significant clonal diversity of S. aureus in wild animals, underscoring the importance of wildlife as reservoirs for various lineages, with implications for both animal and public health.

Antibiotic resistance has increased significantly over time. Key factors contributing to this problem include the improper use of antibiotics in medical settings, the misuse of antimicrobials in animal farming, and the presence of antibiotics in the environment, such as through sewage transmission and cemetery soil, which increases the risk of further transmission.
Graveyard soil is known to be contaminated with heavy metals and other hazardous elements, but little is known about its effect on antibiotic resistance. Cemeteries may play a key role in the spread of antibiotic resistance due to limited rules governing burial practices and graveyard management, particularly in areas that are prone to microbial incursion into the environment, such as lakes. Only a few studies have been carried out on this topic, but they all corroborate the presence of drug-resistant bacteria in graveyard soil. Given bacteria's potential to transfer antibiotic resistance, these findings are concerning and require further investigation.

My PhD project examines the significance of graveyard soil as a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance. Soil samples were collected from a few cemeteries in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship near water reservoirs, including on the surface and beneath coffins during exhumations. The samples were examined for the presence of micro-organisms that are resistant to certain antibiotics (amoxicillin, cefuroxime, doxycycline, and tetracycline), as well as genes linked with resistance to β-lactams and tetracyclines and sulfonamides.

Variations in resistant colony counts were discovered based on the sampling depth, and resistance genes were also identified, demonstrating that cemeteries may actually function as sources of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes.
Inappropriate cemetery placement, such as being located on the hills or near water bodies with high groundwater levels, may hasten the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes from graveyards to the surrounding natural environment. More research is needed to properly understand the function of cemeteries in spreading antibiotic resistance.

The National College Culture Collection Centre (NCCCC) and Kristu Jayanti Culture Collection Centre (KJCCC) represent pivotal repositories of microbial diversity, collectively housing over 300 species of microorganisms. These culture collections serve as essential resources for biotechnological research, facilitating bioprospecting endeavors aimed at uncovering novel applications in various fields. One of the primary focuses of research at these centers is bioprospecting, which involves screening microbial species for their potential to produce valuable compounds such as organic acids, enzymes, and antibiotics. This exploration capitalizes on the metabolic diversity inherent in microbial communities, aiming to identify bioactive substances that can be utilized in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industrial processes. The NCCCC and KJCCC play critical roles in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development by preserving and studying microorganisms from diverse ecological niches. Through systematic screening and characterization, researchers at these centers seek to harness the biochemical capabilities of microorganisms for societal benefit while promoting environmental stewardship. Furthermore, these culture collections contribute significantly to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation. By collaborating with academia, industry, and governmental agencies, the centers foster interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing global challenges, such as antibiotic resistance and environmental degradation. The NCCCC and KJCCC exemplify the importance of microbial culture collections in biotechnological research and development. Their efforts in bioprospecting for organic acids, enzymes, and antibiotics underscore their commitment to exploring the vast potential of microbial biodiversity for sustainable solutions and industrial applications.

Introduction:

The intricate and ever-changing gut microbiota of Apis mellifera bees is an essential component of their overall health and welfare. A wide variety of probiotic bacteria make up this microbiome, which helps with immunity, aids with digestion, and guards against infections. Various factors, like as nutrition, ambient conditions, and interactions with other microbes, determine the diversification of these gut bacteria.
Methods:

A combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent methodologies are used to study the biodiversity of probiotic bacteria in the gut of honey bees. Culture-dependent techniques entail separating bacteria on certain media, but culture-independent techniques like 16S rRNA gene sequencing offer a thorough picture of bacterial communities. In order to extract DNA for sequencing, worker bee stomach samples are collected and processed. Sequencing data is analysed, bacterial species are identified, and relative abundances are evaluated using bioinformatic methods.

Results:

This study revealed that a few key bacterial species, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, dominate the gut microbiome of honey bees. These microbes are necessary for the production of short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and the fermentation of pollen. These groups are highly diverse, with several strains displaying unique functional skills. Disparities in gut bacterial populations are also influenced by hive location and seasonal fluctuations

Conclusion:

Maintaining a diverse and balanced gut microbiome helps bees withstand environmental stresses and enhances their immunity against diseases. Future research should focus on understanding the specific roles of different bacterial strains and developing strategies to support and enhance the gut microbiome through probiotic supplements modifications. This could aid in improving bee health and sustaining their populations, which are vital for global pollination and agricultural productivity.

Thermal springs, with their specific physico-chemical features, represent a unique and dynamic environment and are habitats for diverse and special forms of organisms. These habitats are potential sources of interesting taxa, particularly Cyanobacteria, which are crucial for understanding certain ecological and evolutionary processes, of which some may have potential biotechnological applications. Five thermal springs in central Serbia (Bukovička Spa, Vrujci Spa, Omoljica, Poljane and Ovčanska Spa) were visited in November and December 2023. Selected water parameters were measured on site (temperature, pH, conductivity, oxygen content, total dissolved solids), while chemical analyses were carried out in the laboratory. Phototrophic biofilms were collected at sites of water discharge, sites moistened by thermal water, sediments and mud. Cyanobacteria were examined optically and were cultivated so that they could later be evaluated by means of molecular analyses. Representatives from over 15 genera of Cyanobacteria were identified. In Bukovička and Vrujci Spa, most of the biofilm samples were collected from water-wetted sites at drinking fountains and were characterised by the presence of numerous coccoid representatives (e.g., genera Aphanocapsa, Chroococcidiopsis, Gloeocapsa, Synechococcus). Biofilm samples from other localities were mostly from thermal water overflow sites and were generally dominated by simple trichal cyanobacterial forms, most of which belonged to the genus Phormidium, but also Jaaginema, Leptolyngbya and Oscillatoria. Interesting representatives of simple trichal cyanobacteria were found in Poljane, characterised by unusual morphological features and the presence of yellow and black granules on their surface. Thermal springs in Serbia are still little explored places where potentially rare species can be found, so more attention should be paid to them.